Yesterday was the local new year, Nyepi, here in Bali. People have been building large statues of evil spirits (ogoh-ogohs) for months beforehand and they were carried around the streets on Monday evening. The purpose is to collect all the spirits in the statues and burn the whole thing, but nowadays many of them are only burnt symbolically and – yes, you guessed it – sold afterwards. Even religion isn’t immune to the laws of supply and demand.

An evil spirit in action

The funny thing is, not all of the evil spirits are religious figures. Some of them depicted tourists and other western symbols, like Mickey Mouse in diving gear or a white drunk with his willy hanging out of his shorts. And one on a jet ski.

At least my shorts weren’t blue and white

It’s funny to see how the ones bringing in most of the income are also the ones that are hauled around with the bad spirits and other such evil ones, but I guess it’s just one of those situations where money talks and so on.

After the parade and sellingburning the ogoh-ogohs, the whole town literally silences down for 24 hours. The Nyepi day (Tuesday the 16th this year) is like there was no one in: all shops and restaurants are closed, the streets are empty and even the tourists are kept inside their hotels. Only emergency transport to hospitals is allowed besides the traditional guards who keep watch.

Anyway, it’s over now and we’re almost finished with our Emergency First Response instructor course. Soon we’ll be able to teach CPR and first aid on our own.

Tags: holiday, instructor internship, PADI IDC, parties, photos, religion