Yesterday we went in a temple and rice filed tour up (see map) Unlike many temples the entrance of a Balinese temple is smooth - split in two and separated to represent ‘keeping an open mind’. These gates lead you to the outer part of the temple where preparations occur. The inner part of the temple has an entrance that is joined at the top to represent focus of the mind - for prayer. The towers inside are odd numbers which represents openness - so the gods receive their prayers (even is closed). Bali is Hindu, while the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. ‘Bali’ means ceremony. They are the land of ceremonies. They have over a million temples with one nearly in every block. They are everywhere. Everyday they make small offerings to the gods, people and earth. The shrines at the front of their homes are often wrapped in white and yellow fabric which represents sunshine. The rice fields we went to are part of the preserved UNESCO ‘green belt’ where production and resources are carefully balanced to maintain the health of the area and the people living off it. The rice in these pictures is still young. Each bush or cluster produces a flower which has the rice seeds in it. Each cluster produces around one bowl of rice. It is planted and harvested 3 times a year. An Indonesian family of 6 eats about 3kg of rice per day, cooked once in the morning and used in different ways throughout the day. One last day today of relaxing then on a long flight home

I am in Bali at the moment and this was a picture from this morning. It is a pleasant 28 degrees ( my perfect temperature), but I could still do with a cotton lawn handkerchief to dab my cheeks and brow 😅. Went for a dip in the ocean, then pool, now enjoying a frozen strawberry Margherita. Where did you go on your last holiday and what would you recommend about it that made it just right for you?

A screen grab from my Pinterest account which may provide colour palette inspiration for you.