Bali

I went on a little trip to Bali. It's such a beautiful island, the plant and animal life is amazing, so many good smells and sounds. The people I met were so nice considering they have to put up with so many tourists.

penjor decorate the street for the holiday.
Lots of stray dogs, who are in the Bali Hindu religion thought to be reincarnated humans. The healthy dogs seem to have an ok life, but there are many with rabies and mange and worms that don't get any care- they just sun themselves and wander around looking for food.

Rice fields: brown rice, basmati, and red rice. Indonesian food is delicious with yummy ingredients like tempeh, tofu, coconut, greens, and peanuts.
Legong performance characterized by intricate finger movements with really expressive gestures and facial expressions, it's really interesting to watch all the detailed movement. Traditionally danced by girls before reaching puberty, the dancers would begin training at an early age. These days the performers are older and not necessarily going to be wed to a wealthy merchant or royalty.

Shadow puppet show. Lots of music playing in the background and some English jokes thrown in for the tourists, total entertainment.
A palm alter in front of a family home. I was in Bali for a month long holiday called Galungan. Every family weaves a palm alter and a really tall "penjor" to celebrate Galungan a time when the Balinese gods visit the Earth. Lots of daily ritual, the little palm baskets are made and put out a few times a day with offerings.

A temple with holy spring water.

I went to Bali to take part in a Iyengar yoga workshop. The teacher was great and I met some nice folks too. Our accommodations were in beautiful bungalows that were visited by geckos and frogs at night.

Mosquito netting can be so romantic.