A smile can translate into a thousand words

Monkeys of all ages and personalities line the shrubbery along the footpath, hovering by the outskirts of the Monkey Forest, Bali. They eye up their next tourist targets; with grey hair ruffled their eyes keeping a stealth watch on the banana stand. They communicate amongst each other about their next banana target. I approach and give the Balinese woman the money for a bunch of bananas, certain that they will last for the duration of the forest. She asks if I wanted more; the lines on her face showing her age as the corners of her mouth curl up to smile as we say that should be enough -How wrong can one be! As soon as I have handed over the coins the monkeys advance excited about the prospect of something to eat. Drawing out her bamboo stick she shows them who has power until they leave the vicinity of her stall. They know straight away to retreat, a working relationship at its best.

The trees are standing tall, silent and peaceful while monkeys quarrel in their groups waiting for us to approach. The largest monkey from the first group starts tugging at my pants, unsure of their behaviour I pass over a simple banana but the tugging ensues. No more bananas. The lady has a little giggle and says something in Balinese to her friend which I am certain translates to humour about the Monkey taking which he thinks he's owed. Over time the monkeys of the forest and the Balinese locals have developed an alliance - the more bananas he eats, the more she sells like a currency to keep the peace!

Walking through the towering trees you see monkey statues cheekily displaying hear no evil, see no evil scattered throughout the shrubbery. Intricately carved stone bridges stand over running streams eluding to complete meditation. The temple in the back of the forest has new born monkeys playing inside while the mother casts over a protective eye. The essence of the Balinese culture - religion and nature intertwined next to smiling locals.

A cheeky monkey jumps onto my shoulder to interrupt the peace and reminds me to not purchase the Bananas until the end next time; as once you smell like bananas its hard to explain to a primate that they are out of luck! How ironic the evolution of humanity from primates, some similar traits you can see from watching their behaviour. The monkeys nearly distract from the beautiful carvings and statues but walking through the forest you can see how it ties into one enchanting Balinese experience - just don't slip on a banana peel!