my first night in bali.
the first thing one can not help but noctice uponentering the baggage claim area is the huge red sign informing visitors of indonesia’s policy on drug trafficking: offenders get the death penalty. i knew right then that i was going to enjoy learning all about this non-western culture and getting to know its people. i took a moment to look around and soak in my surroundings.
my moment didn’t last very long as i was bombarded by people trying to “help me” with my luggage. after politely declining all offers, i watched the carousel for my bag. another man approached me, this time asking for my flight information and baggage claim ticket. as he walked off with my information, i congratulated myself for waiting to speak to someone in charge and not getting caught in a tourist trap. the airport employee promptly came back to notify me that the airport did not have my luggage- everything had been unloaded already and if my bag was not visible, it was not on the plane. a bit frustrated, yet eternally optimistic, i was directed to the lost luggage desk where i completed a claim. luckily, the form was also available in english. while i was waiting for someone to tell me what to do next, two older australian men approached me and asked if i needed help. i replied no with a smile, saying that i was fine and could live without my bag for a few days, or forever, as need be. they said they would wait outside for me to make sure everything was fine.
when i was told i could leave, i walked past the windows of money exchangers shouting out their offers and exchange rates vying for patronage, towards the taxi drivers and hotel bookers who were equally enthusiastic about yelling their best rates and service at the tourists. the two australian men who had offered help were waiting outside for me and talked me into staying at the same hotel.
the photo above is of the dinner we shared across the street from the hotel on my first night in bali!
