All the while touring Bali, I wondered about this country’s non-interfering people. Their honesty and discipline in hosting guests with every little possibility around. They seem seasoned at it. Bali’s tourist vehicles are well-equipped to accommodate groups and face the harsh tropical weather outside. Speed boats were clean. Even the countryside walkways were neat. You go to any shop, they won’t bother you to buy, but won’t budge easily when you bargain. Perhaps, one place I saw a bit aggressive marketers were women at small shops around Tirtha Empul temple. That stroll is typical after the cleansing dips you forgot to count in the spiritual pond Tirtha Empul is famous for. Being agnostic, deities seldom invoke prayers in me, yet those frozen dips did. I put forward a petition. Been long!

In a humble countryside resort in Ubud, we enjoyed a Mahabali era. Facing a sudden chaotic situation deprived of necessities, we rebranded our ‘Malayali da’ nature. Caretakers diffused our rage keeping cool. More or less, that’s Balinese culture. Even if you leave, they will not be provoked. Everybody houses a small Buddha.

Surprisingly, we weren’t strangers, at least one knew another and then it branched out to an unknown but still the unknown holds one known in the expedition. Like anywhere, judgments had guest roles here and there. I was amused at the ‘knocked down’ pride, so typical in humans. Going beyond the prequel of you and me- that’s what group trips urge everyone to.

In the scorching sun, the long stretch of beaches on the Islands in Bali flaunts seductive shades. Sweating profusely, each of us poses like a model. Tourist-friendly chauffeurs of Bali stop at usual spots and climb on trees to click. For you anything – earns them tips. None asks for it though.

Next, Bali attractions..😎