Hi Milly,

I've been back in the UK for eight months after travelling in the Far East for a year and I'm seriously missing the life.

The reason for the mail is that I know that for part of your trek you're going to Bali.

Don't get sucked in by Kuta - it is a weird and wonderful place, but it isn't Bali. If you have time and get the chance, stay up in Ubud, particularly in the Gerebig Bungalows (piece of random info: 'bunga' is Indonesian for flower, and low means, well, low) in Penestanan.

The Bungalows are run by a wonderful family, who also own the paddys that they look over.They're cheap, clean and have hot water. You may even bump into my dad there, the infamous 'Mr Dick' (as in Richard), who's fairly well known as 'the kooky ex-pat with a cat' - my cat to be precise. Anyway, (blah, blah, blah) they have some amazing ceremonies in the area, and if you do bump into 'Mr Dick', I'm sure he'll be happy to take you to some of the traditional carvers and some of the family homes in the area.

Also, if you do go to Ubud, go to Tutmak - a friend of mine runs it and it has some great artwork there. It is an old haunt of Monet's grandson, who lives in the area. You can't miss him; he looks like Father Christmas in a sarong.

All the best, and happy travels!

James Collier

PS You can find some of the funny mushroom Maccy Dees in Midnight Oil, which is on Poppy 2.