Padang Bai--more than just a port town

Bali is a big island, much bigger than I anticipated. Thanks to the advice from a friend we headed straight to the southeast of this green paradise to a little port town of Padang Bai. It is one of the main jumping off points for the boats to Lombok and the wonderful Gili Islands. 

we secured a cheap and large room on the main strip, just across from the beach. The beach itself is lined with bobbing fishing boats and a larger pier for the ferry boats and speed boats. The water was (much to our surprise) a lot colder than the water in Thailand, and it was a fact that we greatly welcomed, considering the temperature of the air. Our hotel had a great rooftop terrace with a shrine and a nice view of the surrounding mountains and temples. 

The local people are kind and helpful. The entire town was filled with excitement as they were getting ready to celebrate the Hindu new year. There was incense burning and flower and food offerings all over town, in doorways and at large, decorated trees. It was an exciting time to be in this quaint village. After dark we witnessed the making of several giant monsters being constructed in somewhat secrecy in sheds or at the end of a quiet street. By day these "monsters" were covered with tarps and blankets, as they waited for the big parade a few days later. 

One old man was happy to practice his english as he told a captivating version of the holy day that was to come. All spirits, good and bad, from all places- the sky, the sea, the air, etc.- were summoned to come to Bali and there they were given food and offerings of all kinds. This lasted for nearly one day, and late in the day they would all parade around the town three times with these "monsters" to urge the bad spirits to leave, for they had already been given food and incense, and should by now be satiated. The following day was a day of silence. No one speaks, no one eats, no cars, no motorbikes, no smoking, nothing much, just a time for meditation. And this ushers in the new year! 

We visited the few temples that were at the edge of town, just a ten minute walk up a hill, in to the jungly mountain side. The temples were decorated and elaborately adorned with stone shrines and staircases. The stones they use are unique and have aged in a particular way that makes them look exotic and ancient. 

We were lucky to stumble upon a shrine tucked away at a shallow cave on a cliff overlooking the violently crashing waves below. This spot was mesmerizing. 

Fresh fruit was a highlight of this place, a tasty juice was about a dollar, and well worth it. The food in Bali is great! Lots of coconut infused flavors, lots of rice and chicken, and generally spicy! They eat lots of vegetables, as well, which I happen to love... and in an effort to cut down on environmental waste (they like their ocean clean!) it's highly encouraged to refill plastic water bottles (for about ten cents), and many home-stays and restaurants offer this nice service. 

Here are a few of the random sights from around the tiny little town:

(i probably lost this game... Sarah's been on a winning streak!)

with love, from Bali