Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
A couple of sea days after leaving Australia’s great barrier reef we reached intriguing Bali, Indonesia. Balinese culture is interesting and significantly different than our own. Our excellent excursion tour guide highlighted many of these differences and I will try to summarize them in this post.
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with about 17,500 islands in low tide and 13,500 in high tide. It boasts the highest Moslem population but Bali has the highest Hindu population. It has more temples than houses because in addition to the many private temples in most houses, there are public temples for many purposes and occasions.
Some areas are beautiful, but others are extremely crowded and smelly, with ubiquitous motor scooters everywhere. Unfortunately, we arrived at their annual two day holiday and most markets and shops were closed, but enough were open to give us a taste of Balinese life. Our tour included a visit of the central market, a three story building, packed with carts that were covered in blue tarps the holidays Just a few vendors were open for business. On regular days, one could purchase everything from spices to meats to fruits and vegetables, nuts and clothes, jewelry, handbags and even religious tokens and wigs. We saw several large rats and cockroaches scurrying about the empty stalls and in some areas the stench was overwhelming. This is not unexpected in many areas of the world and adds to our understanding of others.
The local currency is the Indonesian, Rhupia, which is 15,600 to the dollar. Goods are generally cheap, and bargaining is a way of life. I was running out of tee shirts and purchased three for $15.00.
The year is divided in two seasons, hot and hotter with high humidity. Generally, people seem happy, trusting and good looking, with very few overweight individuals. Kids go to school from 7:00 am to noon.
Interestingly all Balinese people are named one of just 4 names: Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut. All firstborns are named Wayan, Second borns are Made, Third are Nyoman, fourth are Ketut, and fifth are renamed Wayan, preceded by “Balik” which means “repeat again”.
Most people live in compounds of 12-40+ individuals. They go to market early, 5:30 – 6:00 am, pick up the day’s food, cook it and eat it throughout the day as they get hungry, they do not have a family sit down breakfast, lunch or dinner meal. Each family unit have their own kitchen area. Compound members divide utility and rent expenses, and adults are respected and considered parents to all kids. Balinese do not wear wedding bands, hence if you’re interest to know whether someone is married, just ask. This is an example of their openness and trusting nature.
