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Ubud - Yoga, coffee & rice fields

After a 2h bumpy boat trip from Gili T and a 2h drive with the car from Padang Bai port, here we are in Ubud, back to Bali. The boat ticket from Gili T was 250000 IDR (~15.5EUR) and included shuttle service from the port to our accommodation in Ubud.
I have to admit I was nervous about getting back to Bali. I got used with the chill vibes from the islands and I wanted to keep that peaceful feeling for as much time as possible. When we debarked we were harassed by taxi drivers.
Fortunately, Ubud surprised me with its zen feeling. I've never felt so calm!
Too bad we couldn't enjoy the pool due to the rain
It was already afternoon when we checked in.
Bali coffee
After the late lunch we went for a walk. The weather was not on our side that evening. Despite the heavy raining we were able to enjoy the city.
Ubud market
The city doesn't stop to amaze me! I love its small shops with local design products.
Quiet street with small shops
At first I thought only the temples have imposing gates, but if you wander a little bit you'll notice that every house entrance is marked by a gate like the one below.
Lawang - traditional Balinese entrance gate
Another symbol of the city are the stone statues that represent Hindu gods or mythological characters from Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Stone statue spotted around the city 
I'm glad I woke up early in the morning to attend a yoga class. This way I spotted the morning street market with fruits and vegetables.
Half of the street transformed in fruits & vegetables market
Morning yoga for a boost of energy
I found a small yoga studio, 10 minutes away from the accommodation. It was a nice experience. The teacher was local and I liked she was explaining where we should feel the stretch on each exercise.
After yoga, I reunited with Victor and went for rice fields trekking.
Scarecrow in the Kajeng rice field
No caption nedded
From the rice fields we walked to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It was nice to walk next to the macaques. No monkey incidents reported :)!
You are in the middle of the jungle!
A macaque contemplating the life
The ugly frog and the princess!
After lunch we took a Grab and drove us to see the Blangsinga Waterfall.
Balance!
I'm smiling! You should do it too! I'm walking on the streets and smiling to strangers!
On our way back to the Grab driver, we decided to go seeing larger rice fields. First stop at Bali Swing. Here I learned more about luwak coffee, the most expensive coffee in the world. The special thing about it is the way the coffee beans are prepared. The coffee beans have been digested by palm civet, then they are cleaned up and roasted and ground normally.
Palm civet - cat like animal
Palm civet feces containing coffee beans


The final product! Honestly, I wan't impressed about the taste 
View over rice paddies
Ten minutes away from Bali Swing we arrived at Tegallalang rice terrace.
Panoramic view of rice terrace
For Ubud I would come back again in Bali! Till then, the next stop is Yogyakarta!
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