You all seem to be having a wonderful time in Bali. I have to admit it makes me yearn to return to Bali.

Well I am glad you are back as yourself and richer, too, from the poker. All this posting under a different name and all....confusing. Next thing we know you will appear as TellOksina!

crosscheck , people have been saying that Bali is spoiled for the last 30 years but I disagree. I prefer to say that since 1982 when I first went that it has evolved .Some things I have welcomed like expresso coffee as an alternative to Bali Coffee or Nescafe or the option of other foods to Indonesian whilst other things like greedy overdevelopment, traffic congestion and actual or threatened terrorism has come close to ruining the island or at least set it back .But what seems to stay the same are the deeply held religious beliefs and customs that distinguish Bali together with a gentleness and sense of fun of the people that has always been a delight .That is borne out by their ability to hold fast during adversity . So do not hesitate to go again.

Andy what are your imprsesions of Alam shanti? I thought I read this thread carefully but didn't spot it.

Have you tried the Cafe des Artistes? I never see anyone on this board mentioning it, but I've had several nice dinners there. I never tried lunch and think it probably has a nicer atmosphere at night, and would like to hear how it compares with some dinners you've had. It's not on the same tier as Terazzo, but more modest in price and menu.

The Alam Shanti is superb. The best hotel value I've ever had. It's enchanting and wonderful.

Now in Nusa Dua at the Westin. The property is completely generic. It could be in Fort Lauderdale.

We've finally escaped Bob. I can return to my normal personna.

Rizzutto-yes, life in Bali is good. Even Beth says it really is wonderful. The people are really friendly. They were even nice to Bob.

I'm in a rush, so more later.

In a rush in Bali? Must be rushing to relax by the pool or for a message. I'm jealous!

Robbie, Bob gave extensive detail about Alam Shanti. Look for his report.

Dinner last night at the Bali Collection mall. It's a very peculiar place. The shops and restaurants are not up scale as I would have thought. The restaurants all have a person out front encouraging passersby to go in.

We ate at the Japanese restuarant. Beth had Soba noodles with Tempura, I had eel, octopus and prawn sushi with tuna roll and radish roll. Very good.

There's a shuttle from the Bali Collection to the various hotels, but we took a cab each way for only 10,000 rupiah.

We bought some banana and sweet rolls from a bakery for breakfast. This way we can avoid the expensive breakfast at the Westin. It's not included with our free room through Starwood points.

There are many images of Bali that have stuck in my mind. One is the early morning people out cleaning every surface with the coconut brooms. It's everywhere. All of the assorted natural leaf and nut litter is swept away every morning.

Gpanda, So what does $14 buy in Bali these days?

Kathie, Sorry you couldn't make it in '88 - By '89 it was probably spoiled!

JohnFitz, I do want to go back...or better yet, discover the next Bali.

Just had another memory flash - in the eighties, the entire Balinese population (male and female) had the same four names - named for birth order. The names were Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut. If you can believe Wikipedia, this seems to still be the custom. Gpanda, can you confirm?

Please bring back some of them coconut brooms.

It would be a blessing if some of the nut litter were swept away from Harvard Sq and also the Boston City Council chamber.

crosscheck, I remember learning about the birth order names when I was there in 1989 - after it was spoiled, no doubt! When I was last in Bali in 1999, it was also true. Since I seem to get to Bali every 10 years, I guess I'd better start planning for next year.

If you are still there and eating or anyone else is interested , there are 2 restaurants that get excellent reviews being

BLOSSOM at the Sentosa Private Villas in Kerobokan ;and

SARONG in Jln Raya Pettenget , Kerobokan .

I am eating at them next week ( and a few others in the next 2 weeks ) and hope to do a little trip report on my return as well .

In fact, I played poker a second time and won $68 bringing my total to $82. That buys a lot in Bali.

Just had Black pepper Crab at Eng Seng (thanks Smeagol). It was absolutely wonderful. I'm from Maryland where the Blue Crab is king and this crab was as good as the crab of my misbegotten youth. Even Beth was sucking the shells to get more Black Pepper taste. This is an absolute must in SIN.

There was a guy from Milwaukee at the next table and he said he came there every time direct from the airport. It's easy to see why.

The place is at the corner of Joo Chiat Place and Still Rd. (Not Joo Chiat Rd.) You need to get there by 5:45 p.m.. They said that when they run out of crabs in the tank they're done for the night. It's well worth planning your whole day around being there on time.

Let's play poker the next time you guys are in BKK.

Panda, this is the closest address I could find for you.


http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/mtgdirMALAY.html




--A concerned friend

I'm not betting money... only clothes!

Reading about the food makes my mouth water. I'm getting ready to trade swedish meatballs for fresh peaches. Have a good trip back home.see ya in 2 wks