Flicking thru a box of photos i came across my first trip to Bali back in 87. Oh my god the changes, not just the person. I travelled with my 2 sisters there fellas and one other mate. Arriving ex Perth at around midnite the trip from the airport to our hotel was one that would scar any normal persons for life. People standing around bins of fire on dusty roads, my first words were what the far canal have i done to myself. We stayed at the barong with the Troppo zone our Base. Poppies lane seemed to end about 200m past the Barong and then a dirt track to the beach. Fond memories of the Resturant located on the Beach, site of my first meal. Photos of legian St with the 6 inch wide cracks between slabs. The shops were mainly corrugated iron fixtures with the occasional "flash" tape shop. A photo of the Sari Club in all its splendour put a lump in my throat, at 23 yrs old back then some very good money was spent in there. I recall doing the "must see" volcano tour, dragged out of bed at 7am to do a barong dance sitting, the wood carving and then 2 hrs up the mountain to see the volcano in its magnificent glory on a bloody postcard, all the while with a Bali Peanuts size hangover. Hey i was single and 23. I also recall the compulsory dose of Bali Belly you had to have, mine lasted 10 days, perhaps the bourbon and bintangs were the major contributors. Watersports was a trip to Sanur and a shot at paragliding, a beach massage and getting majorly sunburnt. It was great to see the old photos which jolted fading memories. Like so many things in the world that have changed the smell and smiles on the Magic Isle hasn't. So 20 years on, unsingle, 2 kids in tow, balding head, a heap more weight, a hand full friends, here we go again. I guess the place has that effect on ya.