Today I was up at 7am as the family and I went to Kutamandi to see the volcano and the lake behind it. It was so spectacular it took my breath away! So so pretty and high up in the mountains. It is still very active and yet there is a village just below it. You can see where the lava goes when it erupts as it is barren and black. It seems it stops not far from the village and this amazed me. Why do these people take the chance of being melted to death? You would think that the government would stop them from building there, but then this government is questionable at the best of times. I really can't understand it. Timhun is Murdi's village in East Bali and we went there for there rest of the afternoon. I had lunch with his family and it was soooo tasty. Chicken satay with rice and vegetables that was delicious! Murdi's uncle, aunt, cousin, his wife and their son live in a beautiful community that just really was so peaceful. They have chickens, massive pigs, rice paddys and a vegetable garden that anybody would be envious of in Australia. I sat immediately in what looked like the most comfy chair on one of the porches, and they all exclaimed that when my Nan went there it was also the exact spot she sat as well J. It made me very happy indeed as they say I talk just like her and gesture like her too. Most of my family would find this insulting as they don't remember her fondly but I took it as a compliment, because I loved her very much! Felt so close to her I almost cried as I never got to say goodbye before she died as I was in Sydney at the time holidaying. We also visited the most amazing Hindu temple but as Murdi did not have his Hindu cumberbund with him I told him that I did not expect to go in if this made him uncomfortable, and that we could come back on the 28th when we are going back to the village for a ceremony. On this day I will wear a traditional Balinese Hindu dress and I am very excited about it. This week on the 18th it is a national celebration for Independence Day as it was on this day in 1942 at the end of 2nd World War that the Dutch stopped occupying their beautiful country. For 300yrs they have been ruled by the Japanese, and then the Dutch so it will be a huge celebration. Preparations are well underway with red and white everywhere, the colours of their flag. Unfortunately Murdi will be working but Wayan his wife and I will be going into Denpasar for the day as they have tree climbing competitions and many other things to watch and do. Very much looking forward to it. Tonight I am off to Kuta again to catch up with my new bf Milly and her awesome Balinese boyfriend Miko. Love them to bits and they have gone out of their way to show me around and I can't thank them enough. I will also be visiting all my friends at the Bounty as Lisa and Nic are going home this Thursday and I will miss them dreadfullyL.