Bali.

Where to start, maybe the headache.  This is day five I think.  Anyone that knows me also probably knows I have really bad headaches that drone on for a few days.  I don't make much of them, but every now and then they catch up with me.  This time, I managed to get sick on the way to Bali and so not only did I have the headache I had a cold and sore throat.  All with the beach 3 minutes away, meanwhile me in bed sweating and moaning like a Black Martin Sheen from Apocalypse Now, minus the liquor and the war of course.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur was wonderful enough.  Beautiful skies, short, excited.  Hop off the plane and clear customs in a breeze.  There is an ATM there so you can pay for your Visa on Arrival.  It is no sweat at all.  When I hit the ATM, I realize I have finally made it!  I take out 1.2 Million IDR.  So I am officially a Balinese Millionaire, huh?  But that is only 100 USD.  So After I pay the 25 for the visa on arrival I am no longer a Balinese Millionaire.

  I am thinking finally Bali and respectable beaches.  Anyone who knows me also knows I love a good beach.  So I am looking forward to coming in, getting some shut eye and heading out to the beach.  First things first, I remember I needed to catch up with my oldest daughter in the states so I give her a call.  We talk for a while.  I look at the clock and it is past 2 in the morning.

No big thing I figure, I can stay up as late as anyone.  Wake up the next morning ready to head to the beach.  First things first, a proper fresh made watermelon juice.  Before I can have it though, I have to walk and get it.  That's when the headache came, then the body aches.  Later in the day, the cold.  So no beach for me.

While waiting for the room to be prepared I figured the hotel spa might be a good idea.  I mean the price can't be beat.   85,000 IDR is about 7 USD.  If you had a bad headache and wanted more than anything to sleep what would you do?  Plus the sign looked so promising...  so I decide to go for it.

The massage was more than respectable, and the prices on everything here are amazing for value.  For example, my room is under 30 USD a night, although you could pay 200 USD a night as well.  Food can be had for about 2-3 USD for a more than respectable meal.  Although I would have to say the food in Malaysia is better.  Still, there is value to be had if you avoid touts and do your own thing.  This one guy wanted me to spend 1,000,000 IDR (85 USD) for a pair of flip flops out of our mutual love of Obama.  As I ran out of his store disgusted he yelled, okay 100,000.  Found them later on for 45,000 (3.50 USD) at a convenience store.

So last night I finally made it out to the beach.  Still with the headache, and the beach made it a bit better but going on day five... at least there is a wonderful beach!

The dog runs past us, cuts me a look as he runs out to the water alone to swim.  He looks at me like, what are you waiting for?  Oh you don't know?  Then a second later he is in the water doing his thing...

More to come.