Balinese food, wind and motorbikes

where did I leave off? ah yes...

loving my newly discovered self-timer on my camera...

friday morning, I proceeded to put in 2 hours in the sun before Laila came to get me. she also pursuaded me to stay with her family that night, so I checked out of the hotel early. she took me to Mario's Silver, where I purchased a good deal of authentic 925 Silver and then I made two necklaces at a bead shop. then she took me to Geneva Handicrafts and I got all the fun stuff that the stalls sell for much more... and I didn't have to bargain b/c their price was so good. I also walked away with a few paintings, one of a fish, but he looks pretty scary actually. I have no idea where I am going to put it up in my apartment!

we then headed back to Laila's house, in a small village outside of Seminyak, which is situated between two rice patties. one of her two sons was at a sleepover, but I got to make friends with her 3 and a half year old but not until this morning when he deemed me worthy enough to speak to. and also play catch with in the yard. but at dinner last night, Laila and her husband had two friends over and I was discussing going to Ubud on Sunday and seeing the monkey forest and I told them all about the book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and how she seeks out this healer in Ubud named Ketut Liyer. he apparently knows all! well, Laila's friend mentioned a friend may have gone there and left the table, only to return with Mr. Ketut Liyer's business card in hand... complete with directions on the back of the business card! so actually, Laila called him this morning to make sure he would be home and taking guests on Sunday and he answered the phone and will be home from 1-5pm. she explained why I was coming and he was very nice on the phone and so I am going to get a palm reading from him tomorrow afternoon!

so Laila takes me to the Pura Tanah Lot (commonly referred to as the "Floating Temple") and there was some kind of festival, as everything was decorated with very bright colors and ribbons and many people were on the temple grounds! it was absolutely lovely and the waves were just crashing all around! the "Floating Temple" is an island, which can really only be reached by the practioners during low tide. we walked around, took some pics and Laila bargained for me on a wood carving present for someone and a traditional, detailed wall carving depicting a man/woman next to one another. hope it's not a problem with customs!

we then had lunch at a small resturant in Echo Beach, where it was crazy windy! Laila (in the middle) then brought me to my new hotel, Kuta Seaview and my room wasn't ready till 7:15pm! so I had a few drinks at Rosso Vivo, the hotel resturant where Sari was craving dinner one night during this trip. Sari put my into contact with Dani, a freelance and Reuters photographer, who took my on his motorbike to a side of the street restaurant for a crab that was bigger than my outstretched hand. seriously. I saw this thing alive and 10 min later it was on the table. Dani brought out his camera and took some pics of me at the table, so I will post them when he emails me. then he dropped me home to the hotel and I sorta love being on a motorbike. he didn't drive too fast, as I wasn't wearing a helmet, but it was pretty awesome!

so tomorrow I am being picked up at 11 and traveling to Ubud. I will be back late, so I will try and update if I can. I will definately let you know what Ketut has to say about my future... 13 children, anyone?

(my awesome bed at Kuta Seaview)