Balinese fishermen in East Bali

Some of my best memories in East Bali, are of hanging out with local guys getting into the tuak (palm beer). One time with Barrie and Candika at Komang John’s at Selang Beach, south of Amed, I looked over the wall and saw a tight little group of local fishermen getting into a drinking session, with a bowl of chilis and some arak. This time, we were staying at Good Karma Bungalows, just dow the cliff from Komang John’s, so it was easy for me to climb the stone steps and get a drink. The same guys were there and immediately waved at me to join them. Climbing up the side of the road, using a landslide as an access point, I was sitting with them in less than a minute. This time they had a plate of fish, visited by every fly in East Bali, plus a jug of lemon flavored arak. I like arak, so no worries. After my first glass, they refilled it and passed it round. I chatted with them and eventually got a refill myself.

As we chatted a young lady, maybe 25 years old trotted down the hill wrapped in a towel. “Sorry I just mandi (shower).” she said. Looking up the hill, I saw a group of small local house, plus this large bamboo structure, the locals seemed to be using as a bathhouse. Other ladies were in the process of getting dressed, not worried about who was watching. One guy who I remembered from the time before, made exaggerated gestures, I figuring out he was a mute. The photos on my camera of Ika and Jevon were a hit, as were the ones I took of the guys. The mute fellow liked my shirt, a Japan shirt I wore at the World Cup in Germany. I took it off and gave it to him, an appropriate gesture I thought and one I was happy with. He was ecstatic, reaching over to kiss my hand. I’m not sure whether its just drunks or Balinese locals, but I find these guys super easy to hang out with, and can chat no worries.

This little drinking party was going on just over the wall from Blue Moon Bungalows, a different world entirely. I know these fishermen do this everyday. They fish at night, come back in the day, take a nap and sit under a tree drinking arak. Too bad for their wives, although one did join us and seemed happy, with her 3rd kid. Later that evening, I came back to the restaurant and while Ika and Toby were ordering, jumped over the wall and gave a Germany soccer shirt up for grabs. The older guy pictured with me got it and was appreciative. I told Toby about the girl in the towel and the somewhat familiar tone she took with me. He suggested it might of been the local ‘hang out joint’ who knows. Whatever, everyone was super cool and good vibes. Maybe I can work a situation, where I can be a Balinese fisherman. Expats in the area have told me most of the good fish gets sold to resort hotels, and along the main roads in East Bali, one will often see a lady, sitting every 50 meters, or so, with a selection of snapper and smaller silver fish. If you are in Amed, look out for these little drinking parties.