Thoughts of Bali

The news that Dad had died somewhat coloured my views of Bali ... obviously. But I would have to say it seemed less ... frantic ... than the previous times we've been there. Sure, there are still the entreaties to buy, but quite often a simple shake of the head was all it took to turn them away. I heard "G'day, mate" several times ... but also, I thought amusingly, "Hey, cuzzie bro!" ... and of course, "Hey, Grandad!"

We went up to Candidasa ... a couple of hours north on the east coast. It's fabulous, and just barely "tainted" by tourism. The people seem happier and more genuine. The food's good and the beer is cold.

We stayed at the Bayshore Villas ... and I would recommend them to anyone. The owner, Brad, is an Australian and only too happy to help guests and share his Bali knowledge with everyone. He knows the ins, the outs, the ups, the downs, where to eat and where to avoid, and who to buy from without being ripped off.

The accommodations are clean, neat and tidy. The food is good without being outstanding. The location — on the beachront, literally — is brilliant.

Here are a few photos that sum up my experience. (Well, apart from being in bed for three days, shivering and sweating at the same time, with diarrhoea, muscle cramps and blinding headache, that is.)