Red Eyes

Somehow I know that my body has a good relationship with vitamin B (yes, the complex). It helps my blood type O immune system stronger. Later I was confirmed by the Healthy Choice resto’s list of vitamins my body needs. So I had vitamin B last night after forgetting for weeks.

I got up feeling better. But my eyes? I had quite terrible red eyes last night that I thought it’s another sensitive red eyes caused by public air-conditioner. I spent some hours in PS mall waiting for time to pass the traffic regulation. I didn’t pay extra attention because it cleared up after shower. But this morning I felt my left eyes a bit different, it was pretty red.

I planned to go to bank and have lunch with some ex art-group ladies but I gave my eyes top priority. I made appointment with an ophthalmologist in MMC hospital and went off to be there in time. My flu hasn’t left me. I felt tired: driving, parking, and waiting for doctor. I hardly had luxury to be driven in such condition. My choice probably :-)

The ophthalmologist said I got eye infection on my left eye and have to protect the right from getting the same. She gave me two different eye lotions to be used every 2-3 hours. I decided not to have lunch with the ladies or I might pass the infection. Flu is easy to handle but eye infection is annoying. I don’t remember the last time I got such infection; it must be over twenty-five years.

I have to give in. My body definitely needs rest. I could easily catch any virus if I don’t look after my health. Another reminder to not lose control. I dropped my plan to do banking. I had lost energy actually when driving home. I watched my intake and spent all afternoon finishing Archer that I had read on-off for weeks now. I look forward reading many new books.

Peng called in the afternoon telling me how the ladies thought of me over lunch, that they had my share,…. Yes, it’s very rare that I missed lunch. So sweet Peng. We realized that time has changed. We are all moving into different directions as kids grow, businesses expand, interests extend,… We don’t want to recognize it as we are growing old. We simply grow…

Photo of Ubud temple’s barong by Rad.

Very Physical

It’s an inconvenient circle, if not vicious, that I took longer sleep but then it made my body even weaker. I felt boneless when got up. Ugh. I know this can go for days and I have to go through it before I have my vitality back. I moved in slow motion and had very slow start morning. I lied down between activities: breakfast, internet, yoga, reading,… I didn’t have the luxury to just relax at home as I had meeting with BA Museum team in the afternoon. I didn’t watch my time so it’s good that I got in the Library just on time. I still felt like moving in ‘the background”.

It’s nice to see the Heritage ladies again. There’s always something interesting about the organization activities. This organization has many volunteer activities that are well tended by its members. I renewed my membership so I’m done with my annual duty (but no, they want me to bring a plate of Indonesian snack to the annual welcoming meeting next week, meaning, I cannot skip the meeting).

The BA Museum meeting was short. Some times I think technology can help people “to meet” without physical meeting but in real we actually still need to meet though short. That’s when people have to fly across continents – to attend a “physical meeting”. Hey, what’s my point? My point is… it took us two hours to set up a meeting in the museum next week. Nothing more material than that :-) That’s fine for me. Like reality check, we need to see people’s expression rather just discuss the plan in cyberspace.

So, I had my lunch after the meeting. I had no appetite to have it before went out. There are times when my appetite just down although I know my body needs more nutrition to combat the virus. I’m stranded in 3-in-1 traffic regulation now. Good Vic is around. A short chat will do no harm :-)

Photo of octopus kite in an international kite festival in Bali.

Regrouping Needed

I got up with sore throat. It’s been lingering the past few days. Ya, I missed my daily regimen since I left for Ubud almost three weeks ago. I didn’t pay enough attention to take daily vitamin that I have ‘to pay’ now. I feel weak.

I felt bothered about something particular this morning. At least four close persons I know still ‘keep’ my money. It’s not a large amount of money but I must say altogether is quite substantial. It bothers me because it’s not about borrowing (although it bears the same concept) but more “please pay for me first”. I’m used to be good in considering before lending money to someone I know but this “please pay for me first” comes more spontaneous to me. I don’t mind to do it as long as I have the amount but it seems that people just ‘forget’ about paying me back. I don’t like begging for “my” money but it seems I have to do or I might not get my money back. Sorry to say…

Well, it bogs me down all morning. My good intention has hurt me. I reflected that I badly need regrouping my life. I had pushed many things to happen lately that at the same time cost me a lot. I need to slow down, regroup, and move again. I’d been careless. I forgot to respect my rhythm and values.

I visited Apple shop again. This is the first time I have a new gadget and visiting the shop almost every day. My Apple was frozen yesterday that all my settings gone after I restarted. I didn’t have any clue of why. I sat with the Apple guys for half an hour to learn how to do things. I call it a ‘shortcut’ before clicking Help for more information. They were nice to share their knowledge with me and invite me to learn together anytime. Special people.

I didn’t feel well but I had good appetite for lunch. I stopped by same resto yesterday, the Healthy Choice, where we can choose dish and drink according to blood type. Well, that’s not the main reason why I like the resto, it’s a bit pricey anyway. I just like the atmosphere (white and clean like hospital) and today I found out that I could use wireless connection from a neighbor resto. Very convenient.

It is a hot day. I don’t feel comfortable with my sore throat, and my feeling. I shall start regrouping soon..

Photo of Odalan offering.

Nothing Leaft

Now I’m thinking about my sleeping quality. I got up at 4:30, like usual, but then I felt so tired and sleepy that I lied down in sofa an hour later. I don’t like to say that I had no energy till around 7:00. What’s the point of getting up early then if I cannot be active in the waking time? What’s wrong with me? I felt depleted.

I pushed myself to be active. I needed to go to my cell operator to get mobile internet connection. Another modem for another laptop. Jakarta. Things can be easier if Help Center works. I tried to get info from the Help Center but only to find way to download a ring tone, no option to talk to Customer Service. I went to the Counter near my house and only to find that I have to go to the main office in CBD area to get what I need. Good that the girl called the office to make sure I can get what I want and it’s true they run out of modem stock.

I didn’t have plan for the day but as I had been out I need to maximize. I grocery shopped and combined the trip to Apple shop again to ask for their help. I could not install the printer driver. It ended up I had to figure out myself because they don’t have the printer, they could not help. Fine. But why was the modem shop still closed at 11:00? I could not check if they have modem I need because they don’t put phone number in the shop-sign. Enough complaining.

It was before noon when I finished my errands. I remembered that I hadn’t had carb since two days ago. I ate salad day and night. Is this the answer to my low energy? I dropped by a nice resto near Vic’s office on my way home. I didn’t expect to see him, as he is busy most of the time. I just need good food to supply me with carb and the cranberry fried rice sounds delicious. To see Vic even for half an hour was a bonus. It’s always nice to share good food with good friend.

I drove home in bad traffic. Another big chunk of life wasted.

Photo of a shop sign in Tegallalang.

My Impression

I felt tired and sleepy. That’s when I know my body needs real hard exercise because yoga is not enough. I need cardio exercise, move my body more, sweating more. I checked my agenda and tried to fit gym in the slot. Almost impossible…

This morning I felt strongly about nothing is eternal, especially "impression". I know the notion but I’m just human that can also fall into the belief that things will stay the same for ever. I especially feel that when I have a good impression about something or someone. I tend to hold the impression long time like a belief that something is really good or someone is really wonderful. Only time can change my impression.

It’s the same when I feel like being in a dark deep well with challenges in life, I have to tell myself many times that this is just my impression – temporary feeling. With a little work out, impression will change and I will be okay again. Stay loose!

My feeling takes me to a realization that I really have to be careful with what I say and do because many, if not all, in life is just temporary. It’s so hard to accept the reality because I like to feel comfortable in a state – with a belief. So that’s what I got this morning. Nice realization. Nothing to regret because I’m fine with what I said and did :-)

I spent my AM getting my hair colored – after three canceled appointments. It’s not easy to drag myself to sit in salon. I was so sleepy that I think I dozed off while Herman washing my hair. I was tired. I didn’t feel like meeting friends over lunch so I had quiet lunch in my favorite Coffee Bean. I made it quickly to run to my next in the agenda.

But… It was soo good to run into Rita in the mall. She had a date with husband for coffee. I joined them and spent two hours with her talking and sharing. It’s a pleasant coincidence! For a reason, we don’t know what, we love each other so deeply. We still looked at each other till we disappeared. And love messages poured in after that. I love Rita, my dear girl friend. Knowing her so long, I know this is not just my impression…

Photo of my new soft case. Made in Japan.

The Reminder

Sunday, August 26

I started the day way too early. I awoke around 2:30 but then waited till 4:30. I like ‘dark’ morning of course but then I felt sleepy after about four hours being active. That I don’t like. But yes, I have to accept my bio-rhythm.

I had hilarious morning. I sent emails to some friends about my Vaio the other day and this morning I got two bids. Surprisingly. One was funny. He texted me he would check if his backpack for laptop he already has fits the laptop. I told him to be careful not to build a garage for his future Jag now :-)

And the other bidder is our friend too. I haven’t said yes to both good friends. I like to see who offers me the best price and term of payment. I’m not a good businessman and later the day a friend confirmed me that. He was astonished when I told him how I helped my craftsmen and friends – to be their middleman – without taking profit. Then he considered me not respecting money especially after a short discussion about the spread of exchange rate that I also tend not to pay attention. Oops.. It’s good though someone had reminded me of that issue. Actually I always know about that but still in the back of my mind I don’t calculate well what I might lose.

So it’s good that I had such insight how I should treat my money. It reminds me of some outstanding payments people don’t pay attention. It’s my turn to pay attention then :-)

I spent my morning in Apple shop again to finish up installing Photoshop we tried but failed yesterday. I must say I feel comfortable with people in the shop. They are nice and smart. I’m glad that I had chosen the right shop. We had a good laugh exchanging experience about gadget. So nice.

I was sleepy before 23:00, I felt happy to know that I had good Sunday. Another business is done. Other businesses are waiting with reminder to treating money well…

Photo of yogi in my balcony.

R T M

Saturday, August 25

I read Keri Smith’s blog in the morning. I like her life style. Strange, like me. Only better because she can express her strange idea in three books that sold in Amazon. That’s something – to be able to share strangeness with the world. Anyway, this morning I found another paragraph in her blog that describes “me” very well. Read this:

"it had occurred to me that at times all of my planning and life controlling and goal setting and to do list making was making me a bit crazy. you see, i seem to be the kind of person who is simultaneously an over achiever (read: controlling) and also one of the laziest humans you have ever met, (I know some of you will find this hard to believe but you can ask those who are close to me, it is entirely true.) I flit between the extremes of these two things constantly. yet somehow it all gets done. but let me get to the point..."

Well, that’s my morning when I feel like wanting to do many but don’t know what. It dragged me to the feeling like I don’t contribute much to the world although many of my friends don’t like me saying that. So I was happy to find the continuation of Keri’s thought:

"all the planning and controlling and "trying to make things happen" was not what made things happen. Instead when I look back, all of the really exciting and important things happened when I put stuff out into the world because it felt good (and because I was drawn to do so), and then, LET IT ALL HAPPEN ON IT'S OWN, (whatever that meant).

So the non-planner datebook is a project that gives you permission to not freak out about everything and not try to control the shit out of it. to document thoughts and ideas and experiences as they happen. to partake in the unknown and absurdity in equal measures. to not take yourself or your life so seriously. and most of all to have fun!

yes, it's partly a journal, but it has monthly pages too (you put in the dates, calendar page included), and some crazy pages too like day of wandering (or wondering if you prefer), day of indecision, the semi-blank page for you to customize, page for epiphanies, and the lucky elephant page (which I'll keep a mystery for now)."

In short, I need such Non-Planner Datebook to collect my day ideas, lists, and random thoughts.

So I spent another three hours in Apple shop today. It surprised me when I realized that three hours is not a short time because I didn’t feel like I spent so much time in the shop. I asked the shop to install screen protector (which I found the screen not easy to wipe) and Microsoft Office I forgot to ask yesterday. They lent me a book about Mac for beginners – in Indonesian and written by an 18 year old boy. Very good book. I read almost all to shortcut my way to get to know the system. Yes, I am the RTM type (Henry gave me that term – Read The Manual).

Exploring Apple overnight, I understand that the system is designed for creative people. I call it human technology, like Nokia slogan. That leads me to wanting to do more. Photography crossed my mind. Rad must be happy to know that I had even slight thought about it. She had pushed me to take photography years ago and repeated when we were in Ubud a few weeks ago. I like to do new things but also want to share with the world so my creation won't just stay in my laptop for me to enjoy.

I talked with a friend in the afternoon about “self exposing” is possible nowadays with cyberspace helps. Like self publish your writing or self record your song to get big publisher or recording companies to notice we create good stuffs. It’s interesting new world.

I spent rest of the day nicely with long discussion about many things including how to master flirt for men. It’s hilarious because yesterday I encountered a man who asked me to lunch right after he said Hi. It had turned me off completely so I said I already had a lunch date. Obviously he needs the book to get my attention. So many manuals to read still…

Photo of a beauty manual near Ubud soccer field.

Endless Learning

I haven’t finished with my gadget issues. Two gadgets I acquired in Bali. CMDA cellphone and Vaio laptop. I’m generally happy with their look and features but later I learned more of my needs that the two gadgets could not meet.

I found out CDMA system is more complicated than I thought. I thought any low priced cellphone can do. Actually I forgot to mention the mantra when I bought the replacement of my loud cellphone in Denpasar. Cellphone works in either single or dual band. I completely forgot that. This morning Agus told me that Jakarta number could not work in my cellphone. Later Telkom Call Centre told me that my cellphone type doesn’t support dual band so it won’t work in Jakarta till January next year when Jakarta starts to support single band. Beautiful. I lose contact with my new friends in Bali. Still okay though I haven’t made that many new friends. It’s just hit me that I’m such an ignorance in this field.

And more. I decided to buy Apple Macbook. My first. I could not take my Vaio anymore, too heavy. I’d been walking with it in Ubud and airport, I had hurt my shoulder. Too heavy. I was wrong. Apple came to mind only later after I saw many tourists in Bali use it and I could see how easy it fits in any kinds of bag because it’s slim. I had a good look yesterday in a shop next to where I dropped my old laptop to be fixed.

I started early today with hope to do many programs like lunch and scrubbing. I went straight to the computer shop and gave the people a hard time :-) I had too many questions that they didn’t ever think about. It’s good now they have something to learn. I realized that I have to learn from scratch using this operating system. They say it’s easier. It is simpler but familiarizing still needs time and willingness. That’s how I spent my afternoon, in front of my black Apple trying to figure out how things organized. I’m not bad but some times still hesitated to do things. Too simple to be true that I don’t want to make mistake.

I put my Vaio on sale. I sent emails telling about the specification and price to some close friends. I allow them to bargain and I will release the laptop to the highest bid :-) Frankly, this is my first time selling high priced stuff and it’s a techno gadget. I told Mbo that I feel easier to sell a piece of art of a same price or higher than to sell a techno gadget. I don't have the confidence. I hope the response is good. Of ten persons, two have replied. One just bought a laptop three days before I bought and the other shows interest that he wants to see the thing. That can do.

I must admit that I’m tired before dark. I feel like I don’t have enough sleep. Too much concentration on learning new things. That’s life. A constant learning.

Photo of a tee worn by a member of a group in an international kite festival in Bali.

Welcome forward!

My first day in Jakarta but I already have a long to-do list. My Jakarta nature, I want to squeeze all in a day. Bad traffic is the main reason. I want to maximize my trip. I think this is how many Jakartans think. I was still in traffic when Cathy, my account manager, called. She wanted to steal time to do house call near her office while waiting for me. Aah… No way. I know I won't be long in traffic so don’t want to waste time waiting for her later. Also I had made the appointment two days ago. Don’t squeeze me please…

I talked with Cathy for an hour. Been almost two years not seeing each other, we spent the first twenty minutes to catch up. She looked more mature and I looked like a girl, she said. Ya, I was in jeans and school-girl shoes. We also talked about life in general. Like Ana, Universe had sent her to me. We laughed about our similar views. Nice meeting her. The rest forty minutes I learned about equity, mutual fund, fixed income, spread,… She is so nice spending time with me explaining each bank product with patience.

When I finished with Cathy, I had some an hour and half before lunch with Pien and Rad. It’s good I remembered to take my old laptop to RP, the IT mall, to be fixed. I also walked around the mall to check other computer shops to compare laptops. It’s true about the need to compare more options before making a decision to buy, especially when much money is involved. I decided on Vaio because I badly needed laptop two weeks ago. It works okay actually but I have a few major complaints: the space-bar, the weight, and the size of the adaptor. I thought I would be fine. People are right about weight and… size matter.

Since BA Museum meeting, which I thought was today, is next week so I had more time for lunch. Pien and Rad are my good friends and they had communicated thru text messages for Bali trip a few weeks ago (that Pien could not go in the end) but never met before. It was a hilarious lunch. I know that all my friends can mingle because they must have something in common – art, photography, business. Another link connects.

I am now waiting for Vic to show up in PS. We planned to visit Benny in his batik stall in a fair. With 3-in-1 traffic regulation, it seems that we have to alter the plan a bit. I have no choice but to wait here because my color stylist is off otherwise I had combined the waiting. Time now is 15:21.

I ended the day in PS. Vic was late and Benny ended the day at 17:00. We had early dinner while catching up. My Jakarta rhythm is back. Driving (which I love very much) and meeting people (read: friends). Not bad for the first day.

Photo of a silver frog I bought in Pasar Ubud.

Walk in Red

I awoke early. It was raining outside.. lightly. I enjoyed the different sound of animals from bed. Ubud House has a frog that has loud but constant tone. This frog resides in the pond and could make the sound all night long. When I was idle, I felt like being tortured slowly. In the morning, the sounds are stereo. Different tone, different volume. Roosters dominated in the distance. Hm nice last morning in Ubud.

I had unexpectedly long morning although I had set to leave house at 8:15. I wrapped up the house better than last time. I took time to clean bathroom and kitchen but left the waste bin with Pak Agung to take care. I don’t know where they throw trash. Nice. Ana was 15 minutes late and I had time to read before off to airport.

I never experienced buying ticket in airport before traveling or "go show". I like to prepare my return ticket before the departure so I know the time frame, well planned as usual :-) I just don't want to waste time in uncertainty. This trip is different. I don’t know when to fly back so I didn't prepare my ticket back and then I avoided the hassle of buying ticket in Ubud or Denpasar so I just went to airport and see any ticket available. I was very sure about that.

I was surprised because I saw many people did the same. Go show. Some budget airlines were full because they only fly once or twice a day. Hm.. that left me with one option only, the national airline. It flies every two hours so I might have the chance to get a seat before my destined hour at 16:55. I waited 1.5 hours for two flights but in vain so I gave in the destined hour - five hours later. The ground attendant informed me that all flights are full. What can I do? A friend gave me idea to bribe the officer to push a possibility. Ugh.. I don’t know how to do. I’m awkward although in the end I also bribed actually. They offered me 50% discount of 21 kgs my overweight. The officer signaled me to pay discreetly. Okay, I put the money inside my ticket and handed back to him. It’s part of the tradition that I haven’t adopted well. Nice experience though…

Now I’m going to spending almost all day for traveling. I will be waiting in airport at least seven hours and in total can be twelve hours. Door to door. I am ready. I feel energized and have many ideas to materialize in Jakarta. Maybe that makes me feel like wearing red this morning. It’s not everyday. Red is the right color. Creativity. I’m wearing red tee with big opening in my low back with my favorite red shoes. I walk in red.

Photo of red terompah shared by Vic.

A n a

Nuriana, his name, “my” driver in Ubud. He calls himself Ana – like a girl’s name in many countries. He once told me that many of his foreigner clients are confused if he is M/F before meeting him. He is very male of course although he has long tiny ponytail that can only be seen from his back. Yes, he has ordinary short hair in front. Funky? Very much. Later some friends told me that he is as funky as me. Funky attracts funky.

How did I meet him? In Ubud, when we walk, every two meters we might hear someone by the street asks if we need transportation. The sound is so familiar Transport, transport while they are mimicking wheel in their hands. Sometimes they use Japanese if they think we are Japanese (that often happens to me). So that’s how I met Ana in September last year during the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. I was too tired to walk one night so I just picked him to negotiate. Not my cup of tea. I don’t like negotiation but I had to for the first time… of course.

Since then I use his service during every visit to Ubud – almost every three weeks. Just a few months ago I asked him to pick me up in airport as well. And more, I involved him more into my daily life. Shopping and meeting friends mainly. Mama had met him two months ago. I believe it’s not easy for him to find pieces for the puzzle in his mind about my connection with persons and places. What kind of work I do that connects me with many people from different parts of the world. That’s not important. All he has to know is all of my friends like him very much. They would rather pay him full day every day for four days to sleep in parking lot for just in case rather than using other driver.

Mariko said that he is like me. Funky, but calm. That’s when I started to notice. Yes, he is very much like me also the way he perceives Universe. Like today, again he told me about his clients. He seems very busy as if he has no idle time although he keeps saying Bali is quieter now. However, it’s strange that he always have time for me. Well, not really always, but most most most of the time. Like today when I used him on – off, actually the other guest also used him on – off, and we both received good service from him. Amazing. He believes in Universe regulates his time.

After almost a year, we know each other much better now. He knows many spots I like. I could just tab his memory about a place to remind me if I need next time. He also likes to share his knowledge about things I might be interested like Balinese snack. He took me to a big shop selling only Balinese delicacies. I enjoyed it. It’s good to know such place so next time I know what I can take for oleh-oleh.

I also notice something special about him. Apart from his liking to wear sun-glasses, he has passion for music. When I met him, I noticed that he liked to have loud house music when I was not in the car. That adds to his funkiness. Later I noticed he is more into classics: Balinese song, acid jazz, songs from 1970s, and other Western music. I must say that I feel comfortable with whatever music he has in the car. We have similar ears, if not the same.

Today we talked about cellphone. I always know that he wants to have a cellphone that carries two card-systems: GSM and CDMA that recently invented. We talked about our favorite ring tones and how to set it in the handset. As we have different brand so we could not talk further about technicality but we shared a good laugh about Profile features in our phones. He also utilizes the feature, interesting! Like me, I set different ring tone for important callers such as from house, staffs and the two shops, and Mama of course so I won’t delay to pick up the calls. Other ring tone can wait. And for Ana, he sets special ring tone for clients and unknown. He associates the ring tone as Uang uang uang. Money. He would pick up the call in no time. I laughed aloud while entering my front door. Still I need to confirm if my call falls into the same ring tone. Uang? He said Yes.

I believe he still heard me laughing inside house on his way out. He is so funny. I feel blessed to have met him although I am uang to him. Very nice and happy person. I believe we can be buddies forever.

By the way, he is in charge of designing my namecard for Ubud. He offered, I accepted. I will keep you posted about his design.

Photo of Ana among us.

Recharge me please..

It was raining hard in the morning. I hesitated to get up. It’s so good listening to rain while lying in bed. No no… I need to get up.

I had planned to leave early to Pallava but what could I do? It was raining so hard that I could not ask Ngurah with his motorbike to pick me up. Pak Ana was still in garage until noon. I decided to continue packing which I had started last night. I had many stuffs to pack, after two weeks yes. I classified dirty laundry so I don’t have to take all to Jakarta, local outfits go to local laundry. I was done with that before 9:00. I went online for a while and walked around the house.

After in – out the past two months, Ubud House is more home to me now with decoration I had started to collect. Old textile, old utensils, funky pop-art,… I have told myself to only buy things in Bali so I can contribute a little to the economy. Well, of course I also have some from other islands. And, every time I stood by stove in the kitchen, I enjoy a spot where I could view my bale (gazebo) in the garden. Especially after rain like this morning, all looked green and healthy. Hm.. in short. I love Ubud House.

Enough. Pak Ana will pick me up in half an hour. I walked lazily out of house going to Pallava. Lazy is not a good spirit. I felt idea-less when I got in Pallava. Somehow I knew that I need to do something. I guided Ngurah to pack my stuffs into two boxes. I read about shabby chic while waiting. It’s an interesting idea of Rachel Ashwell. It gives me idea to start establishing shabby chic shop in little Frangipani (a space connecting to the main shop). Hm.. Although I still dream to have a shop with such concept in Ubud but maybe I better start small in the premise I already own to get the feeling. That’s how I got the feeling of necklace business last year. After one year, I know how things go with necklace that actually people don’t specially come to a shop to buy accessories. Buying necklace is impulsive. Of the experience, the way I do now with ‘door-to-door’ works very well. Ladies like to impulsive shopping behind closed door. No one watch :-) But what about my homework in Pallava? I delegated to Ngurah. I told him what to do this and that and…

I visited Ganesha bookshop, my favorite bookshop in Ubud. It has lots of nice cultural book. This is my way to recharge my boredom. I bought some books about Ubud and Bali. I need to equip myself more with knowledge about Bali. I also bought books for friends, cultural friends. It’s so nice to be able to share nice and rare things. I got out the bookshop with heavy plastic bags. Yes, I shopped a lot. Again.

Now I’m in Dragonfly again. Checking out emails, recharging battery, having lunch and coffee, chatting with Pien, blogging, internet banking,… It’s still drizzling and bad traffic out there. I plan to walk to Pak Ana’s post near Casa Luna now. I have some errands to run before wrapping up my last day in Ubud. I leave early tomorrow morning. Back to Jakarta without ticket in hands. A new challenge awaits…

Photo of my bale from kitchen taken this morning.

Carried Away

I slept even better last night. I could sleep six hours straight, uninterrupted. That’s now, after two weeks sleeping in Ubud House. I really like observing my sleep. It’s not an issue for me but it’s just nice to know that I can sleep more than four hours. Not many people understand how I operate with four hours sleep although I look pretty well in such mode. So, that’s me in the morning. Fresh and happy.

I didn’t expect to get internet connection this morning but things come with the least expectation. I worked without delay. I still had one and a half articles to finish. Before 9:00 I submitted one article but then the power was out. First time I experienced in Ubud House. My battery was only 19% left. I turned off computer and got myself ready. I had to go to Dragonfly again.

It’s funny when I got in Dragonfly at 11:00, same persons were already there. We exchanged smile helplessly. Okay, now we know that we all have business in Bali. It was a nice morning with weak sun. I finished and sent the last article in no time. I had lunch while installing the new Yahoo messenger that took surprisingly long. It’s a large file, good that I decided to download in this free hotspot. Fast and… cheap.

What lesson I got today? I got a reminder from Vic when I told him how good my life here. He reminded me not to forget to create, or simply… earn money. He said that many of his friends forget to make money after they live in Bali. Life is too good, too many nice things, and hard to cage the appetite to shopping. That’s very true. It got me thinking. Yes, it’s been long since I made necklace. But my two shops sell… Ah that’s an excuse..

But yes. The past few days I’m thinking a lot about starting a small business with all “about me”, my idea, my “hands”. I have to start considering to work with craftsmen that I could find easily in Bali. I am lazy but I could easily feel envious (in a positive way) when I observe an authentic shop. Like one I just found recently in Ubud. It has a signature, very neat, creative, original, and reasonable. And on top of that, it attracts a lot of people because of the originality. I felt shameful when the shop-attendant told me so when I asked how’s business in the area and if she knows vacant space around. She said I can have a successful shop if I have something “new” to offer. I could not agree more…

So that’s what I learned the past few days living in Bali. I might not be productive the past weeks but I learn something through my observation. I have something to discuss with Benny and others. I’m excited again now…

Oops… been four hours in Dragonfly. Emails like pouring in (because I send of course). I need to move now after banana lassi, avocado and prawn salad, lime juice, and mango sherbet. I haven’t plan my rest of evening but… tomorrow is my last day in Ubud. And, again, I haven’t done anything for Pallava. Aaarghh…

Photo of Dragonfly's front door.

Different Setting of Life

I was lazy to get up this morning. A bit unusual. I feel that holiday is nearing to end. I want to hold the happy time a bit longer. I watched the sky changed color from bed. So beautiful. Any morning in Ubud House is good. It recharges me.

Internet is still down. I don’t know what to do. I keep calculating how much more I have to spend for mobile connection. In two years, computer peripherals have changed completely. My modem for the old laptop is already obsolete with this new laptop. It’s funny to realize that each computer at home has its own type of modem. What a waste!

It’s good though. I worked hard to finish my translation work. I didn’t work that fast. It was raining in the morning when Mbo Yan gave me a massage. She also came to collect her new phone. But then the sunlight was so bright. I enjoyed the sun more than concentrating on my work. I imagine, it would be nice to have a cat and lying down together in sun. Uuh… I lied down alone on kilim. I like to warm my back. Ah spoiled girl. I got up and finished a batch.

I had no choice but to go out to get internet connection at Dragonfly again. My life has completely different setting here. I might be a spoiled girl at Ubud House with all those nice bed, studio, sun, bathroom,… but I have to walk far to get what I need. In Jakarta I could get anything through text messages :-) I seldom walk far because I don’t need. Well, everything has its own beauty and.. beast. I love it here more though. I feel healthier because I am far from pollution and I work my body out very well.

Time to move now. By the way, I stopped at Casa Luna now with hope to catch my internet provider signal. I was wrong. I even have to pay for wireless the restaurant has. Oops.. My accounting deparment counts…

Photo of a bungalow sign near Ubud House.

Casual Business

Saturday, August 18

Wow.. I had a very good sleep after days of not so deep sleep. It was really good. I started to work because I could not check email and else – wireless connection is still depressing. I was productive. I almost finished another article to be translated in English. Good I enjoy the topic that I found it easy to write.

I sent text message to Gill asking her plan to go to Ubud. I ran into her in Warung Made’s restroom the other day. It is a small world. So it’s good that we could meet up in Ubud today. She came with her friend – an Indian blood, raised in Malaysia, lives part timely in Jakarta – Renu. Yes, she’s the reason Gill came to Amir’s painting auction in Balai Banjar Ubud today. Renu eyed for two paintings by Krijono. It surprised me that Krijono still has fans especially because he is not productive anymore. His golden year was in 1990s when he is already a heavy alcoholic. I own one huge of his and one with charcoal so I know a bit of his life history. Ten years ago I already have the feeling he is not going to be ‘long’ while his work is stunning. It’s unique. He has ‘signature’ that hard for others to copy otherwise we would just know that it’s Krijono's style. No other.

So five of us from different parts of the world but tied together in such a complicated connection. I know Gill, I know Mary, Mary knows Gill, Renu knows Gill, Mary knows Anna, Anna is my neighbor (2 minutes walk from Ubud House). What a small world! Again, I heard about being a good person is a top priority knowing the world is getting smaller that nowhere we can hide. There’s always a link that finds us somewhere. Renu and I giggled. We feel blessed that we lead a good clean life. So far :-)

The auction was a bit quiet in Session 1. Renu’s two paintings were in the first Session. Bidding in an auction is like gambling. The sensation is there when you don’t know if you can get what you want, and all in minutes count, less than 3 minutes. Renu was a bit stressed a minute before her painting up. I could feel the competition when she had to go thru four levels up before Amir locked her bid. She got the first Krijono a bit higher than I expected. I pushed her to go for the second which I like better. She hesitated but raised her paddle anyway. I held my breath. I wanted the painting for myself. The second one was short because her competitor gave in shortly. I was happy for Renu for she got a good deal of the two Krijonos. Very good.

We had lunch at Lamak and were a bit late for the second session. Only Mary who eyed a Murniasih painting. She kind of collects Murni’s painting because she is woman (Mary set up a woman artist gallery in Ubud), her work is unique and revolutionary, and she had passed away in such productive age – 40. Gill hadn’t decided on anything by then. She kept changing paintings she wants until suddenly she raised hands for Han Snel’s woodblock-print which is very nice. I handed her Renu’s paddle. She’s frozen while bidding. I could feel her tense but I had no idea how deep she wants the painting. She didn’t mention about liking the painting before. She got the painting of course. I had pushed her to give in at $20 extra to make Amir closes the bid. Her eyes sparkled. I am happy, she said. Wow, I don’t bid but I’m truly happy for everybody. I know how if feels to acquire a quality painting. They all got very nice valuable painting although the auction called "art-fordable auction".

Everybody was happy walking out Balai Banjar five hours later. Anna and Gill had no plan to bid but ended up with a painting. Good I could hold myself although I really liked a painting about Balinese boy dancer. No. I’m not going to shop.

I walked to Dragonfly to get free wireless connection. Just buy a drink and you can sit there for ever. Dragonfly is located in a nice spot. The tables outside are also equipped with two electrical outlets so more than half of the guests are with laptops and actually working for hours with the cost of a cup of coffee – if you have heart to do so :-) Well, I need faster connection to upgrade my two browsers to ensure better connection at home using low signal. It’s cheaper at the same time. I had bubur injin to close my day.

Night was still young when I called Ana, the driver, who was still watching volley-ball match 15 minutes from Ubud. What a life! He likes sport very much and I realize more that in Bali we can actually combine work and pleasure “at the same time”. Amir, Ana, Gill, Mary, Renu, Pade, and the rest of Ubud-ian including myself. Business is going normally but pleasure always comes on top.

By the way, finally, I had decided the day I return to Jakarta. I hadn’t held a ticket…

Photo of my stuffs at Dragonfly.

Who are you?

It’s Independence Day. Mine as well. I got up early as usual without hope to use the internet because it was down last night. I finished translating two articles then started to working out the internet connection. It’s time consuming and I believe it’s also traffic-quota consuming (the connection is charged by traffic). Grr.. I was quite productive though. Tita sent me another two articles to submit on the same day, Monday. I take them. I had made peace with the space-bar. The guy in the computer shop is right about Vaio is like this, space-bar only works well in the center. I must buy his thought because I found it true. So people like me, who types fast and using thumb to tap the space-bar, have to know how to do because the way it works is so special :-)

I showered around 14:00 outside in sun. I seldom do because usually I’m in a hurry and prefer to have longer shower in sun, not a quick one. I’m particular remember? It was really good. I had planned to walk downtown to see crowd in soccer field. It took me 20 minutes walking very fast to get the soccer field from Ubud House. I was sweaty and felt really good. It was bad traffic. It’s stuck and the carbon fume.. Ugh!

Today I don’t feel like watching people. Strange. I made such a sweaty trip to just sit in Tutmak by the soccer field to having light snack and… reading novel. I sat for almost two hours because I got hooked by Archer. I liked it though that I had time to read. The field was full of people of all styles. I enjoyed the noise while reading. It’s nice.

I noticed something from my quick trip today. I greeted someone every at least 100 meter. I know by heart who’s coming next: ibu mokoh selling batik, kind guy who delivers my emergency food, girls in silk batik shop, Ayu and Yumi in salon, Mbo Yan who sells batik patchwork, Ana in Casa Luna, Ayu and Merti in art shop, then on and on. Henry asked me last month how do I feel to be a celebrity because he noticed people recognized me in many places. Today I understand more of he meant.

How could they miss me? Balinese like to ask: where are you from, where do you stay, are you in business, then it will develop into: are you married, how many kids, how old are you. They won’t miss me because they are often mistaken me with Japanese, think that I have foreigner partner, and give me at least 10 years discount when guessing my age. Once they manage to put my info in their database, they won’t forget. It stays for ever I know especially because I shop and visit same places over five years now. That makes me a celebrity here. Not celebrity, I am more local now, I guess. Local with mystery because I don’t give all information :-)

I walked hurriedly home to catch home-cinema Sabine found yesterday. I noticed the sign every time I passed because it’s very close to Ubud House but only yesterday I realized that the cinema actually is in the backyard of a house. The screen is large, with several armchairs in the back and rows of Thai cushions in front. Very interesting. Tonight Departed is playing. I haven’t watched.

I could not walk that fast because the sidewalk was full of people. And the dangerous thing about walking slowly is allowing eyes wandering. I entered a really nice a la Japanese shop and… boom! I shopped a lot… again. I bought nice textile bags for wearing with batik (which I have a lot already). The girl who helped me seemed to like me a lot. She could not help herself not to ask straight forwardly how old I am. I told her that I might be twice her age. Her eyes popped out. I laughed and convinced her it’s true. She registered my little info when I walked out the shop. Another person to greet next time. Komang.

I got home half an hour before the cinema starts. I was sweaty hot although it was drizzling lightly. I considered a while and decided not to go. I saw some men outside the cinema and I feel tired answering endless questions if I were there. I could imagine. A non-Indonesian looking girl, but very Indonesian actually, hangs out by herself. Who doesn’t want to know?

Photo of the cinema sign.

Every Day is an Adventure

Thursday, August 16

Every morning when I wake up I think.. what is my today’s adventure? Every day is a challenge for me especially in the days like this week: I have two guests staying in Ubud House, a new CDMA phone, and a new laptop computer. All are in the same time. Guests were fine. I invited them so it’s my consequence – although now I know I could not take more than two nights per guest :-) (plus I need some two nights between two guests). Now I become particular. That’s true. I care about my time alone.

What about the new CDMA phone? I bought the cheapest Nokia in the market (not in authorized dealer) because I thought I don’t need good phone to just connect. I was wrong. Actually I always know about price never cheats. My phone has hard keypad and loud speaker that hurt my head. I could not stand talking more than 2 minutes. It becomes expensive now. I decided to buy a new one, better quality though still in affordable price, in authorized dealer. I don’t know how this one would be because it’s still being charged for the first time. It should be okay. The old new phone goes to Mbo Yan. She needs private phone (not sharing with husband) to run her business. So I’m happy.

New laptop computer? I spent all morning working on translation (another rush project, from World Bank this time) with the annoying space-bar that had to be pressed real hard. I managed to finish one of three articles though. Article had done but I could not proceed because wireless connection is bad since last night. Any website didn't show, signal is too weak. Another adventure. I don’t fight with the latter. Again, it’s beyond my control. I could just go to internet café to get connection if I need. What about my computer? I had long discussion in the computer shop to get replacement and as predicted… I’m not successful yet. By the way, I found a way to make the space-bar works. I have to press it right in the centre of the long bar, just below letters B and N. I like to do trick, even silly. I have to help myself to be able to survive. I need the computer to work, not just have fun.

Sabine was patient to be with me in my adventurous day. We also had nice adventure with Pak Ana. Ubud was busy with the last day of Odalan celebration that we had to take other route to get Tegallalang to pick up Sabine’s order. Another adventure on the way. Some two small roads were closed because of a big ceremony coming up – mass Ngaben (cremation) that involves several dead bodies instead of one. We had a good time taking pictures of the 'vehicles' prepared for the leftovers (bones) which are classified according to caste system (the white buffalo for the highest, other colors for the middle, and fish shape for the commoners). I enjoyed the temple decoration so much. Again, I’m amazed with the spirit of doing things together for birth and death, and many other celebrations of life. Only in Bali.

We ended the day watching sunset in Legian beach. We had late lunch, high tea, and early dinner in one meal time at 17:00. It was a really nice end of adventures together. Two girl friends who were not close before but enjoying the company of each other after three and half days together. I like Sabine. She has colors. She invited me to visit her home in Portugal. Would love to plan...

I got enough adventures the past ten days. I must admit, I am tired. Tired of instability. Of course it’s part of the adventure but I know what I need now. I need to regrouping my rhythm.

Photo of gate decoration at a temple for Ngaben.

200 Years

Wednesday, 15 August

What a good sleep! It’s so nice to wake up in the morning with light heart and nice text messages awaiting. Text messaging is an amazing way to communicate with loved ones – no time and space boundaries. Very nice. I smiled while lying in bed. What a life!

Sabine got massage in her bed since she awoke around 7:30. I had long morning doing my own stuffs. I replied to numerous emails while trying out my new computer keyboard. The space bar does not work smoothly since I used the first time yesterday. I thought it's because I hadn’t known the pattern but it seems I’m facing a serious problem with the bar since I have to press the button with effort to make it work. Hm I’m not comfortable with this since I typed quite fast. I tried to find way to deal with it but Rad kicked me to just claim for replacement. She is right. I need to claim. Uh.. not my cup of tea.

I took Sabine to meet Ramo, my friend in Ubud. It’s funny that all of us work in jewelry. Sabine and I have similar style with stone and silver while Ramo works with silver and pearl. He buys material from China but also owns a pearl farm in Lombok. He is a man with full of ideas. Like Sabine, they are among German who don’t like to sit around. That’s what they told me about their itch to always explore the world and work. Today Ramo came up with a phrase I like With my way to live now, I believe I could reach 200 years. That’s a very nice spirit. No one would doubt he has a good life. Not that he is super rich, but his life is super rich. He hardly stops and he is a happy person.

It was a nice short coffee in a café opposite Ramo’s shop. When we finished, Sabine and I continued walking to Balai Banjar to see Amir’s preparation for Saturday. I laughed when met Agung who’s still working out a big bundle of entangled cables. Are you in the project impossiblo? Yes, Amir told me thru text message. He has turned into stone, according to Lara Jonggrang legend, because he didn’t meet the required time to complete. Still I enjoyed his spirit to doing things impossiblo. Why not?

I took Sabine to Tegallalang – my fourth trip to the same route in a week. I took her to the same shops I often visit and of course to have lunch in the same restaurant I took everybody too. It was funny. Pak Ana, the driver, knows better where is where in that long street. I could sleep if I want because no guidance needed. Sabine likes to shop in my suppliers' shops. Of course, they have been selected by the Universe among hundreds of other suppliers to meet me. They are super kind people who have sparkle in eyes when seeing me and they are honest. I’m lucky.

Sabine and I had unusual arrangement. Like Javanese, Sabine is very careful about expressing what she wants so I need to be the non-Javanese to translate the body language to know what she really wants. I actually don’t like the impact of giving someone a tour: I end up buying more things because I see nice things I might not see again in ages (according to my justification) and basic things I need like laundry baskets, candle holder, and coasters. Uh.. in short, I spent.

We had a nice long idle time by the soccer field in the afternoon. My favorite place to show my friends how Ubud-ian get together doing sport and match games like today. It’s close to Independence Day that people have different ways to welcoming the day. It was fun to see a sea of people showing different emotions. And more to see many unique vendors near the field selling: fish satays, cotton candy, corn, small shells for kids playing, instant juice, and many more.

Sabine and I didn’t chat a lot. We enjoyed each other’s company in silent more so when we walked long distance from the soccer field to crispy duck restaurant, another favorite destination. It was dark in Monkey Forest area that we passed safely. It was fun. We ended the day quietly. We can live 200 years for sure.

Photo of us in Tutmak by the soccer field.

Loaded

Sabine and I stayed over night in Kuta because we (or I) planned to spend 1.5 days in Seminyak to finish shopping in the area. We do have same style: we don’t eat much, we don’t talk much, we walk fast, we decide quick, we sleep in total darkness with open curtain to let sunlight in in the morning,… So far so good.

I awoke in the middle of the night because I felt hot that I needed to kick my blanket. It was dark that I turned the air-conditioner lower. It was funny when I saw Sabine also kicked her blanket and after a while we both looked like cocoon. It happened I turned it too low. Well, I just got up after adjusted the air-conditioner for the second time. It was close to 5:00 and I’d been on-off for a while in bed. I checked my new computer that was still charging for the first time. I wrote my blog-post in the dark. I needed to check my computer before off to Ubud. I found out the space bar is hard to push. It delays my typing speed significantly because I had to return often. Anyway, that’s just minor comment (if not complain) and later I found out I could not browse any webmail, any email service web. I was desperate.

I could not think clearly because I had something undone so I left Sabine at Benny’s bead shop to return to the computer shop. What a joke, like often happen with many things, nothing showed wrong in the web browser. So hard to convince the technician that actually I faced the problem in the morning. Grr… I stayed in the shop for an hour to try my internet ritual to make sure everything works as I want. I was suffocated when I walked out the shop. Cigarette smoke. Ugh..

I joined Sabine at late lunch then continued shopping. We visited a silver wholesaler in old part of Denpasar. We had to walk to get there because it’s a one way street. We were surprised to see the street full of oranges, mangoes, and snake-skin fruit from Java. It’s where fruit wholesalers have storage and traffic. It’s an amazing view. New. And more new feeling when we got in the silver shop which is located in an old house-shop complex a la Chinese. It’s a wow! So the silver shop that has many selections of silver jewelry a la Bali and beads. Sabine and I just look at each other. Overwhelmed.

We stayed in silent on the way to Ubud. I was sleepy and pretty much in my own world. So Sabine, another mirror of mine. We made a stop at my stone supplier and supermarket then went straight home. Too tired. I longed for a hot shower but I hadn’t prepared the house for the new guest. Glad Sabine helped herself so I could check my internet connection – the most important thing for me now. I was in the sky to find the internet working, not only that I’m able to communicate with loved ones but also accept translating work for the rest of my stay in Ubud :-)

We had a very nice Balinese dinner at Nomad. We were yawning alternately. I feel okay and happy to have a guest but in my house, my territory, not in Kuta. Finally, I feel completely at home in a little part of the world.

Photo of loaded baskets in Jalan Ternate, Denpasar.

Ms. Particular

Monday, August 13

It’s funny morning. It’s Rad’s last day.. meaning my last day to have a computer. Yes, she’s been nicely lent hers since she came – the same day my computer crashed. I quickly planned my day that included computer hunting in Denpasar. I had started studying options and asking for friend’s opinion since yesterday. I had to decide before we got in the city.

I decided to buy a new computer on the way. I was very sure that I could not live without one the last 8 days (or more) of my stay. I do active internet banking and of course writing. Going to warnet (public internet service) is okay but I have Sabine visiting after Rad till almost end of the week. Anyway, I have to buy a new computer :-)

My plan went well. I bought the computer, Rad went to see her friends in Kuta, and Sabine was picked up in time. It took me only ten minutes to say yes to the computer I had researched all morning. I limited my option or I would never come to a decision. Too many options. Rad teased me all morning for me being too particular. I am but I feel that I’m not that bad. I have many things in life that I just let go without too much thinking especially things I have less or no control. I stop fighting with myself.

So, everybody was happy. I got a new computer, Rad had chance to meet her good friend, and Sabine could start shopping before 15:00. I was relaxed again and that’s dangerous because then I could easily shop things I less need. I already bought pricey bracelet in the morning in Ubud. My “first” Lou Zeldis’. I had eyed his jewelry for long time. I missed the basalt bracelet I liked but got this kid bracelet with Balinese character says wyapi wyapaka or "God is everywhere". Very exotic and ethnic. He is American living in Ubud doing geometric batik in Solo and funky jewelry with Balinese silversmith.

Sabine is the opposite type of Rad. I’m safe because she… doesn’t eat much. I starved a bit in the transition mode :-) But good, with her, meaning eat less walk faster. We checked out many shops and before too long I had fat shopping bag. Material for necklace for sure. That’s the main reason Sabine came to join me. She needs to shop material for her business in Germany and Portugal, not my competitor.

We had a good time. It was time to rest when we got in hotel around 22:00. I giggled before sleep. I found out my slim new computer has adaptor as big and heavy as Balinese brick. So funny.

Photo of my new computer in the shop.

Music and Outfit

Sunday, August 12

Another rainy morning and us without plan. We talked in our positions almost all morning with same menu: wheat bread and eggs. Pak Ana, our driver, had started to offer some programs but still we could not decide. So when we felt like going out, it had already passed noon. It’s holiday for Rad. She should have a good time without a ‘tourist pressure’ :-)

We still discussed what to do in the car on our way out. I wore my sarong just in case the Odalan has something interesting to see. And so, I was right. We saw a lot of colorful offerings inside the pura from the street so we asked Pak Ana to stop. We had a good time in the pura. I loved to see lots of cakes in the offering. They looked so colorful and nice fluffy. Aaah.. The rice creation were also interesting, the satay, the decoration,.. every single thing was touched with good art. I took time to just sit and let the spirit emerging my soul. What a good feeling..

We had lunch at Warung Teges, another favorite nasi campur place, before going to Pantai Purnama near Ketewel – a bit off Ubud. Pak Ana had promoted this international kite festival since Rad arrived but the past two days the weather was bad with lots of rain and storm, he said. We got there the right time. Weather was nice with a bit weak sun but I am very sure that I had turned tanned in no time. The event was held in dry paddy rice fields by black-sand beach. It’s a nice vast area although looked dry and no shade at all. I forgot my sun kit: wear sun block, take shawl to cover direct sunlight, and sunglasses. But anytime is perfect. So it was perfect!

I enjoyed watching the people more because the kites looked ordinary, it’s just bigger than usual. What I like about Bali, the people wear sarong in any occasion: religious and fun. They look comfortable in the outfit although they have to run or work hard. It’s an amazing fashion style that can be worn any time. Very flexible. And another thing is.. they always have live music (always percussion), be it on the street, in temples of course, and now during playing kites. Many groups had cheer-boys with gong and drums, and non-stop yel-yel. Some group played really good music, very alive and could make the audience dancing. I enjoyed standing by the group, listening to the music and feeling happy to watch happy people. It’s so easy to be happy in Bali because Balinese are happy people. They look happy in all occasions even in the occasion they get together before a cremation. It must be good to be able to see life from happy point of view always.

We were late for the Affandi exhibition opening at Neka Museum in Ubud. It's Affandi Centennial Exhibition. I thought the opening was around 19:00, I forgot in Bali often they hold an event in the afternoon. We were two hours late then when we got there at 18:00 although we had made quick preparation. Only in Bali we can be sweaty in cotton sarong and without proper shower we are in silk sarong for other event :-) So we were late and I had to be on foot, my sandals was broken when I just got off car. Good that I still had a chance to meet Bude Kartika and Helfi. We chatted for a while before they were busy with other visitors. We made a tour ourselves. There were only about 15 or less paintings. I love his early paintings, the colors are subtle and very him. Later he painted with louder colors and bold lines. But either, still I like.

Night was still young when we were off. We stopped by the temple again. This time they had merrier people with offerings. The live music played loudly. There were four pedanda preparing a blessing session. Rad was busy taking pictures and I took a seat on the pura floor together with many Balinese. They were waiting for the time after the blessing session to pray for the family. I loved the feeling: watching the ceremony while sitting below eye level. That’s what we should do when a Barong involved. We had to stand lower than the Barong like sit or squat. I think I survive to be a Balinese because I survived sitting in such position with sarong for a long time.

We had nice dinner before home. Very nice salads and satay. I observed myself.. Oh no, why food tastes good with Rad. Okay, I better blame her for making me eat a lot and… often!

Photo of us in Ubud Temple.

Eat and Walk in Balance

Saturday, August 11

My first morning with a guest at home. I had to mind my movement, I have wooden floor. I walked and moved things slowly. When I had activities downstairs, I checked every now and then if Rad was still asleep. She hardly moved although I opened my ‘hard’ door. I lighted an aromatherapy in a table next to her to ensure her even deeper sleep. I was safe till I got my morning drink :-) It was fun.

When she got up, we didn’t stop talking. We made late breakfast (eggs and wheat bread) and had fight in kitchen. We had different mode to do things and both wanted to make other comfortable. Like a couple :-) And we continued talking talking talking. I sat on window sill, she sat on my studio table. It was raining on-off outside, we could not decide what to do for the day. It was close to 13:30 when we decided to just walk in the rain. Hm.

I really enjoyed our walk with umbrellas. Our pants were damp before too long. We walked to downtown Ubud where Rad stopped every here and there to take picture. She had a serious camera with her. I adore her passion that she doesn't mind to carry such heavy bag (for me) to make sure she won’t miss nice shots wherever she goes. Well, we walked quite far to have lunch in Nomad. I had promoted a-bit-of-everything Balinese dish in the restaurant. It’s a perfect guide to introduce Balinese kitchen in one lunch. No wonder the restaurant was super full like 99% occupation when we got there.

We starved. It took an hour before we got our lunch but Rad said it’s worth waiting. She finished most of the set-of-9 Balinese tapas with gusto. I have an issue of eating too much good food when I stay in Ubud, so I had to forward my problem to my guest too. I’m hosting and I don’t want to gain too much especially after entertaining three guests in a week. It was still raining when we continued walking to Balai Banjar Ubud. I'm helping out Amir to set up panels for his painting auction next week. I felt I had to see the field although I know Agung, my good staff, has taken good care of everything.

And of course Agung had handled it well so we didn’t have to stay long. We walked to Pasar Ubud to get Rad silver earrings. Pasar Ubud is nice to view from different angle and time, like Tegallalang area, there’s always something new to see or observe. I observed the silver work this time as Rad concentrated her shopping on those. Lots of trays full of Balinese silver work in reasonable price (after haggling a bit of course). I was just mesmerized by the variety and quantity. The craftsmen must have a good business selling things in pasar rather than in shops. We had longed for coffee by then. It was still drizzling and we had our feet wet. It’s good I was wearing rubber thong-sandals so I could dry my toes. Rad had completely damp textile shoes that made her feet cold. Things to consider when walking in wet places.

Rad didn’t want to walk home that early when I asked her at 18:00. It was still bright with dimmed sunlight. I understood what she had in mind but I told her that it would take hours before we get home: too many shops on the way :-) And it’s true. Crowd stopped us near Puri Ubud. Hundreds of people walked wearing white and cream Balinese outfit carrying Barong and offering to Campuhan bridge. Later I knew, it’s Odalan (anniversary) of a pura near the puri. Rad had her camera out and since then she was very much into taking pictures. I followed her with our umbrellas. It made me goose bumps to be among hundreds of people in such thick tradition. They looked so calm and divine in giving their time and soul to the community. Desa kala patra has nice philosophy. It’s about sparing time for community to achieve balance in life. Yes, we need that after we do our business. Share.

We waited for the crowd to walk back to Ubud downtown near the bridge. It was fun to observing the people. They looked so good in their outfit, the girls looked sexy in tight and sheer kebayas, the boys looked handsome in their white shirts and headbands. What a luxury to be able to enjoy such view. Nowhere else.

It was close to 21:30 when we walked home. I took Rad to have light dinner (spaghetti bolognaise is light?) at Murni's Warung, long time favorite for many. It was another good meal we had for the day. And when we stopped by the little gift shop, I ended up home wearing nice old silver ring from Thailand. It's been long I didn't splurge on big ring. I'm happy though. It gives touch to our day trip.

Photo of us in Campuhan Bridge.

Proof Happy

Friday, August 10

What a nice morning, I was productive. I wrote emails to loved ones -- close friends. The girls in Jakarta just had lunch without me on Wednesday. It's just nice to update them with what I do up here.

I was about to shower when my laptop computer started creaking again. It was too late, it went black before I took action. I touched some buttons and apparently didn't make it better. Even worse. I called Amal to check if she had idea what to do as she lives in Denpasar.

Pak Ana came just in time to take me to "city". Rad was coming and I needed to do banking. I had arranged my 'city-trip itinerary' yesterday. It was perfect timing. Now I know how it feels to live in suburb where I have to combine things to make a trip worth while.

I met Amal in a warung next to IT mall after I finished banking. I decided to seek help in the IT mall and had bubur ayam (chicken porridge) while waiting for the mall to open at 10:00. Well, I could not find what I need. I felt like I was overseas because everything is completely new. I know nothing that I have to figure things out myself. I decided to stop seeking after Rad came to join us. It's her holiday. This time I feel relaxed about the computer. Somehow I had known that this would happen sooner or later, especially after I wrote about "my plan" the other day. It's part of "The Secret" where 'bad attracts bad'. Yes, I should be 'kind' to my computer so it won't stop working to give me life lesson :-)

It was a nice day with two good girl friends who just knew each other. I like to combine friends but only who can compatible to each other. Rad and Amal talked about Amal's work right away. Yes, she has an interesting and unusual job with marine that she has to dive in many oceans as part of her tasks. And as usual, I was happy to be a good listener.

We had nice crispy duck before shopping trip to Tegallalang, my standard route for tourist who wants to shop. Amal needs furniture but of course we stopped by shops other than furniture shop. And in the end, we spent nice time with Pak Syech in his batik shop. Amal loves textile, she enjoyed talking to Pak Syech about batik and weaving process, and again I also gained the knowledge :-)

We ended the day chatting at Jazz Cafe. Nice band played. We were off just before midnight. Amal had to return to Denpasar because she leaves for Papua today. Too bad, we could have another hilarious time together tomorrow. Next time.

Photo of a shop sign in Tegallalang.