We got thru customs so we aren't visiting Shapelle
Trip Start
Jun 18, 2007
1
150
Trip End
Ongoing
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Kuta,
Indonesia
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
We finally made it, we have been thinking about this trip for a long time ( it was what got us through the last part of our time in Korea). So, here we are.
However the fun didn't start in Bali, first we had to figure ou how to get an outward ticket from indo without buying. For some stange reason the govt thinks westerns would want to stay indo for ever! However this was quickly fixed by 'booking' a ferry from a small island of indo to singapore. We printed everything out and hoped for the best. In deed it was the airline that gave us the most problems but after a few questions we were on our way.
First stop was Bali, we touched down in Denpasar, which is an awesome runway that stretches out into the ocean, at one stage we thought we would be needing life jackets ! Then cleared through customs, with our 40 litre carry on backpacks, both around 7kg (Matt you better be proud of me!) in record time. So, it's a good thing you didn't see us on the news I guess.
However, then there was indo immigration with bribes in hand (20,000rp is the going rate i was told) in case they were needed we handed our passports over, luckily or (unfortunaly) he didn't even ask - damn no 'golden handshake'
Kuta wasn't as glitzy as I imagined, but definately commercialised and came with other tourists from all walks of life. It wasn't tpo busy, and everyone we have talked to keeps saying thanks for coming, these days not so many tourists, tell everyone at home all "should be" ok.......not sure of their confience on that one.
We wandered the streets, did a little shopping, went for a swim and caught a Kuta sunset with a Bintang, Bali beer, in hand. Apart from the woman trying to insist that she give me a manicure, or the one trying to sell the sarong, or the bloke with the bow and arrow.....it was sorta peaceful.
One night we headed to 'paddies bar' which as many of you know was blown apart by the bomb, goodtimes were had, but it was a real strange feeling, guess like ground zero for americans.
The food has been really cheap and nice, we have stuck to the busy places and so far so good no "bali belly", our tummies have seen it all we think.
however as many locals tell you kuta ain't bali so we headed to Ubud after finding the cheapest deal (that whities could take), but that is another story...
Keep reading, there are lots of entires to follow. Enjoy the pics too!
