Around the World in 21 Days-Part 28

Last Night in Beautiful Bali

Tonight we went to a local restaurant that featured Balinese cuisine. While there we were entertained by traditional dancers, and took part in Balinese-style games. It was a very steamy night, which only somewhat dampened our enthusiasm.

Cynthia with a big fan/placemat...very resourceful.

The essence of Balinese cuisine:
 
Fragrant Seeds : white pepper, black pepper, coriander, cumin, clove, nutmeg, sesame seed, and candlenut.
Fragrant Roots: shallots, garlic, greater galangal (what most of us think of simply as “galangal”), lesser galangal (more pepper, almost radish-like), turmeric, ginger.
Chili peppers: Tiny green and red Balinese chili peppers take center stage. Larger red peppers that most of us also consider hot, the Balinese consider “sweet.” Sweet.
Palm sugar: Balinese have a sweet tooth. They also enjoy combining spicy with their sweet. To do this, they use raw palm sugar.
Fish Paste: Like their neighbors across Southeast Asia, the Balinese also appreciate the role of fermented fish in their cuisine.

Lynn trying her luck at a guessing game

Making 'offerings' to the gods

Sharon showing nice form as she bowls with coconuts

And it's a strike!

Teresa and Gabriel enjoy dessert

 

In Bali there are various categories of dance. Certain ceremonies at village temples feature a special performance of a dance-drama, a battle between the mythical characters Rangda, the witch representing evil, and Barong, the lion or dragon, representing good.

Dance in Bali is an ancient tradition and means of cultural expression that incorporates much eye and facial movement.

 

Earlier Experiences on the Island

Visiting a Batik shop

Batik is done around the world but has evolved to a very high level in Java and Bali. The detail in these fabrics was gorgeous! The local women create the patterns with the tiniest wax-filled tools. Enthusiastic shoppers scooped up linens, sundresses, mens' shirts and beautiful scarves.

 

 

A verdant rice paddy

This carving will take a month to complete

The carver is using crocodile wood, so-called because the bark of this tree looks like crocodile skin. This photo was taken at the Dewa Malen woodcarving business in Ubad.



Mary Helen with graceful greeters providing blessings at the hotel entrance