15/10/2024
Bali has been incredible!
Here's the highlights:
* Shortly after arriving, I was invited to participate in the Galungan ceremony. Galungan and Kuningan is an important 10-day celebration that happens every 210 days in Bali (so usually twice per calendar year).
It’s the period when ancestral spirits visit the Earth, and the Balinese people welcome them with elaborate offerings, amazing ceremonies, and huge feasts.
* Visiting Lempuyang Temple, one of the highest, sacred Hindu temples in Bali.
The temple is located on the east of the island where the sun can be seen rising in the morning beautifully right through the Gate of Heaven.
* Visiting Tirta Gangga , a former royal palace in eastern Bali. It is noted for the Karangasem royal water palace, bathing pools and its Patirthan temple.
*Exploring Besakih Temple, thought to be over 2,000 years old, is the holiest and largest temple of Balinese Hindu temples. Perched nearly 1000 meters up the side of Gunung Agung, it is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples.
*Soaking in the beautiful Air Panas Angseri Hot Springs.
*Visiting Jatiluwih, one of Bali’s most stunning and largest rice fields.
*Exploring Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a major Hindu Shaivite temple.
Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu.
*Trecking through The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. The Sanctuary is home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques, who are considered sacred by the local Balinese people.
*Exploring the Batuan Temple, a 1,000-year-old , 11th-century temple.
* The beauty of the ocean and the gardens...the potent smell of the flowers...the sunsets...incredible!
Indonesia is a Muslim country, but the island of Bali is predominantly Hindu! There is a harmonious blend of Hindus, Muslims and Christians on the island, all respectfully observing one another's holidays and religious ceremonies. I've learned so much on this trip. I can't wait to come back to Bali to learn more!
Next stop....NASHVILLE!