Bali: return

The flight back has been uneventful. I am tired but don't expect to be jet lagged. I have many conflicted feelings. I will spend a great deal of time reviewing my time in Bali and planning for my future.

Bali: romance

I went out to dinner with Wiwin from the hotel. She is a nice Balinese girl with a beautiful smile that lights up the room. We sat on cushions at a table overlooking the surf and talked about life. She is 24, and worked as a radio announcer before taking the hotel job. She hopes to come to America to finish her college education. I think she is great. While I miss my son, Eli, I am getting a bit blue about having to return. I am really getting to know this culture and people and will miss this place. I hope to be back soon.

Bali: recovery

I slept through most of the day and I'm sitting in the waiting room of the BIMC medical clinic for foreigners in Kuta. The stomach pain continues and I think it would be prudent to address the problem before attempting to fly home. Afterwards, Sudi will take me back to the hotel. I am exhausted and will fall asleep again.

Bali: smash and grab

I'm safe back at my hotel room but only hours ago I barely avoided being the victim of a smash and grab. The smash being my head and the grab being my money. Luckily my friend Arie is a local karate champion and I follow my instincts. I won't go into the awful details but let's just say that if you take a hot young woman that you picked up in a local club to a hotel (not my regular one of course since the staff are like family to me know and they already snicker about the guests I've had up to my room thus far) keep your cash in your line of sight, don't drink anything she offers you and don't let her signal to an accomplice to bust into the room to snatch said cash. Lastly, lock the front door before you get down to business. I followed these protocols and am still alive and kicking. Plus, my bodyguard can take care of anyone who may get around those safeguards. Bodyguards are a good thing in general. I recommend them to any and all. I am now eating M&Ms in my hotel room and wondering about that rash on my inner thighs. Hmm.

Bali: R&R

I'm back at the hotel in Kuta and have made it clear to everyone that my plans for the rest of the trip are to avoid spicy food and travel. I simply plan on spending the last few days close to my "home," reading some books and recovering my energy. I also plan on avoiding women. Well, maybe not the last one.