The pool of perspiration at my feet is fast becoming a small lake. Our walk this morning was, if anything, hotter than other days as there is no cloud cover. The basil lime squash drink with which I rewarded myself was sublime…an astonishing shade of green which matches that of the rice fields around Ubud in the centre of the country..
Buddy with the taxi – the guy who asks a minimum of three times a day if we want to go somewhere – is on the job early today. I don’t think he understands walking at all. On the other hand, I can’t blame the guy for trying to make a living. His shiny white SUV sits idle most of the day. The virus panic is really hurting these people.
I rented some snorkel gear and explored the coral reef in front of my hotel yesterday. The lack of a sandy beach is a small price to pay for the vibrant and abundant marine life not two metres from shore. Giant, sapphire blue starfish, countless varieties of triggerfish, Moorish Idols, different butterfly pairs, cleaner wrasse, neons, parrotfish, trumpetfish, sergeant majors, territorial damselfish. I think I even spotted the Hawaiian state fish – hummuhummunukkunukkuapuah’a. Say that three times quickly.
We continue to get daily downpours, and sometimes, like yesterday, the rain continues into the evening. I think the duration of the rain is a bit unusual for this time of year, but this area did not receive normal rainfall amounts in January, so this is needed to fill wells. And did I mention, it’s a warm rain.
You really look like you’re having a wonderful time. Snorkel excursion sounded terrific. I can see the colourful fish, taste the basil lime, feel the heat. Thanks for sharing.