Bali 2015 - Pt 2

I have been very slack in writing my blog!

Time has just drifted past, and already we only have 4 days remaining. The last week has been filled with relaxation, food, too many cocktails and Bintang, lots of laughter, and time spent with friends.



On Wednesday we took a drive through the centre of Bali, our host has no qualms about driving here, so we are lucky enough to just get into a car, and make up our own adventure as it happens.
The first stop was the Ulun Danu Temple, a floating temple at Bedugul, located on Baratan lake. The area dates back to the 17th century, when the temple was built to worship Brahma -Vishnu - Shiva and also the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. The entire complex is beautiful, with well groomed gardens and a picturesque vista as the lake backs onto the mountains. Well worth a visit.

The Floating Temple

Stinky fruit

Gratitude

On the way, we stopped at an area called Strawberry Hill, named because there are many strawberry farms in the area! The sight of a young boy sitting with a large snake frightened the life out of me, he looked very comfortable however, as he sat while people took photos. It was very worrying though.

There are no words......

 From here the drive took us though to Lovina, where we stopped for lunch. Warung Apple was our choice and didn't let us down. A small waring with an open kitchen, the meals were served quickly and were delicious. The home made spring rolls are to die for! Six people ate and drank for under $50, you can't argue with that.
A few photos and we were on our way again.

Mixed seafood grill

Lovina

Warung Apple - Lovina

The coast line is beautiful.

The return trip had us travel up and over Mt Kintamani. Having only ever been up to the peak to begin a bike ride previously, this was certainly a highlight of the day.

The scenery was amazing, with sightings of the coast and then trees became more dense, the higher we climbed. This is definitely a poorer area of Bali, and to see the way they live is amazing. Making do with what little they have, the homes were mere shelters in some cases.

With our windows down, taking in the cool, fresh air, we often got hello's and waves from the locals as we passed by. No doubt surprised to see a car full of westerners driving though their area.

Once at the peak, we were high in the clouds, and the decent down was just as spectacular. Following a truck carrying eggs, tied loosely in their packaging was interesting to say the least. Not one egg spilled though!!

Just spectacular

Transporting eggs - Bali style!

I loved being able to see a different side to Bali, than the tourist areas which we mostly have visited in the past. Again I was amazed at how versatile the people are, in accepting there lives that have been given to them. The Balinese are resilient, and very family orientated, the children we saw happily laughed and played on the side of the road. I questioned how lucky I was to born where I was, but then wondered was I?

True happiness comes in accepting what you have, not wishing for more.