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The pattern of David Patten.
We start with Reflexology.
A stab at our wedding vows.

Today we began our program with David Patten. He took us to meet a famous wood and mask artist, and then to meet a very well known painter whose wife is an equally known Batik artist. Nyoman, the painter, bore an uncanny resemblance to the chesire cat. He wore the biggest Balinese grin, spoke with wisdom, humor and over my head, and could point the way if only I promised to use my right brain.

Afterwards a large group of us climbed halfway to heaven to eat at a concrete picnic table for the cheapest food we’d seen so far. In fact it was a phenomenal lunch with coconut pie with real coconut. Later, Beth and I visited Kenko, a small site near Sri Blungalows where we are staying, for an hour reflexology treatment. We got up to go just as they brought out the most amazing ginger tea we have ever smelled or tasted. I asked for the magic recipe, which they whispered was simply boiled ginger with brown sugar. I cannot wait to try this myself! (note, since this day I have tried ginger tea nearly everywhere else we’ve sat down, but none have compared at all!)

2-4 Market, Batik, Wood, Rainy Dinner

Blue Lagoon
The new Nur Salon addiction

Carl, Luan, Susan, Maggie, Christian and Beth and I traveled to the Blue Lagoon an hour taxi ride away from Ubud. We hired a driver for the ride, a three hour stay (not tour), and the promise of a return ride. All together, we each paid $5. I won’t say too much more about money in these posts, because it’s all the same. Everything here in Bali is extremely inexpensive. This trip was an introduction to Balinese sales technique. We had been instructed that bargaining was an opportunity for Balinese to get to know us, that the negotiating process was in part to get to know one other. We certainly did! After a few purchased, a special custom design on a palm leaf with macadamia nut oil, a sandy massage, a little freediving and a wonderful lunch, we did know quite a few people!

In the evening, Beth and I went with Christian to Nur Salon for an hour and a half massage, scrub and rose petal bath treatment. I’ve never had such an experience before (and I’m sure I’ll be saying that a lot while we’re here!).

2-3 Sunday in Bali

Dinner at Cafe Wayan with Christian and Reba. They are just wonderful. We ate at Cafe Wayan and tried Brem. Brem is their local rice wine and it is ridiculously good.

2-2 We Arrive in Bali

Yes, we want coffee. There’s much to see in this airport, and it’s so big that perhaps we’ll get an hour of walking in. It has been 14 short hours. This is the first stop of our trip. The Taipei airport is clean, fresh, full of nice little sample snacks, and accomodating with these free internet sites. The security is very polite, politely asking us to dump our water. And I’ve never had such crisp, clear instructions as on the flight itself. I’m still dizzy with their speed and efficiency.

Our 14 hour flight on EVA Air was wonderful and smooth. Their drink glasses, plastic utensils and even coffee cups were fantastic. Is it possible to be impressed by such small things? Yes!

Beth and I slept most of the way in the deeply reclined seats all the way in the back, even though we had a plethora of movies to choose from.

Now, on to the coffee! And our next trip to Bali in just a few hours.