The Year of the Family.
The grandkids, of course, made a trip to the Safari Park east of Denpasar a ‘must do’ activity. Herself and the two girls were enthusiastic too so Grandpa had to tag along.
Made picked us up just after breakfast and as it was time for the Banker’s family to get all the offerings and decorations ready for Galungan (‘New Year’ in the 210 day Balinese calendar) young Putu came with us to clear the way for nanny Ilu to help with the work.
Some of the results of Galungan preparations for the temple ceremony and for visitors who call.
Families will pay everything they can possibly afford on such important occasions.
The Safari Park is fairly new but it is very large and still under development. Thankfully there is a very large car park, able to hold even the largest of tour buses, so we had no problems driving right up to the entry and unloading before Made wandered off to find a quiet park for a little sleep. He goes off to the Denpasar market about 1 am each morning to get fresh produce for the little warung where wife Ketut works. After returning and unloading he gets back to bed about 4 or 5 for a bit more sleep. We’ve got used to knocking on the van windows to wake him up when we want to go home – or even to another shop sometimes.
Water misting makes walking pleasant.
For those, like grandpas, who are interested, the toilets are first class.
Transport into the depths of the park separates animals from vehicles.
A commentary from the driver prepares you for the experience.
Young elephants obviously love carrots, and lots and lots of them.
The water is a strange colour.
Want to ‘high-5’ an elephant? A number of visitors were inclined to.
My attention was frequently caught by the settings in which the animals were displayed and this is a good example.
Free-flying eagle – fantastic!
Putu and that very sleepy (or sedated?) lion that arouses controversy amongst visitors.
Frankly I don’t care as long as it doesn’t wake up while I’m this close.
Everyone joined in after Putu showed the way.
White tigers at rest.
This is another setting that impressed me.
A sleeping leopard in another impressive setting. It looks very natural but I'm sure that much of the 'wood' is really concrete.
It’s tempting to say a gathering of galahs but that’s not a Galah is it.
What a big nose you’ve got Grandma!
The bird, the bird. I meant the bird.
Dogs in a Safari Park seemed strange but it was a good show.
Part of the display is a group of young dancers. The still camera does not do justice to the elegance of their movements.
Part of the dance performance was the magical, mythical barong which could snap its jaws with a loud, ‘CLACK!’
Now that barong is a bit scary when you see it for the first time and it was good to be able to stand a bit behind the post.
But you should have seen the evil Rangda who followed. That was really SCARY!!!
You could also learn to play the gamelan.
Even after dozens of kids the real player could still smile.
1. The next section is about our 3 day stay in Ubud, the Monkey Forest, the Galungan penjors and shrines, the trip to the coffee and spice plantation and the kite, quilt and carving market along the way.
2. Following Ubud is Tuban, and friends with eyesight problems. Just click on the blue coloured link.
3. Or the home page is here.