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Bali, Indonesia posted Saturday, September 18, 2004
The few days before flying to Australia I was quite the nervous wreck. Arriving in a country I've never been, with different currency, driving on the wrong side of the road, only holding a small street map. Flying into Bali, Indonesia wasn't any different. How to get out of the airport, where I was going, how to get there with language and cultural barriers.
Day 1: I was previously assured how easy it was to get around once I arrived. It didn't take long to find out why. Not a minute outside the airport, accommodation is being offered on the left, taksi service on the right. This kept up for the remainder of the day. CD salesmen, Henna tattoos, bottled natural medicine, beachwear, fruit and even bow and arrows. Some would persist for up to 20mins. Very cheerful people though. The town of Kuta is a very touristy place. First town north of the airport, a place to get my feet wet. In search for the right direction, not just a suggested direction from the solicitors. At the airport I bumped into a English backpacker that was lost too. Reminds me of a bumper sticker "Don't follow me I'm lost too." We didn't find the hotel we were looking for , but with someone selling us something at every minute that passed, the third budget hotel that was pushed onto us was fine. Shops are so crunched together here and identical. Even whilst trying, I've never found the same place twice. The worse part is that includes my hotel. I don't even know the name of it or the address. I'm sitting in the park crying while people trying to sell me tissues and diapers. The best part is everything is so cheap. $2 for a giant beer, $3.40(Rp20000)/night for a medium scale accommodation. Though there isn't hot water or a toilet seat in our room, it's clean. DVD's that are still in cinemas in OZ, such as IRobot, Catwomen and Fahrenheit9/11are selling for about $1.60 each. Make a request on the comments section cause this year I'm jolly st. Nick. But I should warn you , you may catch a glimse of some tossers head at the bottom of the screen every time he stands up to use the toilet.
The evening seems like a whole different town. The men that approach don't offer Cd's, rings or tattoos. Drugs anyone? You like women? Is what I was asked a few dozen times throughout the whole evening. It only took me 1 full day to lose my patience with these annoying street salesmen. I'm told other towns aren't like this, so I'll be moving on soon. Salamat tinggal (Goodbye)
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 2 current comments...
Mom - 9/29/2004 Babes, drugs, and sand. hmmmm but stillyou learn the language quickly it seems... Also I am so awed by the shots you get and they are all so great. I am enjoying your travels with you Dwayne. Miss you
Chris - 9/20/2004 Ooo, saint Nick. Can you bring me back IRobot, some opium and maybe some heroin, oh and 4 of those girls that street sales guy was selling. I need somebody to look after the cats when we're camping! Thanks! See you soon
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