Benoa, Bali, Indonesia

Located on the southeastern coast of Bali is the small village of Tanjung Benoa. Still considered a fishing village, Benoa has developed over the past 20 years into a major player in the tourism sector. It is home to both the cruise terminal and the International airport in Bali. The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches have made Benoa the prime water sport area of Bali. Being a peninsula that is only accessible from one direction, Tanjung Benoa is still relatively quiet with a more relaxed feeling. 

Bali was a major passenger embarkation point. Many of the passengers we had met finished their final leg here and a whole new group of passengers boarded. Thus, starts a new leg for many folks. We look forward to meeting some new passengers and said “goodbye” to George and Annette our friends from San Diego. We hope to see them again state side. They will be missed. 

Our guided tour today was nothing short of interesting. It was the day before the Balinese New Year and the entire island was preparing for that sacred holiday. According to the Balinese calendar, Nyepi, is a celebration of silence. This celebration is accompanied by the Ogoh-ogoh parade where giant mythical creatures are paraded around the streets to scare off negative energy. These traditions and ceremonies are a vital part of the Nyepi festival and showcase the deep cultural and religious heritage of the Balinese people.

Our tour began in the bustling city of Denpasar, where we stopped at the Pasar Kreneng Market. They had everything from fruit, vegetables and spices to clothing. The market was full of people preparing for the holiday. The market itself was interesting but, frankly, smelled like the barn yards of my childhood in North Dakota. Consequently, we were uninspired to purchase much other than two small bottles of vanilla. Women carrying baskets on their heads could be seen everywhere. Including on scooters. We learned that their are 2.8 million scooters on the island and every family member rides one after reaching grade 12 up until they are elderly and can no longer balance. Some of the scooters had two and three children aboard with mama.

Our next stop was The Jagatnatha Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Wasa. It is one of 20,000 temples scattered throughout Bali. Dedicated to the supreme Hindu god, Sanghyang Widi Wasa, the temple features a prominent padmasana…a seven-tiered carved limestone throne of lotus blossoms; atop the throne sits a golden statue of the Vishnu deity. There were many Balinese people praying in the courtyard. From there, we visited the Bali Museum nextdoor. The museum and its gazebos, garden courtyards and carved stone entrance was build in 1931. Many of these building look much older due to the extreme rain and heat they collect moss and lichen on their surfaces. Everything here looked like it could use a good power-washing. 

Joe did not see much of the museum as he was keeping tabs on his beloved, Edina Hornets, in their quest for yet another Minnesota State Hockey championship. He was texting with his buddy, Marty, as it was late in the third period. I do believe he was praying outside with many of the Balinese people. He assured Marty that the Hornets would surely win after all those prayers. Alas…it worked. After the victory, he became much more engaged in the tour. Let’s be clear here I tapped into the energy of these very kind Hindu’s in Bali. We/they sent their intensions, straight from the temple, through me to the Xcel Energy Center and offered that edge to the green and white. I told Marty that it should be good for a goal – got it. The Hornets brought it home – great job guys.

Our last stop was the King’s Palace in Blahbatuh. Here, upon arrival, a ceremony was underway by the locals that involved a “sacrifice” necessary for Nyepi. Villagers were gathered to kill chickens (Joe swore they were ducks) outside the palace. We were welcomed there for tea prior to walking around the inside of the palace. We were required to tie sarongs around our middles (covering our belly buttons) prior to entering the palace. The Balinese people believe that everything pure is above the belly button. 

We are still in the “rainy season” in this part of the world and yesterday, after arriving back to the ship and getting ready for dinner, the rain and the wind whipped up and it absolutely poured! Joe was on our balcony watching passengers who were trying to board get soaked trying to get up the gangway onto the ship. They got a soaking shower on the way onboard. The welcome dance party that was to take place on the pool deck was necessarily moved indoors. Last night there was a new energy with newcomers enjoying their first day on Odyssey. Speaking of showers, I am struggling daily to keep the “frizzies” under control on my hairdo and I have almost given up. ANY amount of time outdoors turns a hairdo into a mess in no time at all.

We are at sea on our way to our next stop at Pare Pare. Stay tuned. With a new leg of our journey upon us the trivia teams are being rebuilt and we intend to once again compete. We have undergone a name change for this new team. “Wanna Go Cruisin” is our new moniker, since that was the standard answer last round when we didn’t know the answer and it stuck. We have a number of us that stayed onboard but needed to recruit new blood. Two of the couples that joined us have non-English speaking spouses. That ought to be interesting.

Today’s fun fact: Joe and I started a pact at the beginning of this cruise to never take the elevator. So far, we have succeeded. It has been mighty tempting after a long tour day or too much wine at dinner. It has now become a challenge and when one of us loses willpower we cheer the other toward the stairs. Our suite is on the 8th floor of the ship and floors 3-10 are in play. We may have to break the pact on the last day if we have to get all this damn luggage out of here. My I-watch is now notifying me that I am climbing more stairs than usual. Duh.

Some updates here on the Vortex. I found the energy yesterday to venture into the closet (remember that this closet is actually only 4×8) to try for some additional clothing. It immediately mesmerized me. I felt dizzy and had a conversation with a disembodied cat grin. Found nothing. Frozen in space/time. Janet puled me out of there by grabbing my belt. I’ll try another day.

On a more serious note, I learned that the Hindus wear a hat (kind of a wrap) that has the right side higher than the left. This is due to the belief that the right side of their brain is the good side of the Ying/Yang and they wear it higher to symbolize that their good side in in control of their bad side. Additionally, when they are operating from their good side they finish what they are saying with a smile. I have noticed this before and now I know why. These Hindu’s have very cool stuff.

I kind of dig going though all of these “seas” Timor, Coral, Arafura, and now Java. Always wondered where the heck these places were. If there is any disappointment, they all look the same… go figure. I had an extra cup of coffee today to celebrate the Java sea.