Found a cheaper place to park our gear than the night before. Unbelievably sprawling grounds, terraced in the back, housing charming little bungalows. There's a swimming pool where the statue of a lady spewing water from her abundant mammaries serves as a fountain. Gotta love dem Hindus. So much funner than the Muslim.
Chuck's outta commission so I journey forth in search of a tourist information post. I intend to purchase tickets for some dance performances. Apparently the Balinese rock some fly moves.
Along the way I stop for photography sessions of the manifold temples interspersed among galleries and shops. Words can't do them justice so g'hed an' check the pix y'all.
Later Chuck is up so we stroll down to the Sacred Monkey Forest. It's a shocking contrast to the tightly packed city. Here it's all sprawling jungle with numerous statuary depicting Hindu Gods. And monkeys. Whole lotta monkeys, jus' doin' they thang without a care in the world. On the grounds is an elaborate temple that proves picture worthy. Such a mysterious place.
Later we attend a performance of Wayang Kulit, (skin puppets.) Cut-outs from tanned buffalo hide, intricately stenciled, depicting characters from Hindu epics. A screen is hanging in front of a torch whose light illuminates the translucent sheet. The flat figures are held up in front of the light, casting shadow and silhouette alike. Sticks attached to hands with jointed arms allow for articulate movement. The show proves confounding at best. The accompaniment is a cacophonous jangle of xylephone instrument and wood block percussion. I'd hesitate to call it music, but the shadows are neat. The puppet master is able to vary the distance of each puppet in relation to the screen causing subtle alterations of shape and opacity. All in all a fascinating artform but in some ways challenging to the senses.
It's early but I'm pooped. Gonna go crash. See what tomorrow brings.
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