On day 25 we had a kind offer from Wayan to meet his family at his house approximately 30 minutes from Ubud. His brother Oka picked us up and after driving around for 45 minutes (apparently he was filling in time as Wayan was cooking for everyone) we arrived at his house where we met his wife, 2 children (Agus and Dinny) and his mother. The house was very modest with pencil markings on the inside wall. One of the doors had a small hole in it. The complex consisted of a small temple where the dead family members can come and visit. Hence the offerings commonly seen at these locations. The uncle also lived in a house that appeared to be in better condition. Apart from the humble material items, we found richness in the relationships between the family members that was also extended towards us. The food was good – tuna satay skewers, nasi goring, mixed vegetables and fish soup. This family definitely put a spread on for us and I didn’t dissapoint them with my large appetite. After swearing I’d only eat small portions for the rest of the trip I fattened up a little more (who the hell am I kidding anyway). So, like a fat kid on a smartie I had 3 huge helpings (guess they’re not having leftovers) and then consumed every piece of fresh mango they put in front of me. Gluttony is alive and well within me and if I could pick a third given name for myself it would be Glutton - hey, that name would suit me like OJ’s glove did – nice and tight around the spare tire.
Wayan has a long life story and he seems to be wiser beyond his years. Oka and I discussed real estate (god bless him) and potential export ventures. Real estate around his town is cheap and costs approximately 10-15 million Rupiah per square meter ($100). Oka filled me in on his past travels while working with Carnival. All in all a pleasant day with a generous local family.
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