March 30--ICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

In matters of the heart, nothing is true except the improbable. 
--Germaine de Stael

    We sadly (me) left the oceanside after chanting, meditation and breakfast. We drove to Tirta Empul Temple in hopes (not me) of getting into the spring-fed cleansing pool and praying in the temple. The place was PACKED, with hours-long waits to get into the pool. Fortunately we just had a tour. Despite the ultra-clean spring-fed water coming into it, with that many bodies "purifying," uhhhh, no thanks. 

The centuries-old banyan tree outside the temple

    Let's just say that for me personally, Bali has not been the paradise I expected. In some ways, yes, in many others, no. The thing that has consistently made me smile is the dogs. The best thing that happened at today's temple visit was befriending this one, the closest I have found to my dearly-missed Barney:

Check out those smiles!

    Next we drove to Ubud and checked into our hotel. OMG! This is by far the most luxurious hotel room Lanie and I have ever been in. It is huge and we have ICE!!!

Couch and TV are behind me

Half of our patio

And the best part...

Plus a separate room for the toilet

    There is a huge infinity pool on the grounds and an excellent restaurant, too. 

    Lanie and I walked down the street to get some beverages other than water. We are planning on relaxing with room service this evening. Edi and Komang took our dirty laundry to be washed. My big pile costs just under $6, Lanie's under $3, ready in 24 hours. Ready means washed, dried, folded and tightly wrapped in plastic. 

    Homesick, but loving this luxury!

        Leta