On matters medical, political and spiritual

Eddie has been unwell since getting here, so he has finally been persuaded to see a doctor. After receiving a thorough going over at Ubud's Toya Medical Clinic on Jl Raya Pengosekan it turns out he has bronchitis. The clinic is recommended, should you find yourself in need of medical assistance when in town. No need to take the scripts away. His three lots of medication were presented after a short wait in this thoughtful paper bag. Nice touch.

Meanwhile we have learned that a two-week workshop on 'palpable forgiveness' will be held next week at an ashram across the road. We had been chatting to an older lady who has flown from the US to attend. Her mobility is not wonderful, and she has never been to Bali before, so it's been quite a journey for her. Last night, while we were having dinner, an Australian man checked in. Tall, salt-of-the-earth, practical sort of fellow. You'd take him for a farmer. Left his home in a NSW country town more than 12 hours earlier, and was dressed 'properly' - in other words, not Bali style. Friendly, outgoing in that way we Australians are, and not the most likely person you would imagine to be attending an ashram. But that's why he's here he tells us, and he too is a Bali virgin. By breakfast, he had found his shorts and was deep in conversation with the US lady. They had both been to the chanting earlier in the morning.

I had judged this particular book by his cover, and how wrong I was. People never fail to surprise.

Next Wednesday is a public holiday. Bali will be electing a new governor and the banners spruiking the virtues and promises of the various candidates are flying. Not so much on this side of town, but certainly all along the road to Denpasar. Unusually, too, on that day Tuesday there will be two cremations. One for a member of the palace  (a diplomat but not a royal we are told*), the other for someone less important. The paths won't be crossing though. Apparently the mourners for the second cremation are not allowed into the cemetery. Meanwhile the men are hard at work at the palace building the massive structure that will take the deceased to the funeral pyre. Ubud is unbelievably quiet (even the monkeys seem to be on strike, and the dogs have disappeared) so this royal event on Wednesday might bring some much needed business to town. This YouTube video gives an idea of what is involved.



* As this is a Facebook link, it might not open for everyone.