Friday April 16th 2004 in Bali

Another mostly clear sunny day here in Kuta Bali.

I’ve taken to wrapping a sarong around my neck when riding downtown to protect against the sun.

I read in the news that Abu Baker Ba’asyir the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah, the group responsible for the Bali bombing has been declared a ‘terror suspect’ by Indonesia. Let’s hope he focuses his attention elsewhere.

As many people are aware there is an expat forum on another site which seems to be a very useful place to knock around questions and get answers from people living here. We’ve though of doing our own type of ‘expat forum’ what do you think?

There seems to be plenty of Australian tourists here in Kuta right enjoying the shopping, surfing and food. I overheard a group talking about the latest Playstation games that are available here for next to nothing.

Part of my daily routine is to check world events, especially the spiralling violence in the Middle East. Not a single Indonesian has mentioned that subject to me. I wonder if people are not informed or just don’t find it to be important for them. The other day I talked to somone from Jember in east Java who said the people there are a mixture of Muslims and Christians and they all get on pretty good. That’s great to hear and I hope none of the religious violence that has previously occured around the country will happen again.

Mick has told me he wants a guest list from me for tonights do at Liquid…can’t have every ‘curb crawler’ in Seminyak popping in for free vodka. This is one of those times where I want a ton of people to be around, but as luck would have it people are out of Bali, out of town or have previous engagements.

The other day I had another Bali type of experience. Having added some decorations to my place and got the bbq routine down I wanted to try it out on someone to get their opinion on the taste of the food. An old friend of mine who lives in Canggu called and I invited him over. “Okay I’ll be over later” he says. I start cooking and prepare rice and a big salad. An hour goes by and he’s not arrived so I call him. “Can I bring a friend, there’s this hot chick I know.” he said, ( this guy is woman crazy ) so I say sure no worries bring her too. Another 20 minutes and “how many other people coming?” he asks. “Just us.” I say. “You’ve got to be kidding bro, I can’t bring a chick to a bbq with just us 2 guys, she’ll freak.” So he’s not coming. A few minutes later he calls back, “Look bro I asked her if she’s got a friend for you so she won’t feel uncomfortale…I’ll get back to you, there might be 4 of us.” ‘Great’ I’m thinking, better put a little more meat on for our extra guests. Ten minutes more he calls back, “Bad news bro, the friend is a benchong so I told her no way will that work.”

The result was I dined alone with a LOT of meat. No worries I’ll just have to be more organized next time.