Conclusion Bali

I have left writing on my blog for a while two main reasons being at play.
The first reason is that we haven't moved much so travel wise there hasn't been happening a lot.
The second being that I don't think family holidays is very interesting for people to read except for the family.
Having said that we did visit a few places and as far as family fun goes there are a few things to be mentioned.

Bali being city of temples, rituals, offerings and deep belief marks the city constantly with little baskets filled flowers, rice, plants as offerings. You find them in Taxi's, in front of houses, in and around anything you can just imagine. No day starts without some kind of a ritual and a blessing.
I suppose it centers each individual participating and is a way of starting your day being humbled, something we Westeners often 'don't have time for' or 'forget' to do, me being as guilty as anyone often starting the day without taking the time to channel in.
As I've mentioned before the people we met and keep on meeting are very open, and genuinely friendly.
We took the family for a trip to Tana Loth Temple. This temple is characterized by the fact that on high tide you cannot access it as it is surrounded by water.
A lot of Muslim Indonesians, presumably from Java, who were visiting the temple were as eager to take pictures of us 'bulé's (strangers) as we were of them. I suppose the red and the blond curls played a role in that.

We carried on to Jeti Lue literally meaning very beautiful, rice terraces protected by the UNESCO for some stunning view of the valley.
Comming back from Bedugul temple we stopped at a market where Vals dad in law bought some nuts.
Not a good idea as I spent the next night moaning groaning getting up and wondering which side of my body the food or liquid was exiting next (am I being to graphic?).
We had the opportunity or misfortune, take it as you wish to see a Barong Dance.
In the setting we saw it, this overpriced tourist attraction actually reflects the core of Balinese beliefs or superstitions depending on the way you view it.
It is a war between the white and black magic forces portrayed with God servants with long nails, large eyes and four legged dragon-like monsters. The whole theatrically en-scened in front of a twenty something manned orchestra made of xylophone like brass instruments hit upon with hammers creating a music which is supposed to get the dancers in a trance. I am not sure whether it is the show we saw that wasn't good but I thought it sounded like a cacophony.
We continued on to an elephant park were val and the kids rode an elephant.
The best attraction of that park were the two orphan ourang outangs raised by this girl since they were born.
I'll let the picture speak for themselves.
The most memorable thing about new years eve which happened quietly in our villa was the constant exploding of fireworks that started at dusk and went on till about two and the fact I had a few video calls with people in Europe and the US which literally meant I was video conferencing to the past.
Bali was a great family quality time and rest. It's people amazed me with their welcoming openness and stunned me with their ritualistic convictions. It also reminded me of Ibiza as a party capital and it's lush nature and rice fields left me speechless.
Bali was also our entry point to Asia bringing in a first culture clash and belly clash, we weren't at the peak of our health here.
I suppose it's a good way to ease into this continent.
Bali in picture can be seen here!
On to Thailand...........