We set out for Kuta to do some Christmas shopping.
Kuta is a hyper-touristy beach strip a little to the north of Uluwatu, where we are staying.
Krisna Oleh Oleh is a chain of souvenir stores in Bali.Statue of the chain’s legendary founder, more commonly known as the eighth avatar of Vishnu (just kidding about the first part).The store is flanked by two Vishnu-Garuda statues. The figure at the bottom is a Bhoma or Kala. Bhoma is a monstrous Balinese earth-spirit responsible for protection from evil. Images of Bhoma are everywhere in Bali.The interior is like the Bali version of a Hawaiian ABC store, but on a bigger scale.The snack department was extensive! We tried many things, but we liked the spicy peanuts the best. Usus Crispy is a popular Indonesian snack made of deep fried chicken innards 😮. Finley is usually quite adventurous with food but was a “nope” on these.Never did figure out what made the VIP section special, but it looks good (Bhoma stands guard above the door)! The store had tons of t-shirts, saris, jewellery and other souvenirs.We visited the nearby Beachwalk Mall, which was unremarkable except for these giant candy trees.Kuta beach is a long strip of white sand and surf.The beach itself was crowded with vendors and hawkers, so we didn’t stay there long.We learned that no one walks in Bali - everyone drives everywhere, tourists and locals alike, so sidewalks are rare.Balinese graffiti along the highway. Either Garuda or Bhoma - they are quite similar. Guessing Garuda due to the beak-like mouth.Scenes from Hindu/Balinese mythology along the highway.Our driver Made (pronounced ma-deh) invited us over for a snack, it was very fun visiting the home of a local Balinese. Made is a retired machinist.Offerings and shrines abound in a typical Balinese residence.Made’s wife (I was unable to pronounce her name 😢)Made’s son’s wedding. His son works in immigration in Jakarta.We ate fruit, pastries and coffee.Yum.Krista visited the family shrine on the roof. Balinese use gates and narrow entrances to protect against unwanted spirits and demons.Candi bentar, or split gateway, is a classical Javanese and Balinese gateway entrance commonly found at the entrance of religious compounds, palaces, or cemeteries in Indonesia.The ornate details! So cool.Tiny houses.Offerings inside.A woodland scene in stone.We told the kids it was an special opportunity to visit with locals - I think they both appreciated it.New friends.
