Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Bali Kampung

Day 36: Padang Padang, Bali, Indonesia
So I've decided to stay on a few more days in Bali, it's been really nice staying in Padang Padang which is alot less busy than Kuta and daily activities revolver around surfing, surfing then more surfing. The swell has dropped now which means more breaks are accessible, I'm happy to say I've got my mojo back and am able to get some really good rides. Thank heaven for small mercies.As I mentioned previously, over the last few days I've got to know the guides a bit better, the team consists of Andrew (owner), Ina (Andrew's wife and camp manager), Steamy (safari manager), Coyon (guide), Putu (guide), Wayan (cook) and Stefano (all rounder). The guides are all Balinese, there's a bit of a class system in which the Balinese (with there own distinct language) hold themselves in higher esteem than the Indonesians (from Java, Sumatra, etc) who come down here for work. There doesn't seem to be much Islamic influence around the place, but perhaps thats due to Ramadan and they have all gone back to their hometowns for Raya.
After surfing yesterday the subject once again got onto the illegal cockfighting which takes place down the road at Uluwatu, after a few Bintangs we made our way down to the secret spot where the fights occur. As an animal lover I wasn't sure how I would take the cockfighting but I found it to be quite entertaing and not at all as cruel as one might think. The animals are dispatched quickly due to a steel spur which is attached to the rooster's feet, one good strike from the rooster will kill it's opponent dead in seconds flat. Will post a great video as soon as I can get it uploaded.
After that we went down to the Mexican restaurant which is run by the biggest dickhead I have met in a long time, and that's really saying something. The walls are plastered with all his rules and regulations (no splitting bills, no alterations to the menu, no reservations) it was like something out of the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode. Here's an example of the sort of conversations that took place:

Us: We are just waiting for 2 more friends to arrive, we'll just sit at this table for two until they get here
Dickhead: Look, are you sure they are coming because I'm really busy here tonight
Us: Well if they don't we will just stay at this table for two
Dickhead: Look I really need to know, it's going to get really busy
Us: Yeah you mentioned that...

Us: Where's the toilet
Dickhead: Oh you need to wait until it gets dark then you can go by the road (it was broad daylight at this stage) or around the corner, wherever you can.
Note: There is a perfectly functioning toilet right behind his restaurant.

Apparently this guy is some big wave surfing legend, there are about 50 photos on the wall of him surfing a wave at Uluwatu, frame by frame. What was strange though is the guy has this little step next to the counter, like from an aerobics class, which he jumps up on when he gives the orders to the cooks in the kitchen. From what we can deduce the reason for this step is so he can always look down on the chefs (he's only about 5ft5) as the counter is only about 4 feet high and there is no other reason for it and none of the other staff are allowed to use it, just him.

I will steal that step before I leave Bali.

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