Though the airport in main city Denpasar looked a little like an old Trader Vic's (albeit with 21st-century touches of airport security and cappuccino kiosks), once outside, I realized quickly -- and with great delight -- that I wasn't in Honolulu anymore.
The cab ride to the hotel in the Nusa Dua resort area was a living documentary of daily life in Bali, complete with a savvy driver and motorbikes buzzing around us in all directions. In his narration, he put any fears to rest, praised the perseverance of Bali's people, and pointed out shopping and restaurants along the main drag.
