Ubud Again

Back in Ubud we had the opportunity to attend several dances, Legong, Barong and Kecak. I didn't get any pictures of the kecak but I got plenty of the other two.
I'm not going to try to explain the different dances and their techniques and stories. The links above will help you with that. I'll just post some of the pictures we were able to take.

The first set is from the Barong and Kris Dance presented by Paiketan Sekeha Baron Raja Peni at the Pura (temple)Dalem.









During our second time in Ubud we stayed at the Honeymoon Guesthouse. This is what you see after leaving the registration desk and heading for your room. Pool on the left.


This is the entry to the room.


This is the ceiling over the bed.

This is the view off the balcony.

The hotel was undergoing some expansion; a large pavilion behing the check-in desk. We could see some of the activity from our balcony. Watching these guys work we could really appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship of the Balinese carvers, both wood and stone.









Our next dance excursion was to the neighboring village of Peliatan to see the Tirtasari troupe. This was the stage before the action began.

First is an instrumental introduction and them the Puspa Mekar (or Pendet), a welcoming dance.


Next is the Legong Lasem (or Legong Keraton)

The next dance was one of the highlights--The Kebyar Terompong popularized in the 1920's by Mario.


Next it was the Legong Jobog.


And then the Barong Dance with its cast of, well not thousands, but there's plenty of action.



We had a wonderful time on our visit, but Bali had one more gift for us. As the plane lifted off from Ngurah Rai International Airport, we flew past one last beautiful scene.






We had a wonderful time, saw some beautiful scenery and, most important, met many wonderful people. The Balinese have suffered a great deal from the bombings of the last couple of years and the tourist industry may never again be what it once was, but I highly recommend it as a great place to visit.