By Adi Arifin
Immediately after the occasion, thousands of tourists were rushing out to depart from the island only international airport, foreign governments issued travel warning, thousands of confirmed arrivals canceled, hotel occupancy plunged down from nearly 90 to less than 20 percent, even the only Bali based international airliner stopped their operation. Business players in Bali confirmed that the effect of the second attack was far worse that the previous one.
In some ways, the terrorist successfully fulfill their objective in spreading fears. The whole picture led to global psychological fear, which was worse than, and definitely worsen its economical effect. Not only foreign tourists, local residence also avoided crowds, especially those where Western tourists and residents used to hang around. Supermarket, shopping malls, hotels, airport, tourist spots, cafes and restaurants, were just to name some.
Now things seemed to slowly get back to normal pace. The most obvious evidence was weakening security check in public places. In many shopping malls, security guards started to hang their metal detectors. They did not check visitor belongings any longer. Closing to the holiday seasons, international airliner operating flights to Bali confirmed their fully booked status well in advance, as well as hotels and private villa rentals.
Last week our company held a little farewell party for our resigning team members. With a courageous spirit of fighting the terror fear, we decided to go to Menega, one among tens or hundreds of beachfront fresh-sea-food huts along Jimbaran bay, which has been one of the ground-zeros of the second bomb attack. Two years ago, many of visiting foreign and local tourists as well as locals working at the restaurant were killed and severely injured in this place.
The scene was surprisingly different from what I expected before. On a small motorbike, I struggled to find a little parking space which was already full with hundred of not only cars but also big tourist coaches. When I finally got together with the group, we were sent out from Menega, the extended restaurant did not have enough space to accommodate all of us. Almost all tables spreading from the entrance to the sandy beach steeping to the water were occupied.
We were lucky enough to get a space at another restaurant next to Menega. Those who are used to this place would understand that next door here means different cashier while the beach tables are borderless. Whilst other restaurants were also having decent number of visitors, Menega was definitely the one enjoying the most of them. That was possibly the reason the terror executor had in mind when selecting it as a target of his suicidal attack. But something which remains my mind until now is whether they choose Menega to memorize the tragedy or it has just simply forgotten.
Anyway, for whatever reasons, this popular sunset dining spot is still offering its extraordinary culinary experience. Magnificent sunset in your eyes, smooth ocean breeze on your skin, laughter on your ears, the smell of grilled fish on your noose, and taste of wine and wooden-grilled oysters on your mouth are fabulous combination which is just too good to miss out. For those who are still keeping a little fear, your little courageous gut to pay a visit is definitely worthwhile.
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