We were so pleased to see that the oogha oogha were still to be part of Nyepi in Kuta. Saw a few in and around the streets on the leed up to the festival. So with much excitement we headed into kuta from legian to watch the parade. Very conflicitng info on what time it would start. Some said 5pm, some said 6p.m and others said between 7 and 11pm. So at around 4.30 we ( myself and 9 year old daughter) ventured out to catch a cab from Jl 66 to kuta. At the intersection with Jl Legian the road was blocked to vehicles but we were lucky to find a taxi to take us around the back way. Motor bikes and scooters were obvioulsy the preferred form or transport as so many of the roads were blocked to cars. We were deposited a short walk from the main area where they had a covered seating area set up for the VIPs. ( we were not one of them so we were lucky ot find a table and chair at a small warung on the corner.) We ordered out drink and waited impatiently for the festivle to begin. We sturck up a conversation with a young english tourist who like us was looking for a prime position to watch. Being in place by 5.30 we thought we had scored a sentational spot. Slowly more and more people arrived and there was a a spectacular show from what I would consider a chinese dragon and acrobatic troupe. Two males one young and one older dressed in a costume that resembled a pekinese preformed amazing acrobatic feats on poles. What a great lead up. As it grew darker it became obvious that the crowd was growing at an amazing rate. More and more people squashed in trying to get a vantage point close to the action. People standing on chairs, and anything they could find. The speaches started and some applauded enthusiasticly. I was sorry that we could not understand them. After what seemed like ages the parade began. It appeared from an uneducated aussie that the Oogha oogha were met with a force who battled against their entry. This all done in a colourful and energetic dance. Finally the oogha oogha appeared to be defeated and they parade began. tTis unfortunately was when my daughter started to become a bit distressed with the crushing crowd and heat so it was decided it was time to leave. Off we went desperatly trying to manouver between the crowd. I thought mistakenly if we walked to bemo corner then to the beach we may be able to get a taxi back. I was amazed to see all the shops shut and the lighting turned off. The streets were closed to traffic and only motor bikes had access to some. How very eerie in bali. Noone offering transport. No beeping taxis, just lots of westerners walking past the occasional cart cooking corn. After walking for ages we ended up doing a circle along poppies 2 to Jl Legian and there were more Oogha Oogha lined along the street. In the hutle and bustle and dragging a distressed child who thought we would be stuck in kuta all night and have to sleep on the beach, I was finally able to see some of the magnificent oogha oogha and their accomapanying assitancts waiting patiently to commence their walk. It wasnt exactly how I had hoped to view the occassion but as I said to my daughter it is all a great adventure even when it doesnt turn out exactly as you planned.