Visiting Bali recently recalls sweet memories of growing up in Indonesia. Bali is truly a paradise on earth whereas not only it has gorgeous view but the people there are so nice and polite. Bali is the only island in Indonesia that observes Hindhu religion quite faithfully. There are still Temples that they call as Puras in various places of Bali where people go to worship or do rituals. My personal experiences with some of the local people there, I got the sense that Balinese are kind and pure in their hearts. Even though some areas have been commercialized with new development of five stars hotels, many of the villagers, they are still so simple in their hearts and minds and very friendly to foreigners. My visit to Bali this time was not for vacation, so I did not get the chance to play around as much but still it was a very meaningful visit because after all, I grew up in Indonesia. Being able to be with those who speak the same language (my mother tongue of Indonesian language) means a lot to me.
One of the guide explained to us how the rice paddy farmers plowed the field and harvested the rice. It is a hard work and they have to be in the sun a lot and wait for the rice paddy to mature. Often times, being in the city I took things for granted and have been dis-engaged with the nature that is including throwing away left-over food. Often times life is not fair as the rice paddy farmers, they work really hard but they do not get paid as much. Even worst, some rice paddy farmers in Bali had to sell their land to develop new hotels or guest-houses. I just hope that they will preserve some areas & will not over-exposed the beauty of Bali that at the end will end up in pollution problems just as what happened in Jakarta. Perhaps this is just a personal concern having been growing up in Jakarta and watching the city becomes so polluted over the time due to urbanization.
In my limited knowledge of Hindhuism, it seems that the religion becomes part of Bali and tradition there. Although I do not know what this religion all about, I highly respect the Balinese devotion to their Gods. Each house the Balinese prepare flowers for the Gods. The Balinese also has a very keen in art, craft, painting, dance, and many others. It seems that because they live in such beautiful place, the culture flourishing even and it is so easy to forget the hustle and bustle of city life there. I love Bali and hopefully will get a chance to visit that place again….