In Reply to: Sorry posted by henkybaby on Sunday, 2. October 2005 at 01:15 Bali Time:
Hi Ruby
I just wanted to say that whatever you decide, it will be the right thing to do.
i live in London and it was already hard for my parents to know i was commuting daily to the City before the bombings took place. as you say, taking risks for yourself is one thing, but you will do anything as a parent to protect your kids. I travelled the world for one year, leaving on 10 Sept 2001, and it was hard, and terrifying, for my parents. however, unlike your children, i now make my own decisions, take my own responsibility. You are the one that has responsibility for your children right now. and if a child is afraid, then you need to do something to make sure that they are no longer afraid. that may mean taking them to Bali regardless; it may mean cancelling. a holiday in fear is no holiday at all, and a child's emotions are fragile. only you know what is best for your own children...
I visited Bali for the first time in April this year, and that was also worrying for my mum, but she accepted it as she realised that London was also a prime target. this was horribly proven true..Jimbaran beach remains one of my sweetest memories of travel. it is horrific to see that terrorism has come to Bali again, and now those memories of wooden tables in the sand are inextricably mixed with images of terror and blood.
I do not know where you live, and i hope that it is somewhere where your children can grow up without the fear of terrorism. that threat was there for all of my young life, and i can only say that it hardened my mind to risk. so while i feel similar to those who say "GO!", (balinese said to me so often this year how glad they were the tourists were coming back, the money situation being so tough since 2002) i still think it is as valid and strong a decision not to go. and i respect that wholeheartedly. the initial shock and grief is still fresh on us all, so please do not let it cause conflicts between individuals. THAT is letting terrorists win. and we WILL NOT.