I thought it was time to repay all the kind forumites who inform and inspire us with JBRs, so here's a "JGR" - Just Going Report. Weather in Perth wet, cold and miserable (although yes we do need the rain) max 18 degrees C. Daughter's 21st party last night OK despite weather and the fact that we had the party after asking her in January "do you want a 21st party or a trip to Bali?" Sensible response: "trip to Bali, wow thanks!". Few weeks ago 20 year old says "I'll invite all the family to my place, plus a few friends on the Sat nite." Sounds good. Daughter's place small, parents place big party area, problem solved - 21st party at parents! Smart girl, gets party AND trip! Party finished 2:30 am, Dad takes daughter & boyfriend off to airport at 5:15 am. Phone call 10:00 am "flight delayed from 8:00 until 12:30 due to fog". Could have slept in a bit!
Taxi from our place to airport would have been approx 325,000 rupiah. T-shirts at local market 130,000-195,000 each. No bartering, no discount for 2 or more (can't afford more than one anyway!) no "morning price". Dinner for 4 at local Asian last week 507,000 rup and not even a nod of thanks as we dropped a 32,500 rup tip in the bowl on the counter. Bottle of beer (= to small Bintang) at big Perth hotel cost 55,250 rup. Silver bangle for friend's daughter's 21st 422,500 rup. Massage at local beauty salon (30 mins) 357,500 rup. New joggers (in sale) 487,500 rup - bargain, were reduced from 708,500! Husband's haircut (not a big job either:-)) 156,000. The Lord of the Rings "Return of the King" DVD on special for 182,000!
One more day of driving to and from work on the freeway in rotten weather, trying to guess which of the drivers in the lane you want to get into doesn't have road rage this morning & may actually let you in. Two more days of washing, cleaning, cooking.
Then what? On Tuesday night we follow our oldest daughter to Paradise! No washing, cleaning, cooking (and especially no working) for 3 whole weeks. The best smiles in the world from people in restaurants, shops, markets, taxis. Discounts for bulk buying; morning price; good luck for my shop; beautiful scenery, great food, relaxing poolside in gorgeous weather, and interesting people - where else can you buy stuff from Jimi Hendrix (numbers 1 & 2 I think), Mel Gibson, Sammy Davis Junior or even Eminem? A place where we can let our kids go off on their own to a local restaurant or shopping because we feel safer doing that in Bali than we would in Perth.
Yes in two more sleeps we're off again to amazing Bali. Again thanks for all of your tips and JBRs!