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Tom:
Finally managed to get something musical into this trip - Gamelan! Firstly, two nights ago we saw a traditional Balinese dance in Ubud, and to my powers of aural perception the scale of the Gilaks (percussive instruments) let's say starting on F went as follows:
F, G-flat, A-flat, C, D-flat, E-flat, F.
The music contained the obvious cross-rhythms I had expected and so I wanted to learn a little more about it. We found a course for $25 (2hrs in a group for learning a piece and some history) which I couldn't afford. Then we went to the local library and found a course for $15 which was a private lesson, minus the history. I went for that one, and had a fun time attempting some of those cross-rhythms, with different time signatures in either hand/beater. The scale of the gilaks (one metallic, one bamboo) was more basic than those from the dance show (a more simple white-note form) so I figure there's no standardised notation. Anyway - despite the lack of history I did have a good time, and might research Gamelan further in future. Pictures of the lesson on the way. Hope all is well with everyone at home. TY
Nilufer:
Before we went in search of a course in Gamelan Tom said that he wasn't apprehensive about learning about this art because as he said "how hard can it be to bang a couple of sticks against bamboo?". But after the lesson, his shirt was soaked in sweat, his back hurt, and his face emanated a happy glow that I haven't seen since he handed in his Masters coursework! I am relieved to see that face again, as I felt that I was personally responsible for making him lose his will to live and creativity in that awful, brain-numbing Cornish factory, in which he had to work in order to go on this trip which I persuaded him would be an awesome idea (I pride myself on my powers of manipulation, for which Tom can testify)! During the lessons I was sat in the little library which had a sitting area up on the top floor overlooking the garden and temples, and the music that Tom and his teacher were making rose up enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
We decided to stay in Ubud for a week in order to find out about Gamelan courses (tick in the box) and because we've been told that the Hindu new year, the Day of Noise and then the Day of Silence (15th, 16th) are happening next week. After walking down the little streets here we have seen numerous paper effigies of 'demons' which are very impressive and brightly coloured. They will be paraded through the streets on Monday and then burnt. We can't miss that! Plus on the Day of Silence our hotel lady said that she would provide all meals because we're not allowed to leave the hotel if we want to be respectful. Ideal! I always love a bargain.
The hotel we're staying in is really good. It's a traditional Balinese bungalow, huge, with ensuite, breakfast included (yummy fruits and fruit pancake + tea), free food on the 16th, all for 60, 000 rupiah (about $6 a night for the room). I haggled for that - mum would be proud!
Tom says I have to wrap it up. So I'll go now. We'll contact you from the Gili islands in about 4 days time. If we don't contact you it's because the internet isn't working, apparently that can happen on Gili Meno. So, mums and dads don't worry! Lots of love xxxxxxxx
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