Great to get some positive comment and up to date information. The rubbish situation is such a tragedy and one that I can never get my mind around. In the past it seems if it's not your job to dispose of rubbish effectively then you have the right to dump it where you like and then it's someone else's problem. Most disturbing years ago was seeing a disposable nappy and other rubbish stuck in a water channel at the base of a rice paddi revetment embankment in Ubud. Just made me cringe for a whole host of reasons. So good to hear that the area is being cleaned up as opposed to trashed, which is what it seemed to amount to, and not such a difficult problem to correct. Also wonderful to hear that the atmosphere is positive and one of progress. Ubud seems to have had a better grip on environmental control and preservation than the original areas that were "trashed" in the process of tourist development. Hopefully over-development won't become a problem.

Another concern for me has been the dogs. While walking the lovely back laneways and gangs around Seminyak and Kerobokan I often came across very aggressive dogs. Some looked really bad with nasty injuries or swelling indicating infection so not surprising that their temperament was nasty. I really wouldn't like to be bitten by one of those sad creatures, or any other dog. On the other hand was very sad to read that in the process of cleaning up the dog problem for the UN Climate Summit that baits were left around which resulted in some pets being poisoned.

I'm a bit shocked to hear that Mark doesn't get his hair braided and beaded, can't imagine why.

Looking forward to more when you have some time. So pleased to hear you had such a wonderful holiday. Even though we do business in Bali my husband is somewhat over it with all that has happened, which I can understand, but feel rather sad about. However, reading your report will hopefully inject some new enthusiasm into his veins.

Catherine