Another day on ‘The Island of the Gods’

‘�nother day in paradise’ as we used to say in Santa Barbara.

The weather here in Bali is lovely right now although I do get the sniffles with all the pollen in the air. This by the way dissappears when I go up in the mountains. Mornings and evenings around 7pm are the worst times.

One strange thing happened recently with my papayas. The new ones were ripe and before I could pick them the neighbor’s cat got one. Later that afternoon I came home and the other was missing, meaning my pembantu (helper) Putu had helped herself to it. ‘Strange’ I thought, ’she’s a hard worker, very honest, why would she take that papaya?’ Today I got the answer, she’s quitting. Her suami (husband) has an art shop where she will be working. Too bad for her because I would of given her a tip for being such a good worker, now she gets that papaya as a tip.

For people planning to visit Bali soon I have updated our geography section in the hope it will help you find your way around.

My new promo cards are ready at my printers, Indograph in Legian and I will tell you about them soon.

Late this afternoon after a quick workout I walked along Pantai Kuta to check out the action. Yesterday’s workout at Ade Rai’s gym was back exercises and today I got a back /shoulder massage from Kadek on the beach. I don’t do this ever but it seemed like it was a good idea at the time.

Kadek asked me how long I wanted and I said 15 minutes. I asked how much and she said ‘you say how much’. I basically offered 10,000rp which was accepted. I then sat on her blanket, removed my shirt and she applied linament before getting to work. I’m stiff in the shoulders anyway and stiffer after yesterday. The massage was alright, nothing compared to a physiotherapist, but it gave me the chance to snap the other vendors sitting right there and have a chat with them. It was funny at one point as this lady was telling the others she has bought a ‘double bed’and they tried to grapple with that term…’double bag?’….’double big?’

I paid and thanked Kadek.

Jl. Pantai Kuta, the part that turns away from the beach is now complete with its new sidewalk. This makes life much easier for both foot traffic and drivers. I observed one of the staff from Made’s Warung performing the evening offering which including sprinkling holy water over the ‘ canang’. She then repeated this in another spot in front of the restaurant. When the incense is lit the person gracefully wafts the smoke upwards towards the Gods and offers a prayer. The incense is left burning and when it goes out the offering loses its holy power and will be trampled by shoppers. The offerings placed on the ground are to prevent evil spirits from entering a place. Offerings placed on shrines and temples are for the Gods.

Surfers reading this the swell is predicted to be huge on Tuesday coming.