Bali: Pretty things I saw - or - An ode to H2O

One of the resounding reasons that Bali seems to have such an impact on me every time is because its so GREEN. There must be some scientific evidence that proves green does good things to the brain.

Coming from a town in central Victoria that was plagued by a 15 year drought, a community that has been more than a little traumatised by bushfire, and a State that built a desalination factory so that we could convert the ocean into water, Bali is by comparison a water fantasy land. As a hot spot for tourism in a fast developing country, Bali has some serious environmental challenges ahead. I read an article the other day that kind of cemented my fears on this front (read it here, but maybe get a cup of tea and a biscuit before you do because its a bit sad). Nevertheless, the generous, heavy, thundering rain, the fat, juicy, springy green plants, the large frogs leaping about in 'grass-on-steroids', groups of guys fishing socially in the local river, the kids splashing around with their families in the waterways, the hundreds of rice paddies filled from the intricate irrigation networks, even the really large showerhead in the bathroom - were all reminders (good or otherwise) of water in quantities I am just not used to.

So, rather than just being about pretty things, this post is also kind of my visual ode to H2O. How beautiful it makes the planet. How essential it is. How much I miss it sometimes. How we should probably be a bit more careful about it.

Enjoy some virtual hydrotherapy:

The lush garden at Villa Ibu. No watering required.  

Natural hot springs welling up from the ground at the holy water temple  

Beautiful view of the rice fields, with offerings nestled in a small tree

Jatiluwih - the spectacular UNESCO listed rice fields 

Veggie patches and greenhouses along the rice paddy walk

Tegenungan waterfall 

Waterlilies are everywhere

More rice fields, with rain clouds on the horizon

The majestic Gunung & Danau Batur (Batur Mountain & Lake)  

Note: If you'd like to read from the beginning of the Bali thread, click here.

Bali: A trip to the heart

When we mentioned to friends that we were headed to Bali for 10 days, many were surprised to hear that we had no intention of visiting a single beach. Our sights were set squarely on higher ground.

We planned to immerse ourselves in the traditional culture and history of this picturesque island. If you've ever ventured to Ubud, famously referred to as the cultural heart of Bali, you'll know it was just the right place.

Seeking accommodation out of town, we stumbled on the picturesque village of Bentuyung, about 4 kilometres north of Ubud. It turned out that our villa was owned by the village elder, Pak Wayan Tangsi -  a warm, intelligent guy with a good sense of humour, who made us feel right at home in his community. I wrote a review of Villa Ibu on TripAdviser here if you're interested. For a couple of days we also stayed in central Ubud at Bali Moon, hosted by the lovely husband and wife, Wayan and Made, to be a bit closer to the action. I haven't written a review yet, but it was great. I'll replace this text when I eventually do!

We crammed a hell of a lot into our little trip, despite being sick for the first few days with a cold I dragged with me from Melbourne. But it didn't stop us! I took hundreds of beautiful photos, which I will attempt to cull to their bare bones so you can enjoy them. I thought I would try doing little bite size chapters, each in a separate post and on a different theme so that (a) I don't get overwhelmed by the task (b) YOU dont get overwhelmed and (c) the pages don't take forever to load.

I'll add links to the posts as I go!

Click here to read about:

• Galungan festival
• Markets
• Beautiful scenery
• Animals

Autumn colours bold...of red and gold

 Pretty Autumn walks at Mount Franklin

An ode to spring while I stay in

Its cold. Not as cold as its going to get, but I already have the heater on! Don't get me wrong - I'm no season hater. I love the colder months; pumpkin and ginger soup, hot chocolate, film nights, lovely coats and...SCARVES!

But I miss the colour and the flowers so. Everything is dying! Or at least receding into  hibernation or whatever it is. My parsley is definitely dead.

So here are some shots I took of nature's palette last year just to warm me up a little.