Where do i start... Returned from Bali last Sunday and wish i was still there. I had a lot of preconceptions this time about Bali, will there be people around, will i still buy heaps, will the balinese people still like Aussies etc etc. The answer is yes to all of these questions!!! I was pleasently suprised with the Balinese and their high spirits, things are picking up over there at the moment and they are starting to get excited again. They love Aussies as we all know and still want us all to come back. I was very impressed with security (somethign i was quite worried about before i left) and once again i was suprised. Most restaurants have security who will swipe your bag for explosives etc. It gives you confidence that they are trying to make it as safe as they can. Never really felt in danger or scared over there just aware of my surroundings. Stayed at the Ramayana Hotel have stayed here before and love it the staff are beautiful, great location and rooms are brilliant especially the pool bungalows! Art Markets seem to be doing the best out of all the markets i think hard barginning but all fun. Poppies 11 is always a fav with lots of good bargins i think they have been doing it a bit tough of late as we found it easier to get the price we wanted. They now make Guess bags in the markets which are very good quality and look really good bought some nice ones for around 90,000=115,000. Ramayana Denpasar or Bali Mall is also worth a visit it is the locals department store. They have two pearl shops there one smaller than the other but both good stuff. We bought stacks of beautiful pearls very good quality and in every colour imaginable ranging from 35,000 a strand and this includes them stringing. You can have a bracelet and earrings made with your left over pearls earrings are 5,000 for the pair. You do have to pay for the clasp which is 5,000 also. They also have a great range of shoes and clothes there if you are interested. I ate at Stadium Cafe lots the food is so good there and the atmosphere really good with local sport all the time not to mention the world cup!! Asian Spicce which is acouple of doors down from Stadium Cafe is also really nice with cheap asian meals the fried noodles are the best i have eva tasted! Dulangs in kuta square also has really nice meals and Gracie Kelly's is also a fav with good aussie meals like meat pie and chips. Bought heaps of shoes at the Matahari in Kuta Squre really good prices and nicer styles some similiar to home. Beautfil silver over there at the moment although it has increased in price and petrol has also gone up making taxi a little more dearer. On a whole Bali is still the same i found although they are still doing it tough still lots of smiling faces and good things to buy and eat.If you are thinking about going back or gong for the first time i would it is great and you won't be able to stop. (which isn't a bad thing) feel free to ask any questions about my post or anything else you might want to know.