21 Feb 2010 - Bali, Indonesia

Bali Indonesia was absolutely different than anything we had seen before. We stepped off the plane and stepped back in time. While in Cairns, Australia we made plans for a driver in Bali to pick us up and "will wonders never cease", he was waiting as we cleared customs with a signboard with our name on it. We were very important or at least we felt that way.




First thing on arrival, a lei was put around our neck when customs let us go. Our driver was good, spoke excellent English and we toured with him a couple of times during our visit to Kuta, Bali. This picture was taken at the hotel.



Our hotel in Kuta. Very fancy! Just outside the world was different. Small streets, very busy with many motor scooters. There were three armed guards at the entrance, a metal detector just like at the airport. We saw or heard nothing that would warrant the guards but it wasn't objectionable.







When checking in, we were given cold towels and they were appreciated. It was hot and humid.















The hotel Aston pool.






And soon after arriving, Janet had to check it out with a cool drink in hand.







The bar menu. Those beer prices are scary but we soon found out, not so bad. All those zeros only meant our U.S exchange rate was real good. A large beer was $2.25 US.










Our first beer in Bali. The local beer "Bali Hai" was excellent.



A short walk down a narrow street lined with shops, soon we arrived at the beach. Very colorful boats were pulled high on the sand.




These boats were like large canoes with pontoons that made them very stable.





We negotiated a ride out to the breakers to watch the surfers.



On the beach having another Bali Hai.