The New and The Old, Ubud, Bali

The New:
Starbucks is Alive and Well Nearby the Royal Family Property.

Street view of Starbuck.  The building used to be an old warehouse and Starbucks had agreed
to keep it much the same, so that it would blend in with the other neighboring buildings.  Ubud
residents fought to keep out McDonalds and Burger King.



Starbucks and it's "Gong" at the quiet side entryway, Ubud, Bali

There is a open area in the back of Starbucks with a fantastic view
of the lotus pond and a temple that has evening dance performance.
 

While there are spontaneous processions on the main road,  Starbucks is open on the
main road, with A-C and Wi-Fi.  As representing the "new",
"Starbucks" is located near the  property of the Ubud royal family,
where the last  king's descendants currently live in Javanese teak houses and where
there is a beautiful temple that has evening shows.  Tourists are welcome to wander
about the property and if you are lucky, a member of the royal family might tour you
around.  At one time in history, the king (raja) had up to 50 wives in their attempt to
procreate many sons.  Can you imagine all 50 of the King's wives having a
latte break at Starbucks? Even now, there are some Balinese men who have multiple
wives.

I noticed that prices are about the same price as at home and because it is expensive,
you wont see many Balinese inside having coffee.  Besides, the Balinese prefer to
drink either ginger tea or their thick syrupy "Bali coffee".  I wasn't forewarned and
discover that  the traditional Bali coffee is finely ground, poorly filtered and just plain
thick, especially at the bottom. It is bound to make you jittery and will stain the fine
grooves of  your teeth. 


The New:
Organik Sari Restaurant...

Hurry to enjoy . .....I noticed new places popping up, new housing and shops. There
are several other restaurants lining up, all great views.  Soon, the rice paddies will be
littered with shops and restaurants.

Organik Sari Restaurant:   This one is in middle of the rice paddy area at the end of
Jl Kajeng has several restaurants with a view. It has it's own organic garden and an
awesome view of the rice paddies.  There are two ways to arrive at Organik Sari
and  each one is a good 20 minute  walk in the heat.  On the walk you will see other
construction going on, such as in the building of new houses.

Organic green feta tomato salad and a green cleansing drink.

  

The Old:

Views Within One or Two Blocks Of Starbucks

 

I'm guessing that is a pot of rice on her head with other food items for sale to the Balinese.
She is going to set up shop somewhere......life can be a struggle.

 

  

"We're buddies forever" - Ubud, Bali

"I ate the whole bowl of popcorn and now there's a kernel in my throat" - Ubud, Bali