8/22 -- Drive to Lovina, Visit Temples and a Waterfall on the Way

Our next stop is Lovina, at a resort on the Bali Sea on the north side of Bali. We crossed the central highlands to get there with several stops along the way. This was a big day for the temples because they were celebrating the end of their 210 day calendar. Wailika spotted a temple in the midst of preparations and we made an impromptu stop to investigate. Back on the bus, we encountered a parade and hopped off to check it out. Finally, we got to Ulun Danu Bratan Lake, site of a famous temple featured on the 50,000 rupiah bill. After lunch we set out again and stopped to walk to Git Git Waterfall, which looked pretty good, considering this is the dry season. Finally, we ended up in Lovina, a laid-back beach town.

We were all adorned in sarongs as a sign of respect.

Main temple entrance

The white stuff on her forehead and throat is sticky
rice that shows she has prayed.

Offerings being prepared.

Above and below: Parade for the special day

At a rest break, we explored a local market and sampled several fruits there. One was mangosteen, something I haven't had since Thailand. They are wonderful despite looking like small round eggplants, so I got a couple. I also found a cape-like blouse I couldn't resist.

A market we stopped at on the way to Ulun Danu Bratan Lake.

Back on the bus, we headed to our next stop, a famous temple complex about 15 miles from the north coast. There were several areas we were not allowed in, but because it was a festival day, doors were open and we were allowed to look in and take pictures.

The elaborate formal entrance to a private ares.

Inside the private area, many are seated before a central
ceremonial space.

The head priest at the temple.

This is the temple that is on one of the common bills.

The temple is described as being on an island, but in the dry
season, it is land-locked.

This is a paddleboat you can rent -- a good way to get a view
of the famous temple from the water.

Another parade, leading to the private section.

There were other entertainments too: statues
like this one to pose with, deer enclosed in large
cages, and live animals to pose with. One of our
group, Chris, posed with a live bat with a
four-foot wingspan!

Another way to see the temple from the water. This one looks
a bit overloaded.

A nearby town on the lake with colorful banners.

Approaching Git Git Waterfall

Jim at the waterfall - he went close enough to
feel the spray.

I had my turn too.

Cloves before they are dried. They are part of a flower.

Once we reached our hotel, we had a couple hours before dinner to explore. We are on the back side, away from the beach with a privacy wall all around. Rice fields are behind us, making this a pretty quiet place. There are two public pools - a smaller one near us plus this beach front pool. There is a beach bar and beach-front dining too. We walked about a half mile to the main road and looked around,  hoping to find a place to buy wine. We found out  later that we had turned around  about 100 feet short of our goal. We also saw a sign advertising a Retirement Visa -- you can qualify if you are retirement age and have $550 per year (US) in income.

The main swimming pool at the  Lovina Bali. We have one of
the small rooms: separate small bedroom and kitchen/dining
room/living room with futon, small patio and plunge pool.
Most of the rooms are much larger than ours - more like apartments
with larger private pools and multiple floors and bedrooms.

Before our group dinner, we walked along the
main street through town. Of the many small food
stalls, this one was selling goat satay. We tried it .
We think the goat was not very young,