or, "NO, I don't want a #@%%*$# Bemo, massage, post card, plait your hair, bracelet, watches, money belt, necklace, magic mushroom or jiggy jig!"

A afternoon at the Temples

The entrance to Pura Taman Ayun.

"Pura" means temple. There are literally thousands of them throughout Bali. Unlike most of the rest of Indonesia, Bali is Hindu, and the Balinese take their Hinduism very seriously.

Built in the 18th century, the temple is surrounded by a wide moat. There is a large garden around the temple, and, although it is not possible to enter the temple (access is only given for special ceremonial events), it is possible to wander around outside and view the many shrines and pavilions within.

A short drive further on is the monkey forest of Alas Kedaton. We had heard many stories of the mischeivous monkeys, and put all our loose, bright objects well away in our backpacks. As it turned out, they were quite tame. Kathryn really enjoyed this part of the trip (afterall, the historical and architectural significance of the temples didn't really mean much to her) and she had much fun feeding the monkeys chopped up potatoe pieces.

	"You're not going anywhere until you give me some more of that lovely food!"
Kathryn feeds a monkey on the temple wall
	Andrew, Kathryn and Leonie at Alas Kedaton
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil... So which one's the wise monkey?

We bought a few souvenirs (some wood carvings), and moved on the Pura Tanah Lot.

According to legend, the temple at Tanah Lot was founded in the 16th century by the priest Danghyang Nirartha out of sheer adoration for the natural beauty of the landscape here. Built out on a small outcrop of rock amidst the surf off the coast, its easy to see why.

The temple is best viewed in the late afternoon, when the setting sun creates stunning silhouttes. However, as we were there during the rainy season, there was a bit of cloud about and we did not get such a spectacular sun set.

We did, however, get a good chance to sit and talk with out guide, August, about many things which concern the daily lives of the Balinese, including the current uncertain financial and political situation in Indonesia.

Click on the bemo to continue the journey