We were greeted like long, lost family by our sweet group of Indonesian caretakers at Puri Asri (even offered another welcome “home again” watermelon drink). With Jubie requiring rest (and restrooms) frequently, we took time to witness and participate in the Balinese celebration of Galungan days. The Galungan celebration is a ten day period wherein families must welcome and entertain, with prayers and offerings, their deceased ancestors. Preparations begin weeks before the actual day. We watched as “penjor” (long bamboo poles decorated and hung with offerings) were constructed and erected in front of every family compound and storefront. On Galungan day itself we joined the villagers at the Monkey Forest Temple for prayers and blessings. No businesses were open and the streets were quiet of tourists, but the local children were everywhere hanging out in large gangs laughing and teasing one another. We even tried to help Puri Asri with the penjor decoration, but we were never quite timely enough. During the afternoon rains (which happen every day despite that this is the beginning of Bali dry season) we took time to reflect on our adventures and pay tribute to our deceased ancestors.
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