Later today we will board a plane for Singapore and begin the next leg of our journey through SE Asia. Bali has been a wonderful time and we both would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience a beautiful, rich culture that is both proud of what it has to offer, but also a bit shy about doing so.

The people we have met have ranged from those that want to know you because you are 'not from around here' to those that want to separate you from your rupiah in any way possible. The stark contrast in the cost of living and wages here to America makes anyone with US dollars seem like a very rich person. Truly, the Balineese are richer in their own culture than many countries that are richer financially.

Out time here was short only because we are trying to see so many countries in this part of the world and we have a limited time to do so. We sort of look at this as an exploratory trip to see which countries and places we will need to come back and spend more time at. Bali would be on that list. We only got to see a few places and certainly missed many more. The island isn't that large, but it was far too big to see in the time we had allowed. Oh well, another excuse to come back:)

A few memories of Bali :

1. Seeing Made's smiling face at the airport:) (thank goodness)
2. "Transport Mister?" (asked of us every 10 steps walking down the street)
3. Is that your best price?
4. "You'll bankrupt me if I sell it for that price."
5. Traffic that knows no boundaries, literally.
6. Rice paddies and an amazing system of irrigation.
7. Driving a scooter like the locals.
8. "You have no children, how sad:("
9. Shore diving in Tulamben
10. A Hindu wedding!
11. Bemos (buses)
12. The inter-island ferries
13. Some of the world's best diving on Nusa Lembongan (fast drifts and stunning soft corals)

Along the way we read a few more books. Here's the list:

1. Snake Cradle (Eric)
2. The Da Vinci Code (Eric)
3. Will They Ever Trust Us Again (Eric)
4. Gilead (both)
5. The Electric Cool Aid Acid Test (Val)

So as we get ready to move further into SE Asia we are looking forward to seeing more beautiful sights, meeting more interesting people and very importantly, eating more great spicy food:)

Until then, selamat malam from Bali,

Val and Eric