The Balinese

Bali has a population of about 4 million. Descendants of pure Indonesian race, the Balinense are yet very different from the inhabitants of other Indonesian island. When the rest of archipelago embraced Islam, the few remaining Hindus took refuge on Bali where their religious and cultural traditions have been enshrined until the present day. Thus the modern Balinese is very similar to the Hindu-Javanese of the days before Islam, sharing the same racial blend of ethnological Malay with some Indian and Chinese blood.

The complex layers of breeding and culture have produced an extremely graceful and good looking people. In fact, many visitors to Bali are fascinated by the almost universal beauty of the islanders. With well balanced features, small heads, smooth, tanned skin and strong, islanders bodies, the Balinese are delight to observe and one seldom sees an ill-favored person, whether young or old.

These racial characteristics have flowered into almost universal beauty in the women and made them world renowned. From early age, they become use to carrying heavy loads on their heads. As a result, they develop an extraordinarily poised and graceful walk and an unhurried grace which delights Western eyes. In the same way, the Balinese devotion to dancing keeps their slender hands supple and expressive.

Wherever you travel on the island you will be met by warm, spontaneous greetings. So much so that, if you choose a bicycle or motor bike for transportation, as many people do, most of the time you will find yourself steering one-handed, as the other hand will be constantly occupied in replaying to the enthusiastic, cheering waves of the local people. Bali is an island where foreigners, as well as the indigenous inhabitants, are made to feel at home and one very quickly warms to gentle nature and constant good humor of the Balinese.

My friend, Mrs. Junes R Landsburg, who live in Ottawa, Canada, wrote this down on her X-mast & New Year's card she sent to me on November 2002. (Things to be thankful for)

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snugly because it means you have enough to eat.
Be thankful for the mess you clean up after the party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.
Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.
Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you're warm.
Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.
Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.
Be thankful for the lady who sing off-key behind you in the church, because it means you can hear.
Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,because it means you're alive.