Living the good life in Bali: The perils of 'jalan jalan'

Ubud has lots of deep tropical jungle gorges but this is the only bridge I've seen so far. Judging by the number of offerings to the Gods it's considered risky. Apparently evil spirits lurk in the depths of gorges and near rivers.

'Jalan jalan' is Indonesian for 'walking around having a look at things'. Every day I walk long distances to get places as I have no transport. And every second day, I go for a long walk after I get up exploring the alleyways and sights of Ubud. (The theory is that I go to the gym every second morning and so far so good!).

Despite concerns about all sorts of things going wrong here I think the biggest threat to my safety is managing to negotiate the Ubud footpaths.

Apparently there is some disagreement about who exactly the 'they' is who should be fixing them. So off course nothing happens at all despite the hundreds of tourists who negotiate them daily

The dangers include:
- the up and down nature of the footpaths - as they are over water drains, every time a large water pipe feeds into the drain up they go again!
- the tiles they are made from dislodge to reveal the depths of the water drains. .....not a pretty sight!
- every few metres there are a set of 4 'D' handles presumably to enable easy removal of that section of footpath. The problem is that they stick up and are ready to trip you up when you least expect it.
- metal grates which are difficult to assess as to their stability!

- whilst the offerings placed outside every building to ensure the blessings of the Gods are beautiful, they are also a slipping hazard for the unwary.
- and of course there's always the cars and motorbikes parked on the footpaths, the mud ,rotting leaves and the piles of building materials all strategically placed on the footpath of course.

Notice the dripping eaves!

This is the lane leading to my abode - very wet feet by the time I got there!

And then there is the rain: when it rains here it is a deluge, usually only lasting for a few minutes, but enough water to challenge the drainage system (and to completely drench you if you have been silly enough to venture out without an umbrella!). Consequently the roads and lanes turn into rivers. Once the rain stops they clear very quickly but often after depositing silt and mud everywhere. Oh the joys of the tropics!

BUT by far the biggest danger are the Chinese tourists: I'm not being racist but they pour off the huge tourist buses parked at my local temple (parking fees are a significant source of income for the temple). They create a complete obstruction as they file along the too narrow footpaths completely oblivious to anyone else. Not once do they step off onto the road to make way for anyone else. I've had several conversations with some very tolerant people who live here and they all agree that to the Chinese anyone else doesn't exist. You could say it's arrogance but it seems to be a complete lack of awareness. Very annoying!

I hope you enjoy the photos of the footpaths: I couldn't help but think that the locals must have thought I was mad taking photos of the drains whilst every other tourist is taking photos of the beautiful architecture etc. Here's some nicer photos of some of the sights from my 'jalan jalan'.