Eyes like Chinese

We changed hotels yesterday to a place less than half the price just off Poppies Lane in the main backpacker area. Bonus is that they have a pool! We would have liked to stay at one of the nicer (and quieter) beaches around but they tend to seriously lack budget accommodation.


So I woke up this morning with eyelids heavier than usual. Turns out my skin irritation has progressed so that the skin under my eyebrow now rests on my eyelids and my cheeks are pink and swollen like Porky Pig. Attractive. Steve joked that I was just acclimatising to Asia and were developing the eyes to match. I think I'm allergic to the vitamin E cream I brought so I've stopped using it in the hopes I'll look normal again soon.

On the way out to our morning walk on the beach we stopped at a street vendor for a before-breakfast snack of fresh pineapple and enjoyed a rather candid conversation.

Shopkeeper: Where you from?
Me: Australia.
Shopkeeper: Ahh Australia, I like your money. Hey you from Australia but your eyes like Chinese??

So I guess it's noticeable...

Kuta beach is lined with surfboards and Balinese "sufer dudes" trying to sell surf lessons. When we go out walking early morning they're all sitting eating breakfast and setting up their surf board displays. They're a cheeky bunch and become much cheekier when Steve's not around. This morning he'd gone off for a run while I kept walking and I received the following comments from several different "dudes"..

"Where you from?"
"Australia"
"No worries babe you are beauuutiful"

"Where are you going?"
"For a walk"
"Can I follow you?"

"Goooood morning sexy!"

"Oh where your boyfriend go?"
"For a run"
"Ohhh he run away from you! Come over to ussss"

In general though we've noticed how friendly the locals are here. In our previous travels we've noticed locals being only friendly until they know that they won't get the money they want out of you, but people here smile and say good morning without even trying to sell you anything. Refreshing.


This afternoon we went to Jimbaran to visit the office of Grounds Kent, where I'll be doing some work experience for two weeks, completely forgetting that it's Sunday and of course they're closed. So we walked back down to the beach and ended up having a beautiful sunset fresh seafood dinner by candlelight. Steve's treat and an amaaaazing and delicious experience!

Tomorrow morning we head by shuttle bus inland to Ubud, looking forward to it!

Amiee