I met a young, part time photographer, Emre Aktarakçı (@ea.photoexpo) on the Beat Boat* last time I was on board the party vessel a couple of months ago. He presented as a nice fella with a pleasant, solo-traveler disposition and has kept in touch since. He loves to take pics of the nightlife so we got on pretty well right off the bat.
He mentioned the day before Nyepi he was going to be on the streets of Seminyak to capture some images of the Ogoh Ogoh parade, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest, please send in some photos of what you come across! That was Friday night.
The day after Nyepi he sent in a bunch of amazing photos saying the whole thing (the parade and NYEPI day) was a great experience from start to finish.
It was Emre’s first taste of an entire Nyepi; he was holed out in a villa in Seminyak during the day itself, but on the streets the night before. The following is his take on the whole experience.
“First, I have to say, my mind was totally relieved of all stress. You hardly have contact with anyone and become totally chilled and mentally relaxed. Bali is on the move non-stop for 364 days, but for one day the whole island stops and takes a breath. The once in a year lock down is good for everyone and for nature as well.”
“I was thinking before the day arrived there could’ve been a financial disaster, even only for one day, with everything being closed like that. The airport not working, planes off, no one allowed to do anything, go anywhere, all of that. But I also observed one day before and after Nyepi, people were shopping like crazy, more than usual in case of an emergency, which seemed to cover the possible economic collapse.”
“Also it is strange and wonderful experience for foreigners. Many tourists don’t have any knowledge of the silent day and ogoh ogoh. The restrictions, legal forces etc. Without the knowledge and experiencing it, it comes to the ear like some kind of joke, not a serious thing to think about. Once it starts, though, you realize how serious it actually is. Then you become part of it and you experience something you haven’t witnessed before. That experience is then shared afterwards, which I’m sure increases the island’s mysterious popularity immensely.”
These photos were taking on Jalan Legian near the Mercure Hotel.
Emre’s background: He’s from Turkey, basically the captain (dpo) of an oil rig, coming and going to/from Bali for the last couple of years. He likes to get social, he’s easygoing, and kinda single.
* BTW, Beat Boat (@beatboatbali) has nothing to do with this publication, but it is a fun day or evening out on the Benoa waves. Get on board whenever you can!
