Happy New Year from Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. We spent our holiday season on one of the most famous beaches in the world. We were a bit surprised as to why it was so popular when we showed up for our first tanning session. The beach is not nearly as physically attractive as any beach we saw in Thailand. We soon realized that the beauty existed in consuming the culture on Kuta beach. That's right, the beach has its own culture. Nearest to the road, the surf "cowboys" can be seen offering surf lessons to every passerby. Periodically, they go into the water themselves easily conquering the waves, then back out for a beer, music, and lounging. Meanwhile, men, women, boys and girls are walking up and down the beach selling everything from bracelets to massages to wood carvings, even bow and arrows. Mila wanted a bow and arrow, but I didn't think it would serve any practical purpose. When the sun starts to recede, the students come out to the beach dressed in school attire and take pictures of anything and everything. Their favorite subject being western tourists, lucky us. We stayed on the beach for hours people watching and relaxing and we started to understand what gave Kuta beach it's charm. Indonesia in general has a very beautiful feel to it and we have greatly enjoyed being here. Please enjoy some pictures from our ten day Kuta beach vacation.
First, our lovely home for 10 nights complete with a kitchen and a garden
Kuta beach
A day full of relaxing
An offering to the Gods
A bow and arrow hawker
Come on people, we're at the beach. Why so many clothes?
Students who were actually given an assignment to practice their English with foreigners. Great assignment, nice kids
The Beach walk area nearby
The amazing sunset
Legian beach next door to Kuta. We opted for lounge chairs this day
We fed this dog like a king and he passed out cold under our chair. He was breathing. Don't worry
The memorial for the bombings that happened in Bali in 2002 where 202 people were killed
On one of our days, we hired a driver to show us around the southern part of Bali. It was a full day but a great day
Nusa Dua- possible honeymoon location candidate (we have many). Beautiful beaches and empty waters
GWK cultural park. We watched a traditional Balinese performance
The unfinished GWK statue which will be larger than the Statue of Liberty when completed. The first three sections will be put together, plus some additional sections to make the fourth picture when all is said and done, it is going to be amazing and humongous
Dreamland beach- one of the most beautiful/ crowded beaches in Bali. It is a local favorite
Uluwatu temple- a very picturesque temple set right on top of a cliff
We watched a traditional Kecak fire dance near the temple
The sun setting over the temple
Happy New Year- we were treated to over three hours of constant fireworks. It was incredible. If you want to see a quick video full of fireworks, please see our New Years blog.
So true...
We are really having a nice time in Bali. We can understand why so many people have fallen in love with this place. We will see you all next time from Ubud, made popular by the famous novel/ movie Eat, Pray, Love.
We miss you guys,
-Scott and Mila
- Posted around the world from our iPad
Location:Jalan Gelatik,Badung,Indonesia
if mila wants bow and arrow, get mila bow and arrow!
ReplyDeleteBali looks awesome! So many favorite pics: Scott on Chess board, Sunset over Temple, Black and White Temple, Palm tree(ish) things and huts overlooking ocean, Scott giving English lessons... The pics made me want to visit that place sometime (looks way better then Hawaii). You guys are getting 365 days on sun! Thanks for sharing....
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