Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia

We spent a restful week in Bali.  Even though we stayed at the popular Kuta beach, it was rather deserted.  After the 2002 and 2005 bombings in Bali there are much fewer tourists than in the past.  We took it easy, visiting the beach daily and George got some work in.

Bamboo decoration along the road, Bali
Bamboo decoration along the road, Bali

There were lots of these bamboo decorations along the roads.  Locals would also set out food and flower offerings in small woven baskets daily in front of their doorsteps.

Memorial to the victims of the Bali Bombing
Memorial to the victims of the 2002 terrorist bombing in Bali

Terrorist bombings took place in Bali in 2002 and 2005.  The 2002 bombing targeted popular night clubs in Kuta Beach, and both bombings targeted areas where Western visitors were likely to be found.  Night life is pretty much gone in Bali, after the bombings.  I was a little on edge being there, but we stayed away from large crowds and nightclubs, most of which have closed down already.

Interesting patterns in the sand
Interesting patterns in the sand

Can you guess what made these interesting patterns in the sand?

Sand dollars!
Sand dollars!

During our daily walks on the beach we enjoyed watching the abundant sea critters that would magically appear from under the sand and then rebury themselves.  There were tons of live sand dollars and also little tiny shell fish that would surface and then use their foot to dig back down under the sand, leaving diagonal striped patterns in the sand.