Hi Janice.  wow!  I couldn't stay away for 20 years!  LOL  I started going to Bali about 18 years ago - and yes, it has changed a lot.  some things for the better though.  About 8 years ago the Balinese had a weekend of run ins and riots with many of the dishonest Javanese street sellers and drove them off the island.  There are no Kodak/Donut King/bintang booths along Kuta beach anymore either, which has helped clean up the filth on the beach and in the water considerably, and the hawkers are much less of a hassle than they used to be.  And FINALLY most open drains have been covered.  It will always retain it's spiritual ambiance though, and I still marvel at the feeling of calm that descends over me each time I arrive.  LOL I am going there from Wed-Sun this week to meet an old school friend and his family before they leave for Perth next week.  Looking forward to catching up with him, but I doubt it will be relaxing.  They are hiring a car so I can drive them around sight seeing the "real" Bali, and with 5 kids I don't think there will be much r & r!  You should get yourself back there for a holiday, and if you need any pointers or current info, feel free to email me.  Sharon xx

LOL  probably nowhere for a while, but then back to Bali.  We visit Bali regularly though because it's so close to Jakarta and such a beautiful and relaxing place

Thanks, we did.

We had a great time.  Bali is such a beautiful place - so long as you get out of Kuta and Legian and see the "real" Bali, including the spritual and real life side of it.  I feel sad that so many people have been scared off since the bombings and will never experience the beauty and serenity there is to be found there for themselves.