Prima Medika, Uluwatu and beaches both private and public

One site I never expected to see on my trip is the inside of a Balinese hospital. Colleen is still there, still trying to figure out what exactly is causing her lung to fill up with fluid. I went with Bob to visit her today, in a very nice, very clean, very professional hospital, with some of the most tasty-looking hospital food I have ever seen. She was a trooper, but we are all bummed that she has to be in there instead of showing me the sights of Bali.


After setting up Colleen with some snacks and her computer with a number of DVD's, Bob and I headed out to explore the southern portions of Bali. I had expressed a desire to go to a beach, and Bob, being the adventurer that he is, found a small, secluded and fairly inaccessible beach along the base of the limestone cliffs. It was perfect - our own little world of sand, surf, waterfalls and sea caves. The beach itself was not very big, but the views were spectacular and the waves were large. I can see why this area is a surfer's paradise.

Reluctantly, we left our little beach world and headed back onto the roads and into the crowds at Uluwatu temple. This temple is located at the southwestern most point in Bali, on a limestone outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean. Our weather timing was perfect, since we arrived a few minutes before sunset, but our crowd timing was a bit off, since the place was packed. Our guide, an Indonesian woman, began the tour by picking up and brandishing a three-foot long stick to protect us from grabby monkeys. It came in very handy, as these monkeys were generally more aggressive than the ones in Ubud. Still, baby monkeys are even cuter when they are sleeping...



The sunset was glorious, reflecting off the crashing surf and temple architecture in a riot of colour.



After leaving Uluwatu, mercifully without any monkey bites, we headed to an area along the coast where they grill freshly caught seafood, and you eat in on the beach. Great concept, but we made the mistake of ordering prawns - not the cleanest of animals. Up until this time, my digestion had been taking to Balinese food without to much trouble (unless I was unfortunate enough to encounter the vile scent of lime leaves), but this meal did not sit well with either Bob or I. I was not violently ill or anything...next time, no prawns, and I am going to make sure I wash my hands before digging in...



Tomorrow, to Kuta...