The Watchman's Cabin: 06.12

ISLAND OF THE GODS

A return to Bali in the first two weeks of June was planned by Janet as a way to recharge and revive after a very busy 6 months. It's very hard to unwind after such an amazing journey that went back to March 2011 in Sicily right up to May 2012 including the exhibition.

B A L I ~ U B U D

We have been asked many times, "....why Bali?".
And all we can say is, it draws you in .... it's about Asian culture. It has inspired many European artist with it's beauty, its spirituality and its rawness.
Over crowded yes (Bali. Pop3.8mill on 5,600 square kms), disfunctional yes, exotic yes without question, and wonderfully friendly, yes.
The people are very inventive and are all Artisans of one kind or another, the Hindi ceremonies of which there are many have everyone involved carving, painting, cooking and weaving, always in groups. The conversations, rich chatter and infectious laughter creates a constant buzz among them.
The 'Balinese' are always seen as friendly by visitors on tour. Most whom are dropping in for just two weeks, they only stop at any given hotel for 2 nights. From Europe, USA, Canada, Korea, and now big numbers from China (a market that is free now to travel ) but they never stay long enough to truly get to know the local people.

Even the groups that come for yoga, and other healthy spirited experiences also never see the real Bali, because they are absorbed with 'self' and lock themselves away in an open air room for days on end. Then there's the surfing visitors that hug the cost.
And let's not talk about Mexico (Kuta) with it's own sub-culture.

O B S E R V A T I O N S

The Ubud we love has changed over the last 15 years. This village, on the side of the Volcanoes has been developing at a great rate. The thing that is still core in the village is its dance, music, food, agriculture and its Balinese Hindi culture.
The food offer has matured with European, Japanese and Australian influences.
The young people (Gen X) of Bali are spending money on education too. They are not immune to the digital age.
The challenge for Ubud, is to not "sell out" to the multinationals. First they get Starbucks on the main road and then there's the developers that are looking for the next big build after they have run out of coastal space down south.
Sitting ducks. I'm afraid the village banjar has little infrastructure in place to resist these cashed up developers.

U B U D ~ D R E A M I N G

We love staying still when we're here in Ubud; one room in a family run hotel set amongst the rice fields north of Ubud, a 20 minute walk to the center of town. Ananda cottages - three stars, no TV, food is simple and so cheap. Janet has many local people she whiles away the time with here, varying in age from 15 months to 95 years, and then there are those she visits in her field of object making. I get to take time to stop and draw the exotic people and Hindi architecture including the many fascinating temples.
I have attached these images from my instagram app. to get you into the mood.


A N A N D A ~ C O T T A G E S ~ U B U D

OUR ROOM #30 IS UPSTAIRS, YOU CAN HAVE IT OPEN WITH THE FAN | THERE'S AC IF YOU LIKE

THIS IS OUR WALK TO BREAKFAST EVERYDAY

THE MAIN POND BESIDE THE RESTAURANT

OUR BALCONY ~ DUTCH STYLE FURNITURE ~ THERE'S A DAY BED TO THE RIGHT OF PICTURE

These other images are a taste of what's around us. Janet took her ipad with us, and I enjoyed the chance to 'finger paint' on the touch screen.
You'll also see us with Ian and Lynne McGill on the border of Mexico, in a wonderful lunch venue.

SARDINE RESTAURANT ~ ALFRESCO DINING ~ DETAIL OF RATTAN WATER GLASS COVERS

IAN McGILL EXPLAINING THE MENU ~ HIS PHONE WAS RINGING HOT FROM THE BUILDERS AS THEY ARE CLOSE TO FINISHING A WONDERFUL HOME SET IN THE FIELDS OF BALI