When I retired from the workforce, it was our intention to travel as much as possible while our health permitted us to do so. We have traveled extensively since 1991 throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. One of places we visited on many occasions was the  Island of Bali in Indonesia. Some considerable time before the initial terrorist attack on the 'Sari Club' in Bali, my daughter found this really nice, easy going tour driver who owned his own business. His name is Nyoman Sudiana, commonly known by his nickname, "Koko" by his clientele and in the local area. All the members of our family use Koko when in Bali for their driving and touring needs. He is extremely knowledgeable with regard to his island, very punctual, clean & tidy and his command of the English language is excellent, he also fluently speaks many other tongues and dialects. On one early visit to Bali we enjoyed each others company so much that we had a farewell dinner with Koko, Wayan his wife and Dede his son, seen below.

Since that time we have developed a strong bond with them and are in constant contact via email. Because of the unrest and uncertainty of daily life in Bali, caused by the initial bombing, life became very hard for Koko and Wayan. People from all over the world were very hesitant to return to Bali, but to the credit of the West Australians who defied the terrorists, we did return and help their economy to a point where everything was almost back to normal. Then came the second bombing in Kuta Square and that had a doubling effect on tourism. We went to Bali only a few weeks prior to the first bombing and we were there again just before the second bombing. During this heart wrenching time for the Balinese people, the economy was shattered yet again. In the coming months, the usual crowded areas of Legian, Kuta, Taban and Seminyak were almost deserted, the influx of tourists had almost completely stopped.

During this time, the local people had to survive as best they could, things were very difficult indeed but they still had a smile for you and somewhat of an optimistic outlook on life. Pictured right in happier times are, left to right, Wayan, Koko, Koko's brother and sister in law with their little girl and Koko's son Dede.

One very happy event that has occurred since the trouble began, and that is that Wayan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, they named 'Tammy'. I must point out here that the available medical system is somewhat basic and is extremely expensive and they have no medical benefit funds or the like, so when Tammy was born with a complication, the strain placed on the family was very considerable. Koko had no idea where he would get the money from for the hospital charges, so we decided to help them as best we could.

 Seen here is Wayan with Tammy, now two years old, she is beautiful.

All the above events have brought us all closer together and it is always a nice feeling to see them again when we visit the Island.

Most of the Balinese originally lived in a family type situation and usually reside in a compound which is walled off and segregated from outsiders. All family members from the youngest to the oldest all live happily together and keep a few chickens and pigs etc.

Unfortunately time marches on, the cost of living changes and the young men of the village usually have to go out and seek employment wherever they can find it. The island is very small and heavily populated, so what jobs there are, are few and far between. Koko worked at a few different jobs for a while, then decided that he wanted to be his own boss and branched out into the tourist business. The business is usually a roller-coaster type ride, as the tourists prefer not to travel to Bali during the monsoon season. Then in the Dry season, there is so much work, he often works 12 to 16 hours days. He will drive you around for half a day, a full day which is ideal for touring, or he will take you to a given destination, whatever takes your fancy. His charges are very reasonable but you can negotiate your fare with Koko according, to your travel needs

Left is Koko with Vera and a friend at a stop over during our trip into the centre of the island, the scenery is stunning.

 "The Man", Koko, his smile would light a million candles and his easy laid back manner, makes him to be very good company.