First stop in Bali - Lovina

So this is a bit deceptive, as the first few pictures are in fact, still on Java, but mostly my first impressions of Bali were positive! As I mentioned, I was sad to leave Java, but Bali did bring with it a slightly more relaxed feel, like you didnt need to try as hard there! Which is kind of a bad thing as a tourist, and maybe it was partially because I was more comfortable with the group, but trying to always speak Indonesian and be dressed appropriately aren't as immediate concerns on Bali as it is very well acquainted with tourism. So, the side of me which is not comfortable with this inconsiderate tourist attitude, was uncomfortable. But the side of me that was tired of always trying to fit it, was slightly relieved for the break.

Many long hours were spent this way in some kind of van! Reading, looking out the window or chatting! On this particular drive Betsy was reading up in the Lonely Planet guide book about our destination - Lovina. Apparently renowned for its massages (as I happily discovered), it is also well known for something we discovered which is essentially vagina steaming....ya. So we all had a good laugh about that one, especially when our Indonesian driver gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up and our guide explained that it was in fact, very nice....ahhh, so embarassing! It became a running joke for the rest of the trip, needless to say! So many contraditions - a predominately Muslim culture that is very sure to have its women cover up all their skin, god forbid your show your knees, is ok to openly talk about vagina steaming?? what?! haha, oh Indonesia!
First glimpse of Bali!
Look back at Java, from the ferry.
Relaxing after my amazing massage with jasmine oil! (No vagina steaming option, sad to report) So fantastic, and such wonderful and peaceful setting in the garden! Behind the white curtain where the magic happened!

Above is a delicious pinapple fried rice. As I was annoyed to find out, everything in Bali is more expensive. Bummer.

Below are some pictures of a Buddhist temple in Bali (the majority are Hindu temples, so this was a bit unique). It was up on a hill top and was very beautiful! All of us had to wear sarongs because as is well known, our knees are very offensive....everyone seems to take issue with them! Just kidding, I know its the thigh that really sets people off!;)

Frangipani tress, seen below and in the subsequent picture are very important flowers for ceremonies and decoration and offerings (from what I have observed)


Not frangipani flowers, but super beautiful, flowers within flowers!
Group shot! After our tour of the Buddhist temple we went to some hot spring pools - that was pretty nice to sit and relax in! Seemed a little unsanitary...but when in Rome!
While we were in Lovina, a couple of us woke up early to get a ride out on a little boat to watch Dolphins! It was pretty cool, we saw the sun rise, and lots of schools of dolphins jumping around.

Not immediately before our early morning dolphin watching, we enjoyed some beachside Bintangs. That is the main local beer of Indonesia - Bintang meaning star in Indonesian. Much like the Star beer in Ghana...rumor has it Heineken has a monopoly over developing country beer markets...

Then we went out 'proper' and had overpriced martinis and listened to lots and lots of Bob Marley Reggae sung by eager Indonesian boys. No woman no cry!