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Miscellaneous:
Drugs
As an energy healer and one who sees energies around people,
I have long known the energetic influence of drugs on the
body emotions, spirit, and mind . . . this includes both
drugs used for healing, and those used for so-called "recreation."
I was favorably impressed with the way the Balinese handle
drugs. They have virtually no drug "problem."
Drug use, possession, or trafficking are illegal in Bali
and are severely punished. The Balinese (as also were the
Chinese and the Malaysians) have virtually zero tolerance
for dugs and they target American tourists as the most probable
drug users and abusers. The announcements about the laws
and punishment for violation, were made on the airlines
in English going into Tai Pei, into Kuala Lumpur, and also
into Denpasar. They laugh at the U.S.'s "drug problem,"
thinking that Americans are quite stupid to be so willing
to mess up their brains and bodies this way.
I bothered to learn Indonesian before I arrived in Bali
because it's what I do to help understand and relate to
a people and a country better. In a mountain-top restaurant
in a remote area, I saw the sign in the photograph at left.
On the sign is
the Balinese figure for evil, a Freddie Krueger-style horror
image with long knives as fingernails and a grotesque mask
for a face. At the top of this sign, is the message, "One
does not need drugs to enjoy the sound of peace in Bali."
At the bottom, in smaller print, is the message, "The
possession of, use of, or trafficking in drugs, is illegal
in Bali and is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison
and a maximum penalty of death. The more common penalty
is death." The
entire sign is in English!
Surfing
Bali
is also a playground paradise! The beaches are  extraordinary,
and the surfing is considered about the best in the world.
Dedicated surfers, including those from Hawaii, come from
all over the world, and surf-mobiles are seen frequently.
Kite-Flying
The
Balinese are also dedicated kite flyers and have a variety
of kites reminiscent of Chinese celebrations. I saw kites
in the air virtually every day there was sufficient wind.
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