Just as our American penchant for cars which get 7 miles per gallon seems highly unusual to foreigners, so too do the Balinese have some eccentricities. As in Arab countries, the left hand is the bathroom hand, and one who touches another with the bathroom hand is not very considerate. Men grow out the pinky nails of their hands to a long point as a fashion statement (here's hoping that's not on the bathroom hand). Pointing the bottoms of your feet at another is likewise a serious slam, so be careful when sitting down and crossing your legs inadvertently - the person next to you might be in the 'firing' line. Standing with your hands on your hips is considered an aggressive posture - this one proved difficult for me to remember. And for ceremonies, a pinch of rice is affixed to the forehead, much like an Indian bindi or Catholic ash.

Gong holder for Barong procession, Ubud

© Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli