2011, Day 224 - Iconic Bali

This photo was taken on the last day we spent in Bali.  Our final stop was the famous Tanah Lot temple, one of seven temples dedicated to the sea.  This one is reputed to be protected from evil spirits by deadly sea snakes.

Tanah Lot's continued existence is thanks in part to a loan made by the Japanese government to Indonesia in the early 80s.  The rock structure was so badly eroded that the temple became unsafe and was in significant structural peril.  Fortunately this incredible icon of Hinduism in Bali was preserved along with numerous other sites of cultural significance with the aid of the Japanese.

Laura, my sister and traveling companion, thought it fitting that it was overcast and rainy on our last day in Bali, she said that the island was crying at our impending departure.  Somehow I doubt we had anywhere near the impact on Bali that Bali had on us but it is a nice thought, I wonder what the weather would be like if I were to visit again.  I hope sunny and warm (Bali is always welcoming).

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 24-70/f2.8L
34mm, f2.8, 1/500 sec @ 100 ISO