Previously I spoke about the crush injury to my leg, caused by the fin of my surf board; and about how the balian got me moving again, at the same time relieving the intense pain. However this had been achieved at some cost: I had been forced to endure some pretty excruciating massage!
So did the balian cure me?
Well, it relieved the pain so that I could move again, but unfortunately in administering the forbidden massage, the balian had, in fact, created some more trauma. This meant that fluid was now leaking from the damaged tissue, and collecting in large pockets around the injury site. The front of my leg now looked even more deformed!!
My visit to the SOS clinic immediately after the accident, had set some wheels in motion. The insurance company had been informed, and was adamant that I should return to Perth to have ‘appropriate treatment’. They had been equally adamant that I should definitely not allow anyone to give me a massage…..
When things began to look ominous, I gave in and returned to Australia as advised. Once there, I had to go to hospital twice to have the fluid drained from my leg. So, in this case Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation would, in fact, have been the correct treatment!
Maybe I will save my visits to the balian for physiotherapy type treatments in future - muscle strains, sprains etc. But it was certainly an interesting experience – albeit a painful one.
I have discovered another strange truth during my stay in Bali…. contrary to popular opinion, ‘Bali Belly’ does not seem to be caused by eating local food at the roadside stalls, or on the beach! I guess many of you that live in Bali already know this, but for those who may be a little ‘conservative’ in your eating habits, my reassuring theory follows.
Food sold at the side of the road is likely to have been bought fresh that morning at the market, and cooked straight away. Anything left over will be disposed of at ‘clean up time’, before the vendor returns home. The street sellers simply don’t have the refrigeration space for storing food.
Instead of a sandwich from the mini mart for lunch, next time why not try a nasi bungkus for a more delicious and healthy alternative. This is the term used for nasi campur in a take-away form i.e. the ‘house selection’ of dishes to accompany the rice base.
Watch with interest at a stall, as the ‘cook’ opens one pot after another, of the most interesting vegetable, fish and meat dishes. There will be flavourings and sauces of coconut milk, satay, lemongrass, red onion, ginger and chilies. There will be foods that are unheard of in Australia. Simply point and smile, to indicate what you would like added to your ‘take-away’. You will be surprised at how inexpensive it is, and how much better you feel when eating rice and fresh vegetables that have been freshly bought and prepared each day.
If you choose to eat as the Balinese do – with fingers - remember to only use your right hand. Or simply sit down with the locals, and eat your meal there and then with bowl and cutlery provided…. you will be warmly received!
There is a particularly good selection of these small stalls in the Kuta beach area, opposite the Kama Sutra nightclub, between Jalan Benesari and Jalan Melasti - not at all touristy, and extremely good value. Expect to pay between 5,000 and 10,000rp for a healthy and filling lunch. (The current exchange rate is about 8500rp to one Australian dollar.)
A word of caution: remember to ask for ‘tidak sambal’ (no spicy relish). This chopped chili and ginger mix is a fiery addition, and should be treated with respect!
Another way to experience the local flavour of Bali of course, is with a ‘sundowner’ of a cold beer or a soft drink on the beach, with the sarong sellers and the massage ladies offering ‘sunset prices’ on all their wares….. the mood is mellow, and the smiles more relaxed at this time of the day.
Watching the local guys playing soccer, often with a great deal of skill, from about 5pm onwards, as the sun sets over the ocean behind them, is a sheer delight.
Enjoy the top hotels and restaurants by all means – they are wonderful. But don’t forget to ‘mix it with the locals’ occasionally. You will be glad you stepped outside your comfort zone, to taste a bit of true Bali – you will be missing out on a lot if you don’t give it a try!
I have now completed two stints of volunteer work in Bali. My first role was for David Booth of East Bali Poverty Project, and the latest was for IDEP based in Ubud. For IDEP, I have been editing and proofreading a disaster management manual. (Disasters seem to be my specialty!) During this time I have traveled extensively around Bali, spending time mostly with Balinese. To contact me: email lizhayes2007@yahoo.com.au or phone 081 337 903 937.
