Morning walk

This morning's visitor

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I walk the small road behind Danu's and find rice fields and the villas that sprout all over Bali, as the main crop becomes tourists instead of rice. Still, one paddy is freshly filled with water and the ducks  are here to eat insects and fertilize the water with their poop, creating good conditions for the small rice seedlings to be planted.

Next, a small spa that does an hour massage for $20 -- yes! Antidote to 30 hours travel. Further along is a wood carver pounding out a lion from a huge piece of wood, then a gallery with stunning wood carvings. I realize we are close to Mas the wood carving village. Each village near Ubud has an art specialty -- wood carving, painting (Ubud), jewelry (Celuk), shadow puppets (Sukawati). The families in each one carry on their traditions in each generation. A carving of Kuan Yin with a dragon (naga) is stunning. Much too large to carry home, but breathtaking to behold. The artist says he can carve a smaller one and I order it. Ready by the end of the month.

The urge to take Bali home is irresistible. Each trip yields another beautiful piece for my collection. They give deep pleasure and memories of this moist, mild morning on the ridge among the rice.