Terima Kasih Indonesia

by Robin Rodig | November 12, 2014 | 2 Comments

Halo!

You know you're in Indonesia when...

...the line at the gas station is 10 deep with motorbikes. Not cars. 

...a free-roaming water buffalo's just lounging in the shade in a schoolyard.

...your temple guide, an utter stranger, asks if you're menstruating. 

...a family of five zooms by you on a single motorbike. 

...not one pair of pants in your suitcase ever sees daylight. 

Once again, my adventure abroad is nearing its end. And once again I am bursting with gratitude. Gratitude for the out-of-my-comfort-zone experiences. Gratitude for the genuine kindness of strangers that carried me along the way. Gratitude for the wonderful diversity in the world. And not least, gratitude for your enduring company. A feeling which is particularly appropriate amongst the Hindu beliefs woven through Balinese culture. Indonesia is a fascinating and beautiful country of which I've only scratched the surface. But even through the beads of sweat clouding my vision, I see clearly the cultural gem that is Bali. Its distinct images will not soon be forgotten nor will the distinct warmth of its people. 

I leave you with some culturally iconic impressions from my trip. Terima Kasih (thank you) Indonesia and terima kasih to you, my treasured travel companions!

Selamat tinggal!

                                                      The rice fields of Pacung

                                            Besakih (Bali's mother temple) silhouette

                             Villagers in prayer at Besakih

                                        The lush, sprawling rice fields of Jatiluwih, Bali 

                                                           Rice harvest in Ubud 

                 Herding the ducks to the next rice paddy, Ubud

                                     A tribute to Bali's spas!

                                  The mesmerizing Legong dance 

     Jegog- A bamboo gamelan orchestra! One of my favorite nights!

                  Local greetings from the Bugis town of Wera- A stop on our boat trip

                                                     Traditional weaving in Wera

                    Just another day with a water buffalo lounging in the schoolyard. 

                     Snakefruit, mangosteens, jackfruit... Fruit for sale at a local shop. 

                                        Turquoise waters around Indonesian seas

              Phinisis like Al Iikai are impressive throughout the waters of Indonesia

                                                     A standard sight on the roads

               Tradition exists even in the middle of hectic Kuta

                          Typical daily offerings at a storefront

                                    Tanah Lot- One of Bali's most revered sea temples

          Decorative umbrellas line the seaside walk in Legian 

                                           Monkey bonding

                  The lotus flower- A Hindu symbol of grace, purity, and transcendence 

                                      Indonesian flag

 

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Posted in Indonesia

2 Comments

Ali said:

What a beautiful adventure! I can’t wait to hear more about it!!!

November 13, 2014

Teresa said:

Safe travels home Robin! I loved joining you on this journey!

November 13, 2014

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