Bali Week 1

I am now living in a tiny little village so I frequent the local shops everyday. I mean there are only 3 of them afterall. I go to the same cafe everyday, which is owned by a lady called Wayan, who I always have a little chat with. I thought it was quite funny after reading Eat, Pray, Love - BUT Eat Pray Love this is NOT! The thing is everyone here is called Wayan. Basically the Balinese name their children in order that they were born. In Balinese culture if you are the first born (male or female) you will be called either Putu, Wayan or Nengah. Second born will be called Made or Kadek, third born Nyoman, Ika or Kamang, fourth born Ketut. If you are #5 you go back to 1.

Every time I meet someone and I ask what their name is, in my mind I'm betting they will be called Wayan. I met this family the other day and 3/5 were named Wayan.

Everyone always wants to know the same 3 things: Where are you staying?, Where are you going? & Where are you coming from? and my daily conversations with every individual person I meet goes along the same lines:

'Where are you staying'?
'Buitan'
'Where in Buitan'?
'By the beach'
'Where on the beach'?

'Where are you going'?
'for a walk'.
'But where to'?
'The shop'.
'But which shop'?

They want to know your EXACT details. But the people are amazingly friendly and I have been invited back to people's homes and we all sign to each other as that is our only form of communication cos I must admit my Indonesian is pretty darn poor!

Last night I laid in bed with my curtains wide open as the most amazing thunder and lightening storm went on. Who needs tv?!

Town. It contains 3 shops and 3 cafes and that's it. The nearest ATM is located 30 mins drive away.

Beach on our doorstep, but we are not allowed to swim

With some of the local kids who I teach - cheeky little things they are!!

The guy in his underwear behind me is our handyman/housekeeper/driver.


Lady hand weaving sarongs - my clothing of choice in Bali. I bought a few off her and swan about in them (true tourist style). Luckily non of mine have fallen off as I run around after kids.

Some cool Balinese guy who asked me to take his photo.
My friend took this photo in the local market. It was not put on even though it looks like I'm posing with my Bali guide. I was trying to converse in Indonesian with this man, rather badly!