Bali. When mentioned, people conjure up images of killer waves, busy night clubs and overcrowded beaches running rampant with young suntanned partiers. But look beyond the surface and you will witness a land rich with tradition, superstition and a people whose dedication to their beliefs has helped the island to maintain their centuries old customs. Enduring the onslaught of tourists who invade their beaches each year, the Balinese continue to live their lives of deep rooted religion, important family values and respect for the spirits of the dead. Continue reading »

Western Australia’s seven Miss Universe finalists will jet off to Sydney on Monday to battle some of the most beautiful women in the country for the title of Miss Australia. And they’ll do it ultra-fit and tanned after an intensive four-day bootcamp in Bali designed to knock them into shape for the national beauty pageant battle. Continue reading »

Political campaigns and the raising of political awareness in Bali for the next legislative election were considered to be of low quality, an activist said Friday. I Made Suarnatha, director of the Wisnu Foundation, said most of the candidates were not heeding their responsibilities. “They are failing to properly raise political awareness among their constituents,” Suarnatha revealed, after attending numerous meetings between legislative candidates and their public. “All they did was deliver their name cards, distribute money, food and T-shirts,” he said. Continue reading »

I have a neighbor named Richard. He’s a prime example of what I call a Baby Boomer Bummer. Richard was a globe-trotter in the late ’60s and ’70s, before exotic travel became popular with the masses. Continue reading »