Thread: Let me introduce you all to a dear friend of mine..

His name is Pekak Puto or Grandpa Puto if you wish.. He's from the westcoast of Bali. As i am a frequent visitor to his village i inevitably in my curiosity started talking to him (in balinese). What amazes me with elderly balinese whom i speak to in balinese is that they don't get as surpriced or confused as the young. It's almost as they take it for granted that i should speak balinese though my skin is white. I began asking Kak Puto about the tides and currents around the beach since i surf and he told about everything i wanted to know. I could see he enjoyed the conversation as much as myself. I don't know why, but the people that really get to me and i feel a special bond with are the elderly in Bali. It's been like that ever since the first day i set my foot on this beloved island. I ask Kak Puto alot about how it was back in the days before tourism and real estate-hysteria. I ask him what he's does with the seaweed he picks up in the shallow waters at lowtide everyday. He told me he takes out all the bait-hooks and nylon from fishermen (frequent fishingspot) and collects them for re-use or sell. Everyday he goes up at around 4-5 in the morning and strolls about 400m down to the beach. He knows the beach much better than any other living person in Bali so if there's a new swell and really big (noone out) i ask him how many days before it'll be safe. Usually he gives me an estimate of 2 days (always spot on) unless there is purnama coming (full moon). The currents get all messy and the water "boils" at fullmoon. It's also a balinese custom i'm told not to step in the ocean during purnama. After some small-talk we usually go to a nearby warung, who's owner is also a part of the village and a friend, to get something to drink. I usually get fresh juice and Kak Puto prefers Teh Botol. I always think of him when i drop by and usually see him strolling around at the beach in the distance. I wave to him and he always giggle, smiles and call for me. I smile back and always approach him with the greatest respect and humor, for this old man... deserves all the respect i can offer.

Great warm fuzzy Tom ....

I think the beach is where every one feels great with life.

How could you feel angry & walk on a beach, look at the view, smell those smells, its almost a trance like feeling.

No wonder he is a smiling man...

Keep up those nice stories :D

Thanks Jill, nice to see that you're back and nice to hear you enjoyed the story and pics. I'll keep 'em comin´... :wink:

What a nice shot of the ocean Tommy

Thanks Jim & thanks Tom

can you tell that I have got nothing to do tonight by all my posts :? 8) :shock:

That beach shot doen't it make you feel great?

Can almost feel the sand around your toes

Love the surf pics behind Pekak Puto too