I've been a lurker on BTF for some months now, even tried a couple of posts and thought it would be good to say hello and introduce myself.
I have only been to Bali twice (a real beginner by the standards some of you set) but I was hooked after the first time! On both of my trips I went with my friend who posts here as Cool, she has been many times. First time we stayed at Bali Intan Cottages (I think) in Legian. It was a little faded at the time but beautiful gardens, great pools, friendly staff and of course the outdoor bathrooms, which I loved. Our base that trip for meals and happy hours was the Legian Gardens, thanks to bartender Putu, the "Master of the Sweeter Margarita". Second trip in Jan 2007 stayed at Bali Rani and loved it. Quiet, beautiful and again the marvellous friendly staff. We have not yet ventured too far off the main tracks so far (Ubud, Kintamani, Lembongan etc) but I'm looking forward to getting a bit more adventurous next trip in January 2008 (all booked, you little beauty!).
My most vivid memories of Bali: While returning to our hotel one afternoon just after a cooling tropical downpour, saw a woman bathing in the drain at the side of the road, which was flowing fast and deep. She was probably about 50, silver hair and the most wonderful glowing smile. She could not have looked happier if she had been a millionaire, and she summed up all the beauty and sincerity of the people we came into contact with on our visit.
I loved talking to the street sellers after the first few times we had passed them and they knew we weren't going to buy any more watches, etc from them - they became so friendly and interested, asking and even remembering our names.
I love the way the locals drive without ego or rage, they just go where they need to go and no-one's pride gets in the way.
I loved the fillet steak at Yutz', OMG why bother paying $100 a kilo for grain-fed Harvey export beef when Bali beef is that good?
I could go on, but you already know all this, don't you!!
I got Back-from-Bali Blues the day we arrived home, and I'm seriously jealous of all of you who will be going back before me, but as long as you don't drink ALL the margaritas before I get there, I'll probably be ok. I'm probably the only 56 year-old man in Australia who doesn't drink beer, but I obviously have to develop a taste for Bintang.
I have gone on much too long, but thank you all for the information and tips, and I look forward to meeting some of you on my next trip.
Cheers, Paul