The Brutally Honest Balinese

Over the past month we have had a series of house guests staying with my host. All of them are longtime friends that have a pretty long history in Bali and lived here for over 2 years in their lives. With that being said, it is obvious that they made some Balinese friends that they have not seen in a long time. One of my causal observations from living here now is that the Balinese are notorious for not having any social grace in their culture and they are brutally honest. As us Americans have a "filter" or like to talk behind other people's backs, the Balinese will just tell you something to your face not in the tone of an insult, but more as a causal observation that by western standards should be kept to yourself.

A few examples:

• Andrew walks in to meet a brother of the family he has not seen since 2004. "Oh, Andrew, great to see you! You got fat! What have you been eating?"

• Vicki walks in to meet a wood carver friend from one of the villages from 10+ years ago. "Oh Vicki, you got ugly and old. How have you been?"

• And to me from the catering manager. "Sam, have you been riding the motorcycle around alot? You have a lot of pimples on your forehead now."

Keep in mind that these are also regarded as some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on the planet!

In other news:

• Almost done with this movie catering. It has been very busy.

• Check out how big this Banyan Tree is!!!
• I was at the BGF Farm and asked for a coconut to drink (which is very healthy). The farmer climbed this tree in less than 30 seconds. I was impressed.