Arrived in Thailand with little hassle but once I dropped my bags in my new home I was knocked out for three days with some sort of virus. After three days of insufferable high temperature and fatigue, I was finally able to crawl out of the apartment to get some sun and fun on the beach of Phattaya. Not one to point out coincidences, but it was also the weekend that two Russian women were found shot to death in the early hours on the popular Jomtien beach. Shockingly tragic that two women on a two week holiday would be found in such a gruesome murder just two days before their departure. Some are speculating that it was a hit by a foreign gang, however, police have captured the suspect in question with a full confession and reenactment of how the killing took place. That’s the interesting legal process of Thailand, once they have arrested the suspect, they then have them demonstrate how the crime was committed so to answer any lingering doubts about how it had transpired. Strange that is, yet making perfect sense.
Soon after returning from Phattaya, we decided to go to our next paradise beach, Bali. You have to remember that I have been yearning to visit this beautiful mystical place for 10 years now and have neglected to do so due to the two horrific bombings and recent Muslim insurgencies. Politically unstable and uncertain about the negative sentiment toward westerners, I have been putting off this trip for quite a while. Prevailing at the end were determination and cheap tickets, which resulted in me taking the plunge and booking a two week holiday in Bali. 
Bali was fantastic, despite the dirty beaches and crowded, uneven sidewalks. Not surprising that it is a haven for Australians on short holidays and popular package tours for the Japanese and Taiwanese. While we were told that this was low season, meaning fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rooms, we were not disappointed.
The beaches were somewhat disappointing as I’ve long thought that they were pristine and white as the powdery stuff usually found in some beaches in Thailand and Boracay in the Philippines. Tried not to be deterred by the brown beaches, we decided to find some meaningful relaxation and pool time. The hotel was extraordinary as we were treated with the utmost care and courtesy. We did a lot of sightseeing in Lovina (northern tip of the island) and Ubud (more central but an art lover’s dream), but stayed mostly in Kuta for some sun and sand and fresh seafood. As I didn’t have access to a computer (I left my laptop at home as we thought it might be too much hassle) I started my journal and detailed all the little things we did. It got quite arduous as I’m still trying to complete the journal on Bali! It is what it saids, an island of temples. 
According to certain historical experts in Balinese culture, every family must have a temple where they live, and if two families should reside together, then either a bigger temple must be erected or two instead of one. Fascinating was the temple umbrellas that come in many different vibrant colors but each have the same structure for its functionality. Temples everywhere!
Ubud was the highlight of the trip. Art galleries to suit any impressionist, abstract, modern art lover. The detail of each piece can be appreciated by true artists and amateurs alike. Astounding to see so many intricate and complex pieces sitting side by side next to ubiquitious galleries throughout Ubud. We will definitely return to this little art heaven in the future and purchase some for our humble bode.
What can I say about Kuta, Bali? Lots of booze, which I hardly perused, and lots of lovely, friendly people. The island is rich in culture and history and one only need to scratch the surface to find the infinite undulation of arts and crafts unique to Bali. We did partake in the local Brembali wine, made mostly in Bali and obviously made for the Balinese palate. It’s complexity was only surpassed by its coarse and unrefined texture. While we enjoyed the contrast, we made note to self that Bali was not where we wanted to buy our wine from. On the contrary, Arak is a liquor that we will most definitely introduce to our friends in our own concoction of what is only known, aptly so, as an Arak Attack. 
Got back from Bali and realized we still have another 2 weeks so we took off to Koh Samet, a pretty beach resort about two hours or so from Bangkok. It was crowded and pricey but the sand was white and the sea was turqoise. Can’t really complain as it was another beach with more time on our hands. Yes, it is hard beaching.
Recent Comments