Just a quick message to let everyone know that we have arrived back in melbourne. I can tell you this was just the first of what i feel will be many visits to Bali. It is so easy for us to see why everyone keeps going back. It was the best holiday we have ever had.
The people are amazing, the scenery and culture stunning.
As most of you are aware we left 2 days after the bombing, and it was a hard decision to make (mainly for my husband, who was adamant he would not go) But deciding to go was the best thing we have ever done.
Over the last 6 months of reading this forum, I must admit a lot of my trip was planned to focus on shopping! How things change.
I did shop, but nowhere near as much as I would have before the bomb. We spent a lot more time discovering the real Bali, we had a fantastic driver (recomended by BTF of course)who took us to his village, explained the Hindu beliefs, (gave us our first taste of Arak!).
It turned out to be a very spiritual trip for us. We spent a lot of time talking and thinking about what is really important to us. We realise now how much we worry, and how much energy we spend on making more money, buying more things etc, when the beautiful Balinese have nothing, and are happy, they realise the importance and the meaning of life. We have learnt a lot from them.
I will post a Jbr in the next week, but if you are looking for bargains, it won't be for you, we know we paid too much for everything but we didn't care, they need the money so much more than we do.
Thanks to everyone on the forum, particularly those who sat up all night chatting Sat, didaust, balibabe, and many others, particularly Bobbali for convincing Steve to go!