First, let me set the stage so you will know who is speaking to you. I am a 40 year old divorcé working long hours in a job that makes no difference, living in a house that after two years is still not back together. And to top it off, my doctor just told me that if I did not change my lifestyle I would be in for some problems later on. (What’s that Boss? You’ll reimburse me if I have to cancel my trip? Oh how nice! - A few expressions come to mind one of them involving him committing sexual acts with moving bits of pastry.)

So you see, I did not go to Bali to see the ornate temples or elaborate art, the hustle bustle of Kuta -surfer babes, yikes- or the sunset at Tanah Lot. I had seen all of that before on my trip ten years ago. It was then that I witnessed the marvels of the Balinese dancing the Barong, the Kechack, and the Legong. I was fortunate to have witnessed an elaborate cremation releasing the spirit of an important priest and to watch the sun rise and set over countless rice terraces. No, I came instead to escape my life back home, if only for a few weeks, and experience life in the jungle.

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Text and Photography Copyright © 1999 Blake Holliday. All rights reserved.