MOVING TO UBUD AND RICE PADDY VISTA

Our drive to Ubud took us through much of the same commercial properties but soon we were out into the rural part of the countryside.  The streets are all very narrow and so crowded with mopeds and motorcycles. Our first stop was to go to the rice patty vista.  On our way into the town we were halted by a scene that we were very fortunate to see.  The Barong was making his way down the street.  Our guides were very excited that we would be seeing this.  It occurs randomly on a Sunday when the children are out of school.  Similarly as our Dragon Dancers in Chinatown, teenage boys belong to a club that is the Barong Procession.  The purpose of the Barong is to ward off evil spirits in the town.  What a delightful tradition we were able to witness. 

At the top of the street we were taken to see a good view of the rice patty terraces.  My goodness – what a beautiful site it was. More fit people than our tour, went all the way down into the rice patties and part way up the other side.  My view was fine for me.  The terraced rice patties are so incredibly beautiful and a site I didn’t expect to see here.  Having only seen rice being grown at sea level in water, this is a wonder how they can get the water up into the hills. Tomorrow we will go on a rice patty walk – so I’m sure all my questions will be answered there.

On the way back we stopped at the studio of Jon StuartAnderson – a fimo polymer clay artist.  He is American by birth but has been living in Ubud for 20 years.  His talents are truly amazing.  His pieces are of museum quality and we were treated to a demonstration of how he creates his masterpieces.  10 years ago he was unfortunate to have developed Japanese Encephalitis.  Given this obvious disabling illness, and the toll that working with polymer clay has on his hands, it was wonderful to see that he is still able to continue with his artwork and create his masterpieces.  

From this size ......

....to this size a bit larger than a Twonie

Beautifully intricate patterns.

Driving back to the hotel, we had a brief break – time enough for cassava chips and beer.  Deb had her gin and tonic and Linda joined in.  Then it was on to dinner at Siam Sally’s – walkable Indonesian restaurant.  We no sooner got seated when the power went out.  However, all the kitchens cook with propane – so no fear – we would get our meal.  The staff was very inventive using cel phones and small flash lights we were able to order our meal and eat in the ambiance of candles and LED.  I had a meal of Cashew Chili Chicken – with no spice (i.e., no chilies) served on plain rice.  Well the plain rice was perfect – however the no spice cashew chicken was too spicy for me – go figure….sigh*  Our tour was very happy with the food saying how tasty and delicious.  I am not surprised that I will have some difficulty with the food here, but truly there are enough choices and western options that I will be fine. 

After dinner and back at the hotel it was straight to bed and it is only 9:30 between the heat, humidity and our activities – all of us are in bed early which is wrecking havoc with my entries.  However – most of our evenings from now on are free and travel days are over so I have some time to catch up!