There is much excitement in Ubud today. Tomorrow is the eve of the Hindu New Years, and there will be a torchlit procession in the street with great huge figures. I have been watching the goulish creatures being made. This is a picture of one. It is made of foam rubber that has been carved and hand painted! Last night as I was walking home, there were some flashing red lights and soft music coming from the end of the road where my place is. I walked towards the lights until I could see that they were lighting a blue figure. It was like a happy leaping dragon without a tail! The figures are created by various youth groups, schools, and clubs. There is a contest to see who can make the funniest, ugliest, most frightening creature. The purpose of all of this, as I understand it, is to rid the town of any evil spirits. The following day will be a day of silence. No one in the streets. It is a day of meditation and prayer. It is also a day of fasting. All work is stopped, including the airport and service at most hotels. Interesting!