The blue hour

More beauty from the beaches of Gili Air. I hope you've enjoyed this time in Indonesia - both Bali and Gili. Next week we'll move on Cambodia.

More skies can be found at Skywatch. Photo taken in December 2016.

Island living

Breakfasting right on the beach is not such a bad way to start the day! You an follow it up with a sunbath or a snorkel. Photo taken in December 2016.

Respekt

Indonesia is a Muslim majority country (except Bali), so on Gili Air there were signs everywhere warning not to walk through the village in your swimsuit. I understand the message, but the wording in German is pretty funny. It's Wednesday again, you'll find more signs here. Photo taken in December 2916.

Pastel hues

The sunsets were a modest, pastel affair in Gili Air. The island in the distance is Lombok. Photo taken in December 2016.

Getting around in Gili

After seeing all the sights Bali had to offer, it was time for some sun and sand. We took the fast boat over to Gili Air. It's a tiny island paradise, just 1.73 square kilometers! These mule-drawn carts were a popular way to get from the boat landing to your hotel as cars and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island.

Here's a look at one in the flesh! Most hotels also offered bicycles to their guests. In about 10 - 20 minutes, you can cover the whole island. It's Monday again and more murals can be found here. Photos taken in December 2016.

Sunrise

Another highlight of my time in Bali was the pre-dawn trek up Mount Batur to see the sunrise. You climb the 1,717 meters in almost darkness, with only a flashlight to guide you. However, the beautiful scenery bathed in dawn light is certainly worth it. It's Friday and you'll find more skies at Skywatch. Photo taken in December 2016.

More Balinese dance

 Balinese dance is not limited to women. The men also have an important role to play, such as this silly dragon. He was being goaded on by a naughty monkey.

These men were courtiers to the king. By royal decree - you've got to keep your smile up.

And you can't forget the musicians. The music is very special, an integral part of the spectacle. Photos taken in December 2016.

Girls and Boys

I love seeing different toilet signs around the world. This pair in traditional Balinese costume were especially pleasing to my eye. More signs can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016.

Traditional Balinese dance

One of the highlights to my visit in Bali was the traditional dance show. It is so fantastically expressive! 

Intricate finger movements and eye expressions are used to convey the stories behind the dances. Women train from a young age to become Legong dancers, it takes years to master the minute and precise movements. Photos taken in December 2016.

Friendly faces, part four

Another of the many friendly faces to be found in Bali. This one was in Ubud. Photo taken in December 2016.

Ready for harvest

A look at ripe rice. We saw people harvesting in the adjacent field - it's hard, manual labor. More reflections can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016.

Temple

The temples in Bali are always so beautifully decorated. 

 

Women come in the mornings to add fresh flowers and offerings to the statues. It's a very interesting practice, apparently it helps to appease the spirits. Photos taken in December 2016.

Culinary delights

Good food was not in short supply in Bali, from local specialties like vegetarian lawar to sweet dumplings to traditional mi goreng, everything was delicious! 

And of course no afternoon is complete without a little coffee boost. The Balinese have taken some tips from the Viennese by serving it on a little tray with embellishments. Photos taken in December 2016.

Piece of paradise

The view from our hotel room in Ubud, Bali. The city was made famous by Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat, Pray, Love. It was one of my favorite stops on our tour of Southeast Asia. I'd love to go back someday. Photo taken in December 2016.

Friendly faces, part three

Coffee growing is one of Bali's main industries. So naturally there are plenty of cafes all around the island serving up the delicious drink.

On this particular day, I decided to try my brew on ice. It was served with a beautiful Balinese smile, just the way I like it! Photos taken in December 2016.

Rice fields

There is an abundance of beautiful rice fields in Bali.

Naturally, I took an abundance of photos of them during my recent trip there! More skies can be found at Skywatch. Photos taken in November 2016.

Holy pair

As most of the population of Bali are practicing Hindus, this bovine mother and child are considered holy. Photo taken in December 2016.

Ornate door

I couldn't resist stopping for a shot of this decorative door in Bali. There's something I like about the contrast between this entrance and its surroundings. I also didn't notice the tiny stop sign to the right until I opened it on my computer. A nice detail. More signs can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016.

Friendly faces, part two

I told you friendly faces can be found everywhere in Bali. Here's one found in Ubud. Photo taken in December 2016.

Pirates in Bali?

Fans of The Pirates of the Caribbean are widespread, they can even be found in Ubud, Bali! More murals from around the world can be found here. Photo taken in December 2016.