This is my third stay in Bali and it's good to be back and catch up with old friends.  The majority of Balinese are Hindu, so, although it is part of Indonesia, Bali has a different look and feel than most of Indonesia's predominantly Muslim states.  We have chosen Ubud, the cultural centre of the island, as home base.  It's smaller and less busy than Denpasar, and makes a good point from which to explore the island on day trips.

Things have changed a great deal in the 9 years since my last visit -- more cars, motorcycles, shops, and restaurants.   There is a slightly less optimistic outlook among the Balinese, too.  The terrorist bombing in 2002 really hit the island hard.  It killed tourists, locals, and a significant portion of their livelihood, the tourist trade.  This past July and August, tourists have begun to return but it is still far from what it once was.

On a much happier note, we are delighted to have our daughter, Inika, join us here for a holiday and grand reunion.  It has been over 3 years for me, and one year for Doug, since we last saw her.

(Don't forget to click on each of the images to see a larger version, or
click on the arrow at the bottom to see them in sequence)