Final Days Ubud- Green School, Monkeys and River Walks

I had a few things I wanted to do to finish up my days in Ubud. I went to morning yoga classes and enjoyed the area. 

I was intrigued by the bamboo craftsmanship and was told that if I liked it then I needed to visit the Green School.   I looked it up online and signed up for the free tour. The Green School was started by John Hardy. He has a TED talk (http://www.greenschool.org/2010/11/18/john-hardys-ted-lecture-now-live/) that explains why he started the school and the goal of the school. I looked up directions online and made the journey on my scooter. I am getting use to Bali and finding my way around quite easily. When I am lost or uncertain, I just stop and ask for directions. After a ride down a hill with a million potholes, I came to a small pedestrian bridge across the river. 

I asked directions by pointing and saying "Green School?" The locals nodded yes. I went across, up a hill and saw the parking lot at the top. 

I was amazed as I walked onto the school site. All of the buildings and desks are made of bamboo, the rooms have no walls and the school is set in nature with a river running along one side. There are gardens and animals the students are responsible for tending.



Mud wrestling pit

I was intrigued that PE class included mud wrestling! How fun! The schools goal is to educate students with an understanding of the environment. Class rooms were open and we were told some classes are conducted sitting on the bridge with a view of the river. 

As I toured the area, I found myself wanting to go to school here. Our tour guide explained that 90% of the students are expats children. The goal is to get 20% of the student body of local children through scholarships since the cost has been prohibitive. I felt strongly that local children needed this opportunity as much a the expat children and donated to the scholarship fund.

The school will be completely off the grid soon when the water vortex is running (next week). They also uses solar power to provide energy. All of the bathrooms are green. I decided to use one for the experience. As you open the door you  have a choice of 2 toilets. One for urine only and the other for pooping. You must not confuse these! If you poop, you add sawdust to the bucket afterwards. I was impressed with the system. It did not smell and worked fine. 

I met several parents that had children at the school. I was amazed that several of them had visited the Green School, were impressed and decided to move their families to Bali so their children could be educated here. Most of the parents explained that it was the same price as private school in the USA and they figured out a way to do their work over the Internet. Wow! Several also commented that their children were dyslexic or ADHD and they found their children had thrived at summer camp and decided to move here for the sake if their child's education. One student had even won his education by winning a science award. I will be interested to see how the students do in the years to come.  How will they integrate into colleges? What will they do in the future? Will they be responsible for making the world more environmentally conscious? Will they be leaders in the green movement? Only time will tell. 

My only concern is more children in Bali should have this opportunity. I wish local schools were built like this to educate children all over the world.

I returned to Ubud and enjoyed a juice and salad before going to bed. Mmmmmm!

The next morning, I awoke and decide to walk down to the river. I walked down the  moss covered steps, through the jungle and to the river. It was a beautiful oasis below Marie's jungalow. I found abandon homes .... one is my dream home. I seriously wanted to call squatters rights and take it as my own. 

It was a beautiful wood jungalow overlooking the rice fields and river. I would be happy living here the rest of my life.

I returned to a gazebo overlooking the river and did some stretching and writing my blog. 

It was peaceful. I wanted to stay but I also wanted to see Monkey Forest before I left Ubud.

I drove into town. I parked and entered the forest, ignoring the women selling bananas. I really did not want to be chased by the monkeys. I just wanted a quick peek. Monkeys were everywhere! Tourists were luring them to crawl up their bodies to their shoulders with bananas. I have had a monkey crawl up me before. It was not something I enjoyed. I stood back and watched. In the temple one crawled under my sarong and grabbed ahold of my leg. I nicely chased it away. Whew! 

I felled or the baby monkeys. Poor little guys got chased away each time a tourist brought out a banana. I laughed as a girl was trying to get a small monkey to climb up her. I saw a huge male come running towards her back. I told her a big monkey is about to jump in your back just as he made contact. She was shocked at the weight of the monkey as he scratched and crawled his way to the banana. He knocked her off balance, swiped the banana and ran away. Then another guy lured a monkey to his shoulder and the monkey peed on his shoulder as he ate his banana. Ha ha! That's why I skipped the bananas!

I returned home that night and packed for my morning trip to Amed. I was ready to relax at the beach for a few days! 

Cremation Ceremony

 

These Balinese boys welcomed us and enjoyed posing for photos throughout the day.

I wanted to see a Balinese Cremation ceremony during my visit. I happened to meet Gede at the Balinese Children's project and he told me his village was having a cremation ceremony on Friday. He invited me to attend the service of his father and 23 others. He wrote down the name of his village and then texted me additional information. Gede told me this was a mass cremation. Most of the people had died 3-5 years ago.

On Friday morning, Paula decided to join me for the ceremony and we headed off on my scooter. I had never driven with anyone on the back so this was a new experience. I was cautious, not wanting the service I attended to be my own cremation. We arrived in the village and asked where the cremation was located. We headed west and found a temple with many people. We stopped and asked a fellow about the cremation. Two men carrying a pig on post exited the temple. They had just sliced his neck and blood was squirting. We were told the cremation would be in a week. We left after being given directions to head back a mile and turn right at the curve. We eventually arrived and could see the tower and bulls lined up in the street. 

The entire town came together for the service. The women were dressed in beautiful sarongs and traditional lace shirts with a sash tied at the waist. The men were wearing sarongs and traditional hats. I saw a woman selling fried bananas and stopped for a snack before the procession began. I happened to meet one of the heads of the village. He welcomed me and told me it would be an hour before they would start, they were waiting for another village to arrive.

I found a step to sit and wait for the procession to the cemetery. I watched the people as they waited. Made had explained the strong sense of community to me. The Balinese live most of their lives in the village they were born. Unless they move to a city for work. However, they always return to their village for ceremonies. 

The procession started with young boys carrying flags and followed by women carrying offerings on their heads. And then families of the deceased carrying photos and offerings.

The bulls and dragons were next then the tower carrying the village priest.

A band followed the tower. Then, the second and third villages repeated with towers, bulls and bands. There was excitement as the procession began.

When everyone arrived at the cremation grounds, the families walked around the bulls and dragons with their offerings and sacrificed birds and suckling pigs. The offerings were laid out on a table and prepared for cremation. Priests from each village oversee the ceremony. We waited almost 2 hours for the arrival of purified water and all of the ceremonial steps to be completed. I walked the grounds watching what was going on. Although it was a religious ceremony, people were celebrating. Families brought lunches and had picnics. Others purchased food at the sandwich, satay an donut stands.

 

 

 

I decided to have a donut. I went to take a bite and a man walked up and grabbed it out of my hand. I stared shocked but could tell he was mentally handicapped. Oh well. He wanted a donut. I.did not need it. I later ran into him when he was pleasuring himself. Not something I expected to see at a cremation ceremony but realizing he was mentally challenged, I let it go. 

It was an odd experience. Balloons, ice cream and candy was for sell. 

Men were gambling in the temple and the band was relaxing and enjoying the sense of community.

 

Children were playing on the towers and running through the fields. 

As I talked to the local villagers, I learned this was a symbolic ceremony. There were no bones/bodies being burned today. After a short rain, everyone started to congregate near the bulls and dragons. 

They lit one on fire and burned the symbolic offerings. One by one each of the bulls and dragons went up in fire. I watched the flames and smoke engulf the area. Everything burned quickly.

We were overcome by the fumes and the smoke. Paula and I decided we had enough and left. It was an interesting experience and insight into the rituals of the Hindu  people. Typically, they would collect the ashes and take them to a river or sea to finalize the ceremony. It was an interesting celebration of life. I liked it and walked away with a smile on my face. The Balinese believe their loved ones will be reincarnated into the next generation and the cycle will continue.

We walked slowly back to our scooter after the cremation ceremony.

Medicine Man- Cokorda

Me at the entrance to Cokorda's temple. 

Marie and I went to yoga class in the morning. I smiled as I sat in the studio waiting for class to begin. I looked out over the palm trees and rice fields. A cool breeze was drifting into the studio. The birds were chirping and I was in Bali taking a yoga class! Ahhh! It felt good to stretch and have this time to get the kinks out from the road trip. I was tight but by the end of the 2 hour class, I felt fantastic. After class, Marie mentioned she had a medicine man and asked if I would like to visit him. Nothing serious was wrong with me. My asthma was a little bothersome after the air pollution in Beijing. But I would love to visit a real Balinese medicine man! Sign me up!

Marie explained that Cokorda was from the royal family and never planned to be a medicine man. He had cars, women and a royal lifestyle. But he had a vision and then a car accident and a second vision that he was suppose to become a medicine man. He finally listened to his visions and started to study the lontar, ancient palm leaf manuscripts of traditional medicine. The lontar books have been the source of wisdom and knowledge. The Balinese gain their philosophy of life, knowledge on astronomy, laws, rites, medicine and gods from the ancient lontar. They are the books of life.



Lontar on the left, under the white cloth.

Marie prepared me for my visit to Cokorda and I listened closely.  She told me it is a different experience then the hordes of tourists that go to see Ketut Leyir from Eat, Pray, Love. He does not tell every person the same story and predict a long and healthy life. Cokorda would use pressure points to identify pain or issues with your health. Marie said she would call him and arrange a visit, purchase the offerings and let me know what day we would visit.
 On the day of our visit, Marie took 3 of us to Cokorda's temple. It was a beautiful temple and Marie showed me around the grounds.

We walked to the back to meet Cokorda. We were introduced to him and gave our offerings of coffee, sweets and money. Cokorda said he was around 90 years old. I smiled and watched as he smoked a cigarette. I sat down on the mat to wait as the French woman, Nataile, went first. She had told us that she was in constant pain from her back. I was interested to see what happened. As Cokorda started touching points on her body she screamed out in pain. Oh my goodness! I looked at Paula with shock. He continued and the screams got louder and louder. I turned to Paula and said "I am not certain I want to do this." She wasn't certain either. The screams were awful. What had I signed up for? I remembered Made telling me on person he took screened obscenities it was so painful. I watched as Cokada had Natile lie down and started to poke her toes with a stick. He repeated the area of the body it was associated with. She screamed agin when he got to her back and nervous system. Cokorda had two apprentices that helped him by doing some movements over her body. After some time, they stopped and Cokorda got out the stick to poke her foot. No screams. Her pain appeared to be gone. No screaming. Wow!

Next it was my turn. I sat down and Cokorda started touching my pressure points on my head. I was waiting for pain. I did not have any.Whew! I relaxed and Cokorda contined and ten asked "hiw can I help you?" i told him I ha asthma and was coughing. Cokorda had me lie down. He got out the stick and poked me with it as recited the organs of my body. He got to lung and I did not scream. He said "Lungs good, no problem." Then he poked the top of lung and esophagus area. Owwwwww! That hurt and I jumped. Cokorda went in to explain that it was not my lungs but I was not drinking enough water. "Drink more water. You pee, drink water. Stop using inhaler." Ok. He also offered to give me some oil to rub on my chest. Then he said How can I help you. All ok. Be happy!" I smiled and thanked him. I had a medical checkup and all is good! Be happy! I will try drinking more water to see if it helps my cough. I will keep my inhalers just in case. I am not ready to ditch them yet. 

 

Visiting a Balinese medicine man was an interesting experience. I was happy I had done this. Most Balinese have a medicine man they visit before they see a doctor. There were several women waiting to be seen. They smiled at us foreigners and patiently waited their turn. The medicine men use a variety if herbs and plants to help a person. Sometimes they will tell you they can not help and you must see a medical doctor. 

As we were leaving our session, I asked Nataile how she felt. She said she felt good and was not in pain. The question was would it work? 

I am a believer in a mixture of eastern and western medicine. I prefer to use healthy living options (diet, accupuncture, excercise) over pharmaceuticals when possible. I don't want to mask problems. I want to live my life the healthiest way possible. Finding a balance in life is important and I have seen first hand how it changes your well-being. Since traveling, my stress and insomnia are gone. I dream again. I calm myself through meditation. It has been a good lesson in healthy living. The trick will be to continue to do so when I return to the workforce. 

Temples, Volcanos and Rice Terraces of Bali

 

A typical Balinese street view.

If you have been following my blog, you know I am not a fan of organized tours. I will do anything to avoid them. In Bali, I hired a driver, Made (www.adityabalitour.com), to take me to the volcano and to show me his country. I was excited because he loved to share the culture, religious beliefs and would answer the millions of questions I had for him. He was also very courteous and professional. When he came to pick me up, he asked what I had done the previous 2 days and I told him I have been to Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi on my scooter. He was shocked and impressed that I did that on my own. He and Marie called me brave and fearless. Ha ha! I never consider solo travel that extraordinary. I guess it comes from being single for so many years and doing everything on my own. Mr. Made told me he had planned to stop at both these sights. I was excited and asked if we could keep Tirta Empul on the schedule. I could go in the waters! I ran to grab a change of clothes before we left.

I liked this carving,  jazz hands!

Our first stop was the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) sanctuary. I put on my sarong and sash and entered the area. This is not a natural cave. It was a solid rock carved by believers years ago. The holy men would clean themselves in the holy fountains before entering the cave to meditate for enlightenment. This cave was built in honor of Goa Gajah, the God of wisdom, prosperity and good luck.

Goa Gajah cave entrance

I entered the cave through the mouth and took a quick look around. It was dark and smelly from rotting offerings. Not someplace I wanted to spend much time meditating! The surrounding gardens were lush and peaceful. I decided to hike the area and explore the gardens. There were carvings in the rocks as I continued along the paths. I walked until I came to a path where a man wanted money to walk down towards the river. I decided to return back to meet Made.

 

 

I met back with Made and we headed north to an organic farm. I had told Made I loved healthy eating and he asked if I would like to see one of the organic family farms on our trip. Of course! We stopped and walked through the gardens and then I was shown how they roast the coffee. Bali also has a special coffee, kopi luwak. The Asian palm civet lives on the farm (cage free) and selects only the best coffee beans to eat. The beans are then excreted and collected, cleaned and roasted to make the kopi luwak. It is believed the fermentation process that occurs in the civet's digestive system improves the flavor of the coffee bean. 

Kopi Luwak beans after cleaning and roasting.

Made asked if I would like a free sample of the farms coffee and teas. Sure, I was game and I really wanted to see if there was a difference in the taste of the coffee. Yep, I was trying that cevit poop coffee! They brought me a tray of samples and a plate of local fruits (including snakeskin fruit). Yummy!

I must admit, the kopi luwak coffee tasted better than the regular coffee. But my favorites were the ginger coffee and the lemongrass tea. I bought a small bag of each for my travels.

 

Our next stop was Tirta Empul, the holy spring. I had visited before so, I knew where I was going. I left my bag with Made and just took a change of clothes and my iphone for photos. I entered the temple and walked towards the changing room to rent a locker. I got a key and entered. I was a little surprised when I entered to see men and women all together in different stages of changing their clothes. Hmmmm....well, when in Rome do as the Romans. What else could I do? I changed into my swimsuit and wrapped a sarong around my waist. Then I tied a shawl over my shoulders. As I left the changing room an older lady grabbed my hand and smiled. She pulled me along to the entrance of the temple and the water baths. She was excited she had found a tourist to show the way. I passed the priests and gave an offering.

Then I continued to the pool. I asked a tourist if she would take a couple photos for me and gave her my iphone. As I entered the water, I noticed large coy fish swimming in the pool. I giggled as I thought of my sister who would have freaked out being in a pool of water with fish. The water was cool and the bottom was covered with worn stones. I waited my turn and followed in step with the Balinese. I bowed my head to pray Balinese-style: gave thanks to emptiness, the sun, creation, offer blessings to the world and then thanks to emptiness once again. I stepped towards the first of 12 fountains and murmur a gratitude blessing and dunk my head under the fountain three times. The woman smiled at me and grabs my hand to pull me along. Made had explained that each of the fountains has a different significance, providing things like protection from evil spirits, blessings for fertility (no tahnk you!), wealth and blessings for the dead. He told me to follow the locals but not to dip my head in the fountain for the dead. I was glad he told me this. He told me it would be the fountain the locals skipped and it would not have any offerings on it. The fountain of the dead is used to wash the bones of the deceased prior to cremation.

 

Tirta Empul



I quietly watched the locals and followed their lead. Although this is the most spiritual sight in Bali, I was amazed how the locals chatted and laughed as they went through the process. I whispered my blessing at each spout as I went along. I don't know whether the water will cleanse or uplift me. I only know that I felt alive in the moment and thankful. I returned to the locker room, changed my clothes and returned to Made.

 

We continued our drive up to the Mount Batur. The view of the active volcano was beautiful and impressive. I walked around the area and shot a few photos. Then we headed south to the rice terraces.

As we continued our drive, I notice all of the cars and scooters had offerings on them. I had not noticed this in previous days. Made explained it was Tumpek Landep, a day the Balinese celebrate all things mechanical. Offerings are placed on cars and scooters because the Balinese believe that everything they have comes from the gods. Offering are made to thank the gods for blessing them with the ability to make things that help them in their daily lives. We passed women with offerings on their way to the temple.

 

I am in awe of the gracefulness of the Balinese women. They walk with offerings and water jugs balanced on their heads. Talking and gossiping with their friends. I will never tire of this sight. Made told me the children learn to do this in their youth. He pointed out a woman riding on the back of a motorcycle with the offering balanced on her head. Amazing!

 

We arrived at the Tegallalang rice terraces. They were beautiful. I will never tire of the shades of green and the serenity of rice paddies.

 

 

Made joined me as we walked down to the bottom. He was telling me about the naming system in Bali. In his class, all children are named Wayan, Made, Nygoman and Ketut. In this order for a boy or a girl. On child 5, you start back at Wayan. It makes it easy to know the birth order but confusing when everyone's names are Wayan or Made. I asked him how that is handled in school. Made told me the have nick names also. I laughed as I told him my name would be Made also.

Made (left) and a farmer (Wayan) that we met while hiking.

At the end of the day we passed through the stone carving and wood carving areas. I asked if we could stop so I could look at a store. The wood carvings were beautiful. I loved several pieces but passed due to my budget. I had a wonderful day with Made and learned a great deal about Balinese life. I said my goodbyes to Made and arranged for him to pick me up in a few days to drive me to Amed. He smiled and waved goodbye.

Bali- My Own Journey

When I told friends and family I was going to Bali, I was asked if I was going to look for love like Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat,Pray, Love. I am the first to admit I loved the book and movie. But no, I came to Bali to experience the culture and to relax. As most of you realize, I am happiest when I get to interact with locals and experience the culture of a country. I search for educational opportunities and those that challenge my comfort zone.

Most people think of beaches, surfing and parties when they think of Bali. But, I knew Kuta was not my scene. I enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail  but not the wild parties. I was going to Ubud for yoga, relaxing and healthy eating. I was prepared to try it all. I chose a room with the winderful Marie Bee (www.airbnb.com) in the village of Sayan on the west side of Ubud. Marie was fantastic! She has lived in Ubud for years and has contacts in the community. If you want to see or do something, she will tell you how to do it. She sent Made (www.adityabalitour.com) to pick me up at the airport. Made and I bonded quickly on the 1.5 hour trip to Marie Bee's room. He explained the beliefs, ceremonies and culture of the Balinese people. I was excited when he told me I had arrived during cremation season. What? I knew the Balinese were Hindu whereas the remainder of Indonesia is Muslim. And I knew the Hindu religion cremates when someone passes away. But I was not aware there was a season to cremate those that had passed away. Made explained to me the rich people will cremate their loved ones after they pass away. However, due to the costs of a cremation the majority of the people will bury their loved ones for 3-5 years and then the entire village has a mass cremation to burn the bones of loved ones. This allows the people to save their money to pay for the cremation. I was intrigued and wanted to see a cremation while I was in Bali. Made told me to ask Marie and ask around town. I made a mental note to ask Marie about a cremation service. Made shared his experiences, knowledge and love of his country as we talked. He even offered to stop and help me get a SIM card for my cell phone! When we arrived at Marie Bee's, Made carried my bag in and introduced me to her staff (Nygoman and Tini). They welcomed me and showed me around the house then took me to my scooter I had rented ($5/day). Yes! Back on a scooter and we all know how much I love that! It was late afternoon and I knew I should get something to eat before it was too late. I hate driving at night in a new town. So, Tini and Nygoman offered to take me to a restaurant on their way home. I followed behind trying to remember how to get back to Marie Bee's. We weaved around corners and up hills then back down. They stopped at what would become my favorite restaurant, Alchemy. I walked in and was in heaven...I saw a fresh smoothie bar and a nice salad bar. Just what I wanted. I ate quickly so I could find my way back to Marie Bee's before it was dark. I got lost a few times and stopped and asked directions. I got back home and went to bed.

In the morning, I met Marie and she gave me directions to see a few sights. I needed to run some errands & then started her suggested motorbike ride. Unfortunately, I got lost several times. Bali maps are poor and the roads are not marked. I enjoyed riding around the back roads, while the people worked the rice fields. I realized it was late afternoon and I headed back to Ubud. I enjoyed the freedom to explore on my own.

The next morning I awoke and left early to see the sights Marie had suggested. As I left on my journey, my first stop was to purchase offerings for the temples. I found a warung on the corner and asked for 3 offerings.

Then I headed through Ubud and north towards my destinations. It was easier because I was getting more comfortable on the scooter and I had an idea where I was going. My first stop was to find the men making bulls for the cremation services. I asked if I may take photos and he was proud to show me his work. I watched as he crafted the tail by braiding palm tree leaves and wrapped it with newspaper. He showed me the bull was made from dried coconut shells, which burn quickly. He told me it takes him a week to build one bull. I was surprised he was so fast and did a beautiful job. I asked the gentleman if there were any cremation services in nearby villages. He gave me a list of days and villages. I thanked him and continued on my way. I realized my 5 days in Ubud was going to be longer since I wanted to see a cremation.

My next stop was Kampung Café for an early lunch and a fruit smoothie. The café has a beautiful view of rice terraces and is very relaxing. After my lunch I continued through the countryside. I stopped along the way at a local temple. Women were entering with offerings. Marie lent me a sarong and sash to wear at the temples. As soon as I put it on a young girl walked over and said hello. She invited me to take my offering in with her. I am fascinated by the beauty of the temples. The orange and gray colors are beautiful surrounded by the rice fields. Made had explained to me that the Balinese people have a family temple at their home where they make daily offerings. They also have village temples where they make additional offerings. I watched as the women entered, bowed their heads and placed the offering in the temple. Then they left. I respectfully left an offering before continuing on my journey towards the Presidential Palace, the resting ground of the first King of Bali. I stopped and asked directions several times and everyone was kind and helpful. As I entered the palace parking lot, I was told it was closed. This confused me because other people were entering. I asked what day it was open and the guard told me "no." I asked if it was open tomorrow and he said "you, never." I asked a few more questions and realized it was closed to tourists. Ok. On to my next destination, Tirta Empul.

Tirta Empul is a holy spring where water emerges from the land which the Hindu people believe can purify and heal diseases. I watched as the Balinese and tourists alike entered the pools and went through the ritual of dousing themselves in each fountain three times. I noticed the people skipped one of the fountains but I was not certain why. It was interesting and beautiful to watch. Many Balinese asked if I was going to participate. Unfortunately, I forgot a change of clothes. I sat quietly watching and appreciating the ritual.  

My next stop was Gunung Kawi. I saw a temple and turned to enter it. As I stopped to ask a man, he nodded his head and pointed for me to proceed. I walked down the winding steps and found a temple and noticed the steps continued further down. I walked past fountains and was confused because Marie had told me I would walk down past rice terraces. I continued further into the gorge.  I continued down to the bottom and found women bathing in the water. They were all naked and encouraged me to join them. No! I was not ready for that! I smiled and thanked them but declined. As I left, I saw women filling large containers with water and placing them on their heads. They women expertly balanced these as the walked up the steps. Wow! I do not have that kind of grace. I wish I did but, I know better.

I climbed the stairs to my scooter. I had made a wrong turn and I needed to figure out where I had missed the temple and needed to go back or if I had not gone far enough. I decided to continue down the road a little farther. If I was wrong, I would turn around and try again. A little further down the road, I saw the sign for Gunung Kawi. I parked and carried my offering as I headed towards the temple entrance. I stopped to read the sign and was surprised by number 3.

I was glad it wasn't that time of the month! I was more concerned they had to specify for ladies.  Ha ha!  I started the hike down the steps and past the stalls selling water and souvenirs. Past the rice paddies. Down into the gorge. When I reached the river, the jungle was dense and beautiful. The area was beautiful and quiet. Very few tourists were here. It was nice to wander the grounds and enjoy the quiet. I explored the nooks and crannies of the temple. I admit, I felt a little like Indiana Jones. And yes, I was watching for snakes. That is one fear I can not seem to get past. I was so happy Marie had suggested I visit this area. It was what I needed. It was peaceful.  As I crossed the bridge, I saw an old woman wearing a monkey mask. I giggled as she came towards me. This was fantastic! I wanted it. Wouldn't it be an interesting discussion piece? I told her no several times but when the price was down to $5.  I  figured what the hell! I bought it and was sending it home with some other souvenirs. I continued the hike back to the entrance and headed back to Ubud. It was a fun day exploring the area on my own. Tomorrow, I was going with Made on a tour up to the volcano and to hike the rice paddies.