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| Rambut Siwi Hindu Temple (Pura Rambut Siwi) in Negara, the largest of three traditional temples located in each town in Indonesia. |
“RAMBUT SIWI TEMPLE (Pura Rambut Siwi):
This temple is about equidistant between Negara and Medewi Beach. Located on a low cliff top overlooking a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields and the mountains of West Bali National Park on one side and black sand beaches on the other. The temple itself was built by the 16th-century Javanese sage Dang Hyang Nirartha, also the creator of the Tanah Lot temple. According to legend, he made a gift of his hair to the temple. Hence the name Rambut Siwi, which literally means ” Hair Worship”.”
Wikipedia: “Bali is an island and province of Indonesia. The province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighboring islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. It is located at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Its capital of Denpasar is located in the southern part of the island. With a population of 3,890,757 in the 2010 census and 4,225,000 as of January 2014, the island is home to most of Indonesia’s Hindu minority. According to the 2010 Census, 83.5% of Bali’s population adhered to Balinese Hinduism, followed by 13.4% Muslim, Christianity at 2.5%, and Buddhism 0.5%.”
“Sightings on the Beach in Bali“
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| Sand crab running on the beach. Amazing camouflage. |
What a day we had! We were a little hesitant when we were getting ready to leave. The flies were on a rampage and the heat and humidity were relatively unbearable.
After wearing only bathing suits for 11 days and only wearing shoes when we went for a walk, I decided to dress as lightly as possible as did Tom, hoping we’d manage to stay cool in the AC in the van. Good thing we did. It was a scorcher especially when we spent considerable time outside the vehicle on our multiple stops.
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| The meeting hall at the Hindu Temple in Negara. |
We accomplished all the shopping on our list; a SIM card for the phone (for emergency use) at IDR 31,000, US $2.32; passport photos at a local photo studio at IDR 50,000, US $3.75 (including a CD with the photos as well as a dozen photos printed each on photo paper); a visit to a pharmacy for two prescription refills (no written prescriptions required) at a total of IDR 610,000, US $45.74; a few groceries at IDR 384,900, US $28.86 and a stop at the ATM.
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| Even this gate caught our eye as we peered through it to see the exquisite grounds. |
Our cost for the van and driver for the half-day trip was IDR 350,000, US $26.25. Of course, we’ll be tipping Gede and the remainder of the staff for all of their thoughtful and diligent service at the end of our stay.
The trip to the “big” supermarket in Negara was a bit disappointing when we weren’t able to find some basic ingredients on our list. Perceived as a “western” type market, we couldn’t find basic items such as unprocessed cheese, having no choice but to purchase locally made individually wrapped processed cheese (I won’t eat it but Tom will).
Nor could we find sour cream (or a yogurt substitute without sugar and lots of carbs). We’d hoped to find baking soda and Himalayan salt neither of which were available. Next time, I’ll be more diligent and carry these items with us when we return for our next two-month stint.
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| This red carpet is used for dancing during religious ceremonies. |
Why would we expect another country to have our favorite products? We shouldn’t. Of all the countries we visited date, finding basic food items has been most difficult here. Even in Kenya, at the local Nakumatt market, we were able to purchase all of the above-mentioned ingredients.
If we weren’t able to purchase a single ingredient, we could easily manage the food the two Ketuts make for us. Last night, after our prawn stir fry meal with salad, I found myself a little hungry for something.
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| Nothing was spared in the design of the temple, as is traditional in Hindu architecture. |
Normally, I’d have some nuts or cheese for a snack neither of which is available. When Tom expressed concern over what I could have for a snack I said, “There’s nothing wrong with being hungry now and then.” I knew that in 20 minutes, the hunger would subside and it did. I never gave it another thought.
Along with our shopping which took little time, we spent the rest of the time visiting points of interest. Little did we know we’d experience such amazing sites and photo opportunities.
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| Gede explained this is the equivalent of a bell tower. |
Gede was born in Bali and knows each area very well. The ease with which he found his way to each location made the experience all the more enjoyable. Also, he knew exactly which scenes would create the best photos. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide.
After we returned “home,” put everything away, and had entered all of our purchases on the spreadsheet, the rains came along with more flies. With everything in the house wide open, the only haven from the flies is in the bedroom where we hideaway for a break from time to time.
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| The spire on one of the structures at the temple. |
Today is breezy and slightly cooler. At the moment, we’re under the cabana enjoying the balmy breezes that keep the annoying pests out of the way. With rain on the horizon over the next several days with more flies hatching we’re going to try dining upstairs tonight where there’s an oscillating fan at the dining table.
In any case, we’re doing great today after a good night’s sleep. Today, we’re by ourselves when the staff is off on Sunday. Oh, we don’t mind them being around at all. They are quiet and gracious whenever they’re around.
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| Closer view of the tower. |
We do enjoy a little time to ourselves and even preparing our own dinner today; basically heating leftovers we’d kept in the freezer, veggies, and salad the Ketuts left for us for today. Easy.
Tomorrow, we’ll have more details on our photos and the sites we visited. Please check back again!
Be well! Be happy!
Photo from one year ago today, May 15, 2015:
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| The Kauai Path is well maintained with several restroom buildings and lifeguard vehicles with surfboards for aiding in water rescues. For more details, please click here. |