Markit wrote
Wonderful post and thanks, you have spoken from my heart too. I would only add that to find the "real" Bali that you speak of one needs to get on the first road leaving the south as quickly as you can.
Problem is that there are so many "Balinese" expats that live in the south and know nothing of the rest of the island. I meet them all the time - "where do you live?" when I answer "Karangasem" I might as well be saying Outer Mongolia.
They have usually heard how nice the rest of Bali is but haven't managed to get out and see it although having lived here for years.
Half of me thinks it's tragic and the other half is glad - the third half doesn't give a shit and wants another beer :uncomfortableness:
Re your first para, I'm on the same page, still in love with the place, but not Tuban to Canggu, and I'm away from the south coast as fast as fast as a Honda Vario can carry me!!
Re your last paragraph, the glad half is right, and THAT is one of the great points about Bali, most of the imbeciles and drunks congregate along the south coast beach strip.
Regrettably, they're making a pilgrimage to Ubud in recent years, so disappointing, and whilst I still love visiting Ubud, it's lost some of its shine.
