Scoot'n Around Bali

For those who have been here know how many scooters you'll find on this island. They are very popular and affordable means of transportation. It's very common to see them being used a the family car for those who can't afford a car. The import fees/taxes are very high.

In the following photos you'll see how the locals utilize this popular form of transportation. On Balinese holidays, it's common to see the women in their traditional dress carrying their offering baskets. The one who rides on the back usually will ride side-saddle due to her skirt. Balinese and Muslims alike are exempted from the helmet laws when dressed in their traditional garb. I guess they have a higher power protecting their heads on those days.

It's also common to see an entire family on one scooter. I've counted up to five people (of various sized and age) riding on one. The only thing visible of the little ones are their arms and legs sticking out while they are sandwiched between their parents. As a pediatric nurse from the States, I use to cringe at not seeing helmet on the adults, let alone the kids, but it's becoming second nature now. I know you are not supposed to say never, but you won't catch me on one! Accidents are quite common and usually involve one or more scooters. The younger population are famous for weaving in and out of traffic and I've even seen them texting while driving. I've taught myself not to watch, out of fear of what might happen.

Happy Independence Day Indonesia!

The Proclamation of Indonesian's independence was read at 10:00 am on Friday, August 17, 1945. This marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until they officially acknowledged Indonesian's independence in 1949. It wasn't until 2005 that the Netherlands officially accepted August 17, 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

In celebration, local businesses are draped with

the red and white colors of the flag and various games and contests are held. One of the most popular games is the Panjat Pinang. A trunk of the Areca palm tree is erected in a public area and is greased up with a mixture of clay and oil. At the top are various prizes like bikes and TVs. Whoever makes it to the top wins the prize. In the end, there are a lot of muddy slippery kids and grownups alike. A good time is had by all,

especially by the crowd watching.

Included are some photos of local businesses draped in the patriotic colors red and white, as well as roadside stands and vendors selling them.

Roadside Gas in a Bottle!

If you are one of the thousands of scooter drivers on the island of Bali, and you find yourself in a pinch for gas, not a problem. One of the many things that caught my eye on my first visit to Bali were these roadside "gas in a liter bottle" stands. I soon realized that all these scooters probably run out of gas a lot quicker than they can make it to the next legitimate gas station. (Especially those who live in the less populated north part of the island.) I don't know how much of a mark up they place on it, but if you are desperate, you don't have much choice. I love the photo of the guy smoking just a few short feet from the stand.

Street Food

You'll hear them up and down the streets beating a fork against an empty bottle to let the locals know that there's food passing by. Sort of like the ice cream truck in the summer with the jingle over the loud speaker. They sell anything from coconut juice straight from the coconut, to mixed fruits served with crushed ice and cream, to meatballs (bakso) served in a broth with scallions. Some carts are pushed, others are strapped to the back of a scooter, and some will be found at the same place nearly everyday providing seating and a table for gathering with friends. They are mostly intended for locals and workers in the area looking for a quick, cheap eat.

Tonight I had dinner at a BBQ place called WAHAHA with Tonny's sister and family. I had an excellent half rack of pork ribs. A nice reminder of home.

Day trip to Ubud

Today we drove up to Ubud, about an hour's drive north to meet Paul. He is an Australian expat who is the captain of the yacht that Tonny's been hired to design in Jakarta.

Ubud is Bali's major arts and culture center, but it has developed a large tourism industry. Soon it is going to be even larger thanks to Julia Roberts new movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" to be released this month.

On the way up we passed one of many banyan trees or beringin as they are called by the locals (first photo). The Balinese culture identifies these trees as symbols of immortality. A banyan tree can be found growing next to almost every village temple in Bali. You will find them adorned around the bottom with a black and white checkered cloth called Saput Poleng. The Black and white checked cloth symbolizes the opposing positive and negative (yin-yang) forces. Representing cosmic duality, it can be seen everywhere in Bali.

The next photo is of one of many rice fields in Bali. Farmers commonly keep ducks to act as pest control; plus their waste is good fertilizer. The next is of a village temple or Pura Desa. This is used by the villagers for honoring the deities who guard the welfare of the village.

This last photo was caught on our way home, but can be seen all over the island performed twice daily (mornings, and evenings with some exceptions). Here, this women is placing a Canang Sari. You will see these offerings in the temples, on small shrines in houses, and on the ground in front of homes and businesses. Sari, meaning essence and canang is a small square basket woven of coconut-leaves. Inside, flowers and food (such as a cracker or hardtack candy) are placed providing the sari or essence. They are presented to thank the gods in praise and prayer.

Sanur Village Festival

Tonight we went to the Sanur Village Festival. Much like the festivals we are used to in the States, there is food, drink, and live performances. The first photo is of a paper mache statue near the entrance, but I'm not sure of what it depicts. I wasn't able to get any other photos inside because night fall came quickly.

The next photos are of kites. These are popular this time of year here and they are huge! Just to give you scale, here is a photo of two mounted on a truck. One on top and one on the side. Like almost all things on Bali, kites have a religious (or spiritual) side. Balinese Hindu's believe that when the Indian god Indra enjoyed leisure time, he amused himself with kite-flying and taught young cattle herders how to fly them. Today though, they are built as a village (Banjar) tradition and the designs are passed down from one generation to the next. Kites are a symbol of both village pride and the village's unity. They are built and flown by almost all members of the village. The creation of each huge kite is very complex and requires many steps that demands the help of almost everyone in the village. They have people who transport, launch, and cheer.

When they are high up, you really don't realize how big and beautiful they are until you see them strapped to a side of a truck. The last photo is not mine. I found it online, but you get the idea of how big they can be.

I believe they even anchor them to the truck or else you would see the whole Banjar flying out to sea!

Grocery Shopping (Berbelanja di Supermarket)

Today we went grocery shopping with Tonny's mom and his sister. Really we just accompany her to help out. Her favorite spot to go is Tiara Dewata (Crown of the Gods). It's been there since 1986. Before that came along, she would go to the open markets (pasar) for daily needs. As the years pass here, the more and more it becomes westernized.

Before picking his mom up we had lunch with his sister at a Bakso cafe. I say cafe because it's smaller than a restaurant. Here they are called Warung. Bakso (as they are called in West Java, or Bakwan as they are called in East Java) are a type of meatball served either steamed and served in a chicken broth or deep fried. Either way they are delicious!

Learning Indonesian (Belajar Bahasa Indonesia)

Today was my first private lesson with my friend Sandra. Sandra and I met this past year when we were taking a level 2 class of Indonesian at an international school here. We've kept in touch and a couple of weeks ago she asked me to share a private tutor at her home. Today was the first day and we had fun. Sandra and her husband moved here two years ago from Perth, Australia on a retirement visa. They're very nice people. In the following photos, the first is of Sandra and me and the second is of our teacher Nyoman. Nyoman is a common Balinese name given to the third born whether it be female or male (More on this below). We will meet every Wednesday and Friday of the week for a total of ten lessons.

In Balinese culture if you are the first born ( male or female ) you will be called either Putu, Wayan or Nengah. Second born will be called Made or Kadek, third born Nyoman, Ika or Komang, fourth born Ketut. If you are #5 you go back to 1. So the more Balinese you become friends with, the more difficult it is to keep their names straight!

Rumah Kita (Our Home)

It was a year ago today that the two (three, counting our dog Wheezy) of us landed on our new island home of Bali. After looking for our own place through the month of September last year, we finally settled with our current home in a new condo development called Sunset Garden. It's located on the outskirts of the popular tourist destination of Kuta. Luckily we are far enough from all the hubbub to have peace and quiet. These two photos are of the front gate to Sunset Garden and the other is the front of our unit.

Here it goes...

My name is Corey. I moved to Bali a year ago this month from the States. After much deliberation, my partner and I decided to leave the Isle of Manhattan for a different kind of island life. Now, at the extreme encouragement of one of my friends (and you know who you are), I have started a photo blog of my time and experience here on the island of Bali. Hope you enjoy.