Bali, our first destination on our year long voyage.
Having not been here in over 6 years i must admit its not how I remembered it.
We stayed in Kuta for two nights, but I feel sorry for people visiting Bali and dont explore outside this small region. I actually liked the gangs (small side alleys) with moss covered walls and ladies blessing their daily offerings. That was very pleasant walking through and finding quaint little family run places to eat. As a tourist in the tourist areas, prices are sky high (for asian standards) and never a moments peace from taxis beeping at you to men selling sunglasses, even sly men selling magic mushrooms (which we took a wide burth for).
For me this intense hasseling was annoying, dont get me wrong I travelled asia before and I know what its like but it really was full on, poor ben who hasnt travelled very much found it very invading.
The biggest downer was that we had $AUD180 stolen from inside our bags at our hotel by cleaning staff. I know its wrong to look negative at a place because of one thing but you cant help it.
We did venture away fromKuta to the remotes and in contrast it was such a better experience and I feel sorry for The Bali population having sometimes a negative image on them from people who dont stray from the tourist Hotspots. Our travels to the outter part of Bali I'll write soon.
