My Birthday Party in Bali

The staff at Bhanuswari held a Pool Party for my birthday! And it was so much more than I expected.

First, they decorated the area between the salt water pool and the Villa with a combination of crepe paper streamers and traditional Balinese decorations made from young coconut leaves.

Can you see the archway?

Tables had balloons with both Happy Birthday and "Selamat Datang" - Indonesian for "Welcome!"

You can see the staff were relaxing. (And this is a better view of that archway!)


We had a great time playing in the pool (yes, that's my back) - recorded pop music, volley balls,


and mattress floats.

At sunset, I went in to change and came out to find that the setting had changed! Candle light now surrounded the pool.

Of course there was a cake - beautiful!

I had requested catering in the form of "nasi campur" (literally "mixed rice" - the Indonesian "blue plate special") so that the kitchen staff could join the party. What I actually got was "bebek betutu", the Balinese smoked spiced steamed duck - delicious.

And I got presents - totally unexpected! I had just wanted a party so we could play together.


The packages were beautifully wrapped and practical: sandalwood folding fans and cotton face cloths (I still sweat a lot), a new handbag (my pink-striped one is getting tired), and chocolates (yes, I’m still addicted).


Am I still loving living in Ubud, Bali? You bet!!

Recycled Glass - art and gifts

Photos taken at Nyoman Glass shop on Jalan Raya Mas, just south of Ubud, Bali.
Many of the larger pieces are displayed right on the street.
In addition to glass, the shop offers wood carvings.
There are a few pieces of cobalt / Prussian blue – my personal favorite.
And some pieces have an opaque finish.
Whimsical birds and cat / angles fly overhead.
Yes, that is a fish bowl, complete with fish!
Smaller items include a variety of beverage glasses, candle holders, ashtrays, and perfume bottles with stoppers.