Pangkung House was my 2nd Ubud residence, a 'home stay', where as you rent a 'room' within the family's compound.  Amazing traditional Balinese carved door, high thatched roof, 4 poster bed and en-suite.  Run by a wonderful woman, her husband and family you really are made feel welcome and feel part of the Balinese daily life. Looking down from my balcony to the morning prayers, the preparation of the ceremonial offerings, experiencing their day to day life.  With views of the rice fields (with ducks) to the top of the family's temple, the family compound and grounds.  Right next door is the best cafe/restaurant where I ate daily, they had the best tofu and chicken curry and even designed a special salad for me that was a mix of fruit, salad and raw veggies.  They had it waiting for me even before I sat down, see picture above was my favourite girl Ava who stood right behind me giggling, practising her English on me.  I ate here twice a day for under $5.  Delicious!

Above is our hostess's father in law, he is a priest and also a famous Balinese artist.  On prompting he fetched on of his artworks to show us, just magnificent!  The fine brush detail and of the glorious older Balinese culture.  Every day I would look out and see him at his prayers and when I went out for my morning walk would bring him back a sweet.  I found out that he just loves strawberry cheesecake which he would share with his family (his grandson getting the largest share of course!)  Look also at the pair of 'coo ing doves in my offerings box eating ther marigold petals.

Ubud Royal Palace is another 'must to visit in beautiful Ubud, Its a very large family compound consisting of all the royal family members luxurious Balinese villas, gardens, temples and ornate 'dais's with musical instruments for the ceremonial Balinese dancers.  Huge garages, full of all the 'family's' multitude of very expensive (Lexus) cars and motor bikes. You are not allowed to enter the palace grounds, but did mange to sneak a photo thro an open doorway.  After our visit to the palace my friend driver Wayan suggested a very famous eatery that has whole roasted pig on a spit (thos you dont get to see this I did see men carrying one on a big platter off down the street , to the palace maybe?)  Its prepared in the traditional Balinese style mixed with delicious spices, rice, (no...NO gravy) a bit of blood sausage, a few bits I didn't know what it was (and no I didn't try even Wayan did not want this extra bit of 'delicacy') not pictured is my bit of crackling which I scoffed before remembering to take the photo.  This lunch cost just under $10 for 2 and Isn't recommend to the Westerner, you have to ask to be taken there, due some Westerners being offended re the killing of the pigs (and risk of parasites).  I WAS the only Westerner there amid at least 100 diners, sitting at communal, Japanese style (no shoes) low tables.  The line up to eat, the traffic jams outside!  A Balinese favourite restaurant to visit!  Pictured also is Wayan sneakily holding up a covering to show me one of the palaces musical instruments, golden gongs.

Ubud arts and crafts market.  This little boy was the first thing I saw when I arrived at my long awaited visit to the famous Ubud market.  Admittedly it had been pouring rain, we had to step over mud puddles, slippery  broken pavements and the odd rubbish pile.  But seeing his little face made me think that amid all this hustle, bustle, clamour, was the simple joy of a small boy, not a care in the world, enjoying his 'dixie cup' ice cream, to just chill out and see the simple things, the big picture, look past all the rush and gush,
and enjoy bali for what it is....Bali

With a lot of these photos I tried to capture the beautiful, soft gentleness of the faces of the Balinese folk.  They dont earn a lot of money, they work hard 7 days a week dawn till dusk and still have time for their ceremonies and their friends and above all else their family.  Ubud market is the home of arts and crafts.  Wonderful intricate hand carvings, mosaic bowls/plates, hand beaten tin painted toys, candle holders, statuettes, silver jewellery, clothes, bags, kites, sarong....You name it, all so lovingly created for us to buy...So yes we do, and why not?  It is supporting the whole of the Balinese family.  Its best to buy from someone you know the money is going to the family rather than the 'Boss' Of origins I dont know.  

I had my friend and driver Wayan with me, there is a 'Western price' that when asked we are told (about 3 times more than it is worth) then you then have to barter/haggle for a price where both parties are happy.  Wayan is way better at this than me, as I just hand over the money without the fun of the bargaining process. So yes I did buy this beautiful plate above with pressed mother of pearl shell that looks like butterfly wings and a mosaic green bowl for another friend.  Tip number 1 here, only take the $'s you want to spend here, If I had of had more $'s on me... I would YES have spent it all.

I was introduced to Wayans family above)

here, just love the always smiling faces, and darling lil ones faces.  The woman below had her daughter (not photographed) hiding against the wall, she had downs syndrome and  I had Wayan go back and give her a few $'s.  All are loved here!

So many fabulous things to look at and buy....!

Tah Dahhhh!!! I know you all have been waiting so patiently for these pics (well a few 'hurry ups') The Balinese Monkey Forest at Ubud Bali is one of the top 5 places to visit and a MUST to visit!  It totally lives up to your expectations as a wonderful fun day. Situated in a tropical lush forest, magnificent tall trees, bridges over  deep gorges, temples and statues with the cheeky monkeys run riot.  They tell you to not have anything 'pinchable' on you, like a hat or sunglasses on your head or open bags.  The monkeys will jump on you (no no monkey jumped on me as Wayan my guide/driver held a stick) they will steal your things and hang them from the trees until you give them a banana...True!  I just loved seeing all the baby monkeys, the alpha male 'boss' monkey (above) He was just lying there scratching his 'nuts' right in the middle of the main walkway, not a care in the world.  Bali is truly a small slice of heaven!

 The Balinese blouse worn in the ceremonies is a kebaya, they have to be made to size and this takes three days...Oh dam yes I have to come back to Villa Cilinaya!!  There is the most wondrous boutique right out the front (run by the hostess) has the most exquisite kebaya!  I just couldn't resist!  I purchased a pale ice blue aqua piece with the most stunning fine lace work I have ever seen. With a matching sarong and buckle, I wont tell you the price, but it is well worth getting a memento of Bali and a kebaya is the perfect thing, I'll post a photo of it when it is finished.  Breakfast is complementary here and we where served a delicious breakfast with the most perfectly cooked poached eggs I have ever eaten in my life!  Awaiting my driver ( to go to the Ubud 'homestay') I mentioned about going to a local takeaway to get some lunch?  Nopes!  Chicken nasi goreng rice was specially made for me (no cost) and served to me in the rooms kitchenette, I felt like a queen!  I am definitely coming back here!

The making of memories is what makes a holiday so special.  Our host and hostess made us (my friend was invited to stay at no cost!!!!) feel so welcome and part of their Balinese family, from the girl who served us breakfast to our charming host, everyone was smiling happily and so obliging to any wish or whim we may have had.  Villa Cilinaya aslso has the most amazing home temple that we where invited to worship at in the morning.  You have wear the Balinese attire of a sarong, kabaya (blouse) and a waisted scarf.  To be freshly showered and no shoes, you sit at the base of the main temple with a stick of incense, your offering (flowers) and pray, saying good health and prosperity to all you hold dear. I also thanked my baby Jesus for letting me have a wonderful holiday and finding this lil piece of heaven here in Ubud