WorldTravelReynolds

Frangipani bush

We spent some time looking at all the different flowers around the area and found some really nice tropical ones and while researching the flower types online, we found some more information that may be interesting. Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The provincial capital, Denpasar, this is where we flew into, is the most populous city in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the second largest, after Makassar, in Eastern Indonesia.

Looks like this poor bush is wilted but thats the way it is.

Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with 83.5% of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism. We have come across multiple small temples on our drives. It is said that there are probably more temples/shrines in Bali than homes. Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist destination, with a significant rise in tourism since the 1980s. Tourism-related business makes up 80% of its economy.

Pink leaves and a small tiny yellow bud on all flowers of this bush. I cannot find the name of this blooming bush. I’m not asking the right people!

It is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. The Indonesian International Film Festival is held every year in Bali.  Being just 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali has a fairly even climate all year round. Average year-round temperature stands at around 86F/30C  with a humidity level of about 85%. And they aren’t kidding. It is very humid here. It gives a good excuse for jumping in the pool! 

Bougainvillea

The population of Bali is 4,362,000. There are an estimated 30,000 expatriates living in Bali. If it wasn’t so far from home, we would make it 30,002! In June 2012, Subak, the irrigation system for paddy fields in Jatiluwih, central Bali was enlisted as a Natural UNESCO world heritage site. Rice paddy fields are very common here and huge. In regard to religion, the Bali tradition adopted the pre-existing traditions of the natives of Hinduism.

This large bush with one purple leaf.

This influence strengthened the belief that the gods and goddesses are present in all things. Every element of nature, therefore, possesses its own power, which reflects the power of the gods. A rock, tree, dagger, or woven cloth is a potential home for spirits whose energy can be directed for good or evil. Balinese Hinduism is deeply interwoven with art and ritual. Ritualistic states of self-control are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and decorous behavior. 

Prayer ritual at a temple in front of the hospital

Rice represents life in Balinese Hinduism. Rice is also placed on the forehead to represent a third eye to thank the gods for the rice and life. After praying, the Balinese will additionally place rice on their forehead, their chest, and eat three grains. They pray 3 times a day. One of the young ladies here arrives each morning with rice on her forehead. There are beautiful tropical flowers here. The lotus is very popular along with the plumeria that is very popular in Hawaii.

There are Bougainvillea and hibiscus as well. It smells very tropical here. With the location here being so far away from everything, we decided to leave this location about 3 days early. We found a cute hotel with the Balinese feel closer to an area called Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

A small village we passed by on the way here. This area is used quite a bit by surfers due to the high waves.

We found several sightseeing opportunities in that area so we ‘ll spend our last few days there to learn more about the Balinese culture. Its closer to the airport as well. Right now we are 4 hours away!

The shape of the island is commonly known as the chicken and the egg. Our villa is all the way to the left at the head of the chicken past the beak between Negara and Jembrana.

So, for the next few weeks here we wont be doing much but soaking up the sun, eating and walking. As we walk, I’ll try to find some local type of stuff to take photos of. 

A larger overall picture of Indonesia. Its very close to Australia.

I found some cool looking boats that I’ll put on our next post.

Until then, may God bless you always!

Chuck & Lea Ann