I originally fell in love with Bali in 2004, on my first
visit. The land, the sea and the people were all mesmerizingly beautiful, but
the most powerful intoxicant to this romantic was the unique culture and
elaborate rites and rituals that go along with it.
Where else on earth can you find tiny hand-crafted baskets
filled with fruit, flowers and incense outside of every home and business
offering up the day’s best intentions? Though they are shuffled and bustled aside
with the day’s activities, they are freshly renewed again the following
morning, day after day, in Bali.
Where else are you welcomed to witness extravagant funeral
processions rolling through the streets on the shoulders of dozens of men as
they parade colorful floats meters high, carrying the earthly remains of loved
ones to the temple, where the entire edifice is then sent to the heavens in
flames? Not only are you invited to witness them, but to dress as part of the
family, walk with the procession and photograph these amazements until your
heart’s content in Bali.
Like millions, I was drawn in by this unique culture.
Millions more have also been drawn by Bali’s many splendors, not all of which
are elements of the traditional and utterly unique culture. The pressures of so
many visitors on the natural and cultural environment are weighing more and
more heavily, as summarized in a recent scathing indictment from the respected
French journal Le Monde.
Not only sheer numbers, but a cavalier attitude toward Bali’s
cultural and environmental sustainability is also taking its toll. Balinese and
Indonesian stewards of these treasures might take note and reconsider the best
ways to care for and share of their bounty before they are but a memory.
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