I can only hope that the video I have posted here is working. It is my first attempt at video blogging so fingers crossed. Even if it does work this video, taken by Shane from the rooftop pool of our hotel, still cannot give you the full effect of what was one of the greatest displays we have ever witnessed. It was 360 degrees around us and pure chaos. Magical doesn’t go half way to describing the sight, smell and sound of unfettered fireworks at midnight here at Sanur in Bali. Coincidentally as we watched the colourful explosions we saw a jet come in to land at Denpasar. We believe from what Adrian told us about what time they landed and what they saw that it was their plane we watched as it approached Bali airport.
A few days after the NYE fireworks we picked up Adrian, Lin and granddaughter Joy, to be taken on a tour by Aufa of Asmara Tour (aufayajid@yahoo.com or google “Asmara Tour Bali”). Now if you want excellent service from a guide who, after minutes, feels more like family than a guide then Aufa is your man. Joy took to him (or was it the other way around?) and he was more than happy to babysit and carry Joy so we could enjoy the sights. Once we were in the car we headed south to see the famous Uluwatu clifftop temples and the fire dance there. On the way there we stopped at one of the many coffee plantations to sample their wares and to give Joy a chance to burn off some energy.
As the sun began to set we settled in to our seats in the amphitheatre. Joy was curious an also excited as we could see the monkeys in the treetops around us. This amphitheatre is unbeatable for location and scenery being built high on the cliffs of Uluwatu. Eventually the theatre was so packed out people were literally sitting on the edge of the performance area as dancers acted out their ancient story around them. This show starts with the ‘choir’ entering the ring around a fire stand before being blessed by a holy man. Then the 2 main characters appear. Basically the ‘male’ leaves to protect an distressed animal while the female is kidnapped by some evil dude. The male character returns and with the help of a white monkey and Sugriwa the red monkey they recover the female lead safely while the evil doers are dispensed with. Joy was enthralled and experienced a whole range of feelings. She was fearful when the bad guys came but laughed at the white monkey’s antics as it climbed amongst the crowds photobombing selfies and stealing peoples hats. All the while off to our side the sun set beautifully over the ocean horizon.
The last few pictures were taken at Jimbaran Beach where we had tea after the show. This beach is so popular for dining that as far along the beach to both our left and right, as far as we could see, were tables like ours in the sand in front of restaurants for diners. A fantastic way to end the day. At least Joy thought so. As we ate she was happy playing under our table a filling plastic bottle with sand.
As I said earlier if you want the best tour guide in Bali give Aufa a call. I’ll guarantee satisfaction.
Next blog we’ll show you our day at Bali Zoo and a few other bits and pieces.
Cheers
Garry