Man I could settle here. This hotel is just rad. Puri Amal Bali Bungalows in Munduk (Moon-Dook), a little hill town in the mountains that glows at night. This room is just right. Simple but comfortable, clean, and more than reasonable in price. The hotel is built on a steep ridge which affords both splendid views and loads of privacy from my balcony. A trek through the area is calling from tomorrow.
Leaving from Petrus' crib we drove west this morning, straight to Pura Tanah Lot, a temple facing Java. The wind was right vicious this day, blasting the rocks with wave after wave of ocean fury. The temple itself was inaccessible, due to high tide, but the surrounding area was picture worthy. Loads of tourists from all over Asia taking "proof of presence" pix. I'll never understand the incessant need to put oneself in the frame, usually ruining the shot in the process. Had Alexy not been eager to use my camera so often I'd probably not have any pix of myself to share. Back towards the parking lot I was a bit disturbed by the rampant commercialism but conversely enthralled by the breathtaking sculptures available for purchase.
Next stop, Pura Ulu Danau on the shores of Danau Bratan. In town nearby we ate rabbit saté, and after Lexy stayed in the car while I toured the temple grounds. Likin' the lichen growth found on the surfaces here. Moss cover and even small plants spring from small crevices. Neat little spot but no match for what's to come. Unfortunately, my camera's battery begins to fail me.
I'm not lucky. A few waterfalls on the way to Singgaraja were lovely and worthy of worship from my camera's lens. But not today. I wish I had taken the time to swim in their pools but I had left my trunks in the car thinkin the day too cold for a dip.
In Singgaraja we search for a Cannon store to service my energy needs. None available. Too bad as up here are some of the best carvings I've seen yet. So many different styles. Somehow I want to possess each and every example I come across. But that's impossible. Photography will have to suffice. But not today. Today I am not lucky.
Before sundown we stop at a hot spring but it's not interesting. Balinese dragons vomit lukewarm water into slippery concrete basins. Not really pretty or comfortable at that. I'm soon ready to depart.
So we're up in Munduk, in this sweet hotel. I'm looking forward to hiking tomorrow with a fully functional camera. Ciao!
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