WANDERLUST RECESSION: Dear Bali, clean your beaches

Sam and I have had a whirl wind of a few days. We arrived in Bali on the 28th, and stayed in Sanur Beach for two nights. Our first impressions were that Bali was over developed and very touristy. I don't know what either of us expected, but maybe our expectations were too high?

(this is like a non-polluted beach)

Voulenteering didn't work out. The organization was not what we anticipated. We made a decision that it was not for us, and made arrangements with a "hote"l near-by.

The hotel was more of a hippie convent... The owner Tanaya, grew up in Indonesia, but is of Dutch origin. She lives in Padang Bai, operates a hotel with her Balanese husband (Lompak), and three beautiful children. The oldest of which, Tanya disclosed, was concived on the nigh she met her husband.

(the chicken Lea would want)

Tanya was a radical; loud and opinionated, but very entertaining. She felt strongly about having a chemical free home (I decided against mentioning the deet I had in my pack), she hated all politicians (even Obama), she KNEW that terrorist attacks were all inside jobs, and that flouirde was a deadly killer.

Tanya didn't wear bras, she breast fed her 3 year old, she simultaniouslly was running an animal orphanage (with 10 chickens, 12 cats, and 4 dogs), she often left large sums of money lying around, and when she gave us the opportunity to stay in her home with her family (all of the bungalows were occupied) Sam and I were thrilled.

While Tanya was totally out there, she was also been a wealth of knowledge for us. She helped us arrange boat tours (and get off of Bali, which we are both thrilled about). Sam and I will never forget Tanya and her family. It was a pleasure observing the inside outs of it all.

The highlight of Bali has surely been Tanya and her family. And while Sam and I are so happy to be leaving the over crowded, polluted, and less than average vacation destination we are very sad to be leaving Lumbung Damuh (aka the hippie convent).