Bali!

Ooops, trying to actually write in this post. We're in Bali, and after a day or so of terrible homesickness and disorientation we are settling in. During a nap on the first day I was half asleep and trying to figure out if we had taken a boat to Bali and what time to catch the bus back to Borneo. I think the first few days in a new place we need to move slowly and just expect to feel really homesick and out of it.
We're jut wes of Ubud, having been overwhelmed by the scene in town, we walked and walked and went up a million stairs following some signs, and found some accommodations up on a hill where there are no motos or cars. We have a two story place with kitchen and a terrace overlooking the rice fields, for less than we were paying in town. Yesterday we went to see Pura Kawi, a holy temple and ancient burial site, as well as the Water Temple, where we placed our hands in water that Balinese make pilgrimages to bathe in natural springs and purify their spiritual practice. Some westerners got in the pools but we were too shy, it seemed intrusive and kitchy. Then we went to see some elephants! We were too cheap to pay the $65 to ride them, but we talked a long time with the handlers, and touched and talked to the elephants and the snuck us on for a ride anyway. The elephants were retired from the Sumatran Logging industry, and each elephant has been with their handler for over 10 years.

Tonight is a huge celebration of the Hindu New Year, and we're going to sleep with the sound of drums each night as people are practicing and preparing for the parade tonight. Tomorrow is the day of silence when all Balinese stay home silently to convince the evil spirits that Bali is deserted. We're stocked up on food and looking forward to reading and lying low on our patio.
Much love!!