Chef Mel Rose was at it again for breakfast. Today was a scramble and then quick to the sewing machine to work on the remaining swimsuits I must finish to have in my shoot on Friday. We took the car to go to the most amazing work haven for John Hardy's jewelry. Only photos can describe the 50 foot high triangle bamboo showroom amidst a field in the middle of the tropical countryside. The jewelry spoke for itself as with each piece sold, bamboo is planted, and customers are satisfied with sterling silver and 32 karat gold pieces. Designs were inspired by bamboo and other Balinese organic shapes. We had a tour of the factory and the intricate process with which this amazing jewelry is made. We then traveled to another sterling silver factory and finally off to Ubud Market. Driving in and out of storms we finally reached the amazing market. Along the way we witnessed many different temples having ceremonies in which people in white carry offerings in a graceful line through their villages in a peaceful and praiseworthy styles.
We entered the market and all got a bit lost. We haggled for the best prices on amazing Bali souvenirs. I, clearly lacking quality haggling skills, paid the most for my goods. I couldn't help but not be bothered by the inexpense which these amazing artifacts were being sold by these amazing and kind spirited humans. I purchased a beautiful straw large structured purple beach handbag, a flying Balinese goddess, two amazing masks (one of which was very similar to the masks from the ceremony yesterday), Three babushka style purple and gold boxes, a funny ashtray, and a hand beaded Erte looking purse. I even got convinced to buy some orchid hairpins which I surely will never use.
After the shops closed and we were forced to leave (we must go back!) we had dinner and drinks at Naughty Nuri's. Baby and I enjoyed the dirty martinis and whisky sours while Misty and Victoria loved some Bintang Beer and Celia went on with her Margarita. We ate amazing grilled ribs, steak, curry chicken and vegetables. I am obsessed with curry and have to say that this was some of the best curry I have ever had! We enjoyed desert next door at a silly little coffee shop across from yes another temple and then all had a food coma ride home.
We got home and cracked a bottle of Balinese Rose wine but of course. Baby and Celia are playing cards while I write to you and contemplate just how much sewing I can actually accomplish on this trip... Horseback riding on the beach in the morning and then planning the rest of our time here. I think I am actually turning brown from my nice shade of red so I may resume my tanning tomorrow. Missing all my friends and family and hope that one day we can all experience this magical land together. Sweet dreams, my loves.
We entered the market and all got a bit lost. We haggled for the best prices on amazing Bali souvenirs. I, clearly lacking quality haggling skills, paid the most for my goods. I couldn't help but not be bothered by the inexpense which these amazing artifacts were being sold by these amazing and kind spirited humans. I purchased a beautiful straw large structured purple beach handbag, a flying Balinese goddess, two amazing masks (one of which was very similar to the masks from the ceremony yesterday), Three babushka style purple and gold boxes, a funny ashtray, and a hand beaded Erte looking purse. I even got convinced to buy some orchid hairpins which I surely will never use.
After the shops closed and we were forced to leave (we must go back!) we had dinner and drinks at Naughty Nuri's. Baby and I enjoyed the dirty martinis and whisky sours while Misty and Victoria loved some Bintang Beer and Celia went on with her Margarita. We ate amazing grilled ribs, steak, curry chicken and vegetables. I am obsessed with curry and have to say that this was some of the best curry I have ever had! We enjoyed desert next door at a silly little coffee shop across from yes another temple and then all had a food coma ride home.
We got home and cracked a bottle of Balinese Rose wine but of course. Baby and Celia are playing cards while I write to you and contemplate just how much sewing I can actually accomplish on this trip... Horseback riding on the beach in the morning and then planning the rest of our time here. I think I am actually turning brown from my nice shade of red so I may resume my tanning tomorrow. Missing all my friends and family and hope that one day we can all experience this magical land together. Sweet dreams, my loves.