This tread has reminded me of one of the reasons I grew up a little weird, (what's your excuse Peter?) for The Barong and Rangda played an important part in my childhood, despite growing up in the far from 'exotic' West of London..

My father is an artist and his main subject was the art and culture of the Far East. I grew surrounded by paintings of the region, Bali especially. For many years I had a huge portrait of Rangda at the foot of my bed. Not a pretty sight, but it never gave me nightmares. I did however, tend to strike out unlucky when girlfriends saw it, so around puberty, Rangda and I parted company.

But he/she will always have a special place in my heart.