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Arrived in Bali a couple of days ago and currently in Ubud, the place is totally relaxing and is very much what my little legs need after the last few weeks hectic travelling and doing lots of activities.
Haven't done much here, just relaxed and just soaked up the calm atmosphere, although I did go to a park where there were lots of Monkeys.
Ubud is central Bali and it's cultural hub, at first I thought a bit poncy and pretentious but it grew on me quickly and I soon realised it has a spiritual vibe to it. Lots of beautiful paintings and arty stuff to admire and lovely scenery also. I am staying in a great place and probably the nicest place I have ever stayed in, huge ensuite room with a bath(first bath since I have been on the road) and a swimming pool overlooking rice paddy fields. The food is wonderful and the live music in the evenings are great.
Like always I am savouring each moment and at times it seems I am in another world from the one back home, yes I am having tremendous fun and doing something very few people get the chance to do, but I ain't got it all you know, you could say I have 'Everything but the girl'. The secret to life is that it is a gift and everything you have has been given to you and be thankful for what you and you only have. Why do we want something simply because someone else has it? Of course at times I look at happy couples with a tinge of envy but suddenly realise that hey ho Ferg never mind there's always tomorrow.
The local people here are in complete relaxation mode. I am sure here like in Kuching they arrest people and lock them up if they are miserable because I haven't seen any anger or an unhappy person in 4 days. Without trying to get in to the whole debate of what is freedom, it recently dawned on me that although the term 'full democracy' is not often associated with SE Asian countries, the free will and minds of folk have created their own happy way of life and you get a sense don't envy one another or have excessive desires. It's all about the individuals interpretation of how they live their lives. Ho Chi Minh once said "Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty" how right he was, if a country has that independence to rule itself and not driven by other nations desires and demands then surely it has to be good for the people. How often do we complain that we follow what America says or Europe is controlling our affairs, it's the lust for power and money that makes the world angry and greedy, the reason for this? Well it is generally consented that the Western thought is based on the Greek philosophy of Plato et all. A few years ago I tried to read Platos Republic and had to keep giving up, then I realised why I didn't understand It, he was talking out of his arse a bit like our politicians back home.
As an individual we cant change the world but we can change as individuals to unite in a way that that could make a difference, its often quoted that things are not what they used to be and we've lost our community spirit with local shops are being swallowed up by multinationals which in turn affects the community, let's say the whole nation decided to not shop in one of our supermarket chains for a whole week. What would happen?
Thats enough ranting Regan and to quote Groucho again "Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others".
Going to take it nice and easy for the next few weeks and heading to Lombok on Saturday for my first beach location in a while and will then do some island hopping to the Gilis and before heading back to Sanur in Bali for Christmas.
- comments
Matt Hi mate, wow that was a good rant - better than what I am used to! Bali and Ubud are supposed to very cool places so again I am green. It does sound amazing and I think you should spend some time putting your memoirs down upon your return with your musings, they certainly make good reading. Miss you mate hope you have a great Christmas and you carry on enjoying every moment.