We are enjoying some unforgettable moments in this microcosmos of religions, landscapes and animals…..Some extracts below…..
For instance, Valen extracted his own tooth….to our own amazement…..one of the first nights we arrived here….I guess he was a bit desperate to ‘finish his homework for the day’ – remember, we are home schooling them and everyday there are some activities!. He received some Rupiahs from the tooth fairy, which gave us an opportunity to talk about currencies in different countries and the global economy! (although granted, it was my own monologue..)
We spent a magical day exploring a butterfly park on our way to some amazing temples. We learned a lot about these creatures and their lifecycle and habitats (cocoons, how much time they live, etc) and also about other intriguing critters! Valen and Carlos held the regal ‘Kupu Kupu Barong’, which happens to be the biggest butterfly in the world…no wonder they looked so proud!
We witnessed some amazing rice paddies, perched majestically across the mountains….it was truly special…Set in the heart of the Tabanan Regency in Bali, the Jatiluwih rice fields have been named a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, part of Bali’s Subak System. The vast expanses of terraced, green rice paddies are stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where its foot meets the sea. The fields that make up this area have adopted the traditional Subak irrigation system – a method that has been preserved for centuries and passed down from generation to generation.
We encountered more of the local fauna…to the kids’ delight….look at the light in their eyes…..
We have climbed volcanoes with dual rims and beautiful lakes to learn that animists still live by the lakeside… we have touched the sky and were very happy for that…we are brothers in arms and we stand for each other !!!!
I should think so — in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit