Thursday 13 June 2013

Candidasa, Bali, May 16th 2013

Candidasa, A wedding and no map...

The route to Candidasa looks pretty straight forward according to Google maps - head out towards the sideman road but don't turn left, keep going eventually intersecting the coast road. Yep, all looks pretty good, no need to buy a map and I'm sure the local intelligence network will help out if difficulties arise. Another hot day ahead, blue sky with just a few clouds, better get going.

More or less on the right track I think - heading away from Denpasar towards the north after initial  confusion. The intersection is a 3 way split requiring some guesswork and a good sense of direction - maybe I should have bought a map since there appears not to be a sign for Candidasa and this journey seems to be taking longer than anticipated!

Time to take a rest and investigate what's going on here. To the left, a temple and a collection of market stalls, while across the highway  a crowd of locals gathered in front of a monument and performing some kind of religious ceremony. Oh, and there's the ocean, deep blue with a black sand beach. A traditional Balinese wedding that involves some chanting, a bit of stomping around the monument and a hike to the waters edge whereby some of the more important and I suppose influential members of the congregation proceed the throw items into the sea - coconuts, flowers and 2 live ducks! A colourful and interesting hour watching this facet of Bali life, but as the congregation troop across the road to the temple I need to get back on the scooter and continue my journey to Candidasa.

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