Oddball Facts on Temples and Nightmares

It's my last day in Bali, and I have nothing monumental to say. Rather, random thoughts float through my psyche as I trudge through the to do list.

There's photo prints to pick up, and airport shuttles to research, and last hurrah's to enjoy. I'm relatively unattached to the fruition of most plans and other people's follow up. After 2 months immersed in the unique ebb and flow of "Bali time", I understand that the most important things have a way of falling into place irrelevant of anyone's tension.

Some brief oddities I've learned...

The caste system is still in place socially, and one's public name is a significant thing. What one reveals or addresses past the typical range of about 5 common names (reflecting the order one is born in the family)indicates levels of respect and familiarity. Some people hide their high caste status, other's tout it. Some people choose to buck the system totally and go by a nickname. The suprisingly complex social implications unravelled with time. I'm quite happy to step out of the quagmire of it.

Balinese frogs are tasty to eat, while the toads are not.

Land roving crabs are tasty to eat, while their exclusively underwater cousins are not.

Many hotel workers work for food and shelter, and some combination of a tiny stippend or some small percentage of the guest occupancy. Their cash flow is typically only enough for cigarettes and snacks and the occaisional moonshine.

Contrary to popular belief, most Balinese do NOT smoke ganga.

Almost every Balinese person under 40 knows the words to "I'm leaving on a jet plane... don't know when I'll be back again...", as well as a few other ballads. It's only the guys that seem to sing it though.

Nightmares will come to those Balinese that sleep: with their left hand over their hearts, on their sides in a running position, or with feet pointed toward a family temple or bed headboard. Those who dream of having their hair cut should pray fervently to avoid an eminent death.

One should always shower before approaching even a small family shrine... especially after sex. One should always share the food preparations with the gods before serving.

Balinese are afraid of being alone at night in general, especially in the woods or near rivers. Sometimes they will wake their bed partners to accompany them to the out house. They will feel safer if carrying an amulet from a spiritual practioner (no doubt a practical gift from sleep deprived partners).

Most Balinese men smoke, lest they be suspected of being gay... and they want to keep the social record straight.

Many people in the NE section of Bali drink in groups at the family compound at the end of ceremonies. They pass shooters of palm wine or arak (local moonshine) in one glass around the circle. Politeness insists on drinking the whole amount presented and not dilly dallying too long.

In Bali, "I love you" could mean "I love you", "I want sex with you", or the ever popular tourist greeting for "I'm in the mood for beer on your tab". A "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" is someone who one has had sex with, despite: lack of commitment, or time passage, or physical distance.


Balinese coffee is a straightforward unfiltered affair. It takes patience to drink, as one must wait for the powder or fine grind to settle to the bottom of the cup. Locals tend not to wait as long as tourists, and some seem to enjoy it a little thick.

Where there's a will, there's usually a way...

This last random thought keeps me going. I'll be planning my next move on the plane tomorrow. I'm not sure where I'll go after arriving in KL (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). I'd love to head off to Cambodia's stunning Ankor Wat temples, or Kuching in Borneo. Both are incredibly picturesque and perfect subject matter for my animation background illustration portfolio. Unfortunately, the transportation is more than I can afford right now. I must wait out my trip someplace cheap and hope that my funds increase before I run out in 2 weeks (via pending web-work and USA furniture sales on my behalf).

Today, I am determined to reduce my weighty material possessions. It may be most practical and cheap to donate or toss things. Mailing overseas, and 3 months of left luggage fees can be quite expensive or not-quite-secure.