Lastly few observations about odds and ends.
Firstly, over the many years I have been going to Bali, I have noticed how the cleanliness of the toilets has improved! Admittedly this time I only went out of the maintourist drag once and that was to Sukawati, but in the past, even in tourist areas they could be challenging. Was it Filo who invented the toiler rating out of ten? I would give most at least 6-7, except for the one at the Sukawati market and even that was ok.
Yes Bali was quieter, but as I told the taxi driver, I like it that way. People have more time to talk, you can always get a taxi and there were rarely traffic jams! Plus we need to remember that this is traditionally a more quiet time of the year.
One thing I did not notice, was when I was walking on the beach towards Seminyak west of Jalan 66 was how grotty the beach and surrounding area was. There was lost of rubbish on the beach and the beach looks unattractive here because of the darker sand. At the back of the beach, there were great piles of rubbish. Certainly didn't encourage me to want to stay anywhere near here. When I asked to look at a room at the Resor hotel, they told me thay are closing for renovation at the end of June next year. Their gardens are still nice, but the place does look a bit tired.
I mamanged to go away this time without any raspberry juice as my local supermarket only had it in 2 litre bottles. However, with vigilant hand washing, there was nothing to worry about and no bali belly was contracted. The only upset, may have come from food in the bainmarie in the Prada lounge at the airport. Food I thought was good and pleny more even better available I am sure. I feel more adventurous when I am eating with others.
I purchased my Marta Tilaar at Supernova. When I asked the taxi to take me there he appeared surprised that a tourist shoudl want to go there, but I assured him that was what I wanted. The girl behind the counter was helpful as usual. Bought lots for my daughter and I for a good price.
Returning home on a Wednesday morning to Melbourne is a heap better than on a Sunday. The Jetstar flight home was three quarters empty and I got the four seats in the middle. despite this I still didn't sleep much. There were nowhere near as many planes landing and it was interesting to use the e passport electronic immigration controls. Standing looking at a camera is nowhere near as much fun as eyeballing the immigration officials who look at you like you are personally responsible for getting them out of bed so early on the weekend! Still had to queue for customs as I had declared wood which framed paintings, which they wanted to inspect. Got to have an interesting conversation with an Egyptian woman who was returning home from vsiting family in Egypt. Then onto the bus bus for the two hour trip home.
I had avoided telling people before I went that I was going to Bali because I could not be bothered having the conversations about "Is it safe?" The day I got home the terrorist attcks in India happened. I remember having breakfast (our treat to ourselves)in the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai 20 years ago, while waiting as a back packer to catch a 24 hour ferry. So Bali turned out to be dafe and Mumbai wasn't on this occasion. We just need to remember that bad things can happen anywhere, anytime to anyone. Enjoy the moment while we have it and give thanks that we are lucky enough to be able to see the world and interact with the marvellous variety of people who make up this planet.