First impressions of Bali aren't of the paradise island commonly portrayed. Staying near Kuta, the popular southern resort, and it is. Popular with Australians. The Australian Ibiza. And, so many touts looking for trade. Hassle as soon as you leave the hotel. Jill doesn't like it at all. Start off civil and friendly but soon lose it and ignore them; the advances, the offers, the invitations. Agh! Leave me alone. The famous beach isn't much to recommend either. Yes, long and sandy, with great-fun surf rolling in, but here now it's full of washed-up debris [photo], plus the touts. Bulldozers out each morning clearing the flotsam. Not a picture of paradise. Another currency change, the Indonesian Rupiah, and this one's making quick calculations difficult; Rp14,900 to GBP1. So many noughts; gets confusing. Withdraw Rp200,000 at ATM (top option on some) and think you're loaded, but only GBP14 (not even enough to pay for the room the night). But, does mean we're millionaires!!! Arrival in Bali was eventful. Flight from Singapore hit severe turbulence. Dropped altitude for split second and everyone's stomach was left behind. Audible gasps all round. Passport control was at leisurely Balinese pace and ours especially so. Last through. And, at baggage checking mine was marked for inspection. Unpacked it and the Christmas surprise package for the kids soon lost it's surprise. The video CD films we'd bought in Malaysia were soon open knowledge. Not impressed! At least I managed to persuade inspector not to disclose Leala's new portable CD music and film player Christmas present. One thing that'll be a surprise.