Any Excuse For a Party
which one cannot appreciate without a visit. Every morning, it is customary for the woman of the house to make an offering to the gods. This involves a small ceremony, incense, and a little palm leaf plate holding an offering of rice, fruit, or Mentos. One of these is placed in a small shrine somewhere on the premises, and another is placed on the curb in front of the house. Pretty simple. Until you realize this happens for every shop and home. Every day. As is, the sidewalks are a treacherous obstacle course of uneven surfaces, gaping holes, and wobbly concrete slabs. Trying to avoid the little offerings piled every few metres creates a bit of trouble. The threat of karmic retribution supposedly suffered when trodding on these offerings is enough to keep me well away, so I ride a bike.
The Balinese are very proud of their religious customs. And I’ve figured out why; a large number of religious ceremonies means a large number of religious holidays. This Sunday, for example, is the day when no one is allowed to work on the ocean. For no particular reason. And so I don’t have to work (can’t go diving without a boat). Last week’s celebration was for metal. All things made of metal were blessed (like cars and, of course, motorbikes). Basically, these holidays provide a chance for everyone to visit family, hang out, eat, and be merry whilst wearing funny hats and sarongs.
