Indonesia Photo Tour Day 11

By Michelle Alten

For centuries, kingdoms were scattered around the Indonesian archipelago.  Even during the arrival of the Portuguese, British, and the Dutch, the royal families ruled on the different islands.  Today we visit palaces of the Karangasem kings.  The Rajas of Bali maintained their Hindu religion throughout the centuries, a faith that continues to give Bali its distinct character today.

Rice paddies near Amed, Bali
Farmer carrying elephant grass
Taman Ujung - a water palace
Rice fields and fishing boats
Rice fields and Mount Agung
Lotus flower
Puri Agung Karangasem Palace

Later in the day, I find time for a massage from a local shopkeeper—a frail looking woman selling clothing at a little rustic boutique.  Then I wonder, what I was thinking? What will this merchant know about massage? When I ask our guide where people learn about massage, she tells me that everyone on Bali has learned the techniques from their families.  It turns out to be one of the best massages I have ever had.