Indonesia enchants me

I am an Australian, having just returned from a two-week (first time) holiday to Indonesia. I was humbled by Indonesia and its people. I arrived thinking that I may be able to imagine how people living with little may be doing it; considering I am a frequent traveller to Africa -- another third world destination.

However, I had not countered the magnitude of what it means to live with the size of the population that Indonesia deals with. And how does it happen? With rage and stress and intolerance? To the contrary.

I found instead a nation that was gentle in its endeavors to cope with such chaos. Many times I remarked on the ability of the drivers in such perceived pandemonium.

I returned to Australia as Indonesia's biggest fan. One week in Jakarta and one week in North Sulawesi gave me just a taste of just what enormous beauty, serenity, culture and diversity Indonesia has to offer.

From our news reports in Australia, I can see how the majority of Indonesians are horrified and terrified by the weekend's tragedy in Bali. This bombing is not the Indonesian way. I will continue to believe that.

I feel more privileged now post-Indonesia than I ever have. I have been witness to a multitude of acts of generosity and human kindness in Indonesia that were overwhelming.

The image that plays again and again in my head is that of babies being held by adults in such a natural and loving way. And then of course the smile when the adult becomes aware that we are looking on and loving what we see. And the smiles of the beautiful children and tolerance of our presence.

I thank you Indonesia for giving me the opportunity to be witness to such a magnificent country. I am intending to return many times to discover more of Indonesia's treasures.

Your fine country does not deserve this atrocity and out of respect I will not let the Bali bombings deter me from returning.

LIZ LENAHAN, Jakarta