Indonesia: to Shankari Bali Retreat

Today was another travel day, around seven hours of travel in all.  It took three hours to get to the jetty where we were to catch a ferry across Java Strait to the island of Bali.  We were on the ferry for around an hour and then there was still another three hours drive to our overnight accommodation.

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We waited on the jetty for our ship to berth.

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This ferry was berthed beside us and while we waited to cast off. It was taking on board all manner of cargo, including this truck loaded with new motor bikes.  Everybody seems to have a motor bike in this part of the world.

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We passed this traditional craft while on our rather circuitous trip across Java Strait, we could see where we were going but we headed away from it to use up time due to crowding at our arrival point.  Eventually we berthed on the island of Bali.

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It was way past sunset by the time we arrived at the Shankari Resort.

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Next morning there was time to look around.  There were a couple of ornamental pools.

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These sculptural leaves belong to a species of  Alocasia, a genus of broad-leaved rhizomatous or tuberous perennials. There are 79 species native to tropical and subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia.  Understandably, they are widely cultivated as an ornamental in the tropics and as a house plant.

The above plant is one of those 79 species…   Alocasia x amazonica. The stem, which is a corm, is edible, but contains crystals of Calcium oxalate along with other irritants that can numb and swell the tongue.  The lower parts contain even more of the poison.  Prolonged boiling before serving or processing may reduce the risks.

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There were lovely plaques and other surprises around the complex.

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Small niches provided a place to make offerings to the gods.

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This floor mosaic of an eagle graced the small courtyard outside our room…

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…and this pair of eagles was on our bathroom floor…

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…and this semi-circle of coloured stones acted as a ‘mat’ at the bottom of a step.

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A talisman made from a palm leaf hung on a section of protected wall.

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One of the reasons that we stayed at the Shankari Resort was that it was within walking distance of Balian Beach, a well known place for surfing.  The above sign was nailed to a palm tree.  We passed quite a few vacant properties on the walk to the grey sand beach. The whole area had a somewhat ‘wanting’ air about it, due perhaps to the downturn in tourist numbers.

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Do I need to say more?

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The beach.

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There was a very small surf running during our stay at the beach.

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The weather was fine, as was the food and beer.

 

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An ornate gateway.

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Chickens, caged in their split bamboo cloches.  Not much room to move but I guess the cloches are moved to grassy areas on occasions.

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Back at the resort it was time for a swim in the large pool.  It was much cleaner than the beach and you didn’t leave the water with a costume full of grey sand.

David

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