Between the morning walk at first light and the Tiffany lamped dinner at evening — a whole day was lived.  The tank top says a lot.  Nasi Goering was a Dutch version of the Indonesian rice table.  A collection of what might be good with some extra spices.  Kneeling at the beach at sunrise each day begins with a long walk along an underpopulated strand.  Miles (OK Kilometres) of beaches, sandy beaches beckoning with never ending waves.

Just across from the Chicago styled booth we sat savouring food and vistas.  Stories and dreams.  The lamp flashes back to the secessionist era and as we celebrate food it brings the past to the present. We share conversation about how the islands were 20 years ago, about how much older we are, conversations about how destination travellers and all inclusive living have destroyed adventure. We look out the window and as the sun sets and the twinkling lights begin to dance we still can find remnants of a former glory.

In an antique shop on the island we find a carved teak Hindu statue.  A carving of Kalaru and Ratih.  A Balinese goddess carving which has been in our family for three generations.  A missionary uncle brought it home from Bali at the turn of the century. Some searching of Javanese and Balinese Hindu beliefs will unearth the story of Dewi Ratih, a Hindu goddess worshipped for both beauty and grace and much of her mythology linked to Lunar eclipses.  The statue sits on our mantle and speaks of history and a faithful people.  The struggles between good and evil, day and night are part of our story.