In Reply to: Subtle but direct Baxta posted by Kuta Ken on Thursday, 25. August 2005 at 10:25 Bali Time:
Yes, I have had the same reactions when I mention going to Bali -"be careful", "make sure you lock your luggage" etc. etc. I have never been to Bali before but I don't feel particularly worried, despite all the media attention of late. I don't do drugs and don't plan on taking up any offers to smuggle any out of, or into, the country. I doubt there is a conspiracy amongst the Balinese to go around planting drugs on innocent Australians and throwing them into jail for indefinate periods??!
Like you, Kuta Ken, we travelled to the Middle East in 2002 and got similar reactions from ignorant, if well meaning, Australians concerned for our safety. Surprisingly enough though we managed to survive without being kidnapped or blown up by "evil Arab terrorists" ;o) We spend most of our time in Lebanon (visiting my husband's family) and I felt completely relaxed, comfortable and safe. In fact I felt safer walking in the streets of Beirut at night than I do in Perth.
The fact is most of the negative opinions stem from ignorance and a lack of perspective. These people have propably not even travelled outside Australia and are caught up in all the media-hype giving them an over-exaggerated and biased view of the situation. I agree with Kuta Ken, ignore them and their negative views - enjoy your trip!