March 5th:
Our port of call today was Lombok Island, Indonesia. Bali was to be our port of call, March 5th is a holiday on Bali called Silence Day. This the day when no activities are to take place. Bali residents stay indoors and contemplate the past year and plan for the next year. No one is allowed outside their homes. Police enforce this rule on both residents and visitors; Hindu and non Hindu. We would be required to stay aboard the ship if we docked. So……..we went to Lombok. The day was overcast and gloomy as we boarded the ship’s tenders to head ashore.
Ashore, we were greeted by young native dancers,a band and vendors of all sorts.
We headed inland on an all day tour. Average salary here is $200 per month,rice is the predominate crop, but other vegetables are also grown here.
Our first stop was a traditional market. Food and clothing were sold to the local residents at the market, but the word must have gone out that there were fresh consumers to be had. Motor bike powered vendors showed up in droves. Pirated DVD’s and wrist watches, tee shirts, head bands, woven fabrics, sun glasses and a host of other products were hawked by them.
Most native islanders depend on pony powered carts to bring goods home from the market. There seemed to be no limit on the number of passengers the carts could hold.
From the market we went to the Lingsar Hindu Temple. This temple was built in 1714 when Bali actually ruled Lombok Island. It is still an active Hindu Temple.
Next we visited the Narmada Water Park and Garden. Originally built in 1727 by the Bali King as a royal garden. Today it is used as a public water park.
After lunch we visited a craft workshop where hand-woven brocade was being made. There were a few huts on display showing life on the island before World War Two.
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