Quiet in Seminyak Bali

Sitting here at an internet cafe in Seminyak, its relatively quiet. A scattering of nationalities are using the machines to keep in touch with relatives and friends overseas.

Steamy hot today, but I managed to get in an afternoon workout. Down at the gym on Blue Ocean beach, I was the only person working out, apart from the staff. Sitting here typing makes a person sweat, working out makes a person a sweat geyser. Fortunately for me the gym has AC, so I only have to worry about cooling down after working out. Staying in shape is a major problem for expats. When I moved here, a friend of mine said ‘pretty soon you’ll want to do something.” Eating nasi campur and sucking down Bintangs, adds calories and there are fair few fat bule momma’s out here, who aren’t in the same shape they arrived in, 15 years ago.

A lot of people, for some reason, hate gyms. “Its just not natural”, they say, “why not ride a bicycle or climb a mountain?” Yeah okay, in the middle of my busy day, I’ll go bike riding in the traffic, or spend 5 hours getting up to Batukaru and back. Gyms are good because you can pack a lot in, for a short time spent. I’ve done a 15 minute, intense workout before, and have been known to do the ‘drunk workout’ back in the US, after a session.

Around 6pm Poppies II in Kuta saw some foot traffic. From my vantage point in Taman Sari, a stream of Euro’s, locals and Asian tourists passed by. The tall, skinny Euro woman seems to be a recurring feature right now. Taman Sari itself seemed mostly empty.

Bali is a traditionally quiet at this time of year and if we do not get any ‘unexpected events’ between now and Christmas, 2007 should be looking good.