STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

We just got in from JFK about 20 minutes ago where we first heard about the bombings (probably not surprisingly, you are cut off from much of what is going on in the world when in foreign airports and in flight). On our cab ride home I knew I had a lot of people to check in with immediately upon our return - my parents were freaking out (as I knew they would be)! I was so touched to see all of the emails that you all sent to me as soon as you heard the news, worried about our safety. I got over here as quickly as I could to assure everyone that we are home and ok.

The bombings took place in southern areas of Bali, in Jimbaran and Kuta. Those are the most popular tourist parts of Bali (especially for surfers), and at one point we considered staying at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran. We actually stayed in Ubud while we were in Bali, which is located in a central part of the country. The previous bomb attacks in the more heavily tourist areas were part of our reasoning for staying where we did. We actually left Bali on Sunday 9/25 and spent the rest of our trip in Lombok, a smaller island in Indonesia near Bali. We had a hellish time getting from Lombok to Denpasar to Tokyo to New York - the total trip door to door took us 40 straight hours and with the 12-hour time difference we are understandably exhausted - but we are home and we are SAFE. We were so shocked and saddened when we first heard about the bombings, especially after spending time in Bali and meeting the people and hearing all about how their economy (for which tourism is the #1 producer) has suffered severely after the bombings in the late 90s and early 00s and it just finally starting to build again as the tourists start to return. At the same time we were, of course, relieved that we were not involved in this horrific event.

Anyway, we are shaken and mentally and physically exhausted. I just wanted to get over here to post about our safe return as soon as I could. Thank you again for all of your concern for our safety and your thoughts and prayers for our safe return from our trip. On a lighter note, I'll be back some time this week to post some pictures from our wedding and honeymoon (both of which were absolutely wonderful).

glad you guys are home safe and sound...i was worried a bit too when i first read the news but thought i remembered you were spending the end of your trip somewhere other than bali.  not to mention having left days before to get home yesterday.

oh, and cannot *wait* to hear about the wedding and see pictures!!!