Bali bombing pt. 2

By the time I upload this entry you must have gotten all the complete report about Oct 1 ’05 Bali bombing. Total 8 bombs blasted in Jimbaran and Kuta square, all happened at the same time. It was pouring vinegar to a not-yet-healed wound. A deep wound caused by Oct 12, 2002 bombing (pt.1).

I received bunch of phone calls and text messages, which arrived late due to poor network (hey, they didn’t bombed Telkomsel’s tower??). Thanks for the concern, relieved to report that I’m in good condition, 1 piece.

Where was I when it blasted?

There was this event called “October Fest” sponsored by San Miguel Beer (the light beer tasted queer) at Kuta. I left the house almost 6pm, almost an hour late waiting for a friend, picked up another friend, then headed to Kuta. Some traffic near the airport (normally), missed the sunset but finally made it. When the bombs blasted it wasn’t long after we arrived in Kuta beach. 10 mins browsing the place and looking for place to sit, a friend who couldn’t come sms-ed about bombing in Kuta.

What?? Well, we didn’t feel any shake, didn’t hear any explosion, and didn’t see the smoke either. The slightest rumors about disaster would kill fun, so we decided to sit tight for a bit, chatted with people there to get more info and wait. The beach logically would be safer place than closed buildings.

As time passed people started to look restless. Locals drew away from the stage and grouped talking about what happened and started analyzing who and why they did it. A large group of bule walked westward, I wasn’t sure where they were heading.

So it happened that the bomb in Kuta blasted 10-15 mins after our car passed Kuta square. The terrorist (they are, right?!) in stores along the Raja’s bar and café. Funny, I never dined there but when we passed it remembered clearly looking at the place wondering what kind of dishes they serve there. And now it’s smashed, guess I’ll never know.

Why did these people do this again?
Why now?
Why did I (and my friends) managed to pass it right BEFORE it happened?

I don’t know the answer to the first two, but for the last, I know God IS good, and again, he looked after me (and my friends), and for that, I can’t thank HIM enough. Another valid proof that he’s a timely God. He woke up my friend from her nap just in time, then as we approached Kuta area there was heavy traffic but it didn’t hold us too long to let us passed Kuta square just before the bombing.

So here I am, already past midnight, physically and mentally tired but don’t think I could sleep. How could you, when you’re so close of getting exploded. Still worried about some friends who also went to Kuta but didn’t see, also anticipating hearing news of someone I know who might get hurt… God forbid!

Body count: 22 death toll, 72 injured. 00:35am.

So, where were you when it happened?
Would you dare come to Bali?

Isn't it great to be alive??