Bali. traffic, sun and sand

When you think of Bali, what comes to mind?  If you think beautiful, pristine beaches, luxury hotels, temples well that would be the touristy answer, and you wouldn't be wrong.  The relationship between luxury and poverty, commercial and agricultural land is an interesting contradiction.  Our first hotel, some 10 minutes on foot from the town centre had rice paddy's on either side.   Five star hotels had shanty town neighbours.  It is an awkward relationship to understand.

Our stay was in the town of Seminyak, on the island of Bali in Indonesia.  Ten days, two hotels and lots of wandering around.  First rule of this area.  DON'T DRIVE!  The traffic is pure chaos!  The population of Indonesia is about  250 million, 4.2 million of them live on the island of Bali.  I am absolutely convinced that all of them own a scooter, or small motorcycle to be used exclusively in Seminyak! The streets are narrow, even by European standards.  Those markings defining multi lanes, are merely a suggestion.  It is common to have the two wheelers twenty across on a two lane road, in both directions.  Somehow, it works.  Even when you use the sidewalks you must pay attention....bikers sometimes use the sidewalks when the roads become jammed.  Don't drive.  Period.  The pictures don't tell the traffic story.  Take notice of the third picture down.

These former Absolut Vodka bottles, have been re-purposed.  While it seems to be the standard bottle choice, it is not the only option.  The contents are a welcome sight for most of the residents.  You see, you can't have 300 million scooters and not have gas stations.  Yes that's correct this is how you fill up when in Seminyak.  Little carts sit on the sidewalks outside every imaginable type of commercial establishment.  Like lemonade stands for the every buzzing two wheelers.  I never did find out how much a bottle costs.  I wonder what was the better deal, the Vodka or the gas.  Both designed to ignite.  LOL. 

Most hotel lobby's are open air designs, with a free concert playing each afternoon.  Sometimes one player, often two.  The sounds become part of the fabric of the village.  You hear it, but only notice when it stops.  Like the sunshine and the humidity, the melodies are quintessentially part of the Bali experience.

 Ku De Ta.  A French phrase "coup d etat"( pronounced kudeta)  translates to mean "stroke of state" or "blow against the state".  Commonly relating to the sudden overthrow of a government, usually by a small group.  This Ku De Ta is slightly different.  It is a beach front luxury restaurant and entertainment venue.  Entering would feel very much like the definition.  Machine gun clad security guards welcome you at the entrance.  Airport style searches are conducted.  Once it is determined you are not carrying.... stuff you are free to enter.  It was Easter weekend when we visited.  The staff was dressed appropriately.  Once inside it is quite the deal. a horseshoe shaped restaurant designed to look out at the pool deck and the sea beyond.

We visited another establishment along the strip called Potato Head Beach Club.  The same experience to enter and equally impressive once inside.  The food was excellent in both places, the scenery was pretty good too!   I am speaking of Johanne of course. LOL

 

After two months of exploring we were ready for some R&R.  We definitely found it here.  Leisurely days spend by the pool, soaking up the sun, reading and the odd cocktail followed by a never ending search for interesting dinning options.  It was a perfect 10 day trip.  We never got run over, we did get massaged a few times.  Fantastic!!! We didn't do any of the touristy things like mountain hikes, temple visits, partying til dawn.  So if you want to know about that, I guess you will need to continue your search.  For us the tranquility of the roof top pool was just the tonic we needed before our next adventure.  Sorrento, Italy.

I leave you with the sun setting on Indonesian visit.

Selamat tinggal


Be Well