Bali Nights
Travel and tourism fascinate me, yet the farther I drift and immerse myself in different cultures, the stronger the connection I feel to Jamaica, my country of birth.
Whether liked or disliked, Jamaicans have a huge identity and culture that's highly recognised around the world, and even though my accent sometimes catches people off guard, it's a part of my identity that cannot be changed.
I've been reflecting on my recent visit to Bali, Indonesia. The Balinese people were welcoming, and it was easy to engage in conversations with them. When I was asked the standard question, "Where are you from?" they beamed with smiles when I replied Jamaica, and many referred to the music of prominent Jamaicans and of Jamaican athletes that they've admired over the years.
Bali, like Jamaica, has a strong identity and a broad appeal, and the sun, sea, and sand, as well as the sacred rainforests and religious temples, make Bali a coveted travel destination. However, what touched my heart was the prominence of reggae music and reggae bars that are infused into their cultural offerings.
These bars are dotted along the streets of Amed, as well as along the seafront, with the Jamaican flag flying high, and although I'm not a big fan of the beach, I couldn't resist the chillaxing vibe on the black sand beach, listening to reggae beats while watching the sunset.
Bali made me do things out of character.
Flashbacks of me singing Lenny Kravitz's "It ain't over till it's over" and Ziggy Marley's "Beach in Hawaii" on stage at a Karaoke bar still haunt me and make me smile.
You only live once, right? Well, I think sometimes you have to let loose and live, and I'm even more game for doing so when I'm across the Atlantic amongst people who I might never cross paths with again.
It was indeed a spur-of-the-moment thing, but the vibe of the people and the ambience of the bar all decorated in Rastafarian and Jamaican colours made me seize the moment.
I'm only sorry that I don't have photos of that scene because it really might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but at least I did it, and it felt good!
Speaking about the cultural experience from a different perspective. While 'butchering' Ziggy's song with my haunting rendition, the lyrics,"'Ujjayi breathing' to get the real feeling" resonated with me like never before, as it related to the kind of yogic breathing that I was learning and practising while in Bali, which is the proper way in which Rastafarians in Jamaica smoke their sensimilla.
That revelation moment made me think about the global appeal of reggae music. Is it the music's rhythmic pace or the lyrics that motivate people to love and unite while expressing global thoughts on societal and economic injustices? Whatever it is, it's positive to see the impact the influence of the music from a small island in the Caribbean has on a destination that in itself is rich in culture and traditions.
I felt a spiritual and mystical connection with Bali, and I even purchased these souvenirs, which I believe are versions of a shipido shaker.
According to my husband, my buying those musical instruments is a testament to my madness. Whatever! I could not resist doing so because they reminded me of instruments used while performing Pocomania—a kind of tribal music of Afro-Jamaican origins that I enjoyed at celebrations in Jamaica when I was a child. That web definition is a hilarious one, which translates to 'a little madness'.
Generally, these little convictions and revelations that might seem trivial are some of the things that make travelling one of the best teachers as you discover the different cross cultures around the world.
Have you ever been to Bali, and can you picture yourself jamming and 'serenading' an audience with the lyrics to one of your favourite songs at a Karaoke Reggae Bar?
I'd be happy to know.
In good Qi 🙏
Milly x
PS. If anyone knows the correct name of those instruments, please drop me a comment. I'd be pleased to know.
Images are the property of the author, taken in Bali, in September 2024.
You have presented some great structures through photography along with the amazing view of the seashore. Along with that, you have spent your wonderful time happily. This is a great success of the trip. Through which you have faced different experiences. Thanks for sharing.
I'm pleased you enjoyed this, and I appreciate you stopping by :)))
I most welcome my pleasure
✌️
👍🇧🇩🍓
The beach looks really lovely 😍 and your experience sounds like so much fun... As a foodie, I was expecting some culinary dishes to go with all that beautiful pictures 🤤... You look beautiful by the way 🌹
Thank you 😊
Hmmm, I had some pretty decent meals at some restaurants but I was there for a month's yoga teacher training at a resort. My meals were included and they were all vegetarian, which wasn't that appealing for a meat lover.
However, overall it was fun and I would like to explore other regions of Indonesia:)
I could imagine your struggles with the vegetarian meal as a meat lover 😂... Regardless, you had fun and I do hope the vegetarian meal was tasty at least 😅. Just out of curiosity, what protein do they eat as meat over at Indonesia?
They eat all meats, and they roast pigs for some festivities.
I just happened to be stuck with vegetarianism as a part of my yoga lifestyle requirements. The meals were tasty for the first few days, but the novelty of the diet wore off pretty fast and I craved a good steak with a glass of wine.😆
😂🤣😂... We the meat lovers welcome you back to the family 😂.
Hehe! Thank you! 🍖😋
😂... You are welcome 🤗
I love the typical sight of all scooters in traffic in countries like that. I think it's almost impossibe to get across the streets there.
That black sand beach looks so weird.
It looks like you have enjoyed yourself there!
Yeah, that was in Kuta. I wanted to take more photos, more somehow I needed to keep my eyes peeled on the road. I kept missing the turn to the side street that my hotel was on, and ending up walking in a circle for hours. I gave up and took a Grab bike taxi back.
It was my first time on a black sand beach, and it was weird, indeed. I liked that it was fine sand though, and it was just a pleasant experience until a pack of dogs came and ruined it and I had to leave.
I had an overwhelming schedule, but I was happy for that free evening.
I'd return to Bali in a heartbeat:)))
hello milly, glad to see you visited Indonesia and chose Bali as your choice, Bali is indeed perfect for you who love traveling. I am also glad to see you can find cafes with Jamaican nuances and reggae music of course which reminds you of home. You can listen to Dangdut music, you will love it, trust me.
Ah, I've never heard of that music before. It sounds techno. I can see that music taking off in the Philippines.
Yes, I enjoyed it and I went to a restaurant that made me think of you. There were murals on the wall and the background looked like some of those you've shared in the coffee community.
I didn't have much spare time, so I think I will plan a future trip with hubby. He's into diving and I'm sure that he'd love it there:)))
Not techno dangdut, but traditional dangdut using bamboo flutes and drums.
I recommend Sabang Island if your husband likes diving.
Ah, that sounds impressive and I'm sure that I'd be amazed at more crossing of cultures.
OK, cool! I'll keep that in mind.
Thank you 😊🤗
BTW, what are these shakers called?
I use them when I'm doing my laughter yoga and warm up... when hubby is absent. 😂🤣
The girl in the shop did not speak English.
I think it's just an ordinary souvenir that is sold in many tourist attractions, handicrafts in the form of musical instruments, I don't think it's a typical musical instrument from Bali, according to me who is not an expert 😂
Haha! You're so funny.
Someone commented on them, and I discovered that they have some Japanese origins.
I'm eager to return to Bali when I have nothing on my agenda but travel and exploration 😁
Your connection to Jamaica and its vibrant culture shines through beautifully. It’s amazing. That's such a beautiful experience!. Thanks for sharing.💕
I'm pleased you enjoyed this.
Happy Weekend!
Nice trip you had to Bali! Jamaica is unique...worldwide😉 🇯🇲
How is the Bali gunjah? Good as the Jamaican?😅
Hey there! 😊
Haha! I take it it's good, but I can't speak from experience 😅
Bali has a nice vibe though:)))
That's love...only been to Thailand like 11 years ago considering Asia. There's also a lot of Surfers in Bali, right?
Thailand is on my list of places to visit!
Maybe in some regions. Amed which I visited is a huge scuba diving destination:)
I've always heard them called by the term "Rattle Drum" since they look/work like a rattle, but with the seeds outside instead of inside. There is a Wikipedia article about them, giving names used in other languages ("den-den daiko" in Japan, etc.). I have one, too, which I bought 20-or-so years ago!
You and your friend have such beautiful smiles in that photo! 😊
WoW! I can't believe you have one and I'm pleased to know the name.
There were many of them in the shops and they all had different sounds, which is interesting... just like with drums.
You're right. I saw something about rattle pop up when I searched online.
I watched the video of how they play it and the girl in the shop showed me a similar movement.
It's interesting to learn that they are of Japanese origin (as toys).
We have similar things in Jamaica, but I cannot remember the name of the material used.
Thank you 😊 I treasure that photo because she saw me sitting there and identified the iconic Bob Marley photo with quotes and sat beside me and asked to take the photo ❤️
Haha why not. I wonder if I will do the same thing when I go to Las Vegas in February 🥳 🎉
Haha! Why not? Is it for holiday or business?
We almost got married in Las Vegas. Hubby is an American by birth and it was difficult for us to get married in the UK since we were both foreigners... so he
seriouslywell more jokingly looked into Las Vegas... We ended up getting married in Jamaica though, and he got his UK citizenship from his mum's side before I got mine.I'm yet to tour America, but Las Vegas is a state I'm keen to visit:)))
Famiky trip to surprise my brother. There is a saying in Las Vegas, "Whats happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." All kidding aside, it's a city with much to do no matter what time it is. Plus a lot to see and do outside of the city as well.
Ah, I'm sure your brother will be pleased to see ya!
There are so many places in the US that pique my interest. I've recently added Seattle to the list and my list gets longer. 😆
Nothing wrong adding places to the list. I haven't even been to Seattle.
😊... I think it's more likely that I'll do Asia again or East Africa before I get to the US though:)
I would love to visit the Asia region. I had the chance when I was in the military (Korea) but I elected to get out. Either place you do next will be exciting 😃
Oh, I thought you spent time in the Philippines?
Korea must have been quite an experience, but I understand too well your decision 🤗
Nope that is my dream location 😍 Even though I haven't been there I often think of retiring there.
It's definitely a top contender for places to retire. Apart from visa requirements, you dollar would stretch further and you could live with some 'luxuries' that you might not find attainable in the US.
👍 😁
😊
I glad you enjoy in Bali.
Thanks! Bali is a special place 😍
Waw.. enjoy your trip, @millycf1976
Thank you 😊
The only Indonesian instrument I know of is the "gamelan" (an orchestra of gongs of varying sizes), one on the photo is definitely not a gamelan.
I am the necklace on your girlfriend's neck, made of cowrie shells - a symbolic thing! I adore them.
I would !LUV to lie on the beaches of Bali and explore the amazing world of coral reefs underwater as well. Maybe in my next life.. 😔
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Yeah, my friend's necklace is lovely, and versatile.
I think the reef in Bali is quite protected so it should be a perfect diving destination if you ever get the chance to visit. I guess it all boils down to finding a reputable company. My friends had a horrible experience that was quite a scare, luckily they were released ok from the hospital.
Overall, it was an amazing trip, and I just wished I had more time to explore:)))
Oh man, Bali sounds really nice. I never knew the beach over there was black. New info to me. I've never been on that side of the world though..
You seem really happy there, good vibes splashing from my screen! Love it!
It must have been a big change coming back to UK weather after being in Bali though? Or are you always adjusting to that quite easily?
Sending hugs from Spain!
Hey!
Thank you 😊
Yeah, I didn't know about black sand beaches in Bali, so that was q big surprise.
INDEED! I questioned my return to the UK the first week when I got back.
I adjust easily, but I think it's terrible to return from a tropical place right back into winter.
I was in Bali, for a full month on a completely different schedule of waking up at 5:00 AM daily and not having to cook or do any chores... I got spoiled and struggled to settle back into boat life and daily chores 😆😅
Well, at least I'm snuggled up by my fire now, so sending you warm hugs 😍🤗
A full month?! Oh my gosh, I'm jealous haha. I've only had 3 week long holidays and that was in Turkey so not as tropical as Bali but still nice.
Haha I can imagine you questioned your return, I remember a city trip to Malta in December some years ago when we still lived in Budapest.. it was fabulous weather at Malta but our return was so cold, not fun! And that was just a 3 day trip so a month of great weather would be a big adjustment...
At least it was a beach! Was it sandy or rocky? Here it's not fine sand, which I still find a shame because it also means I get sucked into the rocky sand while entering the water and it made me skip the ocean fully this year (having the luxury of a community pool in summer). I would love to have a beach day with fine sand for once again though..
I hope you have a great week ahead !LADY
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Yes, it was a sandy beach, great for swimming.
I honestly think that going away to a warm climate and returning to the cold is the worst thing ever. I would probably recommend (for those living in the UK) to go on a holiday in the summertime, since you never quite know if you'll get a day of sunshine, but at least, it will still be warm when you return.
Turkey, Istanbul in particular is a destination on my bucket list.
I'm anxiously waiting for sunshine it's just November and there's been a noticeable dip in the temperature these last few days 😏
Wishing you a lovely week ahead too:)))
Hi, Bali sounds like a very nice country from the way you describe it. I imagine it was exciting to meet part of your culture in a place so far away from Jamaica, but Jamaican music has gone around the world.
Hehe!😍 Yes, Bali is amazing. It's similar to the Caribbean in many ways, yet so different:)))
Oh my, you're singing? How about you share a video on 3Speak or Vibes of you singing those songs hehe. I am curious to hear your beautiful voice!
Raggae is actually the first genre of music that comes to mind when hearing about the country Jamaica. did it originate in your country?
!LADY
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NO, I have a terrible singing voice. I'm tone-deaf!😂 You do NOT want to hear me singing unless you need a good belly laugh. I normally ONLY sing if I want to torture someone 🤣
Yes, reggae was originated in Jamaica in the '60s 😍
Haha..it's okay.. I'm tone-deaf too haha.. I can relate,, haha
🤣🤗