KEMBALI
Something odd is going on. That usual sense of impatience that infects the crowd in the airport has evaporated. There are smiles all round, and the inconvenience of the endless paperwork, the certificates attesting to the results of expensive tests, is shrugged off. Even the immigration guys, normally suspicious and uncommunicative, seem happy to see us.
Outside, where the gaggle of drivers hold up signs with resort logos and guest names, they’re standing a little straighter. Smiling a little bit more broadly.
It’s good to be back in Bali.
And everyone knows it. The locals are almost shy in their appreciation, but they show it in their thousand little courtesies and cheeky little jokes. The island is coming back to life.
Not that the long, dark days of COVID have been entirely negative for the island itself. The post-wet season jungle is furiously green, the birds and insects are back singing and chirruping, and there’s less evidence of rubbish and neglect than I’ve seen in 20 years.
And the waves haven’t changed. In our favourite bay, the long lefts still fire down the reef like a rifle shot, and the rush is as consuming as it ever was. Only now it seems cleaner, more refreshing and more alive.
Damn, it’s good to be back in Bali.
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Neil Cameron says
Cant wait. Sounds awesome.. After 30 years of Bali and then not be able to go.
Clive Rodell says
Glad to hear your optimistic report. 🙂
It’s been a very tough two years for many a folk.
Doc says
Good news Slim, nice evocative story Nick.
I am not looking forward to the process of getting out of Oz with the uncertainty of going to the airport early enough to have a RAT, but I am already thinking of my first nasi campur and the warm water.
Mango says
Yes, and soon Mango will be found in his usual place waiting on the outside for the long love of the Balangan left hander. Great to hear your back in the line up Nic..