Top Ubud ATV Tours - page 13

One of the best experiences we have had as travellers over many decades. This is for anyone who wants a great cooking class AND wants to learn about Balinese culture, religion and daily life. We were picked up, on time, by Putu and her husband Pasta (yes - Pasta) from our accommodation. The drive was interesting, travelling from Ubud through a rural landscape to their small village (150 close-knit families). Pasta is a calm and skilled driver. When we arrived Putu showed us all the buildings that make up her familiy's area. These include ceremonial places. She described the function of each and the various Hindu Gods represented in their temple. Then to the cooking: Putu took us through several techniques and helped us to prepare a multi-course, delicious meal, which we ate at the end of the session. (Made, her assistant was on hand to help if needed). As we grated, grilled, chopped, mixed and boiled, Putu happily answered all of our questions about Bali, the village and anything else we were interested in. Cooking in a kitchen, with a roof, but mainly open to tbe sides was wonderful, especially when the rain pounded on the roof! The gardens - a farm really - were all around us and it is amazing how many types of fruit, vegetables and roots (and rice of course) that Putu's family grow. Putu showed us around the grounds before we started cooking) After eating Putu and Pasta drove us back to Ubud. Anyone coming to within reach of Putu's class should sign up - it is both a culinary and cultural experience! Many thanks to Putu! We learned so much. By the way: Putu also has an AirBNB in the village. It is called Rumah Pondok Kembar (maybe Pondak, not Pondak - my photo has a leaf over the word!)