In Memory of Herb Wahl

Orchid
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

We learned of our dear friend’s passing in Singapore. In memory and in celebration of Herb’s life and love of flowers we decided to spend the afternoon in the botanical gardens. The orchid display here is the best in the world (many live orchids at the airport!!) and has been developed over a period of 150 years. The flowers are rich with color, unique and global – much like Herb….

Singapore

Singapore Accommodation
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

This international city (country) is culturally diverse, strict and imaginative! Even though it is very populated they have managed to maintain green spaces, cultural diversity and respect. We had great fund riding on their state of the art subway system – the best in the world!!! Due to lack of affordable hotels during our visit we ended up staying in the red light district. At first I was nervous but in the end it ended up being great if you can believe it. Laws are very strict here and everything has ORDER. One of our highlights was Underwater World. There is actually a moving sidewalk under and through a giant aquarium. Fish, sharks etc can be viewed from every direction – TREMENDOUS!

Nyepi and the Ogoh – Ogoh’s

Ogoh Ogoh
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

The Hindu in Bali follow a 12 month calendar that begins in March or April. Nyepi is the first day of the Saka calendar and is marked by a day of silence. This year if fell on March 19th 2007. One of the most unusual events on this day is that all businesses close including the international airport. The locals practice yoga, mediation and pray for a better future. Travelers are expected to stay and have a quiet day in their rooms or hotel compounds.

Three days prior to Nyepi is a procession of rituals. On the eve of Nyepi the expulsion of evil spirits and demons is done through scaring them with Ogoh – Ogoh’s and making a huge amount of noise. The Ogoh – Ogoh’s are effigies made from paper mache, bamboo, wire and foam. The effigies are huge and can take up to 50 men to carry through the streets. They are truly magnificent pieces are art! It was a truly remarkable experience. Treat yourself and take a browse through Nicks photos of the Ogoh – Ogoh’s……

Friendship

Bali Canucks
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

Friendship is a precious gift that we give to ourselves. Some friends we see often, others rarely and some momentarily. Jeff, a good friend of ours from Nick’s university days, wrote to say other mutual friends were traveling the world and maybe we could meet up. Soon Jeff had us writing back and forth and before long a plan was made to meet up with Phil and Rose in Bali. We decided to meet in Ubud and spend Nyepi together with their friends Gail and Serge. We had a fabulous time! I think we pretty much all agreed that we successfully had a holiday within a holiday. Nick’s Hidden Cottages and the Balinese New Year 1929 will always evoke very warm and happy feelings………

Munduk and Water Temple

Praying Hands
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

We headed into the mountains with our “rent a wreck” to a beautiful tiny village in the cloud forest. The road was so steep at times our little Suzuki just stopped! This was terrifying to me as the roads are very narrow, steep and have endless curves. Luckily, as Nick backed down the road to a level spot, with me squealing and fidgeting on the passenger side, no one hit us!!!

Bali is an island full of surprises and Munduk is one of our favorite villages. Munduk is tranquil, climate cool, vegetation lush and the people incredibly friendly. After spending the night we traveled a little further up the road to visit a lovely water temple that is built on the shores of a small lake. When we arrived a Hindu cleansing ceremony was taking place in preparation for Nyepi, the Balinese New Year. We found the procession, offerings, costumes and music very moving.

Bali Barot National Park and Marine Reserve

Feather Star?
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

Barot Park Reserve covers approximately 10 percent of Bali’s total land area and includes coral islands, mangrove swamps and mixed monsoon forest. Our hiking guide took us into the dry jungle in search of many elusive birds. We did see quite a few but the prize of the day was to find a mating pair of falcons. Oh yeah, the other most interesting discovery for us was the mud skipper. A fish that can skip from pond to pond and live for periods of time out of water even though it does not have lungs.

The following morning we traveled by boat to Deer Island with Ari, Head Park Warden, and went snorkeling in the coral reef. Ari is a very interesting person and terrific guide, not only was he very knowledgeable about the marine reserve he is a Para Olympian in swimming for the Indonesian team and will be representing his country in 2008. I was feeling nervous about snorkeling in the ocean and he convinced me that if he could do it with his handicap that I would have no problem. He stuck with me the whole time we were snorkeling and made it a fantastic experience. It is an exhilarating feeling to swim over the coral and peer down over huge underwater rock cliffs and enjoy the spectrum of color, movement and aquatic life!

Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

Bali has many temples. One of the most impressive is the temple of Pura Lempuyang Luhur on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang. I am standing in the candi bentar and behind me is the massive mountain Gunung Agung. This is among the most sacred temple in Bali. Believe it or not it is possible to climb 1,700 steps (2 hr. climb) to this temple then another 90 minute climb up more steps to the second, smaller temple. This is an amazing place – with the wind howling it was eerie!

Water Palace Tirtagangga

Water Palace Tirtagangga
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

On this stormy day we visited two water palaces built by the last raja of Karangasem. The palace in Ujung has extensive grounds, lakes and pavilions. We were told that this palace was mostly used for meetings and short stays. The water palace in Tirtagangga is set in terraced gardens, pools and fountains. It is possible to swim in the deeper upper pool. A large building collapsed during the storm today.

Big Winds and Many Boats

Big Winds and Many Boats
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

After learning how to drive in New Zealand we decided renting a vehicle here and finding our own way would be no problem. Of course the day we picked to go exploring is during a CRAZY and wild storm. Trees, hydro lines, and branches were falling down on the road and in the villages. The roads are very, very narrow and sometimes were almost completely blocked. Every beach cove was lined with fisher boats protected from the rough sea.

Rain in Tenganan

Rain in Tenganan
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

One morning we walked to the village of Tenganan. It is a remarkable and beautiful place with cobbled avenues. Artisans here do basket work and calligraphy but it is most famous for gringsing; a highly valued red, blue and tan woven fabric. It takes up to one year to successfully dye the cotton before it can be woven. The cloth is used in religious ceremonies. The day we visited Tenganan most of the men had gathered to bet on the cock fights. Nick and I took shelter from the thundering rain were we could watch the village activities and hear the roars of betting excitement from the pavilion close by!!!

Fish Sale

Fish Sale
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

We took the bus and went east to Candidasa. It is quiet here and our accommodation has the most exquisite gardens to relax by. Fish is very important to the locals – on the street fresh fish from the mornings catch are on display!

Balinese Dancer

Balinese Dancer
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

For several days we stayed in Sanur to relax, get oriented, adjust to the head and humidity, and get used to interacting with the locals.

The shoreline is five kilometers of sandy beach lined with hotels, vendors and brightly colored fisher boats. In the early morning and evening many locals have their rods in the ocean to catch fish.

When we checked into our hotel there was excitement in the air because the staff planned to perform traditional Balinese dance for the guests during dinner. It was really quite fun to see the transformation of desk clerks, accountants, gardeners, cleaning staff and managers into amazing performers – both in dance and music!

Lewis Family Ties

Betty
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

Growing up I knew that I had family in England and in New Zealand on the Lewis side. My grandfather’s cousin left England when he was 15, traveled to NZ to marry, have children and start a new life. Like so many in those days he never made it back to England to see his parents or siblings. One of his daughters, Betty Morrison, my dad’s second cousin, is the bridge between families in Canada and England.

Nick and I were welcomed in the homes and lives of our extended family. In Waverly we were hosted by Betty and Milton with a family gathering, toured around by Ron and Judy through the hills and dales of their sheep farm, educated by Milton and Charlie in the ways of dairy and beef production, and enjoyed the beautiful sunset with Betty down at the cave beaches. In Rotorua we were hosted by Janet and Richard.

I have to say though, I really felt the most amazing kindred spirit to Betty – it was very hard to say so long…………..

Abel Tasman National Park and North

Abel Tasman
Originally uploaded by Aishihik.

After a few days in Hokitika we drove north and camped just outside the entrance to Abel Tasman Park on the ocean. The only way to experience the park is by either tramping or by the sea in some kind of water craft. The tramp can be anywhere from several hours to up to 5 days depending on how much time one has. We chose to hike in several hours, enjoy the beach and relax!! From here we headed back to the North Island.