Running to stand still

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Trip Start Jul 05, 2008 Previous
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  Ubud, Indonesia
Sunday, July 20, 2008

Today I was up early enough to run... hallelujah... my muscles are very happy that I've remembered they exist.  I ran for a couple hours on a ridge between two rivers. It was a nice path. Then it was come back, rush rush rush and shower in the freezing cold water.  Then the water stopped, like it does every morning, so I finished washing with Evian, a la Naomi Campbell. That's the end of the story of today. I'm about to spend 17 hours on a bus to Yogyakarta, which should be about as much fun as watching rice grow.

Parting thoughts on Bali:

One of the most striking things is the architecture and all the details you find everywhere you look.  Of course, the natural surroundings can't be beat for beauty.  But one of the best things about this is that the beauty of Bali is very much lived in by the Balinese.  These exotic and ancient buildings are their schools, storerooms, and houses.  They are out there enjoying nature right alongside the tourists.  They like to look at the same flocking birds and the same stunning rice terraces.  They just stand there taking it all in.  They appreciate it and know that they are lucky, and they really want to share it with you.

They put flowers everywhere.  Hibiscus and lilies and everything else.  Even in the most rural parts, they'll put a fresh flower in the lap of a statue of a god.  The women constantly put flowers in their hair.  The men are not above putting flowers behind their ears. 

There is no (visible) class division.  I don't see poor Balinese, I don't see rich Balinese.  I'm sure it exists, but everyone seems to have a reasonably comfortable existence.  I'm sure the toursism dollars help.

flower offerings at Titra Empul

It's quite different from face-society in Chinese culture, where if you have money the point is to show it, in loud and often silly ways.  Here, no. Also no abject poverty to be seen.  And in comparison with other countries I've been to in Asia, Bali is far, far cleaner.
 
The people are very friendly, and it is a very refreshing change to be in such a nice, friendly, open place.  If you ask a Balinese person a question or for help, they don't freak out and look at you like you're asking them to build a rope ladder to Jupiter, even if it's a question they're not used to.  They don't get flustered over details or try and get you to do things only their way. If you're coming from a rather abrupt and blunt country, like I am, this change is overwhelming.

Bali in a sentence:

It is a great joy just to know that a place like this exists.

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