The Bali taxi driver explained that he loves the flexibility of being able to take a day off whenever he pleases.
Yes, but surely no work means no income? 'It means I have time to photograph my village', he says. 'Bali has so many ceremonies, and I record them for my people. It keeps our culture alive.' And then he smiles, 'It keeps the tourists coming too!'
Canang sari are small, square, woven palm-leaf baskets, filled with flowers and perhaps a few grains of rice. Carefully placed, with a stick of incense and a sprinkle of water, these are daily symbols of devotion, from the Balinese Hindus to their gods. They appear in every home, shop and market, on street corners, stone carvings, even on the beach.
This is so much the essence of the Bali that I have experienced, this past month. The humility, the delight in service, the gentle humour. Far from an act to keep the tourists coming, this is the real thing. It’s who they are. And that’s the heart that will bring me back again.
Go Boldly!
Jenny