Selamat Hari Raya Galungan - in Seminyak Bali

You see the title phrase around town which basically means ‘have a good time on the big day, Galungan’.

What is Galungan? you might ask. Balinese Hinduism is all about good versus evil as well as maintaining balance in the universe. Galungan celebrates good truimphing over evil.

I have asked locals in the past why Galungan is so important and theyhave said things like “I go home for ceremony”, or “everyone in Bali have ceremony.” One person said “they kill the pig.” I’ m sure to fully understand Balinese culture and the myriad of offerings and rituals that have to be made would take a while and that for many locals Balinese the whole affair is second nature. They don’t have to explain their actions to each other, just follow everyone else so it must seem strange to have an outsider asking questions.

Every street in Bali has hanging penjors made from towering bamboo poles. One of my pembantu’s Wayan called yesterday to say she wasn’t coming to work today because she had ceremonies. No worries and its nice to have communication.

Here at Nusa Indah net on Jl. Dhyana Pura in Seminyak the street is almost as busy as usual, with many businesses still open. Some places are closed like Cafe Moka which relies on a large all-Balinese staff. One type of food place you can always count on are the Padang places ( where the food is in the window on plates). These places are all owned and run by muslims who do not celebrate Galungan.

Many people will be returning from their villages to the Kuta area tommorrow so some businesses will be affected.

Last night I had a lovely dinner with some friends old and new at house in Kerobokan. One lady cooked potatoes, grilled chicken, salad and a lovely soup with chicken, corn and cilantro (coriander). One fellow was asking me what travel books I’ve read and recommend. I last travel related one I read was called ‘A Season with Verona’ by Tim Parks and was about his time following the Italian soccer team Verona for a year. I’ve got to read more, not just travel. My problem is that after sitting down reading at a computer I don’t feel like sitting down reading a book, that must be one of the downsides to working online.

We might have another bbq on the weekend at this other person’s house…hear that Bali visitors!