Bali is such a beautiful, tropical island. I spent most of my time in the town of Ubud, about an hour out of Denpasar. The home I stayed in was the Cudamani pondok, a peaceful, home and center of music and dance. The first pictures show the pondok, then a statue which reminds me of the importance of family in Bali.
The next set of photos are from a ceremony to celebrate the lives of two deceased family members. It starts with the parade of a bull, family, and friends accompanied by a moving gamelan orchestra. Then family members bring offerings and finally the whole structure is burned. It was an honor to be included in this cremation ceremony.
Art lives in everything that the Balinese people do: egg and canvas painting, weaving ikat, mask making, wood and instrument carving, playing gamelan music, dancing; even how goods are set out in the market. Each part of the town is known for its particular type of art. Even the food is delicious and beautiful!
Other photographs I took show everyday activities. Offerings are made each day outside of homes, shops and then there are the temple offerings. There are also images of rice fields, the northern coast and a waterfall with its own offering.