Tuesday, January 24, 2012

A Busy Day in Ubud

We had some tasks to accomplish today. Among other things, we need to extend our visa as we misunderstood the process to do so when we arrived. Finding it slower and more complex than expected we need help getting the extension. We are working with an office here that will represent us with Indonesian immigration an assures us that this can be done in time before our 30 day visa expires. There are some holidays coming up so that will cut it a little closer but we got the necessary steps started and seem to have it under control. Good timing too as we are heading back to Java tomorrow to visit with Nana's parents, Nana and Eko, and Iin for a few days in Yogyakarta. We've been looking forward to this part of the trip for some time as it will let us get back together with family and see some great sights there. We'll be coming back to Bali afterwards.

We've had a very good time in Bali so far but have lots more that we want to do. Today was busy with getting flights and visa extensions and felt like we might miss the chance to see some of the culture and color that make Bali so great. We didn't have to worry for long as a huge cremation ceremony was soon parading down the street as part of the process to send an important priest off in style. Everyone encouraged us to follow as much of the event as possible. We had to settle for watching the people and floats march by and it was very worthwhile.

This evening we went back out to catch one of the dance and music performances scheduled. Wow! we saw and heard an amazing performance and had front row seats for the whole thing. There was so much color and energy in the story performed I felt exhausted from just watching it. We also managed to cover quite a bit of ground in Ubud today and enjoyed great food along the way. We also met a woman from Canada who has started a program to bring reading glasses to children and artist who need them to continue their studies and work. Her program seems to be taking off and we were quite impressed and inspired by meeting her.

It's been another long day and tomorrow we pack up and head to the airport. We are already looking forward to coming back to Bali and then hopefully some of the islands beyond as we are just about at the half way point on this amazing adventure.

A float carried during the cremation parade

Rider hanging on for dear life!

The Casket

One of the main performers in play

Dance Performers

A confrontation 

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