In Reply to: questions posted by MikenLiz on Saturday, 22. October 2005 at 23:18 Bali Time:
I confess to being an addicted planner. I plan every detail of a trip; research every possible detail that I can think of, including daily "schedules". I practice packing! I have everything on a spreadsheet. That way my holiday lasts for months. I love it.
I do everything just as soon as I can - booking, arriving at airport, getting off plane, paying VOA, getting to hotel. My missus thinks I am mad and refuses to join in.
Then within hours, if not minutes, all the plans fade into the background as the Bintangs start to take effect. Wouldn't have it any other way.
But to give opinions on your questions - get to airport "as soon as it opens" or as soon as you can get the family organised - check in as soon as that opens - ask for seats as near to the front as possible - (I once scored a free upgrade to Business Class - very comfy) - take as little cabin baggage as possible - get off as quickly as you can - barge thro the crowd - first on the bus (do they still have those buses from AP arrivals) - leave the family to find their own way and you sprint to the VOA. You are 1st from your flight to arrive there, you feel so proud.
But as you round the corner and see the VOA desk - disaster - a Singapore Airlines Jumbo jet has landed just ahead of you and there are 300 foreigners in the queue ahead of you.
Make you plans, but be prepared to be flexible. Just enjoy every moment