My brother and I spent two weeks in Bali and left on Friday, Sept. 30th. We were so sorry to hear about the bombings and now know what kind of effect this will have on the lovely people we met and the beautiful island that is home to so many locals and visitors.
I would go back tomorrow, if my body could stand the 24 hr trip so soon. I'm planning to take one of my sons and my grandson, who will be 14, next year on the same type of surfing trip that I went on. Visit all over the island, up country, in the hills, to temples, using local drivers who give you a true flavor of what you see. I want them both to have this cultural experience from a people whose Hindu philosophy gives such a wonderful outlook on life.
There's an old saying that "there are two things in life you can give your children that no one can take from them, education and travel". My parents broadened my outlook on life with travel, I have done it my kids and it's now time to start with my grandchildren and I see Bali as such a great place to show him the differences, and sameness, of some of the people of this world.
We spoke with many Aussies, as you folks are everywhere, locals and a few Europeans, all of whom we met at the little beach bars at sunset, from Kuta to Seminyak. We chatted up store folk, taxi drivers and our hired driver to get an overall view of Bali from all different perspectives. We tried to learn about the economy, the gas situation, the cabbies takehome (1/3 of meter plus tip, and he still pays for petrol), the Javanese angle, etc. We met so many wonderful people who we will remember as making the trip worthwhile.
I understand the US is about 8th on the list of people who go to Bali, so I can only encourage you Aussies to keep going as you have such a beneficial impact on the island. We all have the responsibility for the safety of ourselves and our family members but the world has never been a safe place, it is for the adventurous and only by going to different places can we show those people that we are all the same in our wants and desires for peace.
Keep up this good site with all of the wonderful postings.
Old Surfer Mike