Bali, Indonesia - Feb 20 & 21, 2013

The Balinese people have always presumed their island to be a sliver of heaven that rests upon the back of a sea turtle swimming beneath a perfumed sky. The scent of spice does fill the air and this tiny island off Java’a southeastern tip is awash with tradition. Uniquely Balinese Hindu-animist faith is evident as the number of temples leaves no question that spiritual devotion is engrained in the local culture. This is the land of temples and although I believe it is said to be of a thousand temples, there are many more than a thousand on this island as every village has three temples as well as each home having a family temple. We were here a few years ago and spent and incredible day touring part of the island in a VW Safari vehicle, this time around as we are very fortunate to have two full days here we decided to try to cover as much of the island as possible staying over night half way around the island. We did this privately with a local company and although we got off to a bit of a rocky start we had an incredible two days. The rocky start was the weather and the VW Safari vehicle, not what we were expecting, this was a bare bones pretty raw vehicle that needed some TLC. With only the metal structure, no carpets or covered flooring as well as no inside door panels, it kind of felt that we were in the Flintstones car as we could see the road through a few of the holes in the floor. Two days in this vehicle was just not going to work, especially with all the rain that was to be expected. Site one and the company we dealt with were very professional and understanding as our car was changed for a new model air conditioned four door so now with new car, driver and guide we were on our way. Good choice as the weather did not cooperate (the rainy season), but we made the best of the day and all the incredible sites we did see. Our overnight accommodation was at the wonderful Sunari Villas and Spa Resort, very nice, quiet with an excellent Spa charging a whole $20.00 for an hour message (tip included). Great message and great outdoor restaurant, a complete dinner for the two of us also came in around $20.00. Our guide and driver picked us up the next day at 9:30 and off we went on another great days adventure around the other side of the island, we saw some amazing temples (one mini replica Boroburdur) and great view points, wild monkeys as well some retail therapy in a carvers art studio. A great two days spent here in Bali where the scent in the air is only Bali and makes you think of the wonderful, kind and friendly people here. We thank our excellent guide, Suedi and our driver Mardi from VW Safari for this wonderful time here, Lombok tomorrow... Some of our two days in pictures...