A Personal Journey With Rick Ray!

Plain and simple, Bali spells magic. The magic of rich cultural traditions practiced by a people who really believe in them. Here is life at its most expressive, with festivals, ceremonies, dancers, craftsmen and artisans in abundance. One can innocently become wrapped up in a temple festival, a procession, a noisy wedding party or an exuberant cremation almost by chance. And behind this rich tapestry of religious expression stand a friendly and outgoing people who welcome your participation and companionship.

Where is Bali? Somewhere is the South Pacific? Most people think it is, but Bali is in Indonesia, over 5500 miles from Tahiti! The relaxed rhythms of perennial rice growing have afforded the people ample leisure time to perfect an intricate Hindu - influenced was of life seen nowhere else in the world, In Bali, every living moment is a sacrament to the millions of good and evil Gods who reside in every niche and corner of this tiny island state.

Bali is not a primitive culture or a lost world. Some would say it is overrun with tourists desiring to surf its legendary waters or climb its holy mountains. Others come for spiritual adventure, immersing themselves in Bali's enigmatic religious life. Somehow, the island's culture has managed to absorb huge doses of Western influence without being absorbed in the process. One wonders how long this can continue.

The secret of the Balinese lies in the concept of balance on the physical, emotional and spiritual plane. Today that balance has grown ever so fragile and may soon disappear. I hope you'll join me as I explore "Bali: Life in the Balance."

Rick Ray

Rick Ray's humorous insightful films have earned him repeat appearances at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. and on travel lecture series across the U.S. and Canada. Using his daily journal as his source material and utilizing his skills as a professional cinematographer, Rick manages to capture the spirit of a place as seen through the eyes of the people who actually live there.