Sunny afternoon

There's always a ceremony somewhere happening in Bali. Last week we heard gamelan music long into the night coming from the temple across the stream, in the next village a five minute walk away. Today we learned that there was to be another ceremony with a procession and offerings and thought we would go. Which means you have to dress appropriately. Both men and woman wear sarongs and colorful sashes. Men also wear white collared shirts or something similar. Girls cover their arms. Most Balinese women wear sheer lace jackets over their fitted tops. Can be very pretty. We actually missed the procession but wandered around the small streets and watched the locals patiently waiting for the priest to finish their sing song prayers. Kids were dressed as miniature adults and were adorable. Everyone playful and having a good time. I tried not to be too offensive taking photos, and managed to sneak in a good one or two. Wasn't sure how much of an intrusion that would be during their ceremony. It actually got sunny for a while this afternoon after a morning of rain. So it felt wonderful to stroll around and observe the sights and sounds. Later about ten of us were in the pool telling traveler's tales. A nice group of people staying here at Melati. Alan, a retired dentist from Toronto introduced me to an American woman who has lived in Bali ten years. She produces hand painted scarves and clothing. We walked over to her compound where there was a small building where her painters were hard at work. Each painter sat on a mat in front of a bamboo stretcher with a long length of silk stretched across it and literally free handed painted the designs. Her house was nearby through a glorious garden. Three stories of elegant Bali style open living. Nice art, and comfortable furnishings. Every window offered a view of tropical plants and flowers. I could understand how you wouldn't want to leave the sanctuary of this home. Nice to get a peek into the possibilities of what you can do here if you have taste and time. As it happens, Alan also knows another woman he wants to introduce me to. When he began a description of her it turned out to be someone I know. An architect from Del Mar. So it really is a small world.