We're Millionaires!

Bali is everything we expected, but at a much friendlier, relaxed pace. Yes, there are hawkers selling every type of pirated goods from Billabong Tshirts to Prada sunglasses to DVDs of movies still in theatres. Yes, the traffic is intense, as thousands of motorbikes intermix with trucks, speeding cars, wild dogs and bicycling children on thin, windy streets in a lawless, cringing chaos. Yes, the long golden sand beaches are swarming with tourists and scammers . . . but its all manageable, its all quite friendly and its really exciting. Besides, we’re Indonesian millionaires! We exchanged less than $200 Australian, for over a million Indonesian Rupiah (note: at the time we finally uploaded this, we are no longer millionaires).

We are staying in a classy hotel called the Adi Dharma . The staff are smiling and friendly, and assist us with everything like we are royalty. The buildings are centered around a lush garden and a negative-edge swimming pool – and this is all for half the price of a sleazy Texas roadside Motel 6. The Adi Dharma serves up a big breakfast buffet every morning, included in our nightly rate. We both enjoy the veggie omelet and lovely fruit juices, but Kim likes to spice things up by dishing up some fried rice, fried noodles, and salty rice porridge with all kinds of delicious condiments. In other words, Indonesian breakfast rocks.

We’ve been haunting the local vegetarian restaurant, Aromas, where we slurp fresh fruit blends and sample the local cuisine. Nasi campur is a delicious Indonesian dish which features rice with several different little side dishes and condiments. The meal is different in every area, but we were comforted that ours was vegetarian, as we had no idea what the side dishes were. It was nice not to have to wonder what mystery meat was contained therein. Yay tofu.

We’ve been doing an exceptional amount of wandering through crowded streets and generally soaking up the atmosphere. Today we indulged in 2.5 hours of massage: 1.5 hours of Indonesian-style Swedish and 1 hour of headrubbing cream bath.

Now its time to go enjoy the nightlife of Kuta, the party capital of Bali. We’re wary that our healthy sleeping pattern may betray us on a 3am night, but we’ll let you know how it goes.

Love,
Dan&Kim

(We had one nice drink, soaked up the moonlight over the beach and curled back into our bed at Adi Dharma. Maybe we’re too old for frat parties.)

katerina posted on 2007-09-27 at 10:50 pm

i'd like one of those drinks, miss kimi.....lil' pineapple slice + the flower....thank you....i'll give you a really nice tip. i don't even know what's in it. does it matter? you know....some of us have to work, you stinky, wanderlust-inspiring travelers....grrrrr!

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Dad of Dan posted on 2007-09-26 at 11:37 am

Whew, I'm relieved that you made it safely to Bali. I'm also happy to hear that you got to feel like millionaires for a day! Bali sounds delicious and colorful.Thank you both for the vicarious thrills. I would love to see some photos and video which I'm sure are coming. Take good care of each other as I know you will. Love,Dad

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James Burgin posted on 2007-09-25 at 7:21 pm

Selamat Pagi Dan and Kim, Bagus sekali - ada di Bali. So glad you have discovered Nasi Campur. Yum (enak sekali) Watch the sunset on the beach for me - and walk up to Seminyak and have a drink at La Luciola. I am so jealous - but so glad you are enjoying yourselves in paradise. Hugs, James

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Mom posted on 2007-09-25 at 2:29 pm

Well you might not have the million Indonesian Rupia, but yare the richest millionairs I know. because who else would pack up their belongings and go on an amazing adventure like this for 5 months.Consider yourselves Millionaires! Doesn't that feel better? Well be safe, sounds crazy over there. I love you.Hugs and kisses. Mom.xoxoxoxox

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