and a dinner with some forumites. Yes, we're back & as the trip was 3 weeks this JBR will probably be a bit long for some, so I'll break it up a bit!
Well, 2nd June finally rolled around and it was time to leave. BUT not before some drama (typical of us). Before we could even check in at Sydney airport our youngest daughter (3 yrs) decided to climb up on the luggage, overbalance, head-butt the luggage trolley big-time and give herself a black eye. And we thought our biggest drama that morning would be getting our enormously overweight baggage on board!
In fact, the Australian Airlines staff didn't bat an eyelid at our 111kg of luggage between four of us, phew! We had a slight delay as they were waiting for some passengers, but that was the only hiccup - the staff were very friendly, the food very good (butter chicken/fritata, followed by Weis bars).
We arrived at Dpsr at 2:50pm, took just on 1 hour to get through VOA line & immigration then straight through to bags. We used the porters - for 4 very heavy suitcases, 2 heavy wheelie backs & 2 backpacks we negotiated 30,000Rp, then gave them 50,000. Needed 2 taxis to get all the luggage & us to Benoa, and they were 60,000 each.
The check in at the Conrad is brilliant. I believe others have mentioned thid before me, but just briefly, you don't go to the counter, you go straight to a lounge overlooking the pool, lotus ponds with carp, & ocean and are served a complimentary icy cold drink with a cold wet cloth whilst someone else fills out the minimal paperwork, & all you do is sign. A lovely start to what was to be one of two fantastic stays at this resort. We would definately stay there again if our budget allows it. When we'd soaked it all in concierge were beckoned & escorted us & our luggage to our room. As we were on such a cheap rate we expected to not get a great room - WRONG! I wanted to take the bathroom home - it was spectacular with a huge bath, frosted glass doors, marble everywhere & a huge window which looked through he room & out to the ocean. The room decor is SO tasteful & thr rooms are huge. The beds are amazingly comfortable & every room looks out over water in some form - the ocean, the laggon that runs around the hotel, the pool, ponds, waterfalls, etc etc.
Once we'd showered & changed we were off to meet some of the forumites for dinner. We knew we were too late to meet them at S&S so we headed straight to the Indo-National where we were supposed to eat BUT when we got there, no forumites & no booking & they were chockers. So, ever the optimists, we headed in the direction of the beach in the hope of catching the group there. As we were heading there we passed a large group of tourists & as we passed we loudly exclaimed "Bali Travel Forum!". No reaction, obviously not them. Around the corner & just before hitting the beach we saw another large group of tourists & again said loudly "Bali Travel Forum" fully expecting another bunch of confused stares. But no, they all yelled "Yes!!!", "Aaaaarghhh, I'm Dromomaniac" I yelled at them like the Cewek Sinting that I am. Couldn't believe we'd found them so easily! After many introductions (getaway & hubby, Colleen, Ralph & son, Fiona, and Tony & his partner)we headed down to 'Legends' for a fun & delicious meal (pigged out for <AU$20 for 4), we were really glad we took a chance & went looking for the group. One person who was missing was Tam_Tas so we rocked up to her hotel and wandered through calling "Tam_Tas!!" to no avail. Lots of strange looks from total strangers but no Tam_Tas. We tried this again a couple of days later but again no-one owned up to being Tam_Tas, so we figured she must be out & about & not lonely. We were really relieved, though, to read when we got home that Tam_Tas was having a great time & wasn't lonely at all. Good on you Tam_Tas!!
More to follow.....