Rice terraces of Jatiluwih, Bali

The amazing rice terraces of Jatiluwih in northern Bali reminds that humans’ ability to transform landscapes long predates bulldozers and cranes.

Rice is the staple crop of Indonesia.  In Bali, fertile volcanic soil, plentiful rain and genetically modified strains of rice mean that three harvests are possible in one year.  Apparently, the modern strains of rice aren’t as tasty as the old, slower-growing varieties.  Not that I would be able to tell the difference.