Well as I have written, we were very happy with the Bali Hai Hotel. The grounds very well looked after. The location on the beach. It didnt matter to us that we were in Tuban, as everything was just a cheap Taxi ride away and honestly it was just too Hot (panas) to walk too far also. The 2nd day after shopping, when we got back to our room, the kids were excited to see that the video player was swapped over for a dvd player. Which suited us better, after buying many dvds in Bali for the kids.
We got to see inside kellers family suite, this was located on the ground floor over looking the pool and was nice and spacious. We also had 2 other families that we knew staying at the Bali Hai at the same time as us, so it was never short of a dull time. The kids loved it and the activities around the pool at various times were also very good. There was always someone amongst our group that was winning a bingtang or softdrink or icecream, either in a swimming race, ball throwing comp, bingo, table tennis etc.
Our family all went in to Kuta to try and track my balinese friend down Tracey, that I have known since 1988. Usually she works across the road from the Ramanyana hotel of all the years that I have known her. But this year I couldn't find her. Then I hear my name being called out from across the road, it was Traceys sister to tell me the news that Tracey had moved with her family to Candi Dasa. Well it was only a quick mobile phone call away and Tracey was on the other end giggling away and so happy to hear me. So we arranged with Traceys brother to take us to her village a few days later. This was great because I finally got to meet her husband and two boys, 9 and 9 months old. We had bought a suitcase full of my sons(Jarrad) clothes over with us and some toys for the boys and baby clothes and some treats for Tracey. This of course was received with great pleasure. Our two sons got on just great. They played a friendly soccer match with the locals,and got along well all day. It was not until we left that Jarrad had tears in his eyes and I asked him what was the matter. It seems that he couldnt communicate with him in English and he felt sad for Mahendra and also the fact that he said Mahendra has nothing in his bedroom but a mattress. So now he has full appreciation for the clothes that we always bring with us to Bali, because he knows where they go now. Her baby just loved the bubbles that we took for the children to play with.
Getting along to other days that we spent out, We went to Waterbom Park for the day with our friends and one of them was so impressed with the gardens and grounds inside. (It was his first time) Got to do some diving practice in the pool and also there were birds for the children to hold, Playstation competions, and the Bali bungee.
Went to the Elephant Park. This was a good day, but quite expensive as we went for the rides as well. It was worth the money if you can get the chance. The kids loved it. But make sure you get there in time for a show 12pm or 3.30pm . Our driver didnt tell us. So we had a bit of waiting around.
Went to the monkey forrest in Ubud. Did some shopping in Ubud markets. I can see why so many people love Ubud.
Lee got to see rice terraces for the first time and was busy taking photos with his new digital camera.
Saw the new Bali memorial.
Went and walked up the beach and looked around the Patra Jasa hotel as friends of ours are staying there in Dec. Boy is this a swish hotel. And big, you needed a buggy to get anywhere.
Had massages on the beach outside hotel by mistry (who was recommended by Filo)
Had the Royal Bali massage for 2 across the road at the Green Garden and Spa Hotel. Enjoyed this once again.
Finally got in touch with another Balinese friend of ours, Lidya. We took her out for dinner. She arrived at our hotel room with every photo and gift that we had ever given her and layed them out on the bed to show us that she never forgets us, and also had gifts for the kids and myself.
Places we ate....
Poppies restaurant
Pantai
SA Cafe
Green Garden across the road
Bubba Gumps
Legian Garden(also went to Melbourne Cup here)
Planet Hollywood
Koris
The Beach restaurant at our hotel.
The boys also went on the go karts twice in kuta.
Anyway that is about all at the moment that I can think of at the top of my head. If there are any questions, please feel free.
All in all it was another fantastic trip to our favourite island and our home away from home.