A few sad and happy observations about the holiday
Sad things.....
1. The monkey in a barren cage near the Camplung Mas hotel just off Legian St - living on a wire floor with nothing soft or natural in his cage
2. The skinny - mangey dogs - I have on every trip saved all the food I could from our meals to feed the dogs. On this trip I found 2 puppies living in the Ubud Market one I think must have died because it was so pitifully near death's door, it wouldnt eat anything I offered it and was weak and listless. The other was playful and in good spirits but had a large sore on her shoulder. She had very wirey thin hair which I think is due to bad nutrition. She scratched constantly, so I took her back to the hotel and bathed her. After pulling off heaps of fleas and 3 large ticks, and feeding her I took her back to the market and cried my eyes out as i walked away.
Another dog I affectionately named "white dog" who seemed to live outside the Ubud Village hotel - had cuts and a bad limp. He also was so skinny he looked awful. I fed him on our first day, and every time he saw me he would run up to me despite his sore leg. He broke my heart - poor little guy.
3. The poor ponies in the hot sun on JL Kartika and having to sit in traffic with all the fumes.
4. Feeling like you never get to do all the things you planned on in the holiday.......
5. Being car sick - ewwwwww and the smell of the Ubud market downstairs section
Happy things....
1. the faces of children when given a toy, watching my own children delight in finding kids to give out toys too.
2. the smiles on the balinese people every time a camera comes out
3. the constant hellos and smiles everywhere
4. Donating money and items to the schools and orphanages
5. Giving a huge tip to someone who deserves it - and knowing that its appreciated
6. Giving a bag full of food and drinks to those poor guys working on the road works in the hot sun
7. Feeling the atmosphere of the nightlife - feeling like new years eve everynight