Umami ingredient that binds the Islands cultural meal?

That hard to describe ingredient.  It’s always been here, a fascinating piece in the jigsaw.  The mysterious fifth taste that rounds everything off.

​Many foreigners who visit or arrive to stay for any length of time on Island Bali report a myriad of feelings when it comes to what they observe in regard to the Bali Street Dog.  Dogs free roaming on the streets from where these visitors have come from are in the main non-existent.  So, as is the case about so many things on Bali, the newness of such difference can be overwhelming, stupefying, addictive and shocking.  Interesting ingredients indeed.  The Bali Street Dog has been, always been, just there.  As visible as the dog is, to most foreigners, it’s not what Bali represents culturally wise, when they decide to visit.

For so many visitors the Bali Dog is the last thing they think about and quite frankly expect to see, when it comes to culture.  Its unique version of Hinduism, elaborate ceremonies, arts and crafts, and strong community spirit.  These are the mainstays that come to mind, when visitors come to see and feel and taste and explore.  Google Bali Culture and the Bali Dog will rarely be listed.

Asking why in regard to ceremonies, community spirit, dance and music, is easily answered.  They just are, just is, and always has.  The same applies to the Bali Dog.  Many foreigners ask why local Balinese people don’t appreciate their local Island dog.  They do, just not in the way expected from a foreign viewpoint.  Their dog is not seen as anything more special than their ceremonies.  They are there, have always been there, and just are.

There are other mysterious flavours, unseen ingredients, when it comes to the energy of Balinese culture.  The Bali Street Dog is a seen element.  Yet it’s mostly unseen and unrecognizable animal position, could very well be the Umami factor. Hinduism, elaborate ceremonies, arts and crafts, strong community spirit and dogs.