Arrival in Bali....

Sanur: I'm sitting on my "large balcony designed for luxury living" in my Bali hotel room, overlooking the pagoda roofing, tropical gardens and lagoon-like pool. The smell of incense drifts through the air and the only thing I hear is the traditional Balinese gamelan music playing somewhere in the distance - it seems to belong with the view, as though it was the music of nature. Occasionally the peace is broken when a bat flutters around me, but this too belongs perfectly.



My first day in Bali went as follows (repeated about every two metres down the street):

Local guy: Hello, how are you?
Me: I'm good thankyou.
Local: Where are you from?
Me: Hong Kong. (Just to be confusing.)
Local: But you don't look like you're from Hong Kong?
Me: No, my family are English.
Local: Ohhh. There are many English in Hong Kong?
Me: Yes, lots.
Local: Can I know your name?
Me: Yes, it's An-nie.
Local: Honey?
Me: No, An-nie.
Local: An-nie.
Me: And your name?
Local: I am so-and-so.
Me: So-and-so?
Local: Yes, so-and-so. How old are you Annie?
Me: I am twenty-two.
Local: Twenty-three?
Me: No, no, twenty-two.
Local: Twenty-two, ohhh, I am twenty-six. Do you have a boyfriend Annie?
Me: (lying) Yes, I do.
Local: How many boyfriends?
Me: Just the one!
Local: Would you like another one.
Me: No, I'm fine with the one I've got, thankyou.
Local: Where is your boyfriend?
Me: He is back at the hotel.
Local: You don't want a Balinese boyfriend as well?
Me: I don't think my boyfriend would be too happen with that....
Local: Oh, what are you doing tomorrow?
Me: I'm not sure yet.
Local: Would you like to come with me tomorrow? I have a taxi. For you it is free.
Me: No I'm sorry, thankyou.
Local: We could go on a trip? The volcano? Ubud? Kuta?
Me: I'm sorry, I can't.
Local: Maybe you like to go swimming, we could go swimming?
Me: No, I'm sorry.
Local: Oh ok. You are very beautiful. I like you Annie.
Me: Oh, thankyou.
Local: Where are you going now?
Me: Back to my hotel.
Local: Oh ok, maybe I can see you again sometime.
Me: Maybe....
Local: Ok, goodbye Annie, you are very beautiful!
Me: Thankyou! Goodbye!

I have to point out this was done with beaming smiles and in a most friendly nature. It was not at all agressive or sleazy.