My OperaPretty Lonely in Bali
Thursday, December 4, 2008 4:58:00 PM
To Trang, Keu and Miu, I love to tell the story for you 
Bali
Bali has everything to cater to your tastes, whatever it may be. Visitors easily get spoilt by so many choices here. Shopping or sightseeing? Diving or rafting? Temples or waterfalls? Volcanoes or lakes? Safaris or bird parks? Beaches or mountains? Given time constraints and tight budget strings, you need good planning to have an enriching time for every moment here. Anyway, it’s just never enough to capture wholy the beauty of Bali within days, so do not bother yourself too much about this. If you can’t make up your mind about where to go and what to do, just enjoy Bali spontaneously. With every step that you take, there is always something to enjoy. Bali is just too rich and the Balinese people just too hospitable to see you walk by without offering you a smile and of course many things else.
Ayodya – Nusa Dua
Ayodya is a spacy, well structured, delicately designed resort in Bali. Immersed in the religion of Hinduism and inspired by the myth of Ramayana, the resort boasts Balinese culture in an exotic way: statues embodying characters in Ramayana are seen here and there, handicrafts for sale are not displayed in shopping arcade, but on the lawn, even at night, Bali drum is played in the sunset, and kecak dancing is performed for most functions in Bali Theater, an outdoor stage which is just 5 minutes walk from the beach.
It was a full moon night, and in the mystic ambience of Bali Theater, the story of Rama rescuing beautiful Sita was told in the language of kecak dancing. Rama, the divine, divine enough to rescue Sita from the evil, but divinity did not help much to rescue his heart from human jealousy.
Another night, still a full moon night. Walking along the shopping street in the resort complex is a nice experience. Not for shopping of course, coz everything is a long way beyond its real price, but for enjoying the full moon from under the canopy of flamboyant trees in its blooming season. It does not cost a lot to have such pleasant moments. Just a little of your time and soul unspoilt by planning, worrying or even thinking.
The food in Ayodya is not great all the time, but look you are here in Bali, where Muslim is not a signature, pork is not a taboo, so you don't feel guity when ordering anything made from pork. Grilled pork ribs is a must here. So so yummy.
Looking into the sea, Ayodya does not have much ado to advertize itself. Many western visitors come here to have a break from winter at home. Swarms of middle-aged Japanese ladies who at this point in life no longer need a husband to enjoy their time. Quite a few young couples walking lovingly along the beach and hugging each other as the sun goes to sleep. Just married, I guess, coz Nusa Dua is known as heaven for honeymooners. Hic, a little bit of self-pity and nostalgie came over me sometimes.
Ubud
When the car took the first turn into the town, I already fell in love with Ubud. It's simply a love at the first sight. Unassuming in its own secret pride, Ubud boasts long narrow streets lined up with boutique shops selling myriad of souvenirs and handicrafts, from statues, ceramics, aromas, masks to clothing, wooden tableware, and paintings, etc. It’s hard to imagine how such a sophisticated and lovely town could have emerged from wild jungles in a small island amidst the vast high seas.
Bali paintings, handicrafts, batik textile and almost all souvenirs crafted in the good hands of Balinese people are just amazing. Exuberant in colours but so elegant in every single hue. Just open wide your eyes, and also all your senses to feel and taste, and with a bit of luck, you may touch the soul of Bali, right here in Ubud.
Walking back to Nick Homestay, in the dim light along the small alley that is even narrower than the narrowest lane in Hanoi, the lamenting song of bull frogs, geckos and other insects were heard near and far. And accompanied with them was the beat of a lonely heart and tired footsteps after a day of full indulgence. Fallen flowers were here and there along the corridor and in the courtyard, so even walking steps should be handled with care.
Nick Homestay, as its name suggests, is not intented to compete with Ayodya in the level of sophistication and service. But surely it could overshade Ayodya in one thing: its price being just too affordable to turn away. No air con certainly, but even the quiet fan in the room could make the night a little bit cold, especially in this rainy season. The melody of cricket would lull you to sleep, and tomorrow morning you would wake up amidst the orchestra of cocks crowing, dogs barking, birds chanting, bull frogs still lamenting, and children laughing and talking…
Sitting alone by the balcony of Nick Homestay in a rainy afternoon is such a bittersweet experience that I would hardly forget. Rain drops crackling on the roof and birds singing were the only sounds you could here. Listening to the rhythm of rain and sipping the beauty of being lonely, you may find that even the saddest tears were not so unbearable. Unknowingly close your eyes, and a gentle sleep would come effortlessly.
