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Posted by - Roger Rabbit on November 8, 2005 at 10:10 am:
Just to round off the info already provided previously.
Firstly - I found that the "feel" on the streets was nothing like 2002.
The impact of this latest fiasco is nowhere near like Paddies and the SC, people seem far more positive.
Security has lifted, but is still short of what is required in some areas.
Matahari have bag searches at the door, and most night spots have some sort of door searches, but restaurants etc don't have much visibility of security.
However, if a TV camera or news crew is spotted, security is to be seen everywhere - they are certainly keen to portray the image of a "secure spot".
Another interesting conversation that I had was with some been around ex-pats, talking about ways to get to Bali on the cheap.
They say that it is possible to book the three day $500 + tax cheapy, but when in Bali, simply go to the airline office and advise that you wish to return at the end of the 30 day ticket validity period.
A small re-booking fee is applicable, but still far cheaper than the normal return fare only advertised. Naturally, you then arrange off the street accomodation.
Just back on shopping, and something a little different, I have been purchasing ships "stuff" for some time, mostly lamps, bells, logs etc. each trip a piece at a time.
This time it was the ships wheel, complete with graffiti carved into, and full of character.
This is at "Rezas" at the top enf of Jalan Legian, just past Geneva and on the same side. Worth a look if you are of nautical bent, or interested in old memorabilia. It kept customs amused for a while when I bought it back anyway.
Other perhaps not usual purchases were glasses frames (not the lenses - do this at home!!) Titanium, top brand and half Aussie price at any optic shop - many in Denpasar and most shopping centres.
And I also bought a watch.
No - not a "Bali watch", but a decent Citizen waterresistant, eco drive at $100, from a watch/clock place oposite Ramayana in Denpasar.
Also, have you checked out pots and pans prices and quality in department stores, some bargains to be had if the weight allowance will permit.
In closing, and on the matter of allowances, many people on AA last flight from DPS to Perth got stung for excess.
The laymans thinking is that if the plane is half empty, you can get more on.
I believe that it is truer to say that if the plane is half empty, someone has to pay for those empty seats!!
That's it...just a few different angles on Bali, still as attractive a destination as ever for us.
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