Bali - August 2011 - Part 2: Beyond the Beach

After publishing my post below and illustrating what I consider to be 'the real face of Bali', Bali would not have been Bali without some reference to the awesome sunset and beach culture that resonates in Seminyak. 

Watching the sun drop into the sea leaving a legacy of pink, apricot and gold streaked skies felt like heaven and a million miles away from Melbourne urban life... 

But whist the beaches promote relaxation, the markets are a buzz with life - colours, textures, sounds and smells dominate your senses....the Balinese thrive on the thrill of the Western cash chase... 

Welcome to Bali! – a clash of colours, a smell of incense and road rules that are bent in all different directions….where calm can be found in the madness and the mayhem….we're all on Bali time after all…

Bali - August 2011 - Part 1: The Real Face of Bali

Last week I returned from vacationing in Seminyak, Bali. Bali has always been on my list of places to visit and I had no idea what to expect other than a tropical Indonesian island where Westerners played and the Balinese hosted. But what was presented was more intriguing than my initial preconceptions.

From the luxurious villas, upmarket restaurants, opulent bars and boutiques to the open sewers, broken roads and Balinese huts, Bali was full of extreme contrasts. 

By the end of my vacation I had a huge amount of admiration for the Balinese people who often had very little but who always presented the biggest smiles and the most welcoming of personalities.  Their attitude to life was refreshing to say the least...

  

Helen & Ben's Post Wedding Shots 31 July 2011

Helen and Ben asked me to take their Australian wedding reception photos at the lovely location of The Pier in Port Melbourne.  Given their 'official' big day was held the UK, we thought it would be a good idea to take some photos down on Port Melbourne beach to hightlight their all new 'Australian' life as Mr and Mrs Skinner.  We were lucky enough to get a gorgeous sunny winters day...

I Heart Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that I absolutely adore.  If you had asked me that question 3 years ago the only thing I could associate with Melbourne from my 4 days backpacking here back in 2004, was a grotty backpackers hostel, a very wet and cold Aussie Rules game (and having no idea what was going on), losing cash in the Crown Casino as we hedged our bets and of course the obligitory Neighbours tour that every backpacker must experience (that and a night with the cast at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow!)  BUT after taking the plunge to move here despite my original impression, Melbourne has opened my eyes to the secrets that lie down the laneways, the awesome food culture and the pure style that seeps out from every nook and cranny of the coolest city 'Down Under'...

Home Sweet Home.....

As an ex pat now living in Australia, there is something about the home land that always stays firm in your heart.  And when the sun is shining and the rain stops pouring, Scotland is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world.  I was fortunate enough to have 2 weeks of glorious sunshine in my trip back home which made me fully appreciate Scotland for its true beauty and grandeur...