Perhaps this is old news, but I just learned today that my favorite character on one of my sister and I's favorite childhood shows, Kid's Incorporated, is Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) of Black Eyed Peas. On the show, Stacy was the youngest and the younger sister of Renee. I always liked her best, probably because she is the little sister.
Apparently the show continued long after we stopped watching it and Fergie was the star for many years!
Check her out in Season One (1984) singing Let's Hear it for the Boy with her TV big sister Renee.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Pura Tirta Empul
While reviewing our trip, both Jason and I agreed out favorite day was our trip to Pura Tirta Empul. Yesterday when Jamie and I went for a run, she told me it was her favorite day too! So I think it's worth breaking my blogging silence to explain.
Tirta Empul is a temple/fresh spring of holy water. The Balinese have had pilgrimages for of 1000 years from villages all over the island. Built in 960 AC when a Hindu God struck the ground to teach a pompous king a lesson- a fresh water spring was produced! They bring offerings for their gods and pray in a temple above the springs. We were lucky to have met a good friend who took us into the temple and showed us how to pray. The locals were very nice and we sat in on a service.
Tirta Empul is a temple/fresh spring of holy water. The Balinese have had pilgrimages for of 1000 years from villages all over the island. Built in 960 AC when a Hindu God struck the ground to teach a pompous king a lesson- a fresh water spring was produced! They bring offerings for their gods and pray in a temple above the springs. We were lucky to have met a good friend who took us into the temple and showed us how to pray. The locals were very nice and we sat in on a service.
Before the service we also took part in the ritual bath in the holy springs. You are required to wear sarongs.
Inside the springs are 12 stations, each meant for a different prayer. The water is thought to have healing powers.
You stand before each of the fresh spring water spouts with your hands pressed together. Afterwards you poor the water over your head three times. After this you drink from the spring three times. You repeat this in front of each station, with the exception of some with special meanings such as a family death.
It was a truly unique and wonderful experience to be part of this ritual. The temple was filled with local people and only a few tourists. Much like every temple we visited in Bali, it was clear the people have amazing faith. None of this is a show or meant to draw tourists. Their belief set is strong and it was wondeful to be a part of.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Happy Easter Everyone!
From Elizabeth (via my sister)
Haven't been in the mood to blog much lately but Bali posts coming soon.
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