Bali Part 1: Call Me Katut.

My impression of Bali has always been that it's the Cancun of S.E. Asia.  But instead of drunken American Tourists looking for a good, cheap time, its Aussies.  (The people I met in Changi Airport on the way to Bali, automatically assumed I was from Australia when I told them where I was going...as if my accent didn't throw them off?!?!)  At least, that is what I was told.  But rumors, and impressions, can be deceiving. 

Bali is truly a magical place.  I felt it as soon as I landed and met Kadek, the man who drove me from Depensar (where the airport was) to Ubud (where my hotel was).  Along the way, Kadek told me a little bit about Bali and about his family.  I learned that my name in Bali would be Katut, because in Bali, they name their children in order of birth.  The first born (Christine, that would be you!) is named Wyan, the second (Andrea, and my driver) is named Kadek; the third (yes Victoria, no longer just Vicki) Nyoman (pronounced without the "N") and the lovely fourth child is named Katut (kind of cute, dontcha think?!)

By the time I got to my hotel, it was so late that the receptionist insisted I wait til morning to check in.  They took me to my room, and it's a lovely villa ish place, with a veranda overlooking a spectacular jungle view.  Since it rained nearly every night, it felt as though I was living in a rain forest, and the birds and other creatures I heard added to that ambiance.  Each morning you wake up to a fresh pot of tea served on your veranda.  Simply delightful.  After tea, I go to the restaurant for breakfast, which is included.  They serve you a plate of fresh fruit and a choice of a western or Indonesian breakfasts.  The front entrance of Nick's Pension is through the village of Ubud, and you have to walk through rice fields to get to the villas.  To exit Nick's from the opposite end of the property, you have to walk through jungle, and across a river (via the bamboo bridge) to get to Monkey Forest Road, one of the main streets in Ubud.  First, let's take a look at some of the photos of where I stayed:

Nick's Pension

In Bali, I stayed in Ubud, which is the artistic and cultural center of the island.  It's in the center, nowhere near the beach, so it is slightly less touristy.  Actually, there are parts of Ubud that are not touristy at all, but Ubud is still a place that clearly caters to tourists, especially with all the cafes lining the main street. But in Ubud, everyone in the village is a painter, or wood carver or weaver.  Mostly painters.  It's spectacular to see the artwork that is produced here!  All along the streets are studios and galleries and locals painting and whatnot.  Take a look at some photos of Ubud as we walk through the streets:

This is Boris.  The Swiss Organic Chemist I met one night at dinner.