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.

Echo beach

A visit to the famed Echo Beach was a must! If you've never heard the song by Martha and the Muffins, it's time to change that.

While most people picture Bali filled with beautiful white sand beaches, quite a few of them are black. Despite what you might think, the sand was incredibly soft. I do hope to get back to Echo Beach someday. Photos taken in November 2016.

Evening catch

A group of young men were fishing at Tanah Lot. I'm not sure how this one could turn his back to the beautiful colors in the sky behind him. Photo taken in November 2016.

Land in the Sea

Tanah Lot is one of the most popular temples to visit in Bali. It is a small rock island that is only easily accessible during the low tide. Visitors flock here at sunset to receive a blessing with the holy waters of the site.

Of course, the beautiful views and sunset are also a big draw.

I always try to take pictures of the signs, so I don't forget where I was later! More signs can be found here. Photos taken in November 2016.

Pretty in pink

I can never resist bright bougainvillea! Photo taken in November 2016.

Friendly face

One of the many friendly faces you'll find in and around Bali! Photo taken in November 2016.

Pure gold

Here's the real reason why so many people flock to Uluwatu on the southern tip of Bali - the fantastic sunsets! Seeing that beautiful color made the trip worth it. More skies can be seen here. Photo taken in November 2016.

Vista

The views from the temple are what brings most of the tourists here. It's breathtaking. Photo taken in November 2016.

Uluwatu temple

Many people make the trek southward to Uluwatu for the fantastic sunset views in the evening. However, the temple in itself is well worth discovering. Though Indonesia as a country is majority Muslim, the island of Bali is Hindu. Depictions of Ganesh, Shiva and other Gods are abundant throughout the island.

Uluwatu temple is a holy site and many people come to pray and make offerings.

Here's a bit of information on the temple. More signs can be found here. Photos taken in November 2016.

Enjoying the view

This monkey was keeping a sharp eye on the tourists. Anything that is left unattended for even a moment can easily become property of the monkey. The tourists were watching the more interesting sights, the sea and the sunset. Photo taken in November 2016.

Welcome to Bali

After a couple of weeks of intense culture in Vietnam, it was time for some relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Bali, Indonesia. This one was in the southeast area of the island in Sanur. Photo taken in November 2016.

Life on the mighty Mekong

I took a daytrip from Saigon to the Mekong Delta. One day is really not enough to really get to see it all, but at least to get a taste of life on the river.

Houses are built to withstand changes in the water level. The river can rise and fall several meters during the rainy season.

There are also floating markets. Most of what's available is fruits, vegetables and the like. This woman had apples on offer. 

Photos taken in November 2016.

Post colonial

French architectural influences can still be found in today's Saigon. This is the facade of the former post office. 

It's now a shopping hall. You'll see our old friend, Mr. Ho Chi Minh, thoughtfully watching over visitors. 

Photos taken in November 2016.

Delivery

Everything is transported by scooter in Vietnam. Really, everything. Photo taken in November 2016.

Looking out

Looking out onto the plaza in front of the Catholic church in Saigon. You're never alone in Southeast Asia! Photo taken in November 2016.

Still popular after all these years

Getting a selfie with Mr. Ho Chi Minh's statue in Saigon is popular with tourists of all stripes. Photo taken in November 2016.

Out and about

Tourists take a float down the Thu Bon river in traditional boats in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo taken in November 2016.

River views

Views along the Thu Bon river in Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo taken in November 2016.

Into the fairy creek

The fairy creek is another big attraction in Mui Ne. As it was the dry season, it was a scenic  walk upstream through the creek.

There are lots of mineral cliffs along the way. It's easy to imagine things look quite different here during the wet season when the water is much higher and flows faster.

There's always a slight current, even in the shallow waters. Photos taken in November 2016.

Neverending dunes

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Photo taken in November 2016.

Lotus blossom

A beautiful lotus blossom for Easter Monday. Photo taken in November 2016.

High in the sky

Mui Ne is a popular spot for kite surfing. I didn't try it, but it was fun to see the colorful sails flying high in the sky. More skies can be found here. Photo taken in November 2016.

Fishing village

There's always work to be done when you live in a fishing village.

Sorting through the day's catch.

Drying and preparing the nets for another day. Photos taken in November 2016.

Beautiful bougainvillea

I can never resist snapping a shot of this bright flower. Hope it brings some sunshine to your day. Photo taken in November 2016.

More dunes

It was such a beautiful morning, but other photographic subjects are coming (or are they?). Photo taken in November 2016.

At the top

Some people used modern means to get to the top of the dunes for the sunrise. I went up the old fashioned way - by foot! Photo taken in November 2016.

Sunrise

It pays to be an early bird in some cases. Seeing the sunrise over the dunes in Mui Ne was definitely a treat. More skies can be found here. Photo taken in November 2016.

Crossing a bridge

I don't quite remember where this bridge was, somewhere between Hue and Hoi An, but I love that we were driving towards the big puffy clouds and blue sky. Photo taken in November 2016.

Inside the bridge

A look through the Japanese Friendship Bridge from a different angle. It's a popular spot with tourists and there was often a queue to walk across as only a certain number of people can be on the bridge at once. Photo taken in November 2016.

Hue by night

I love all the bright lights you find in cities across Southeast Asia. I was lucky the cyclist came through my shot at just the right moment. Photo taken in November 2016.

At the market

Some things at the open air markets look better than others.

 

I suppose this is an attractive presentation to some, but it certainly didn't appeal to me! Photos taken in November 2016.