Update from Bali

Kuala Lumpur and Bali Arrival

Jane this time,

It's interesting, the business of communication. Because we've had some very sketchy wi-fi in places, I've been putting the odd photo up on Facebook in cafe wi-fi grab moments. Almost immediately, someone 'likes' my post, and I can end up with 20/30 comments in 24 hours. Now, this blog isn't getting any comments at all.

So, a bit of research; if you are reading this blog, and enjoy what we're writing, please would you send us a comment?

Myanmar was the start of this 7 month epic. A full-on start, but chosen intentionally, to avoid the monsoon. Definitely a good idea. After Burma, we flew back to KL, and from there we've backtracked even further to Bali. We'll go from Bali to Singapore, and then we start moving West.

Myanmar is Buddhist, Malaysia is Muslim and Bali is Hindu. I am very aware that, in each of these countries, there's a sense of Spirituality, which I'm linking to patience, acceptance, calm. I'm also making a big judgement that the lack of excessive alcohol consumption in all these countries is contributing to the gentleness and sense of safety that I'm experiencing. I hear the locals use the word 'respect' and think "hmm, is respect a feature of life in Australia?" I'll continue to watch this as we travel.

KL Twin Towers - Tallest in the world!

It was my first visit to KL, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Certainly, it's busy, but it is clean and efficient and there's lots to see. We were lucky to stay with young expat friends, and their two small children. I'd forgotten the joys of the maid; the extra pair of hands that never offers an opinion. It's a marriage saver.

In my counselling rooms I see so many burned-out, unsupported families. I know it might be considered politically incorrect in Australia, but low cost domestic help is an effective working model in place all over the world.

33rd Floor of Traders hotel in KL.

So, we played surrogate grandparents, and were even trusted with the 4 year old, for a day on the hop-on, hop-off city tour bus. And we shopped, which is an Asian cultural pastime. Everything looks prosperous and booming. This is the Asian Century for sure.



Very impressed with KL's new airport, and $10 express rail link to Sentral in the CBD. Very Schmick.

View of the gardens from our breakfast table in Bali.

4 days later we were on a flight to Bali.

Now, Ian has never been to Bali.  I spend an idyllic month here 39 years ago. We were both stunned at the development, and the traffic. Fortunately we are based in a haven of tranquility, which is fortunate since we're here for 18 days. Ian's cousin who is based in the US, owns a property in a compound of only 5 properties.

The owners built here 20 years ago, and many of the 15 staff have been employed for all that time. Only one house is permanently occupied. Everything is beautifully gardened, the large pool is pristine, breakfast is ready every morning, and Ian has great difficulty prizing me out of here!

We have just returned from a 4 day side trip to Ubud. Pleased with our choice of hotel, in a quiet village outside Ubud, with huge rooms and antique furniture and pools with goldfish. And both outside and inside showers!

There was a shower inside as well!

Very interested in the town and surrounds. But, it is also heaving with traffic, tourists and touts. In places. Then, just a street away, is a tranquil walk through rice paddies, and all is forgiven. Ubud is a Balinese cultural centre, and we saw some wonderful art, and enjoyed some very proficient cultural dance shows with full gamelan orchestra accompaniment.

Too much choice for food. We particularly liked a restaurant called Fair Warung Bale. Great food, and more importantly, all profits go to a medical clinic providing free health care for the Balinese. There's also a whole community of Westerners living there; lots of yoga and meditation. Rather like a steamy, exotic Byron Bay.

On the return trip to Sanur ('Sanurty'), we drove up into the mountains to see a lake in a volcanic crater at Bedugul. Many Indonesians from Java, visit this significant spot. At one point we passed about 30 huge buses all lined up at a rest stop. The population of Indonesia is massive: 240 Million. I will not complain about traffic congestion in Australia again.

Ducks in a rice paddy, Yummy..........

Unfortunately the weather was cloudy that day so the views from the top of the mountain pass to the seas and adjacent volcano peaks were just not available. But we did pass many hillside terraces with  a fantastic selection of mostly rice but also lots of other veggies growing.