A Warm Welcome to Delodsema Village

As I stepped out of the car, the gentle hum of village life enveloped me. Delodsema Village, nestled in the north of Ubud, is a serene enclave where time seems to slow down. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and the distant sound of roosters crowing. I was greeted by Puta, a gracious host whose warmth was as inviting as the herbal tea she offered. Her husband, Kadek, had been our chauffeur, and together they embodied the spirit of Balinese hospitality.

The village, home to just 50 families, is a tapestry of tradition and community. Here, four generations live harmoniously, sharing stories and laughter under the same roof. It was a privilege to be welcomed into their world, if only for a day. As we sipped our tea, Puta shared tales of her childhood, painting a vivid picture of life in this tranquil corner of Bali.

The Art of Coconut Oil Making

The process of making coconut oil is an art form, steeped in tradition and patience. Puta, assisted by her sister, guided us through each step with a gentle hand and a wealth of knowledge. We began by removing the husk of the coconut, a task that required both strength and finesse. As we drained the coconut milk and split open the coconut, I marveled at the simplicity and beauty of the process.

The grated coconut flesh was mixed with the milk and water, then boiled to release the oils. The aroma was intoxicating, a heady blend of coconut and earth. As the mixture simmered, we strained it to remove the flesh, then boiled it once more to coax out the precious oil. The final step was to blow the oil off the surface and strain it into a glass bottle, a tangible reminder of our labor and learning.

Throughout the process, Puta encouraged us to be hands-on, transforming the experience into something deeply personal and rewarding. Her passion for her craft was infectious, and I found myself lost in the rhythm of the work, the world outside fading away.

Crafting Memories in Silver

In addition to the coconut oil making, I had the opportunity to try my hand at silver making, a craft that has been passed down through generations in Bali. Under the guidance of a skilled silversmith, I crafted a silver ring, a piece of jewelry that would forever remind me of this enchanting day.

The process was meticulous, requiring patience and precision. We began by rolling a silver ingot to the desired width and thickness, then used hand tools to create intricate markings. It was a humbling experience, to see raw silver transformed into something beautiful and unique.

As I slipped the finished ring onto my finger, I felt a sense of accomplishment and connection to the artisans who had shared their skills with me. The day had been a journey of discovery, a celebration of Balinese culture and craftsmanship.

This experience, from the warm welcome in Delodsema Village to the creation of coconut oil and silver jewelry, was a testament to the richness of Balinese tradition. It was a day that will linger in my memory, a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life in this corner of the world. Bali Coconut Oil Experience