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Hi All
Well we've had a change of address since I last blogged.We went searching for a villa on the weekend and it turns out it's a good season to be renting long term here.It's way nicer than the little hotel room we had and its also cheaper so here we are - living in Bali!
Our place is in a small gang (lane way) one street back from the beach on the border of Legian and Seminyak.For those of you who know this area it is just off Double 6 Street.
It's a much nicer environment for Brian to be working in and it means I can cook some of our meals (I'm the cook since Brian is doing the work!) and we have aircon in the bedroom (the only closed room) which has an office desk built into it so that has become Brian's office.
It's an open air house which is common in the tropics.I must have evolved somewhat living in Australia, as a few years ago this concept would have sent me over the edge, not being a fan of bugs on the whole.
We share our home with butterflies, dragon flies, massive snails (these get relocated to the garden if they lose their way), geckos and of course, the cockroaches (although luckily I've only seen 2 so far).It's so nice to be in the house, yet also outdoors and we have a lovely garden lush with frangipani and other exotic looking things I am yet to learn the name of.Outside of our little compound is a swimming pool that is shared with the other three villas in the complex.Thing is, its quiet season so at the moment the other villas are empty so we have the pool to ourselves.
The villa is run by a young couple who come and clean every day (and I of course clean before they get here so that they don't have too much to do).The lady is pregnant so I don't want her running after us when we are perfectly capable of looking after the villa ourselves.The man's name is Giday which quite frankly is killing me.All I want to do is say G'day Giday but he wouldn't get the joke and it would sound like the crazy NZ woman is saying his name twice each time.So, I settle for Hello Giday (which to my mind is still hilarious).
Life here has settled into a nice routine, we surf or walk on the beach around 6.30am each day.This is the nicest hour in this tropical heat and all the locals are out and about at this time.On the way back from the beach I like to see all the daily offerings being put out and smell the incense that fills the air at this time of day.We have breakfast about 7.30am and Brian starts work around 8am.Lunch is either eaten in the villa or we go out as it's a bit hot to cook midday.We usually have a swim after lunch to cool down.
Work for Brian finishes about 4.30pm and around 6pm we take another walk on the beach as its once again cool.We either have dinner at home or go out depending on how we feel.
The last couple of days have been interesting as its Balinese New Year (Nyepi).There have been ceremonies on the beach each night and last night (NY eve) there was a big parade down the main streets of large papier mache demons.Apparently demons hang out at main intersections so that's where we headed to watch the ceremonies.New Years eve is all about making lots of noise with drums and lighting torches to scare away the demons.New Years day however, is a day of contemplation and silence and any demons who were not scared away the night before leave the island as they think Bali has been deserted.
So, today was utter silence in Bali.No planes (the airport was closed), no motorbikes, no loud noises whatsoever.We saw the people who ran the hotel and they only whispered hellos and closed doors very gently.We did the same and it was a lovely quiet day.We were not permitted to leave the villa and the same go for all the tourists on the island who were confined to their hotel complexes for the day.Apparently if you left the hotel there are police who will march you right back indoors.
This evening though they told us to turn the lights off as no lights are permitted either.So, we are managing with head torches and a couple of tealight candles.These are permitted and thank goodness for that as I don't want to trip over a snail or anything. We cooked dinner in the dark with the aid of head torches and it was a bit like camping.We can't watch any telly as that makes noise.It's pitch black outside, so I hope all the demons are gone and we can start the year anew tomorrow with lots of good luck and happiness (and some telly would be nice).
Well that's it from me for today.I think at the weekend we might make an overnight trip up to Ubud in the centre of the island.It's a bit cooler up there and there are some great cafes and lush rice paddies to look at.
I hope you are all well and happy.On on that note I will wish you all a Happy New Year!
Lots of love and sunshine
Kerry and Brian
xx
PS.Keep the messages coming - I love to hear from you all and what you are doing.
- comments
Jo Giday! Oh so envious - why do I feel I am reading a chapter written by Elizabeth Gilbert! It sounds absolutely idealic guys.
Judy wonderful blog Kerry.you have a wonderful way with words. I can just hear you with Giday !Erika got her license today!!!! yeah : )love to you both xxxxx Hey Judy! That's great that Erika got her license - she's obviously improved since the Simpsons Driving days :0) Love to all the family - K and B xx
Rod Hi sounds great wish i was there having a drink and looking at the great sunsets over the ocean have you caught up with gary as yet ? again nice blog regards Rod