Hello ,
Greetings from Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Where again I'm running around with Ringo (our man in Indonesia) like crazy to get things done.
We have been Village Bothering today.. I'll explain.
Last week I was telling you about the secrets of Yogya in Java and the spooky statues factory we found, you can read about it here.
I cancelled the flight back to Bali and stayed on to do a deal with that new big statue company. Turned out to be a good move, the boss guy is a lovely gentle fellow with long experience and lots of ideas. We ordered a container to arrive in December, ready for new year sales.
Now in Ubud, Bali - which for me is giftware heaven. Ubud is probably the most creative and artisanal place on earth. Bali is famous for its culture and beaches, but what is less well known is that maybe half a million people in the interior of Bali work as giftware artisans and gifts shops the world over carry stock from here. But giftware heaven has it's drawbacks, not least there are no big factories. Why? Because the Bali people are fiercely against industrialisation of their island. Buildings over the height of a coconut tree is practically impossible to get permission for. Anyway no-one wants in the slightest to disrupt the way of life they have here.
So what happens is that villages co-operate together and specialise in a particular craft, each family compound (with up to twelve families) which always has it's own temple and common area has also workshops and common working areas. It's a very special and unique way of life. Hens running around, children playing, old ladies either dressed immaculately for a ceremony or topless as is their custom from old days. And everywhere a steady industriousness - making offerings for the gods or making handicraft gifts.. it's the same made with love for a greater good.
We went village bothering today. My words not Ringo's, he says.. "it's no problem, they like it when strangers wander into their houses it's good luck and an honour".