March 22: Sanur to Ubud

I have a feeling I'll be writing a lot about food. I wasn't expecting much, but the food so far has been very good. Brekkie (included in our stay) is no different. We both got the standard Western fare: eggs, bacon, toast. But the local tastes were not to be missed either. Fruit included watermelon, papaya, and rambutan. Terri went for the chicken porridge (I'm not a fan), and I had the black rice pudding. This is black rice cooked with coconut milk and I'm guessing palm sugar. It was DELISH. Other delights included sweet rice wraped in banana leaves. Yum.

Our bus showed up, a nice AIR CONDITIONED coach that comfortable seats all 13 of us. And by comfortable, I mean, seats in width and cushion built for 12 year-old-Balinese girls. Everyone commented how no-one fits on this bus. But it does have AC, so onward we go. Next stop is the Tannah Lot Temple, a beautiful and HUGE temple built in and around the crashing Indian Ocean. We got some great photos, and off we go to Ubud.

Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, up in the mountains. It's a bit cooler here--I'd say all of about 90 degrees. Ubud is known for their artwork, laid-back lifestyle, good food, and peaceful ricefield settings. We're here for two days, and already I know I could easily have done a week here. It's littered with restaurants, resorts, and massage parlors (of respectable variety).

Lunch was at the Dirty Duck, one of the more popular spots in town. I had (what else) the duck, which the cut in half length-wise, then deep fried. The idea is to tear it apart with your hands, dipping it into chili sauce and sambal (chili paste flavored sauce). Naturally, I loved it. Absolutely, the best duck I've had. The resaurant is open seating/ basically throughout lily ponds and with open views of rice paddies. Gorgeous.

Next up was the Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Ubud has some very cool temples, and 3 of them just happen to be set in the jungle with perhaps thousands of Balinese Macaques. These little rascals are cuter than ever, and will take you to the cleaners if you don't watch yourself. As long as they suspect you don't have food or an open backpack, they'll leave you alone though. About 500 photos later, we're off to the rice fields.

We met back up with our group, hiking through the trails and roads weaving throughout the rice paddies. We hiked Campuan Ridge, going about 4 or 5 miles. We were invited to a Balinese wedding along the way, meeting bride and groom. Both wedding participants were dressed in traditional outfits, and the makeup was on thick (even on the guy). Very colorful and beautiful decorations. They actually were going to let us stay, but this could've been a loooong day. So we said our congrats and headed onward. I'll post a photo later, but as we walked out, about 10 people were giving their car a blessing, with incense, a dead chicken, and various fruits on the hood. One woman repeatedly through rice at the car as she said a blessing. To say the least, people are very spiritual here. I'm told Hindu and Muslim are the primary religions.

Dinner tonight was also at a traditional Balinese Restaurant. Fantastic again. We both had the Nasi Goreng, a fried rice dish with shrimp and a fried egg on top. It was served with two delicous chicken satays, as well as a dish of sambal (chili sauce) for fire. Needless to say, I'll be ordering this again. I'm learning the Balinese food is fairly basic in dishes. Most places all have the same items. The ingredients lean heavily toward chilis, shrimp paste, tamarind, palm sugar, ginger, tumeric, and coconut. Many kitchens cook over bamboo or coffee wood, providing a flavor unmatched back home. The dishes are similar to Thai, but far less curry, and not quite as spicy.

We're staying at the Panorama Hotel. Nice room (again with the ornate door), but lets just say the bathroom has a smell that wouldn't pass a Seattle health dept. inspection. Going on a GAP Adventure trip, the accommodations can be hit or miss. At least the AC Works.

Oh yeah, the pool has 2 six-foot tall frog statue fountains. Both are peeing directly into the center of the pool, arcing about 10 feet inward from their respective corners. Photos have been taken. I'm thinking Facebook profile photo here...

Good night, Day 2.