Hey guys just back from bali. Left with Garuda on the 26th September for 13 days but ended up staying only 11 days.
Stayed at Kuta Lagoon again. This time had a standard room was ok but not nearly as nice as pool access room, would definately pay that bit extra and have the pool room next time.
Didn't get much shopping done! Was planning on doing most of it the last few days but due to my pestering mother who rang me up every day 20 times begging me to come home i didn't get it done.
Was shopping at mataharis in the baby wear when the bomb went off. Had just seen an old friend from sydney and we heard a large bang and the building shook a little. We all looked up into the empty floor above us as it sounded like it had come from there. One minute later people started running down the esculator. I grabbed my friends pram while she took her two young childrens hands and we ran too. By the second floor it was so chaotic and people pushing my friend said ditch the pram so i threw it and picked up her young boy. When we got out the front we saw people running everywhere, smashed glass and alot of smoke. We ran towards Ramayana with the kids and didn't stop. There were alot of people standing around watching what was going on. We ended up getting a taxi and took off to a friends Villa in Tuban. Our taxi driver asked was it Bomb we said we didn't know, he looked like he was going to cry.As soon as i was in the taxi i called my mum to say there had been an explosion, not sure it it was a bomb but to let her know i was ok as after the Sari bomb i remember alot of people couldn't get a line out.
At my friends we called a guy who worked close to kuta square and he told us it was a gas explosion in the kitchen. We waited and watched the news and then saw the devestation and learnt about Jimbaren. Apparently they knew it was a bomb straight away but because that night there was a big party on the beach outside Hardrock the police didn't want people scared so they used the gas explosion to keep people calm.
I arrived back at my hotel about 1pm to find friends and security waiting for me. They said they were scared as they knew i was going there shopping. They had been sending me text messages to see if i was ok but the lines were so busy i couldnt send back.
The next day after promising my dear mum i wouldn't leave my hotel i took off to Kuta Square to see the damage as it was total confusion the night before. I took some photos of the wreaths and crowds etc. Then a man approached me and asked if i was there last night. He asked me to be interviewed for bali Tv. I replied that it is scary etc but i would definately be returning. Then i was interviewed by Washington aswell. The reporters were suprised that i would return after what has happened. But i said how beautiful the people are unlike any where in the world and right now they need us more than anything to return. As we have seen in London, America terrorrism can and does happen anywhere at anytime for all we know Perth could be next. The Danger is higher in Indonesia but it still could happen anywhere. So i'd be a little more aware but definately return.
The next day is a happier note. I went to my friends village in Tianyar, Karangesem for Galungan. We drank, ate and had so much fun. On Galungan I was dressed up in Traditional clothes and went with the women to pray. After about an hour i felt dizzy as ibu had done my sarong up and wrapped cloth round me so tight. I am a size 16 but the time she was finished with me i was a bloody size ten i rekon, looked hot but was so tight i couldn't walk. Hehe so i decided to get unchanged and let the rest of the ladies continue on without me while i had a cold beer and shower.
Luckily in the village my phone had no reception so didn't recieve any texts from my mum hehe. But as soon as we got in the car to go home beep beep beep beep i had likre thirty messages all begging me too come home. We had a fight and i said no so then she rang me.I agrred after much tears and screaming to come home two days early. Couldn't put up with the calls any longer.
Arrived home to Perth airport where the police were waiting, had to give them clothes and film. Arrived last through customs. Was greeted by my mother and hubby. Only for my mum to tell me on the way home if she had been there she wouldve stayed longer but its different for me! was so angry she made me come home when she woulda stayed herself. felt like jumping on the next plane back to bali!
Now i have a problem though. My hubby lets me travel to Bali by myself. I have been 3 times this year. After the bombing he is so scared and won't let me go alone again only with him. That would be no problen except he can only take one weeks holiday at a time....no where near long enough for Bali and he can't take in school hols while i can Only take mine in Schhol hols. How can i make him feel okay about letting me return by myself again!!
Thanks for taking your time to read my Jbr