Bali HIGH

My brain was a big foggy stepping onto the deck overlooking the pool and front grounds there was Wayan to greet me with a cheery “good morning!”  In the kitchen I had discovered a case of water and an array of fruits.  Wayan had gone to the store and bought eggs and asked if he could prepare me some coffee, tea and banana pancakes.  What a way to start the morning!

Karya and Wayan seemed to have a plan for today so my participation was easily to enjoy the drive.  Twenty minutes up the road or so, we pulled to the side of the road and there they were.    

          

There’s something about Rice terraces that are magnificently breathtaking even in a National Geographic or Conde Nast travel magazine but there I stood before this wonderful site at Tegalalang, and in an instant I’m transported to childhood hearing my parents talk about he beauty of rice terraces in the Philippines. 

The stories each of them told my siblings and I about growing up – working in the rice fields where my Mom would take a small handful of grains fallen from their stalks for the daily meal, or my Dad as a young man in search of daily food in the flooded rice paddies where a small fish or two would be a the prize.

Okay, okay ~ somewhat sentimental but the realization of their young lives sharply contrasted to my own. Perhaps I finally understand the intent of those stories. I would have been content to sit under a tree all day long and watch the changing colors on the hillside, daydreaming, marveling at the landscape.

At Kintamani the panoramic view of Gunung Batur volcano and lake Danau Batur magnificent  The other side of the lake is Gunung Agung  a little shrouded by passing clouds. Pretty majestic.  The last eruption came in 1993 though it’s peak is fairly intact.

Wayan and I

coffee and spice plantation..

coffee roasting

QUIZ:  What is the name and source of THE most expensive coffee in Bali?

The Balinese say in the world, but let’s keep this simple!  What’s your answer?  If you are the first to get it right, I’ll share my stash with you!!  Yes, it was VERY costly.

coffee bean grinding

luwak beans

Down the road a bit is a holy spring Pura Tirta Empul built in the 10^th century whose waters gushing through the spouts are said to have magical curative powers.  

offerings to Hindu deity Indra

As I write, Papa and kadet Topo are playing with Talking Tom and Talking Carl on the ipad. They talk into it, wait for the replay and laugh. Sitting back doing my own work letting them have fun. No idea what they’re saying ~  enjoying themselves is all that matters.   Topo is not so shy anymore, as he’s singing rather comfortably lying on the marble floor.   Every once in awhile they break away to play Piano Duet which both are noticeably musical.

Topo

magic of iPad