Caution thrown to the wind! A last minute decision to accompany Philip to Bali resulted in a brilliant experience. Lush tropical gardens, tall coconut palms and verdant, shimmering rice terraces. Mountains, lakes and tropical beaches. Distinctive Balinese architecture in the temples and family homes, with their large carved stone gates and walls. Smiling, friendly people often in traditional dress; women carrying large colourful baskets of temple offerings and other everyday items on their heads, and, often, families of four or five on one of the thousands of motorbikes all over the island. Fascinating markets, a vibrant art scene in the painting, woodcarving, stonework, textiles, silverwork, dance and music and the regular religious ceremonies and rituals all added to this delightful holiday.

See my blog posts about Ubud and about travelling north in Bali.