Recent thoughts on life in Bali

On any typical day one can go through the complete range of emotions living in Bali. Everything from total peace and tranquility, to total frustration or bewilderment. Here are a few thoughts that crossed my mind recently.

Coming back from Ubud the other day, my route, heading across to Mengwi was halted temporarily by a large truck, stranded half in a ditch. Smashed against the front wheels were 2 motorbikes, their owners obviously in no state to move them. The way people drive over here is care free, no rules and no worries, so if you intend to ride a bike in Bali you have to take care of your own and other people’s actions.

Chatting to a bar owner in the Legian area the other day, I heard his lease was up soon. He said was prepared to negotiate with the landlord on a new lease, but not bend to the ridiculous demands that are standard over here. Basically when a place looks like its doing business the rent will skyrocket, meaning a new location. Not exactly a long-term business strategy. The owner did say he had noticed a recent decline in traffic after the Australian travel warning. Whether the warning could of had any effect at that short notice is debatable, but tourism did seem to be on a surge right before that.

New refreshing drink. Most warungs and restaurants in Bali serve a selection of juices, all of which gets a little boring after a while. Next time you’re here ask for lemon juice blended with ginger, its a tangy spicy mixture that really wakes you up!

Chernobyl potatoes? No they’re just a type of Indonesian sweet potato that are mauve on the inside. Simply boil for 20 minutes or bbq, till soft. Tastes like a regular sweet potato, but the color is an interesting surprise. Available in Bintang and other markets.

Temperatures in Bali are so pleasant right now, even at sea level. In the evenings you might need a light sweater for riding a motorbike and during the day out of the sun its pleasantly warm.