In Reply to: Opinions please posted by cabes on Monday, 12. December 2005 at 21:09 Bali Time:
My second visit to Bali was in 2002 arriving the same day with many people who would not come home. We walked up Legian past the Sari Club going to/from dinner a few hours earlier than the bomb.
Some friends from that trip have returned but after the latest bomb they refuse to go again. Their attitude is that whilst they love Bali there are other places to go with less risks and I do respect their decision.
I understand the thinking that it can happen anywhere - and living in Sydney with all these ridiculous riots they do have a point. But the difference is that it has already happened twice in Bali and I do believe it will happen again.
I have just recently returned from my 10th visit and am addicted. Like many others I travel with the attitude that I am not going to let the bastards win but the difference for me is that I have no dependents. I only have me to worry about and I'm pretty cruisy about it all.
BUT if I had children I dont think I would holiday in Bali during peak times. There are other places for a wonderful family holiday and if something did happen I wonder if it would really be worth it if my children were traumatised forever. There are two families behind every family and it would also be devastating for my parents to lose their children and grandchildren.
When walking into Matahari's a couple of weeks ago I showed my bag to the security officer who asked do I have anything bad, I said no, and he let me through without looking or scanning my bag. Whilst security is very visible I am not too confident of their skills to stop any future tragedy.
This is just my opinion ... if you do go, have a wonderful time and stay safe.