My excursions around Bali have been put on hold this week due to the amount of work involving the MPC and its preparations. Just as we were promised, everything is coming together at the last minute and I’m happy to report the gods are on our side!
While in Bali, I have been provided with a unique perspective of another society both professionally and culturally, and the profound interactions between the two. Here are a few of the most interesting aspects of the Balinese way of life that I have noted:
Religion – The cornerstone of Bali:
A short stroll down a Bali street is enough to observe the prevalence of religion in everyday life. Most houses and places of business have a small temple built on the property; one can never be too far removed from a place of worship it seems. It’s common to see shop owners place offerings on the shrines or take a moment of leave from their workday to light a stick of incense and sprinkle holy water around while reciting a solemn prayer. If a permanent shrine isn’t present outside of a shop, then small banana leaf offering trays are used – the wind-blown remnants of which litter the streets like Texas tumbleweeds on a gusty day. I always glance down at the trays in passing (mostly to avoid kicking them over, talk about some bad karma…), and have noted a wide range of offerings, including flowers, food (Ritz crackers and raw eggs), incense and oddly enough: cigarettes.
Hotel shrine stacked with offerings
Banana leaf offering tray
Even with such an intense divine presence, I have found the beliefs of both Muslims and Hindus to be extremely non-abrasive and non-judgmental. Coming from a western society, it can easily be assumed that I don’t share in their devout beliefs, yet I have never been treated with anything but the utmost compassion and respect. Furthermore, I have never observed any friction between the two religions in the workplace, each side respecting the others’ practices, even when it includes a two-day holiday in the midst of Games preparations. It is a welcomed change from the fundamentalists I have come in contact with over the years while living in the conservative hot-bed towns of Lubbock (eight times as many churches per capita than U.S. average) and Colorado Springs (Focus on the Family, need I say more?), where in-your-face witnessing and social rifts based on religious affiliations are a common, disheartening occurrence.
Security – And you think we have it bad:
The lasting effects of terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda in 2002 and 2005 are still ever-present across the island. Most hotels and heavily-trafficked shopping areas have gated entrances with mirror-wielding guards to check the undersides of all vehicles. The guards also open car doors to examine passengers and the contents of bags, all the while asking questions and waving metal detectors around the interior. Lisa and I have never had any issues receiving clearance, but imagine being a suspicious looking man just trying to buy some eggs from the grocery store or check into your hotel for a vacation… what a headache. These wide-spread, daily invasions make airport security seem trivial and police presence in the States seem minimal.
About to get mirrored
Begging – For your business, not your handouts:
One of the most shocking aspects of Bali is the amount of beggars – there are none. It would seem like Bali is a beggar’s paradise: warm weather, great beaches and hordes of rich tourists all around the island, yet not a single soul has approached me for a handout. Instead, Balinese incessantly try sell their wares or services, often times “rogue” cabbies are the worst, “You want transportation? No? How about tomorrow? No? How about the next day? No? When? I will be here!” I haven’t figured out if it is pride that keeps them from asking for handouts, but in a country that sports an average yearly income of less than $1,000 USD, it is astonishing.
As always when traveling, I like to absorb the best of new cultures while becoming more aware of what makes “home” so great. With my time in Bali running low, I plan to make the most of my remaining week while soaking up as much sun, culture and good vibes as possible.
From Bali with love,
Ben Z Samples
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