BaliLive

The Spa Haven of Bali

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This article expresses some of the most pleasantly and even heavenly Spas of the Island of Bali in Indonesia:

  • The Karma Spa, Karma Kandara: is renowned for its scenic beauty close to the Indian Ocean. This spa consists of luxe huts that are sublime and rustic and a seductively laid infrared detox sauna. This spa is lifted to an even more higher vibration with its therapeutic massages, celebrity oxygen facials and healing reiki included into their GMO Free Treatments- dedicatedly provided by their anatomy trained Body Workers.
  • The Spa at Sentosa is set in one of the best boutique hotels of Seminyak. The Treatments Menu comprises of holistic, beauty, juice cleaners, wellness, a fitness centre, and a medical spa. This is one of the few spas of Bali devoted to healing all areas of wellness.
  • Healing Village Spa at 4 Seasons, Jimbaran Bay is a beachside garden spa located at one of Bali’s established resorts. This spa is noteworthy of its night fire yoga, cleansing ceremonies & kundalini crystal healing. This spa has also integrated the ‘Pure TDA Facial’, the machine based facial which provides lasting results with supercharged bio- active ingredients.
  • The Spa Alila, Alila Soori: It is an attractive spa made up of a modernist sanctuary made of local charcoal volcanic stone. The facilities comprise of heated terrazzo beds, rain showers and sunken baths. There are distinctive Asian therapies performed at dim lit sultry rooms and also produces a set of spa products to take away home.

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Buying Balinese Furniture the Easy Way

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Balinese Furniture

When you go to Bali for a holiday you will see many lovely things to buy for gifts or for yourself. However, there is a limit to what you can carry home in a suitcase, so you may be disappointed that something like some lovely wicker furniture had to be left behind. Of course, you can arrange to have it freighted, but there will be an additional cost and the time spent in getting it through customs may be longer than you want.

After all, you’ve gone there for a holiday, not to waste a whole day getting something shipped to your home. Bali has some beautiful boat wood furniture that will look lovely in your garden, but you can avoid all the hassles of arranging for freighting – and picking it up off the dock at home – by simply buying your goods from a furniture store that imports Bali or Indonesian furniture.

Being disappointed because you can’t take home something you really want unless you waste a lot of your precious holiday time, can easily be avoided in this way. It’s good to take a photo of it so you don’t forget what it looks like when you get back home. Then it is more likely that you’ll find the same or something very similar at the furniture store when you go shopping.

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The Best Places to Visit in Nusa Lembongan

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This Balinese island is no longer just a place you mark on your agenda for a day trip. It has become increasingly popular as a vacation destination and rightfully so! Just 20 kilometres off the southwest Bali coast, you’ll discover the island paradise of Nusa Lembongan. Excellent snorkelling, fantastic diving, uncrowded white sandy beaches, and world class surf make this the perfect destination. Here you can have the Bali experience without the hustle and bustle of the other tourists.

Don’t let the slow pace here fool you. There’s tons of things to see and do, depending on your interests. Relax on the beach from your villa from www.easybalivillas.com, go diving for manta rays, take a cliff top walk, explore the mangrove forests, visit the Hindu temples, or check out the seaweed farms. Be sure to enjoy the stunning sunsets that are ready to astound you.

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Clay Marzo Surfing

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Not even shot in Bali, but it’s worth publishing anywhere! Song Credit- Metallica, Fade to Black, Edited By Kieran Clark, Filmed By John Barton

Bali 9ft & Single Surf Comp 2014

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From Deus ex Machina The Deus ex Machina 9ft and Single event for 2014 was held at the Canggu / Pererenan river mouth right hand break featuring some World class longboarders and a bunch of local ex-pats. The competitors all rode 60’s inspired single fins and showed how much style they all had with beautiful … Read more

3 Best Beach Clubs in Bali

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Just like there are endless experiences to be had in Bali, there are also endless beach clubs to choose from. We have made the job easier for you by showcasing our top three.

Karma Beach Bali

If you are seeking an exclusive beach, hidden from the hustle and bustle of Bali then Karma Beach Club with its ‘secret’ location is a must on your destination list. Karma Beach is nestled at the foot of a cliff with great accommodation options available from www.luxury-villas-bali.net and surrounded by pristine white sand and a sparkling blue lagoon. Getting to the beach club is half the fun, you can either jump aboard the memorable funicular ride which gravitates down 85 metres of sheer cliff face or there is a set of beach stairs for those wanting to experience the local flora and fauna. The well-stocked oyster bar of this Aegean Sea inspired club serves us gourmet pizza, tapas along with a fine selection of quality liquors, champagne and beer. The white stretch of beach with calm waters make it great for kids, for mum and dad can lounge in one of the plush armchairs while keeping an eye on the kids as they play.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 01:00

Location: Karma Kandara Resort, Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan

Paon Beachclub

Pack the kids, the frisbee and your sense of play and head for Paon Beach Club. The core of this club revolves around beach activities and was designed with families in mind. The long pool and lush beachside lawn is ideal for fun family activities where kids can run, play and swim till their hearts content. Translating to ‘Kitchen’ in Balinese, Paon offers a fabulous selection of international cuisine and authentic Indonesian dishes which cater for all tastes and ages.

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4 Best Surfing Spots in Bali for Experts

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Here are 4 of our all-time favourite surfing spots in Bali.

Impossibles (Intermediate – Advanced)

Easy Villas provides this surf report for Impossibles. Overlooked by cliff-top hotels and Bali villas, this place is known for its speed, Impossibles gets its name because it is almost impossible to get around the sections during smaller swells. The beauty about Impossibles is that it is such a huge stretch of reef that there are a few different launching spots, meaning that it virtually never gets crowded. On a good day this wave is known to be long and fast, reaching heights of 5ft and over. If it’s peace, solitude and a long ride that you seek then the Impossibles should be on your hit list.

Keramas Beach (Intermediate-Expert)

Located passed Sanur in the direction of Gianyar this once secret surf haven is now one of the most popular surfing hubs in Bali. Renowned for its big swell and epic reef break, Keramas promises world-class waves to those who hit the water early, as after 7am the onshore winds can possibly affect the barrel. Sections of the reef break are shallow and Keramas is reserved for only those who can ride confidently.

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4 Best Seminyak Restaurants

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Here are our top 4 favourite restaurants in Seminyak at this time. If you have chosen to stay in a luxury villa in Seminyak, then these are a few of you go-to restaurants to check out.

Sarong

This Asian influenced  dining establishment has become one of the most sought out restaurants in Seminyak.The combined restaurant and cocktail lounge takes traditional Asian street food to a new level, inviting guests on  a journey of taste sensations across Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, and Korea all with a hint of  Balinese flair. The food is consistently great, and Sarong prides themselves in serving up only quality food that is authentic, fresh and locally sourced.

Location:19x Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan, Bali

Motel Mexicola

With a vibe that is both  relaxed and friendly,  this colourful Mexican restaurant creates home-style  meals that are made for sharing with friends and family over a few laughs and jugs of margaritas. The décor is vibrant with a dash of colourful Mexican kitsch, it’s a home away from home where tacos, empanadas, quesadillas ,tequila and margaritas are abundantly and cheerfully dished out.

Location: Jalan Kayujati 9x Petitenget

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2014 Bali Masters AFL Championship

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The swanky Canggu Club in on the west coast of Bali has just played host to the 2014 Bali Masters Australian Rules Championships.

Twenty three teams from across Asia and Australia lined up against each other on the specially modified grounds of the pristine Canggu Club in Bali.

Running from early Friday 7th until Saturday night of the 6th June, and with a minimum age of 35 years, the emphasis is on fun and friendship rather than hardcore footy. All the teams however, still competed with as much spirit as their old bodies could muster resulting in the need for as many ice packs as ice cold bintangs.

Standout teams this year were the Jakarta Bintangs, Dubai Dingoes, Darwin Waratahs and Audo United.

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Drifter Surf – Coolest Surf Shop in Bali?

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drifter surf

The Drifter Surf Shop is one of my favourite shops in Bali. Whether you are looking for a Dick Van Stralen quad or a Channel Islands board, maybe an ultra-cool Patagonia backpack, Speargun or GoPro, Drifter has a wide and interesting array of surf and water related products set in an ultra cool, retro space in … Read more

Are all Bali DJs Created Equal?

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Bali DJ

You may think that one DJ is just as good as any other when it comes to hiring your wedding DJ, but this is not so. A DJ who plays at weddings must have different skills from one that simply spins decks at the local pub on Saturday night for fun. Not all DJs are really good at putting people at their ease and helping them to have a good time.

The Saturday evening DJ does not need those kinds of skills because people are there to drink as much as dance and that in itself tends to relax them. They know what to expect as far as closing time, so the DJ doesn’t have to remind them of that. And the pub crowd are nearly always within a certain age group who know how to have fun, while a wedding guest list can comprise people from all age groups and many different walks of life.

This means the DJ who plays for weddings needs to be able to relate to people of all ages, not just the younger age group.  They should be able to relate to the older generation which is often invited to a wedding, but rarely go out to the pub and club scene. These people have different expectations of what happens at a wedding reception and they may be staid and old fashioned.

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Bali Attractions Include Recreational Drugs

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recreational drugs bali

When it comes to visiting Bali we hear a lot about the sun and surf, but there are other less conventional attractions that bring people to Bali and they include recreational drugs such as ‘magic mushrooms,’ cocaine and marijuana.

Early on the local authorities were either not aware of the drug tourist market or they chose to ignore it. Today, the government ranks among the toughest around for illegal drugs. It doesn’t even have to be “hard drugs”. All illegal drugs seemed to be viewed with the same contempt.

A British woman is facing the death penalty in Bali relating to a drug charge where she is being accused of possessing cocaine for trafficking. Mrs. Sanford denies the charges, but  if she is found guilty, she may get the death penalty or at least 20 years in the primitive Kerobokan jail (which could be classed as the equivalent of 40 years in many normal Western located jail.

So if a vacation to Bali is appealing to you because you want to party and there is an availability of recreational drugs, you may just want to keep the penalties in mind before par-taking. Recreational drugs are illegal and the penalties can be fatal!

If street-sellers’ offer you drugs, they could very likely be police informants and sometimes the drugs aren’t the slightest bit pure and can be mixed with cheap and dangerous substitutes. If you are arrested for drug use and drug possession, you will be detained by police for an undetermined period.

That doesn’t seem to be enough of a warning for some people who are looking for a fun-filled getaway in Bali. If you are thinking about doing some ecstasy or smoking some pot on your next Bali holiday, it’s a good idea to think again. It might be that you are seeking ‘an escape’, but you really are asking for trouble.

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Do You Want to Get Your Vagina Smoked? Then Come to Bali

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vagina smoking

How would you like to have your vagina smoked like a high class Javanese woman? If you do not know what we are talking about, it is time you did! Indonesia has an entire beauty industry that has grown around intimate care.

Javanese women of the upper class participate in pre-wedding event that takes 6 days and it involves Asmaragama or love massage, Kendedes or vagina smoking or fogging. Vagina spas also called VG spas and V spas boomed throughout Indonesia and can be found in some of the upscale spas in Bali.

This industry flourished thanks to a mix of folk tales, seduction hygiene, intrigue and smart business savviness. In addition, Asian women believe if you want to have great sex and keep your husband you need to have a tight vagina, accomplished with a special blend of herbs called ‘jamu.’ This Javanese tradition has been turned into an expensive ritual that now extends into a market that’s far reaching beyond Javanese women.

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Schapelle Corby Released

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shapelle corby

Shapelle Corby has been released from Kerobokan jail in Bali today. She has spent more than nine years in Hotel K on drug charges. She departed the jail in a van with a massive media contingent and chaotic scenes. Indonesia’s justice minister, Amir Syamsuddin approved Corby’s parole application late last week, and she is expected to be … Read more

Japanese Woman Spend Big on Bali Gigolos

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bali gigolo

You might be surprised to discover that Japanese magazine is reporting that Japanese women are heading to Bali because they like what they see – Gigolos – yes that’s right. Bali beach boys are serving Japanese women and making a very comfortable living making love to them.

For one-time encounter, Japanese women are spending 584k Rupiah or about 5.000 Yen. It does go as cheap as 233k Rupiah or 2.000 yen and as high as 1.1 million Rupiah or 10.000 yen for a full day, which is one of the most popular services offered.

As a tourist destination, Bali has become a very popular getaway. For years, this little gem was a well kept secret, but not anymore. It’s not only become a popular getaway for couples, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a getaway for sexy encounters and the massage industry is the gateway into finding the adventure you want.

It’s quite common for the Japanese woman to ask the beach boy to do a very exotic massage from top to bottom. Then at some point during that massage, the woman asks how much it’s going to cost to for the ‘full’ service.

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The Best Places to Visit in Nusa Lembongan

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Nusa Lembongan is no longer just a day trip attraction. Just 20 kilometers off Bali’s southwest coast it has become a popular destination, and rightfully so! Currently this location remains a well kept secret, which means things aren’t as crowded here like some other areas of Bali.

You can enjoy the white sandy beaches without having to fight for space. It is easy to go diving and/or snorkelling among the world-class surf breaks without the hassle of some of the busier travel destinations. Of cause, it will not stay like this forever, as more and more tourists discover this little gem.  All of this makes Nusa Lembongan the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts, families, friends, and business travellers, because here you can enjoy your island experience and there’s no need to tolerate the hustle and bustle of busier neighbouring Bali communities.

The pace of life in Nusa Lembongan is slower, more relaxed more laid back – don’t let that fool you, because there are tons of things to do here. So if you aren’t diving for mola mola or manta rays or you aren’t relaxing on the white sandy beach, then why not check out some of the other great things. How about a cliff top walk, a visit to the mangrove forest, and a visit to the seaweed farms. Why not spend some time exploring and enjoying the magnificent views. Do not forget to take in some of the stunning sunsets. They are some of the best you will ever see.

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Community Based Tourism is Growing in Uma Abian Bali

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Community Based Tourism is Growing in Uma Abian Bali

Bali is home to the delightful small hamlet of Uma Abian (in the Belayu Village) Tabanan. While this may not be an area of Bali you are familiar with, if you are planning a trip to Bali it is most definitely an area you should explore.

Uma Abian has been spending a great deal of time developing the area for community based tourism and the results are definitely impressive. Agung Prana, who has worked a great deal within Bali’s tourist industry was quick to give this little community some assistance.

The locals have taken the time to develop Uma Abian area and what you now have is an interesting tourist destination. Other Bali villages might use this model on their villages to enjoy the same type of economic growth that has been seen here.

Currently there are a handful of local households who are participating and there have been around 32 rooms made available. Of course, that number can change at any time. Right now, you can expect to pay Rp 800,000 per night.

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Bali Mandara Toll Road is Now Open to the Public

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The opening of the Mandara Toll road to the public was met with great excitement. This toll road is going to make a difference of about 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai airport to Benoa turning a 30-minute ride into a 10-minute drive. That’s exciting. The Bali Mandara toll road connect Nusa Dua with Ngurah Rai Benoa, Bali

It seems with the opening came some glitches and travellers were quickly reporting that there were significant traffic jams after the exit gates. These glitches are sure to be worked out over time as the excitement of the new route returns to normal and traffic patterns stabilize. Once the toll charges begin it’s likely locals will opt for the old way of commuting and that will take a great deal of pressure off the new Mandara toll road.

If you have not seen pictures of this toll, you should take the time to have a look. It is really quite an amazing achievement and visitors are not only going to save time, they are going to get a spectacular view as they travel this highway.

According to a recent news report, local officials are excited because their goal was to have the toll road open for the APEC Summit, which happens in October, and they did indeed meet their goal. According to government officials this toll road was built to help reduce traffic jams, support tourism infrastructure and to help make it easier to transport goods.

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Gay Massages in Bali for Same Sex Couples

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Gay marriage is now legal in many countries around the world and Bali is quick to recognize the importance of being a gay friendly country. Even though the traditional family is very important in Bali, they are very relaxed when it comes to homosexual relationships. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Bail spas offering massages for same sex couples.

There is nothing to stop you from walking into any one of the massage parlours and ask for a massage for two with your partner, but it would be a lot more comfortable if you knew that the spa or massage parlour you are visiting actually did massages for gay couples. Umalas has one very friendly spa that openly invites gay couples for massages catering to a male clientele. There are actually some amazing spas throughout Bali that cater to gay couples and their needs.

Some of the spas are a great place for a couples massage and then enjoy some pampering like a pedicure or a little aromatherapy treatment after. Some of these spas or massage parlours openly advertise that they welcome gay couples while others are a little more discreet about promoting what they do.

What’s nice about Bali is it goes further. Sure, having a gay couples massage is ‘hot,’ but let’s face it you are going to be doing a lot more while visiting Bali. What’s great is you are going to be welcomed with open arms, whether it’s a local nightclub or walking down the street. Whether you are exploring Sanur Beach on the sleepy southeast side or exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, everyone is welcome here and you won’t feel out of place or different.

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Bali Government Wants to Preserve Traditional Bali Games

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When Balinese children attend school they learn the Balinese language, but they also learn traditional Balinese games such as Gala Gala, Tajog, and Bakiak/Terompah. However, the concern is that these traditional games are going by the wayside and thus an important part of Balinese culture could be lost. It seems these days Playstation and other video games are becoming more popular than traditional games. In fact, in some schools the children are no longer taught these traditional games.

These games are not just played by children, adults participate as well. After all, they are a real part of Balinese culture. But the concern is that these games are dying a slow death. Just recently, the Denpasar Culture Agency has asked for an inventory of the different traditional games that exist in the area. So concerned are they about the loss of these traditional games from their society, they have made this a priority.

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Marketing Bali: Image Ideas

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When you’re building a website about Bali vacations aimed at the tourist industry, what kind of image should you use to represent Bali? We’re talking about the overview here – designing your website, logo, banner, or business card.

The good news is that Bali is such a rich landscape of culture and natural wonder that you have a wide choice of iconic representations to choose from. What we mean by “iconic representations” is, for example, think of the Disney theme parks. The first image that came to mind was probably a set of mouse ears. Or think of the tourism industry for France – notice how the image of the Eiffel Tower immediately flashed through your mind? Things like that are iconic – they represent their place using a picture.

Here’s some possible inspirations for your Bali-travel business:

* Temples: You can’t throw a rock in Bali without hitting a temple. Half the tours in Bali have temple stops. Also, they have that distinct pagoda-style layered peaked roof shape, perfect for a logo.

* Watersport: Surfboards, snorkel gear, jetskis, and yachts are just perfect for a Bali tourism campaign that focuses on beach-side villa rentals. If you just represented a seaside attraction with sea shells and starfish, any old country with a coastline can boast those. But quality ocean-going leisure can only be had in places like Bali.

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Kuta Bali Equals Babes and Booze

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kuta sex bali

Kuta in Bali is well known for its backpacking centre for those who are on a pleasure seeking mission, its cheap lays and its cheap beer. If your Bali vacation goal is to take your abroad fun to a whole new level, then your trip to Bali needs to include Kuta. Let’s have a closer look at Kuta’s babes and booze.

Surfing, babes, partying and fun sum up most Bali vacations in Kuta. It’s an amazing place to have amazing experiences and there’s no judgement about what you are up to. You control how crazy your experience is. It can range from the downright interesting to the whacky and weird – it’s really in your hand.

Bali is an amazing place to be even without babes and booze. But those on vacation tend to like to party hard and that’s how you meet a wide range of people each with their own story to tell. One thing is for certain; sexy fun is plentiful in Bali whether it’s the beach, the cafes, the nightclubs like ‘Sky Garden’ or ‘The Bounty’ – or one of the many happy ending massage places such as ‘Kuta Bugar’. It’s everywhere! This is especially true in Kuta because it is the main party district. Getting laid in Bali is not a problem.

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Snowing in Bali Drug Trafficking In Bali

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snowing in bali

It’s snowing in Bali. What? Snowing? Never! Actually, when we are taking about snowing in Bali this is the code that is used by drug dealers when a very large cocaine shipment has landed in Bali. For the men who are in charge of Bali’s drug empires, it means it’s time for them to get rich.

This practice dates back to the 1980s, when smuggling cocaine to Bali entailed the use of South American surfers. This was certainly big business! The drug trafficker’s methods were alternated depending on what was being scrutinized by the authorities. A surfboard shaper would be paid $5,000 to embed the cocaine into the surfboard and then the surfer would travel to Bali with his/her board.

This method remained popular until the mid 1990’s when Frank de Castro Diaz, a South American surfer was arrested at Denpasar Airport in Bali with 4.3 kilos of cocaine hidden in his surfboards. The publicity around the case lead to a temporary halt in moving drugs this way.

However, that was short lived and before long, the cocaine was once again moving from South America to Asia using sports equipment, windsurfing equipment, surfboard bags and a blend of tourists. There’s no shortage of surfers that were willing to be a runner. That’s because it’s a lucrative business. The cost of the cocaine goes up with every border that it crosses.

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