Hello Bali

'Selamat datang'

Contrary to what I've been telling you folks, I actually do speak a tiny little bit of Indonesian, but don't tell anybody I said that. It's interesting though, that -- because the Balinese are so incredibly courteous and genuinely kind -- the Indonesian just pops out of my mouth without me realizing it. I don't think I've ever said 'terimah kasih' (thank you) this often throughout my entire life. Even though yesterday (I'm blaming it on the jet lag) I accidentally said "No, gracias senor".

So, I'm gathering you understand that Mom and I arrived safe and sound in Indonesia. Fortunately, the trip was highly uneventful, and we made it, bags and all to our hotel in Legian, just north of Kuta late last night. If there hadn't been so many technical hurdles for the Frankster, I would have treated you to a video of us touching down in Singapore, but alas. My iPad doesn't like any non-Apple devices so you're going to have to make do with a few pics only.

Sundown (where's that light switch?)

The one thing that has always struck me as funny in the tropics is how quickly the sun goes down and the time from dusk 'till dark. It's as if someone hit a light switch, almost, and it takes perhaps 10 to 20 minutes, whereas last week on the beach in the Netherlands it took about three hours.

Lunch on the ocean front

This really doesn't need any explaining, does it?

From The accidental tourist

	From The accidental tourist