We had enjoyed ourselves soo much on our stay in higher and cooler places. When we left Munduk (800 mtrs) in the morning it was nice and dry, even a bit sunny. We had chartered a little van to take us up the incredibly steep first 8 kms to an altitude of 1200 mtrs. From there it was possible to ride. At noon we arrived in Candikunung and found a hotel. Old bungalows, but overlooking one of the two lakes in the crater. The village itself, and the road towards it, are located on the rim of the crater. Very nice views, at least, before the clouds and the rain came. Before that we had visited a marvellous temple, partly in the lake, where we witnessed a ceremony for the dead. The Balinese people live from one ceremony to the other, they smile themselves when they tell you. At birth, at the age of six months, when the hair is cut, when the teeth are filed (yes, correct), with weddings and several for the deceased. First they bury the dead, later they dig them up and cremate the remains. The ashes are put on the altars in their homes. And at each occasion a big ceremony, with lots of people eating whole pigs and drinking lots of rice wine. Nice people, these Balinese.

But no further ceremony for us, the rains came, the view was gone and the temperature dropped too uncomfortable levels. We did manage to visit a very large and beautifully kept botanic garden, but then we returned to our little dwelling, where I put on long trousers and a shirt over my t-shirt. First time this month, I even put on regular shoes instead of walking barefooted in sandals. Our plan to stay there for an extra day was killed by these facts, as you will understand.

Ceremonies all the time.