Aussie Mother Issues Warning After Terrifying Birthday Trip to Bali
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An Australian mother is sharing a cautionary tale following a distressing experience during a birthday getaway to Bali. Amber Hills, a 34-year-old single mother from Brisbane, embarked on a spontaneous trip with a friend, seeking a much-needed escape from the demands of parenthood. However, what was meant to be a relaxing holiday took a horrifying turn, leading her to issue a warning to other travelers about the potential dangers of consuming alcohol while on vacation.
A Desire for Peace and Quiet
Hills and her friend took advantage of the school holidays last year, jetting off to Bali for a brief but much-anticipated break. “We just wanted to lay on the beach and read a book in silence,” Hills told Yahoo News Australia on Monday, revealing that this was her first visit to the popular Indonesian tourist destination.
After three days of basking in the sun and enjoying a tranquil atmosphere, the duo decided to enjoy a meal at a beachside restaurant renowned for its stunning sunset views. It was here that Hills made a choice she would later reflect on with regret.
The Fateful Decision
Confronted with a $60 minimum spend per person at the restaurant, Hills opted for a margarita instead of her usual bottled beer or wine. “If I’m gonna have a cocktail in Bali, this would be the place,” she thought, especially after noticing a nearby family drinking cocktails without issue. Sadly, this decision would lead to grave consequences.
Shortly after consuming her first drink and starting on her second, Hills’ health quickly deteriorated. She recalled feeling unwell and struggled to make it to the bathroom before returning to her friend, who was alarmed by her condition. “I was deteriorating quickly,” she said.
A Race Against Time
Her friend, noticing the alarming change in Hills’ health, immediately reached out for help. A group of locals, including their driver, assisted in transporting her to a nearby venue operated by an Australian expat for urgent care. As her condition worsened, Hills reported that her eyes kept “rolling back,” and she soon collapsed in the bathroom after experiencing severe vomiting.
“I hit my head on the sink on the way down,” she recounted, describing the chaotic scene and the frantic response from those around her. With the help of local good Samaritans and a visiting doctor, Hills was stabilized after receiving intravenous fluids. “That’s how I woke up — with a black eye and no idea where I was,” she explained, emphasizing her gratitude towards those who helped her during the crisis.
Returning Home and Seeking Answers
While she had initially planned to remain in Bali for another week, the traumatic experience prompted Hills to return to Australia the very next day. Upon her return, she sought medical attention but was informed that the substances in her system would have likely dissipated by the time she was tested.
In the following weeks, Hills decided to share her frightening experience on social media, hoping to educate others about the risks of consuming alcohol in Bali. According to her, many individuals reached out to share similarly harrowing experiences involving tainted drinks.
The Dangers of Alcohol in Bali
Methanol poisoning, a health risk sometimes associated with illegally produced spirits, can cause severe reactions and has been cited in previous incidents in Bali. Experts, including safe drinking advocate Colin Ahearn, advise travelers to steer clear of spirits while on holiday in Bali. “There’s never been a case of methanol poisoning from any of those,” he stated. He encouraged travelers to limit themselves to beer, wine, and pre-mixed drinks readily available at local stores.
Amber Hills’ story serves as a vivid reminder for travelers navigating the festive but potentially perilous alcohol landscape in foreign regions. As she continues to process her traumatic experience, she hopes that by sharing her ordeal, others can remain vigilant and safe while enjoying their holidays.
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