Dreaming in Dreamland

Dreamland beach was another favorite of ours. We enjoyed watching the surfers carve impressive waves and relaxing with our friends, soaking in the moment. We spent the better part of one afternoon just sitting on the rocks as the waves crashed around us, drenching us in the sea water.

The children of Bali are beautiful. These little boys were having the time of their lives playing in the water. They weren't afraid of anything. While they only had one body board between three of them and they didn't let that dampen their fun. All three would sit on it at the same time waiting for the next wave to come. With their combined weight, however, they only moved a few feet each time a wave came.

Mike and Chelsie heading into the waves.

Dreamland had a shore break as well as a reef break and you could play in the waves if you were brave enough. Near the shore the waves were anywhere from 5-7 feet, while those on the reef were upwards of 15 feet.

The view from atop a cliff we hiked up.

The sunsets were magical. Although they were beautiful, they were also a bit gloomy, we never wanted the day to end.

Beautiful Beaches

Our friend Fiona stumbled along this tiny beach and recommended it to us. One morning we rented a 125cc scooter and left in search of this little piece of paradise. Checking the map, we drew closer, and while crossing a bridge on the curvy little road, we spotted the dot on the map; labeled Padang Padang. Paying 20 cents to park the scooter that we had paid $5 to rent for the day we then hiked toward the cliff overlooking the beach. We found this tiny passageway which squeezed between the rocks and waited for some dudes to come up with their surf boards.

It was unbeatable. About 100 yards of sand surrounded by lava rocks with terrific views of the ocean and waves braking on the shore and out on the reef. There were very few people there, a definite bonus.

Many surfers were out where the waves were breaking on the reef. We choose to just watch and were glad we did as the tide went out and a surfer came in with his back all scratched up. We learned that as the tide recedes there is a stronger break, but at the same time the consequences for a risky run can be great, as one can get dashed against the reef.

As the tide went out in the afternoon, more of the beach opens up and we founded a secluded spot under some palms, and between lava rocks.

I did some reading in our friend's Lonely Planet book...

and Chelsie did some reading on her Kendle book. I think that she was reading "Wuthering Heights" at the time.

The locals came and went, trying to sell you jewelery, sarongs, and t-shirts.

On top of one of the big rocks jetting into the water there was a small "temple" where offerings were set and incense lit on a daily basis. There were rusty old coins scattered about. I assume that they were the remainder of past offerings and were quickly corroded by the salty breeze.

The ocean was a beautiful aqua-marine blue. Mossy rocks peeked out of the water as the tide went out.

A definite spot that we would like to go back to. I don't know if we ever will. There are so many things to see in this world. God's creation is beautiful.

Uluwatu Cliffs- Bali Indonesia

The famous Uluwatu Cliff Temple is touted as a must see in Bali. Located on the west coast and hopping, with monkeys it was a beautiful and exciting stop. The temple was not the largest or most elaborate that we saw while we were there, but the scenery and the surroundings were fantastic. Upon entering the temple area you must "rent" and wear a sarong. Its like a skirt. I was also sure to buy some peanuts for Chelsie from the ladies in front of the entrance. Well, the peanuts were for the monkeys, but Chelsie is the one who loves to feed them.

The waves were fantastic as they crashed against the cliffs below. The sounds, the smell of the ocean, and the vanishing horizon were memorable. It reminded me in a way of our drive along the Big Sur region on the southern California coast line.

The temple is perched on top of the cliff and compliments the scenery.

The monkey stalk the tourists and seem to be everywhere. They are funny little munchkins and are always looking for handouts.

Chelsie wanted to take this little buddy home. He loved peanuts.

As sunset approached we migrated to the amphitheatre and found seats for the traditional Kecak dance. The performance is a series of scenes depicting stories of love, war, happiness and sadness. Elaborately dressed in colorful costumes, the actors use expressionate faces and disfigured movements to play their role while the men sit in a circle and chant in a trance like fashion. Only using vocal percussion to create rhythm and melody the chants change each scene without a a rest. The music and dance lasted the better part of an hour as the sun dipped into the ocean.

This was my main reason for wanting to see the dance is that they said that there would be fire during the performance.

After the sunset at Uluwatu, we changed beaches with our friends and went to Jimboran for an outdoor seafood dinner. It was very romantic with the live music, candles flickering, and the waves crashing on the shore.

The selection of entrees was like one would only find on the ocean side. Crab, lobster, and shrimp by the kilo. You could take you pick.

Chelsie and I enjoyed grilled red snapper and salad. We drank fresh juices and coconut milk with a straw from a fresh coconut. Down the beach, fireworks were shot over the ocean.