Here I am, walking along the village road of Kerta Village in Payangan. The temperature feels cold to me, at 23 degrees Celsius. Even though it's the dry season, it feels like a cool, cold season for us Balinese. We're used to living in temperatures of 29 or 30 degrees Celsius, but now it's 23 all over Bali. In this village, it feels so cold, but I really enjoy walking.
The air is so fresh with lush greenery all around. Instead of rice field plantations like I usually see, there are mostly mandarin plantations lining the road. The mandarin trees are filled with green and yellow fruits, although I didn't try any—they don't belong to me.
The mandarin trees stand out with their green and orange fruits, surrounded by bushes, papaya, banana, coconut, turmeric plants, vegetables, and betel leaves. The variety of plants here is amazing.
As I walk, a truck passes carrying sacks of fertilizer, reminding me of the village's agricultural activities. Continuing along the path, I breathe in the fresh air, listening to birds singing amid the mandarin trees.
During my walk, I met a local who shared insights into village life. Farming is essential here; he works as a quad bike tour guide and farms during quiet times. Living in the village has challenges, like traveling 30 kilometers to buy essentials such as petrol. Items not locally produced, like biscuits and bread, cost more due to transportation expenses.
Reflecting on my peaceful walk through Kerta Village, I gained a deeper appreciation for the balance between nature's beauty and the daily struggles of rural life in Kerta Village.