mark&michele
At some point in my first trip to Bali in 1973, I knew that Bali was going to be a big part of my life. (It wasn't just the mushrooms that made me feel this way). I was married and on track to being a university professor.I loved the traditional ways of the Balinese and how it combined with acceptance of others. I loved being outdoors most of the time, the gardens, the beach, the stars. The food was great and living was cheap.So a few years later, with my girlfriend (now my wife of 46 years) I returned during my summer break with a plan to buy some things I could resell in order to come again the next summer.It worked well enough for me to open a store in SoHo NY, which I called Kembali. In '83 when my rent went up 500%, we closed the store, bought a rundown castle with my wife's parents and sister (another Balinese influence on me- families living in multi-generation households) and started our family. I gave up my hopes of changing the educational system in the US and started again.We retired a few months ago after a lifetime in the garment industry, exporting from Bali and wholesaling in the states - at trade shows and through our sales reps' showrooms. We've been in Bali for 2+ months and despite the traffic and lack of green spaces in Legian we're thrilled to be be back. Our daughter and her daughters are with us. This trip we'll be here another 2 months before returning to US to stay with our son and his family. We'll be back in Bali probably in March for another long stay. I've enjoyed reading the posts on this site and hope to get advice from you in the future. There is a lot of wisdom in your collective.Best wishes to all of youMark and Michele
sakumabali
The only person I ever met was Kanginkauh; coincidentally in Sanur; and even the name can be wrong - perhaps it was somebody else ;) oh and mugwump used to be a neighbor of mineJust back from Bali. I would do it similar as you...2 months and then back home. Bali has changed a lot. My dream is still having an amphibious car to avoid the nasty traffic
