Of Bali, divorced middle aged women and sardines

Finally on Bali in a town called Ubud situated in the middle of the island. The memories of economy class intercontinental flights are slowly beginning to fade. Three days of afternoon teas on wide verandas and shopping sprees in small exotic shops are helping a lot with that issue. I even had time to paint my toenails in three shades of pink.

Tomorrow at 0600 the real action will begin and mercifully only with 69km of cycling. It should be quite manageable unless there is a huge mountain between here and the ferry.

Will leave Bali tomorrow for the next island with a local ferry that will take four hours.It is a pity because it is a wonderful place with very friendly people. 10 on the Richter Scale for friendliness. I really want to move here when I grow up. Very chilled out and relaxed place where everything goes. You can even walk around naked if you want too. 

The island is 90% Hindu. And 10 % divorced middle aged women. There is a book called 'Eat, pray, love' which has helped the Bali tourism industry a lot. Apparently after reading the book all divorced women flock to Bali. And short on their heels, men who are interested in divorced middle aged women.

This actually reminds me of the Sardine Run on the South Coast of South Africa. First you have the sardines and short on their heels the dolphins. The sardine run of Southern Africa occurs from May to July when billions of pilchard sardinops sagas spawn in the cool water of the Agulhas bank and move north.Their sheer numbers causes a feeding frenzy along the coastline and they are followed by predators like the dolphins. Whether they eventually reach Bali I don't know. But I do know that I felt like a sardine in that economy class cabin.