the fire between us

chapter 33

A few days after our arrival in Bali, we were starting to settle into the rhythm of island life. The mornings were filled with the sound of the ocean, and the warm tropical air had become a comforting part of our days. We had enjoyed beach walks, local markets, and indulging in delicious Balinese dishes, but today promised something special.

Over breakfast, Nora and Marcus excitedly shared their plans. "Today's the day," Nora said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "We're heading to Tirta Empul, Bali's most famous water temple."

Martinus and I exchanged glances, intrigued. We had heard about the temple and its sacred waters, but now it was real. "I've always wanted to experience that," I said, imagining the serene spiritual atmosphere that awaited us.

Marcus nodded, explaining as he sipped his coffee. "Tirta Empul is a place where Balinese Hindus go to purify themselves in the holy water. It's supposed to be incredibly peaceful, and the waters are believed to have healing properties."

"The temple is over a thousand years old," Nora added, her voice full of admiration. "The Balinese come from all over the island to perform purification rituals there. It's a really important cultural and spiritual site."

With our excitement mounting, we finished our breakfast and began getting ready. The temple was about an hour's drive from Seminyak, so we packed our bags with essentials—water, cameras, and a sense of anticipation. As we walked out to meet our taxi, the air felt different today, almost charged with the significance of what was to come.

The drive was beautiful, taking us inland through Bali's heart. The landscape changed as we left the coastal areas behind and entered a world of lush greenery, dense forests, and picturesque rice terraces that stretched out in layers across the hills. Small villages passed by, with families working in the fields, and intricately decorated temples nestled amongst the trees. The vibrant green of the rice paddies stood in contrast to the deep blue of the sky, and the occasional bursts of red and gold from temple roofs and offerings added to the beauty of the journey.

"Look at those rice terraces," Nora said, leaning out of her window. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined."

Martinus turned from the front seat to grin at us. "This is real Bali—so much history and tradition here. It's incredible."

As we continued, Marcus pointed out more landmarks, giving us tidbits of history. "Tirta Empul is named after the sacred spring that runs through the temple. The water flows into purification pools, and people believe it has healing powers. The name 'Tirta Empul' literally means 'holy spring'."

We soon arrived at the temple. The moment we stepped out of the taxi, we were struck by the serene and spiritual atmosphere that surrounded the place. The entrance to the temple complex was majestic, with towering stone gates flanked by carved statues of deities and mythical creatures. A light scent of incense hung in the air, mingling with the fragrance of fresh flowers that adorned the shrines.

At the entrance, we were provided with sarongs, as was customary when visiting Balinese temples. The vibrant cloth, tied around our waists, signified respect for the sacred ground we were about to walk upon. As we moved through the gate, the temple grounds opened up before us—a beautiful courtyard filled with the sounds of trickling water, the soft hum of prayers, and the murmur of those participating in the rituals.

The temple was a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture, with stone carvings that told ancient stories. Everywhere we looked, there were statues of gods, intricate sculptures of animals, and vibrant offerings of flowers and fruit placed in woven baskets. The main focus of the temple, however, was the series of rectangular purification pools, filled with crystal-clear water that shimmered in the sunlight.