Bali - Day 1

Back from Bali, and back to reality. What an incredible trip that no words can accurately describe. It is such a land of varying contrasts that it's hard to fathom a place like Bali actually exists. From the approach on the landing through to the departure of the plane, never have I been as continually surprises (both good and bad) as I was while in Bali. Because of that, I have broken up the trip into a few different entries so that I gave give each entry its due.

After months of waiting the big departure date arrived. For the week preceding all anyone could talk about was the trip and how much fun it would be. Having never been there before, I listened intently to every story and felt like a Junior in high school going to their first Prom. So, I got a great night's sleep, woke up early, packed my bags, and I was ready to go. Our plane departed at 1:50, so our group was directed to arrive at 11:30 so we could check in together. Since I live about as far away from the city as possible, I was ready to go by 10:30, just to give myself plenty of time. Good thing Dad trained me well, because as soon as I was ready to go, my car wouldn't start. I tried and tried, but nothing worked. Freaking out I ran across the street to the neighbors' house to get a jump, but that didn't work either (the guy thinks I have a block in my fuel line). Absolutely panicking now I called a cab for a ride, which surprisingly showed up in a matter of minutes (they usually takes about a half hour to show up, so my heart was quickly sinking) and got me to the airport only 15 minutes late. Not the best way to start a trip, but from then on it was smooth sailing.

The flight boarded around 2 and it went as smooth as possible. I sat next to my best friend from work, who in turn sat next to another friend (I had the window), which it just so happens are both pilots, which means I learned a whole lot about flying. From take off to landing, I learned all about airplanes, but managed to tune them out a bit as I watched the movie and drank some free beer (international flights are the best). Our flight touched down just after 5 on the beautiful island of Bali, and we were immediately immersed in the culture, as the entire country smells of incense, the workers force their services on you (seriously, my bags were practically ripped our of my hands by porters who was forcing me to a money changer to give them a tip. I eventually gave them 3 Rupia, which equates to about .0003 cents American), and the weather makes you sweat through every piece of clothing, even the clothes you aren't wearing.

Our guide, Dewa, picked us up from the airport to take the group to the hotel, the Hotel Padma, about 25 minutes away. Along the ride he talked all about the culture, how to say certain phrases, how to haggle for clothes, and how to avoid getting Bali Belly (getting extremely sick from drinking the water; use only the bottled stuff). I sat on the bus trying to take everything in, but in no way did it prepare me for going out on the town. Arriving at our hotel was like arriving in a postcard. Set off one of the main strips, the Hotel Padma is build as a monument to the natural beauty of the Island. Massive palm trees, stone statues, water fountains, goldfish laden reflecting pools, and anything that can possible enter the imagination. What an incredible experience and an inspiring sight.

Once at the hotel our first order of business was to change some money (1 AUD / 8900 Rupia), check in, and head down to the pool for a drink and a swim. What a stunning sign at night, as the pictures show, with the illuminated pool and the elegant bar set in stone where a person can swim right up. After a quick swim and a couple drinks (the local beer, Bintang, is excellent), we got our stuff together and headed down the road to have a bite to eat before the night began. For dinner, we walked about 1/4 a mile away to this excellent Italian restaurant located directly on the beach. All in good spirits, we all had a great dinner, had too much to drink, and ended up lighting off illegal fireworks on the beach. Not a bad way to spend some free time, until the security guards came down with flash lights and told us to move on. It was funny, but I was scared.

Well, this has gotten pretty long so I am going to get going, but I had a lot more to tell!!! I hope you enjoyed the first bit!!