The art here is representative of the new modern classical being produced by the Balinese. It differs from the classical in that it uses more vibrant colors. As with all Balinese they enter Apprenticeships to study art like we, in North America, go to University. The painting encountered in Bali ranges from their classical (modern and old), Modern Balinese, to the western styles. The Centre for art is found in Ubud in the centre of Bali away from the mayhem of the Tourist central to the south in Kuta or Sanur.

PRAMBANAN Built between the 8th and 10th centuries when Java was influenced by Hindu's and Buddhists. This site was completely demolished by an earthquake in the 16th century and restoration was not started until 1837. There were no blue prints and there were 244 temples reduced to building blocks. I was amazed at the number of blocks they had to resemble with out knowing how the structure looked like Including the statues inside the temples.

BOROBUDUR Built by the Sailendra Dynasty between 750AD and 850AD it is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built on 200 Sq. meters it lay under layers of volcanic ash until 1815 when it was finally cleared. In 1971 the structure was falling so the entire structure was removed and the base repaired. The temple was then put back together piece by piece taking 15 years. To say the temple is large is an understatement, it is a Mountain and the view is incredible. The picture you see on the index page is of me on top of the temple.

PANGANDARAN Is one of Java's finest beaches off the beaten track and only accessible by Bus. My first trip from Jakarta after arriving in Indonesia. Getting there buy bus has got to be one of the memorable experiences. I was the only tourist on the bus and the bus driver though he was Mario Andretti, he just forgot he was driving a bus! Thank god they had a TV in the front of the bus to distract me from the near misses. Numerous cars and busses lay wasted on the side of the road from the insane driving habits of the Indonesian drivers.

UBUD I was lucky enough on my travels on my motorcycle in Ubud, to come across one of the best Mask carvers in all of Bali. He was going to Vancouver as one of two representing Bali in a exposition of masks. He showed me all of his masks and gave me tea and rice flour deserts. I was invited to come to his festival for his father. This happens for every Hindu man, he throws a huge bash for his father and all the village is invited to celebrate his respect and love for his father. It takes 2 month's to prepare for this. I was one of 3 outsiders allowed to witness it, It only happens once in his life time and I was lucky enough to see it.

 Here is Ni Ketut Atiom Rustian and Ketut Karmini Canom Two of my favourite women at the Ibu Rai restaurant in Ubud. After traveling through Java and ending up in Bali and Ubud I had amassed a group of 5 others as a travel group. We rented a house beside a rice paddy and a ravine. We all rented Motorcycles and we went on our daily explorations. We always met in the afternoon for Guacamole and Margarita's at Ibu Rai. Its an open air restaurant in the middle of town. With beautiful waitresses. We dined there for dinner, hey we lived there! I can't wait to get back there. Who knows maybe one day I will end Up back at the Ibu Rai as Chef. I cannot think of anything more interesting. I will be checking it out this fall as I will be going back there.