Balinese Offerings

I had a very interesting and delightful fun lesson on making the Balinese ‘offerings’. Learning to weave the baskets pining them into the different shapes (each basket has a different cultural meaning.  Make the woven pieces that sit inside and hold frangipani, marigolds, petals, gardenias and a moss like greenery and an unbelievably fragrant Balinese flower that I think may be an orchid.  It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.  My teacher had NO English so the instruction was just watch and follow. They are trickier to make than you think and luckily my teacher was so patient, my square basket looked definitely wonky and NOT square and my ceremonial special fronded ones a bit droopy!  He he he It was fun! After making mine, it seemed a shame to give them away!

You can read about the significance and spiritual meanings of the makings of the offerings, the Balinese culture below….So interesting! (Demons??? No later was told just a bit naughty) This class is only $10 (plus you have to pay a small 'tip', it shows your enjoyment and thank you for your time), available through Pangkung House.

The many unseen inhabitants of Bali like….. gods, ancestors and demons etc. are treated by the Balinese as honored guests through the daily presentation of ‘offerings’ of every imaginable shape, color and substance. These are first and foremost gifts in expressing gratitude to benevolent spirits, and placating mischievous demons to prevent them from disturbing the harmony of life.  Simple offerings are presented daily as a matter of course, while more elaborate ones are specially produced for specific rituals. These offerings must be attractive, and a great deal of time and effort is expended to make them so. Leaves are laboriously cut, plaited and pinned together into decorative offerings with flowers, a bit of cake/biscuit or sweet, coin and tobacco etc. They have a deep symbolic significance quite apart from their decorative function. In many ways, therefore, the making of offerings is an important traditional art form that flourishes in Bali.

Kecak Fire and Trance Dance Ubud

Of all the dances seen on Bali today, the Kecak dance is perhaps the most dramatic. Taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka. Unlike other dances, there is no music accompanying it. Instead, a troupe of bare-chested men serve as the chorus, making a wonderful accompaniment of "chak-achak-achak" clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands. After the kecak dance, there is a performance of a Sanghyang Jaran dance. Riding a wooden horse, the man (in a trance) charges through a pile of burning coconut shells. Flames are kicked up as he charges through the embers walking on the hot glowing coals. (ouch) 

Am amazing show! Only $6 tickets at temple Friday nights in Ubud Community temple.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

At Pangkung House they organised a professional Balinese dance teacher Thari to visit my room for one on one lessons on dance. The way to hold your hands, the fingers dance. How to place your feet, toes up. How to gracefully hold your arms and sway and bend your hips. tilt your head and move your eyes. It is harder than it looks! The whole body dances at once, looking so still, moving from one pose to another. Loved this and even tho I was sweating and a bit strained a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Can't wait for my next lesson!                                                

Monkey forest 

An irresistible place to re visit. All the baby monkeys are new borns and nursing, clinging to their mothers and the brave ones venturing out to climb all over the tourists. A few have twins. The fathers are all just sitting around looking very pleased with themselves. It had just stopped raining and a few of the babies looked like lil drowned rats (but oh so cute!)  What is it with all the statues here?

 

Arma and Art Gallery and Cultural Center Ubud

The Arma Museum is an amazing place to visit. The extensive and immaculately maintained grounds and tropical gardens of 5 hectares are stunning! The palms and trees with all different types and colors of orchids cascading down them, the fragrant tropical flowers. Fountains surrounded by statues of gods,goddesses and even komodo dragons. Waterfalls with ponds and little rivers with ornate bridges to cross to see the terraced rice paddies, ponds filled with lotus flowers or waterlilies. The walls of the galleries covered in ornate carvings, the antique carved golden doors. It is a photographers dream!

Arma modern art gallery consists of two building, one modern and one ancient antique Balinese traditional style of painting. It's fascinating, the detail, the colors and depicting the Balinese way of life before the settlers and tourists. Their village day to day, dance and ceremonies. Your not supposed to take photos inside the gallery....but oops my finger kept slipping on my camera (plus I thought you would love to see a few of my favorites) The carvings, the golden doors, the statues! I ran down the battery in my camera!

                     

  Arma is also a cultural center. With workshops on carving, leaning the traditional Balinese dance and musical instruments. Batik, offerings, and cooking classes and more.

I loved visiting Arma, a delightful and enlightening way to spend the morning.

Beautiful Bali 

Hi everyone! I'm in Ubud Bali, have been here 5 days now. Was going to blog each day but have been so wrapped up in the Bali experience. I want to do everything at once! There is so much to do, so much to see, so much to experience.

So starting with my flight .... Long 6 hours (plus had already seen ALL the movies on the flight) But had a pleasant flight, the staff of Virgin are always lovely. Soon as you get off the plane you are hit with this wonderful smell, incense, tropical flowers it so Bali .... BUT on arriving in the terminal at customs there is a line-up. There would of been 1000's of people with only 5 (slow) staff stamping the visas. All you want to do is get out, get into Bali, start your holiday. Luckily all the drivers know of this delay (up to 2 hours) and wait patiently for you. The Balinese are so laid back, nothing fazes them, even the hot and frustrated visitors dying for a cool drink, the bathroom and a ciggy! Ha ha ha ha

Finally arrived to Pangkung House in Ubud, about an hours drive to the center of Bali to my wonderful room and let the calm, peace and serenity of Bali was over me. This is what this visit to Bali is all about .... Rest, recuperation, stress free, worry free, meditation and wellness .... Serenity

I'm staying in Ubud with a wonderful family here in what they call a 'homestay' you live within the family compound in your own room (pic below). Last time I was here I started my blog on my travels and Kadek the host used my photos and text for his website. So this time I have to do the same Offered. So below are some of the photos and underneath Reviews those is a description of what it's like here, the Attractions etc. I Gives you a good Idea of ​​what I am seeing, experiencing and LOVING !!!!

My Room, it has a verandah with views of the rice fields. The grounds are filled with beautiful sweet smelling tropical flowers, orchids, statues, birds and ponds. It is heaven here.

Offerings are made each day to Reviews their gods, giving thanks and prayers for family and friends. (More on the offerings soon as I have a class to learn to make them)

Experience an Authentic Balinese lifestyle with Pangkung House.  

"" "" "A traditional Balinese homestay within the family's compound in a tropical, serene and relaxing setting. cascading orchids, fragrant frangipanis, statues, the family temple. Immerse yourself in the serenity of Bali, feel at home with hosts Anik and Kadek The friendly and welcoming family and staff of Pangkung BnB Homestay. 

http://pangkunghouse.com/

+ 62-812-3912-574

There are four spacious double rooms available. With cool verandas, with ensuite, baths, sitting rooms, two with air conditioning or ceiling fans and walk-in robe or lockable wardrobes. One top room has views of the rice paddies next door. Free wifi throughout. Complimentary coffee and tea and Anik will serve you breakfast daily plus there is a separate kitchenette and fridge available for guests to use. It is also safe for single travelers.

Pangkung house on Jalan Hanoman 49 is within 10 minutes walking distance from the center of Ubud.  A hustle and bustle free street filled with boutiques, art, crafts, batik and wood carvings and souvenirs. Close to CoCo's supermarket, ATM's, money changers and laundry services. The tasty Balinese Warungs (cafes) serving authentic Balinese fare, skewers, salads or curry are a must or the restaurants serving crispy skinned duck famous Balinese to wood fired pizza. Next door to Pangkung house is Café Spider stalls serving affordable, delicious local cuisine and western food. Wonderful friendly staff and a great place to have a cold drink and watch the world go by Balinese carefree.

Visit the monkey forest and Arum museum and gallery. The Royal Palace, the famous Ubud Arts and Crafts Market. Ubud is the cultural mecca of arts, learn Balinese dancing, do workshops on Balinese cooking, musical instruments, traditional dance, wood carving and more. Yoga studios, wellness centers and massage and beauty spas are close by.

A driver is available for airport pick ups and Kadek the host and tour guide can  organisé  and drive you to all the local tourist Attractions. Picturesque terraced rice fields, temples and markets. Ubud Bali is a photographers dream. Kadek is more than happy to help you with any suggestions or your tour plans you may have to make-your Bali experience memorable.

Rooms are $ 30 to $ 35 Aust. per night. "" "" "

http://pangkunghouse.com/contact-us#

Hope you have enjoyed my first blog. Will be posting day 2 very soon

Voogs

(Ps No I do not miss you all yet, am having a too enlightening time!)

BACK TO BALI! 

Hi everyone, just letting you know I'm back to the bali. This visit is for only 10 days. I'm leaving tomorrow morning the 10th of November 14 in the early morning to arrive in Denpasar at about 2:30 in the afternoon. It's a 6 hour flight and but I gain a few hours due to the time difference. I'm going straight to Ubud this time, the which is near the center of Bali. To get some much needed rest, wellness and revitalization and good spiritual and physical health. More on this later part .....
So hope you enjoy this journey with me, keep in touch and I'll show you what I'm seeing and hope you enjoy what I am doing, have planned.
Post more soon
Voogs
xxx

My Seminyak retreat

Pearl 'boutique' hotel and spa Seminyak Bali.  An Idyllic hideaway  tucked away from the hustle and bustle, noise and crush of people and traffic that makes Bali...Bali.  The inviting pool is crystal clear and refreshingly cool after all the heat.  My Balinese style room with its high pitched, thatched roof, large balcony with views of the pool is so large! Very airy (with air con) and has the most amazing bed with draped netting, a dressing room, bathroom with a deep large bath.  I'm feeling this is total luxury, a decadent and well deserved reward for myself.  I spent 4 days here, the first 2 in the pool and lazing on the Bali style cabana day beds just doing nothing.  Oh I did go to the day spa for a foot massage and an ear wax candle treatment for a bit of cleansing and 'inner balancing'.  All the ladies here swear by their facials. There is also a French restaurant that serves modern French style fare, I had de-boned lamb shank with roasted eggplant that was accompanied by potted potato bake.  It was very yummy (expensive) and a nice change from the Balinese food.  Breakfast was included in the price and each morning I had perfectly poached eggs, fruit (cut into cute shapes) a fresh watermelon juice and Balinese tea.  Before going for my morning walk along the famous Jalan Double Six (street) before heading back to the pool and an afternoon lie down on my awesome comfy bed watching cable T.V....Ahhhhh what a life! 

Hand made paper lampshades...Mood lighting?

My veranda on the left.  My day bed below by the pool.

The Pearl hotels French restaurant, very popular here in Bali, maybe it's because of the fine dining (or the manager above)???

My delicious daily breakfast and view from my balcony, this is heaven!