Shopping, Gamelan and Dance

Monday was our first full day in Ubud. It also was Aron’s first day back to work as a teacher at Green School. So, the rest of us were on our own to walk along some scenic paths that separate the private bungalows, shops, and other structures. Our destination was the Bali equivalent of Walmart, a store called Bintang (also the name of a popular beer). The travelers greatly enjoyed shopping for textiles, wood and woven reed products, and small souvenirs. The prices were so affordable we happily overspent and loaded up with goodies to fill our suitcases and carry-on bags. While we shopped, Sofie was happily amused in the children’s play area and arcade. We ate at the “Amazy” fried chicken fast food restaurant at Bintang. “Fast food” is a misnomer or at least the application of the word “fast” is more along the lines of “sooner or later.” At nearly every meal we had in Bali, the food would be served gradually. One diner would receive an entrée and perhaps several minutes would pass before the next diner would be served. It is customary here to begin eating when one’s food is served rather than waiting for everyone to receive their food. Finally done with our outing and with all our packages in tow, we took a “taksi” back to Sari Bamboo. We refreshed ourselves with a dip in the pool. There’s no getting around that this is a tropical climate with rain forests amid the rice paddies. We’ve had to get used to feeling sweaty and grungy much of the time in Ubud.

In the evening, after Aron returned from work (a word that seems out of place in these environs and this blog), we drove to the temple site in Ubud where there are performances of traditional Balinese dance to the accompaniment of a 27 man gamelan music ensemble. The hour and 20 minute performance was interrupted midway by a light rain shower, but we and some 200 other audience members were herded from the outdoor venue to a covered performance area next door. It was surprising what a quiet and orderly transition this was. The rain was the first we had encountered on our tour. This was the beginning of the rainy season after all. The rain was short-lived and no problem for us. The dance and music were fascinating and the costumes were elaborate and gorgeous. The photos and video we shot tell the story in a way that words cannot.