The Balinese Welcome

First came to Bali in 1986 and lived in the village of Penestanan near Ubud. Among all the vivid and challenging experiences of a newly- arrived tourist, I noyiced that people called me Tamu or Guest. I had lived in several other places around asia before this time and I had been called many other things, most of which were not nearly as pleasant as : guest: and so I appreciated this graciousness.

As I've lived here over the yeras, I've gained a deeper understanding that this linguistic custom is not a formality but reflects a more basic quality of Balinese culture. As I moved around the island and lived in different situations I was always wlcomed in the same way. And despite all the confusion I inadvertenly caused as I tired to learn the ways of Balinese life, I was always treated with patience and with a spirit of accommodation in some cases my presence was valued simply as entertainment and as a break from the routine.

I'm sure that I've been the subject of a substantial amount of good-natured teasing whether I know it at the time or not, but at other times I noticed that people were really curious to know about my world and how people really lived in it. I've been asked every conceivable question about life outside Bali. For Example people have wanted to know what it feels like to drive a car in a snowstorm, or how it fells to be so far away from family. I,ve been asked many questions about personal relationship in western culture, some that could be printed in this magazine and some that could not.

I've always respected this attitude of curiosity the Balinese have toward differences between themselves and the many guests to their island The Balinese could easily react with fear and anger toward attitudes and beliefs that are different from their own, especially when faced with such a high saturation of them. But its to the credit of the Balinese people that they are been able to maintain their natural curiosity and accommodating spirit. It's my deepest hope that they will be able to preserve this special quality for the future. Be welcomed in 2006

By Bruce Granquist.
www.villasdebali.com

Index

Bali Villas by Area

Kerobokan Bali Villas

Recommended Villas

Bali Honeymoon Villas

Bali Ocean View Villas

Bali River View Villas

Bali Ricefield View Villas

General Information

Lotus Belly Dance Retreat

Side Note

Karangasem
Palace

The main attraction of Amlapura is its traditional palaces or puri. There is a western, a northern, a southern and an eastern puri as well as several others, all still occupied by members of the royal family. Of these, only the Puri Kangin (the eastern palace) on the main road to the market is easily visited. This is worth a look, as it gives a vivid impression of how local royals used to live.

Reservation Center
Phone:
+62 361 7428441
Mobile:
+62 87861006699
Facsimile:
+62 361 8450291
Email:
request[at]villasdebali.com

Villas in Bali - Indonesia
VillasdeBali.com - About Us - FAQ - Terms & Conditions - Site Map - Partners

Link Exchange
Bali Villas Links | Bali Hotel Links | Bali Travel Link | Other Links

Bali Villas Partners :
| Bali Travel | | Bali Resort