So how cheap – or expensive – is Bali? What would a night’s modest lodging cost; and daily nourishment? The book I have from the libarary is a little dated.

Bikes – leg powered – are recommended for getting around. Possibly the place for the ‘one day we’ll actually go on it’ bike tour.

You might be interested to hear this, quoted in the latest Reader’s Digest:

“Backpackers can get by on £15 a day in Asia and £25 a day in Australia and New Zealand. Lonely Planet advises setting aside £6000 for a six month round the world trip.”

Well, two of you are 6 months into your trip now; so, apparently, if you’ve spent less than £6000 (each), you’re doing well! I can’t believe you’ve spent anything like that. Even Julio, after four and a half months, is well within budget.

I read that on the volcano climb there’s a local mafia operating; so maybe you were wise to pull out.

Did you read my question about the parcel and photos?

Swimming again this evening (Mama swimming, me watching), in Littlehampton for a change. Francoise phoned and asked when we were coming south. When asked when she was coming north, she said it was too far!

Difficult to check on how much blunt you’ve parted with due to computer break down and loss of passwords, etc! I’ll look around for your paper statements.

We’re off mulberry picking. That is to say, Mama is. I’m going along to ofer solidarity, while reading the papers in the sun. Mmm, better check my own moles …

I just read a harrowing report about an English girl who had very pale skin but wanted to get a tan overdoing the sun exposure and developing a mole that was considered benign by her doctor but that turned out to be cancerous (maligant melanoma) and resulted in her death.

So, check those moles aren’t changing shape or form … they’re on the ball about this in NZ and have free clinics everywhere.

These moles always seem to be on the back or the soles of the foot – places you wouldn’t ordinarily see them.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES GRAND BALI BEACH HOTEL, SANUR (62)(0361)288124, 287940

Bank Bali Building, Jalan Dewi Sartika, Denpasar. Tel: 62-361-261666

I’m having trouble getting through to Singapore Airlines, maybe because it’s Saturday. Perhaps that’s why you had problems, too. They’re shut tomorrow (presumably in Bali as well); so I’ll have another go on Monday.

However, your Monday comes seven hours earlier than mine, and I suggest you go to the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, after 8.30am, where all airlines that serve Bali are alleged to have offices. Even if Singapore Airlines isn’t there, you will be able to ask Quantas or someone else for an up to date phone number or the SA office whereabouts. Some other airline might even be able to change your ticket for you.

The Grand Bali apparently has ludicrously high internet access costs; the Santai Hotel is better, according to my book. I’m sure there are other places.

All I could find online is that there’s a SA ticketing bureau at Denpassar airport.

Tel: 0361 768388

Airport Office
Address: Ngurah Rai International Airport
Jalan I Gusti Ngurah Rai
Denpasar 80362
Bali
Indonesia
Operating Hours: 0900 hours to 2100 hours