In Reply to: first timers JBR posted by kmm2411k on Sunday, 23. November 2008 at 15:10 Bali Time:
Excellent JBR... and insights that many people would probably agree with on their first journey to Bali.
On our first trip there I can recall that sinking feeling in my gut as I looked out of the aircraft window on approach and wondered about this place below that looked like it had been hit by a cyclone. As we journeyed to our hotel in Sanur, passing endless open drains, a gazillion plastic bags and drink bottles strewn about as far as the eye could see, blackened lean-to's and shanties masquerading as business premises...and a prawn farm that would put you off seafood for life; I looked at my partner and said..."what have we done...10 days in this joint; no effing way!"
It took just the first Balinese smile for those poor first impressions to melt away as the true charm of the place quickly bubbled to the surface.
Like everybody, we did the shopping thing first time around. High annoyance at the aggresive ways of some hawkers, great enjoyment from the theatre of bartering for junky stuff that is remembered more for the adventure of procurement than its inherent value; and lots of fun experiencing all things 'tourist' like white-water rafting, para-sailing, waterbom park, seafood dining in Jimbaran, shopping, surfing, sunsets and...dare I mention: temples! Seven trips on and for us, these fabulous aspects of Bali have been replaced with a completely different local experience each time.
I haven't 'shopped' or visited an attraction in Bali for years...and yet it grows in facination as my eyes "see" more each visit. Incredibly, I seem to spend more money each time as well LOL!
But that's the really great thing about Bali: it offers up lots of options and the more times you go...the more you seem to find that suits your changing needs and tastes. And it's also nice to know that whatever drew you Bali in the first place is always still there...waiting for you!
Cheers - keviin