| Bali. Indonesia. I wonder what the world?s | | | | engaged in some kind of business (although it |
| view of Bali is today. | | | | is more a life choice decision to settle here |
| | | | rather than a commercial one), and all |
| Once, before October 11th, 2001 it was safe | | | | business here are ultimately affected by |
| to bet that it was thought by many to be in | | | | tourism. It has been hardest on the 3 million |
| the south pacific somewhere, courtesy of Mr. | | | | Balinese, many of course lost their jobs as |
| Rogers and Mr. Hammerstein from the musical | | | | businesses went to the wall. Even those of us |
| South Pacific. After that date it was perhaps | | | | who managed to keep going have been under |
| seen as a Muslim militant stronghold | | | | pressure to keep jobs open. |
| following the horrendous night of bombing | | | | |
| that destroyed the lives of so any when the | | | | The people of Bali are not militants. They |
| clubs Sari and Padi?s were targeted. This was | | | | have been the victims of the out rage as much |
| strengthened by the bombs of October 1 2005, | | | | as the innocent holiday makers who have been |
| when once again, tourists became the victims | | | | killed and maimed by a few extremists. Still |
| as two more sites were bombed. | | | | they harbor no grudge against their Muslim |
| | | | brothers. It is refreshing to see in today?s |
| As a long time visitor to Bali I have to say | | | | world that often is so intolerant of others |
| that both views are wrong. | | | | different from ones self or others of a |
| | | | different faith than ones own, an easy |
| For one thing, Bali is in the Indian Ocean, | | | | acceptance that not all are evil. A lesson |
| part of the Indonesian archipelago. Its | | | | perhaps, many could benefit from learning. |
| people are predominantly Hindu although there | | | | |
| is a small percentage of Muslims living | | | | I hope the problems will abate for Bali. I |
| seamlessly together. | | | | hope reason triumphs over fanaticism. I hope |
| | | | more people will come and see for them selves |
| Those of us who have chosen to make this | | | | what this charming island has to offer. |
| island our home, are bewildered by the events | | | | |
| of the last years. Most foreigners here, are | | | | I hope to see you here one day. |