wanderlust wednesday; nyepi in bali

Nyepi is the Balinese "Day of Silence," celebrated every new year, or Isaawarsa. It is a traditionally Hindu celebration, but is only celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. We were lucky enough to have been in Bali over Nyepi. We didn't know a thing about it and were pretty surprised when we were told that it is a complete day of silence, and no one is exempt. Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires, no electricity, no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling (the airport is closed), and for some, no talking or eating at all. 

The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. We tried to sneek out to see these men. It was pitch black and silent and we crept along an alley way hoping to catch a glimpse, but their flashlight found us first and we were chased back to out guest house. If you are caught not observing Nyepi, you are usually forced to clean the temples the next day. 

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.

According to Wikepedia, here is a breakdown of the festivities the week before Nyepi. The photos are all mine taken during the Melasti Ritual.

• First, The Melasti Ritual is performed 3-4 days beforehand. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. The ritual is performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea.

• Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create a balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual is also meant to appease Batara Kala by Pecaruan offering. Devout Hindu Balinese villages usually make ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper symbolizing negative elements or malevolent spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh have been paraded around the village, the Ngrupuk ritual takes place, which involves burning the ogoh-ogoh.

The ogoh-ogoh are gruesome things to see! There come in every variety of monster- though we saw an awful lot of saggy boobs on some these creatures, maybe the Balinese are afraid of saggy bits.

• Third, the Nyepi Rituals are performed as follows:
  • Amati Geni: No fire or light, including no electricity
  • Amati Karya: No working
  • Amati Lelunganan: No travelling
  • Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no revelry/self-entertainment
• Fourth, the Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 a.m. and continues to 6:00 p.m. the next day.
• Fifth, the Ngembak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindus to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come.
• Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed after all the Nyepi rituals finished. ^[3]

Have you ever seen Nyepi or anything like it?

Wanderlust Wednesday: Ubud, Bali

Located near the center of the island of Bali in Indonesia, Ubud is a truly unique and interesting place to visit.  Although Bali was not our favorite place by any means, Ubud was our favorite town on the island. What made it so special for us was mainly the feeling of Ubud. It's a small town, with a very postive, laid-back vibe, which was a breath of fresh air after the constant hustle of the beach towns.  

When many people think of the Bali, they conjure up images of the tropical and exotic place Elizabeth Gilbert visited in Eat, Pray, Love. For the most part, that tropical and exotic vision of Bali is not the reality of the majority of Bali, but Ubud is closest to fitting that description. 

Ubud is kind of like a mecca for health conscious spiritual yogi types, and since I pretend to be one, I really loved the place. There were great all-natural bakeries and restaurants, tons of yoga, and those beautiful iconic rice patties that we came to Bali in search of. 

A few of our days in Ubud were spent on a scooter roaming around the Balinesian countryside. The terraced rice patties are stunning, and the drive to one of the island's volcanos is a must. We visited Gunung Batur, although it started raining on us in the scooter so we missed most of the view.

Each day, the Balinese women would prepare offering baskets to the Gods, which were then placed all around the home. Most Balinese homes are large compounds with multiple buildings and a family temple in the center, and most of the "hotels" on the island are extra little huts rented out within people's compounds. We stayed in one owned by a jolly Balinese man named Rhaki, and every morning we would wake up to offering baskets and incense burning on our front step.

 And of course, there was a Starbucks in Bali. No matter how exotic or far flung we thought we were, Starbucks was always close by, reminding us that the world is too small.

It is easy to get sucked into Ubud and it is no surprise that it is favored among many expats. 

 If you go, head down the small alley ways and find a room in a local compound, eat at Bali Buddha, and roam around the many rice patties that frame the little town. 

Photo Friday!

Scenes from Indonesia

Ulu Watu

So on our last day in Bali we went to Ulu Watu. Ulu is a famous surf spot on the Southwestern tip of Bali and it is beautiful! This is by far one of the best places we visited in Bali. This is a must see especially if you are a surfer!