My friend Devon is out here in Bali and yesterday we met at the airport. Devin’s mother, Barbara and her friend Nancy, were leaving after a wonderful couple of weeks, so Devin was a free man again. He brought all his bags to the airport, so we had fun balancing it and ourselves for the ride back to my house. A brief introduction to Ika, was followed by a trip back down the Bypass to the Bukit. Devin has been to Bali before, but has never been to Kuta / Seminyak. His family heads straight for Ubud, venturing out to Amed on the East coast and Pemuteran on the NW coast.
The Bukit is a unique part on Bali, as it is quite dry and after the craziness of Kuta, seems empty and tranquil. My 100cc bike just managed to climb the hill with the 2 of us, our first stop , Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the temple that overlooks the ocean. Entrance to this temple is 3,000rp and they will provide sarongs and sashes. Guides are available, but will expect to be paid.
While we were there a party of Balinese people came bearing offerings. This really brings a temple to life, the magic of a temple focused on the upacara, when the priest consults the Gods.
Japanese tourists posed on the other side the retaining wall, on the edge of the sheer drop. Devin and I had a laugh, as the photographer was telling them to put their arms around each other’s waist and move back.
A large school group from Semarang Java showed up and mobbed us. Not wanting to get into the photo session, I told them I was already married (not really an excuse, but my excuse) and that Devin was still single. I suggested he mail Barbara a photo and say he was getting married. Devin said if the girl in the photo showed it to her relatives, they might not be too happy. Being an American, of Jewish heritage (now follows a Hindu based religion), with Hindu tattoos on his forearms, they may not consider him the ideal candidate. Every time I go to Pura Luhur Uluwatu its steaming hot, yesterday no exception. The temple monkeys mean it is not wise to wear hats or sunglasses. The highlight for us I think was the view, plus the sound of the crashing waves, hundreds of feet below. Pura Luhur Uluwatu really does have a great location.
