24 November 2013

plow men dig my earth

     The rice fields and terraces on Bali, are a work of art and community. All villagers share the work and responsibility of tilling, irrigating, and harvesting of the rice. More than 1200 Subaks (village associations) oversee the supply of water, and every farmer belongs to his village Subak. Usually, the farmer at the end of the water supply is in charge, insuring irrigated water to all farmers. This method of irrigation has been going on for a thousand years. My pictures are worth more than words . . .

Rice fields near my Ubud homestay
The setting of my cooking class (restaurant in the trees)

Rice fields near Ubud

Rice fields near Ubud

Rice terraces near Gunung Kawi

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang rice terraces

23 November 2013

many worlds i've come since i first left home

     The second part of my Balinese cultural experience, is about the many Hindu temples and ceremonies around this island. The Balinese people are celebrating their faith daily, and everyone is welcome! I got to experience two cremation ceremonies and one tooth-filing ceremony, but, I saw daily gatherings all over the island. Upon arrival in Bali, my first purchase was a sarong and sash, requirements for attending ceremonies, and entering temples. Most of the homes look like Hindu temples, the homes are surrounded by a low wall, and the entrance gates look similar to the one pictured here, at the Ubud Palace.

Ubud Palace
   
     There are many temples on Bali, and I got to visit a few. The Holy Springs Temple, dates from the 10th century.

Pura Tirta Empul - Holy Spring Temple
   
     On a ridgetop, overlooking the volcanoes and lakes of central Bali, is this relatively new temple site, Pura Ulun Danu Batur. It is located in the town of Kintamani.

Pura Ulun Danu Batur - Kintamani

Pura Ulun Danu Batur - Kintamani

     Goa Gajah is known as the Elephant Cave. This site dates back to the 10th century, and has a statue of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god, inside the cave.


Goa Gajah Cave Temple
   
     My favorite site in Bali, is Gunung Kawi, the Rocky Temple. Dating from the 11th century, this site has ten rock-cut shrines, each built in memory of a member of the Balinese royalty at the time.


Gunung Kawi Rocky Temple

Ceremonies are a daily occurrence all over Bali. I caught sight of one gathering on the beach in Padangbai!


Temple ceremony in Padangbai