Soul Searching

I went to visit this outrageously beautiful lake - Danu Batur, absolutely incredible. It is in the center of the volcano that created the island of Bali. The lake was formed by rain water. So, unlike the rivers and streams (which are ridden with parasites), the lake is pristine.

I had originally decided to go up there to see these people that live in an isolated section on the opposite side of the lake from civilization. I was told they are the original Balinese. They observe strange customs (which no one would state clearly for me), are reported to be very aggressive, and don’t like outsiders. What really got me interested was the story that they lay their dead at the foot of these trees and let the bodies return to nature. Supposedly there is no smell due to a special property of the trees. So you walk through this forest with bodies laying beneath the trees, very strange.

Ultimately I was deterred by the stories of their aggressive nature (which I heard later were exagerated). It was a gorgeous ride anyway.

On the way up there I went to see the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia.

Needless to say part of the reason I went was to see a patient. I was told she was a little eccentric (code word for difficult). A 75 year old british writer/actress. I found her completely charming. She repeatedly mentioned that she was horrified to have just turned 70 - which I found even more endearing. The fact is she looked great, better that most fifty year olds I know, and as if that’s not enough, she’s in better shape than me! She swims over a kilometer a day, every day!. She was very limber. With no visible signs of her physical abilities being diminished at all. She made a fabulous pesto with many of the ingredients coming from her own organic garden. A great lunch and conversation (it lasted 3 and 1/2 hours). Then i took my leave and headed back.

That was the ride up there. On my way out a dense fog rolled in, the temperature dropped, and I began to get pelted with rain. Driving the scooter while only being able to see six feet in front of you on hair pin turns while descending a mountain required my utmost concentration. I was frozen solid by the time i got back to Ubud and dreaming of a nice hot shower and bed.

The water wasn’t working when i got back…