Though they have visited Bali many times, Jules and Ritie Toelanie without exception still feel pleasure and satisfaction in the magnificence of nature and uniqueness of Balinese culture. This Dutch couple confesses to being very happy to see the Balinese life filled with tolerance, respect to visitors and seriousness to preserve their cultural uniqueness. Their cultural uniqueness either in the form of ritual practices, art or daily social behavior is different from that in the West which looks formal and individualistic.
Now in retirement following their occupations as civil servants in the Netherlands, the couple has chosen to spend their holiday in restful mode in Bali. Jules and Ritie Toelanie already appear to have found their spirits renewed. “The gorgeous nature and life pattern of Balinese with their hospitality culture makes me happy and gives me much energy to hopefully live longer in this mundane world,” he expressed enthusiastically.
“I really love Bali and will keep on visiting Bali,” he chatted happily while showing some photos of his painting done during his stay in Bali. In fact, he is also an artist who is remarkably sensitive to capturing the phenomenal beauty of nature and aesthetic value of Bali. “Bali confers me a myriad of inspirations in art creativity,” he said again when met by Bali Travel News after joining the “King and Queen” contest in relation to the Kuta Karnival 2008 at Kuta Beach.
In that contest, Jules and Ritie Toelanie looked so happy swaying their bodies on stage and wearing traditional Balinese attire. “This event is so spectacular. Moreover, I’m very glad to wear the very beautiful Balinese costumes,” they said while accompanied by Kadek Sudiati, a member of Kuta Karnival committee who was responsible for the contest. They hoped that this contest would be carried out consistently year after year so that visitors can understand and personally feel the uniqueness of Balinese culture.
Aside from loving to wear Balinese attire, Jules and Ritie Toelanie also admitted to enjoyment in traditional Balinese massage. In Kuta he once experienced the massage provided by Jero Mangku Usadhi Urip Suardana. “It was so good. I feel much healthier with Balinese massage,” he praised. Similarly, he expected that visitors to Bali could also participate in maintaining several elements of Balinese culture. It is not only intended for the interest of Bali, but also for the whole world. He said that he is ready to help promote the noble endeavors aimed at assisting children as inheritors of Balinese culture. He hoped to do this by communicating with others, informing them of the various projects. He can be contacted through email at Richmond@planet.nl.
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