Just finished breakfast with one Continental and one Balinese choice. Slept well last night after a gruelling and humid afternoon walk. The hotel guests around us are from Europe, Asian and may be even American or Australian – difficult to make out unless one talks to people. No one seemed interested in getting to know others, just like any other place in large hotels and restaurants around the world. I tried to imagine myself sitting alone in a different country and in a place like this. Was not a very pleasant idea. But then I am the product of the sixties and seventies Kolkata, Bengal, India. The sense of kinship bothered and made us feel safe at the same time. We are living in a different world now. This brings me to an interesting discussion that I had with my historian daughter during breakfast. We have seeing individuals (specially white) searching for spirituality in Bali through rituals and yoga and
tourists
Bali, day 3
Goa Gajah meaning “The Elephant Cave”, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud. Although the exact origins of the cave are uncertain, it is believed to have been built as a place for spiritual meditation. One folklore relates that it was created by the fingernail of the legendary giant Kebo Iwa. However, examining its style, the sanctuary was probably dated from the 11th century Bali Kingdom. The complex contains both Hindu and Buddhist imagery, as the cave contains lingam and yoni, symbols of Shiva and the image of Ganesha, , while by the river there are carved images of stupas and chattra, imagery of Buddhism. The cave was rediscovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923, but the fountains and bathing pool were not discovered until 1954. it’s a beautiful serene place. They also uncovered a bathing area separated for men and women An elderly man offered to be a guide, we agreed because it supports local economy, though there was nothing to be guided
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