The most interesting, intelligent, stimulating, and dearest of my friends, from all corners of the globe, have been found here in Bali. My brother Matt, who I first "met" on this forum shortly after its inception, was most influential on my decision to move to Bali permanently. Well before he adopted the pseudo name "White Devil" Matt was a regular poster under his own name, Matt Wyatt. Matt utilized the forum in a unique manner, sharing his knowledge and experiences freely. He would, however, not suffer the "slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune" nor did he suffer fools gladly. It is now exactly a year ago that he first showed signs of a serious illness. Maybe that is why he is so much on my mind lately. He helped me on my journey to Bali, and I helped him on his final journey. This is the essence of Kharma, and the cycle of life.
Other posters have written that perhaps the best reason of all to come to Bali is the prospect of gaining self-knowledge. I most vigorously agree. Virtually ever expat I know in Bali acknowledges personal growth and positive changes in their life. Expats seem to come and go like the ebbing and flow of the tides. Long after the euphoria of living in Bali wears off, the "successful" expats are all bonded by an understanding and acceptance of giving back to Bali what Bali gives. Virtually every expat I have known that did not last long, failed to accept this essential point.
There is a brotherhood, and a sisterhood among those who "make" it here, and this transcends simple longevity. There is nothing snobbish about this, indeed, any visitor to Bali who runs into a long term expat will most likely encounter a person who is most willing, if not outright enthusiastic in sharing their "tips" based on their own life in Bali.
There is very little competition in Bali among the expat community. There is no "keeping up with the Jones's" as the diversity of backgrounds, culture, education, and interests that are de jour here, would never be found in any suburban neighborhood. Conformity is an unknown word and virtually nobody stresses out about mowing or watering their lawn. Moreover, the idea that expats are drop outs or otherwise unsuitable within their own culture or homeland is a myth. Most likely, in my view anyway, this opinion is held only by those who lack the courage it takes to move to a foreign land.
For sure, Bali is not for everyone, either as a vacation destination, or a permanent home. Even more certain, the last thing I would want to be known for is encouraging an overpopulation of Bali by expatriates. But, on the other hand, Bali seems to ring the Banjar bell in a most peculiar manner. The message is simple, "many are called, but few are chosen." Om Santi Santi Santi Om.