21.08. - 10.09.2006
Once you give up on them they really prove their
worth. Our front sail, the one we actually wrote
off, could actually be fixed in Darwin and is now
- there is only very little wind - really pulling
its weight on our cruise to Bali.
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In the meantime our lookout is searching for the
Ashmore Reef, halfway to Bali.
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Actually Ashmore
Reef is a nature reserve, but a small part of it has
been made accessible for people like us and also for
Indonesian fishermen taking a break. Since it belongs
to Australia, even though it's 400 miles away, there
is a super modern coast guard boat watching over it.
This is a magnificent place that once again gives
us ample opportunity to go swimming. And we even get
invited for some coffee from the patrol boats crew.
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After this beautiful
stop we continue towards Bali. A light wind makes
our cruise very pleasant. Right before the harbor,
in the Lombok Straight, we get caught in a crazy current
making about 8 knots though, and that pushes us away
from our destination faster than we can approach it.
But after 8 hours we finally made the last 20 miles
and receive a friendly welcome at the Bali marina.
From here we take a rental car (which only costs the
equivalent of12€ per day) and set out to explore
the islands interior.
Bali is the only Indonesian island that is ruled by
Hinduism and has numerous impressive temples. The
only one built into rock is called the rock grotto.
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| Another beautiful temple is situated
on the shore of lake Bantur, high up in the mountains.
It does get rather cold here, but after freezing
through a night (heaters are not unknown) this temple
makes a magnificent sight in the morning light.
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Bali is also the only
island where the people are more concerned with the
land than the water, meaning that the main source
of income is not fishing, but agriculture, especially
cultivating rice. That's why one finds rice pads in
every corner (even in the cities) and artfully made
rice terraces in Balis hills. |
| One of Balis two ocean temples is
situated in the islands rarely visited north. As we
get there, a ceremony is just taking place. In this
temple the men need to wear a special kind of hat,
apart from the Sarong that is obligatory for every
temple. |
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From the north we return to the high
volcanic mountains. From the roads following old crater
edges, winding through fields of lava, also passing
a huge lake (with very yummy fish), we enjoy spectacular
views. |
| Our temple tour ends at one of the
oldest and most colourful ones in Bali - and it's
also almost the end of our visit here.
Next week we continue towards Singapore, and we'll
tell you from there, what we experienced on the way.
Until then ... take care!
Tom, Nela & Antoine
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