Adventures of a Tribe

Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, Bali

Posted on September 10, 2017 Updated on September 10, 2017

A couple of young girls from the Philippines were visiting Bali for few days, and wanted to visit Tirta Empul before leaving – so we did. This Hindu Balinese water temple contains a bathing structure which is famous for its holy spring water.

Apon entering the temple grounds we were given sarongs to wear to keep with the Hindu requirement of keeping our legs covered below the knee.

Emma received a little help tying hers on.

We’ve been so pleasantly surprised to find the men in Bali to be very respectful of women. There’s little to no flirting and absolutely no cat calls. The other day our landlord was over and referred to his wife (in her absence), as the most beautiful woman in the world. It made me so happy to hear.

At the main entrance to the temple, stands a huge statue of Vishnu, a Hindu God named for the supreme consciousness Narayana.

The temple is divided into 3 yards, Jaba Pura (front), Jaba Tengah (central), and Jeroan (inner). Tengah contains 2 pools which are fed from the natural springs, and in this place one is able to wear the appropriate clothing and enter to stand beneath each spout and wash in the healing powers of the holy waters.

It is beautiful to watch, understanding the faith that those participating have. On either side of the main pool, are statues – one of an elephant and one of a dragon.

Several places throughout the temple are altars where sacrifices and offering to the Gods can be made.

We loved quietly walking around, admiring the amazing craftsmanship involved in building the structures.

Some men were re – thatching a roof…

In other areas, men lounged around without a care in the world.

I love their posh lounging areas.

A large, picturesque koi pond provided a beautiful foreground for some of the temple structures.

There were so many places to sit quietly and think for a while.

Our driver’s wife and little girl were fun to watch as they lovingly rubbed noses and cuddled.

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It’s easy to feel peace in places like these.
We were told that in the area is a famous restaurant among the local people, and for about $12 we fed all 6 of us a delicious meal

All seated around a beautiful table.

I thought about our sailing friends who recently lost a loved one, and of those out there losing boats and other property to Irma. So much destruction everywhere and it’s not over yet. This is the BVI, where Leopard catamarans like Tanda Malaika were securely stored – one of the safest hurricane holes in the area.

I’m filled with so much gratitude for the road we have walked, the trials we have endured and the lessons we have learned. What we have gained in friendships and knowledge is irreplaceable. I have found peace with it all. I am so grateful for it all. Every bit of it. On a daily basis I have written back and forth to so many who have lost boats and are feeling so lost. I feel their pain. I cry with them. I let them talk about the rollercoaster of emotions they are feeling and in the end they feel better…until they need to talk once again. It’s my turn now – to give back some TLC to sailors in distress, and I humbly take my place with immense love from the safety of Bali. How is it, that I am so blessed?