Flying into Java.

As we were flying into Yogyakarta, Java we passed Mount Merapi. Mount Merapi is the 13th largest volcano in the world and one of the most active volcano in Java.  It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is a beautiful sight.  

Now in Java!

We arrived in Java today after a beautiful early morning flight looking down on volcanos puffing smoke, and crystal clear crater lakes.
Including recent pictures as follows: the group posing with some other tourists after a sacred water blessing at Tirta Empul, our basket making workshop, the group at Batur Lake temple, our coordinator Rucina explaining offerings, group overlooking Batur Lake, and some rice farmer carrying a heavy load to market.

Balinese hotel

We are staying in a beautiful hotel in Bali; The view from the rooms, such as this one from the second story, are full of exotic trees (there are several coconut trees in sight) and brightly coloured flowers.  The buildings are decorated, such as the stunning carvings on the doors.  

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a place that everyone was really exited to see and is only a short walk away from where we are staying. Inside the sanctuary there is a beautiful temple (it is a sacred Balinese Hindu site), some incredible forest, and a whole bunch of wild, stuff-stealing macaques. Most of them were petty calm and friendly actually but we were constantly on the lookout after the theft of and fighting over some hand sanitizer. Right now there are a lot of baby monkeys so we spent extra time watching that cuteness. I think it is safe to say that it was well worth the 30,000 IDR (approximately $2.28) to visit this incredible site.

Balinese Cuisine

Lunch today is Roasted Tofu with Peanut sauce and garnished with carrots, chili, cucumber. The dish is served with nasi or rice garnished with fried onions.

Arriving in Denpasar

Here we are in Denpasar. A little weary after our long trip, but soon we drove up to Ubud, had a wonderful lunch, and began exploring the neighborhood of Nyuh Kuning south of the monkey forest temple. I expect there will be plenty of pictures of rice field terraces, temples, and monkeys posted very soon.

Departing San Francisco

So long for now . . . we have a plane to catch.