Three Flights and 26 Hours Later, Ben’s in Bali

Dear Friends and Family:

 

I arrived safely in Bali, Indonesia, late Wednesday evening after a long day of travel.

 

Even before reaching Bali, however, my adventures began. After boarding my flight from San Francisco to Tokyo, I found my aisle seat near the back of the plane and began to settle in before takeoff. Also in my row was a nervous looking Asian man sandwiched between two clean-cut, stern looking gentlemen. After exchanging pleasantries with the man next to me, I learned that he was a U.S. Immigrations agent and his clean-cut cohort was a U.S. Marshall – the Asian man nestled between the two was being extradited to Japan.  

 

In only so many words, the agent told me their detainee had been on the run in the United States for quite some time, and they were anxiously awaiting his return in Japan. I couldn’t help but think that as my journey was just beginning, the Asian man’s was soon to end.

 

“So, is he being extradited for a non-violent crime? Or…” I asked the agent next to me, my question trailing off not wanting to name the alternative.

 

“Let’s just say, we don’t escort just anyone,” replied the agent.

 

As the plane hurtled down the runway and lifted us into the blue horizon I heard the agent say, “Constant vigilance…” I couldn’t tell if the words were directed to himself, his partner or me. Needless to say, even after the shades were drawn and the cabin gave way to darkness on the 11 hour intercontinental flight, nobody on my row slept a wink.

 

The flight from Tokyo to Denpasar, located in the heart of Bali, was a welcomed change of energy. I sat next to a friendly newly-wed couple on their honeymoon. We chatted about sights we planned to visit while in Bali and I was able to get some much needed rest before reaching the island.

Sunset from the plane

 

My supervisor Lisa and I were greeted at the airport terminal by Arie Ariotedjo, the secretary general of the Indonesia Olympic Committee, and Rika, our personal assistant. After being streamlined through customs we stepped out into the warm, heavy Bali night. The humidity invoked fond memories of Georgia summers, when five minutes outside leaves your clothes clinging to your body with perspiration.

 

Any exhaustion I was feeling from the flights quickly dissipated during the taxi ride to the hotel. Our driver, who can only be compared to an Argentine cabby with a death wish and no regard for human life, wielded his brights like an Olympic fencer as we slashed through the dimly lit city streets. We nearly sideswiped countless motorists and motorcyclists, pushing them to the edges of the road and leaving them in our wake of dust. Lisa and I exchanged nervous glances, but trusted this was not his first drive around the block.

 

After arriving at our hotel, we were guided through several tranquil gardens to our rooms, where I enjoyed fresh watermelon before falling into bed for the evening.

Walkway to my room

Late night snack

 

Tomorrow morning we will meet with the press team and tour the facilities that will be at our disposal. With less than 30 days until the Opening Ceremony there is much work that needs to be done, but we are ready for the challenge.

 

From Bali with love,

 

Ben Z Samples