Well-not really I have been back for 2weeks now and have already got a quote to return in September. Just thought I would put this in first, in case this sounds a negative JBR.
Left Adelaide with AP. Had a great flight,service was brilliant -they just kept coming round with drinks, food & more food. Nicotine patch worked well thank goodness. And yes if you were on my flight I was the fool trying to shove the monitor screen back into its bracket where it swings down from. Never knew hosties could run so fast down a small aisle and shout so loud! As you can gather my first overseas flight.It takes forever to get out of Aust.
Nothing could have prepared me for the Bali airport terminal- sinuses immediately started swelling, eyes watering - strange smell and the humidity! Our flight was the only one to arrive at that time
and I immediately started to stress - armed police,military,guards etc really spooked me and that was justleaving the plane. Don't listen to too many people when they give well meaning travel hints.
By the time my luggage arrived on the carousel I was living a Griswald holiday. Only myself and teenage son and masses of donations for the orphanges. 3 counters later with lots of personnel around us- going through almost all bags. Hyperventilating by this stage and trying to remember not to put down my hand luggage, hang on to passport, where are transfer tickets for coach and 'what was that he just said'.Very relieved to leave the airport.
Great trip to Dewi Sri? Thinking to myself this must be the busy area that people talk about - we'll get on to a proper road soon!
Hello --- it's all like this! Where's the walls in this foyer? Oh! this is the foyer! Mmm receptionist is working an inside job sort of
outside. How odd! I'm used to 4 walls.
Dewi Sri good hotel - good service for the price - rooms a bit small.
Daunting task for the 1st timer getting down the laneway though without getting frightened by the shop traders. Crossing the street to get to Poppies lane was an experience by itself.
Spent 10 days in Kuta (next time will go to Sanur) and found that it was like an enormous huge Kings X a bit grotty during the day, busy and noisy all the time and great if you are younger than me. Each day was like groundhog day - could'nt remember about converting the money and got ripped of badly first thing in the morning (2 sarongs for 150,000 ?????), by lunch was getting better, evening I was on fire - went to bed and it happened again the next day. Spent my money, son's money and had to get more sent over by Western Union.
Thanks god for Western Union and ex husbands!
Found that in Kuta itself and Kuta Beach - hawkers and traders were very aggressive and intimidating (don't think they were balinese -looked more Indian or malay). Legian markets were better to buy from and traders were less aggressive and did not physically 'grab' as much. Kuta beach was very dirty (noticed another JBR that someone mentioned this) and again too difficult to spend anytime on beach due to hawkers.
Saw some beautiful, glorious temples, countryside, ceremonies, and the biggest man and dragon statue I am sure in the world. Got great pictures of the most unbelievable loo's that I used. Visited Tuka orphanage (found that these children were better clothed than some of the village children). Next time will go to a village to donate to locals. Covered a fair bit of countryside during day trips - next time will stay 3 days Ubud 7 days Sanur.
Bartered (badly) with shop owners buying fabric on Sulawesi St (glorious fabrics- a 'heaven') and got some fabulous after 5 clothes made by 'Linda tailor' in Melasti Jl well made- lined, absolutely perfect. Bought shoes, shoes and more shoes.
Came back with luggage very overweight and only $8.00 au between us, a great tan, healthiest liver due to drinking so much water, lost weight - due to walking so much, 110 dvd's, 20 sarongs(not all at 75,000rp !)software, great photos, bags, bags, bags and shoes....and of course watches.
Managed all of that and did not have a manicure, nails painted, hair extensions, braids - but did have a massage!
Returning mid Sept - thanks to all who contribute to this forum - all advice on where to eat, what to see was useful.
Ooh forgot to mention almost got arrested (well I'm sure the police being called would have been the next thing) at KFC at Kartiki Plaza.
'YOU NOT PAY' !!!! American couple had to intervene for me. Ended up paying twice - was very frightened - 4 people from staff bailed me up as son and I were eating our meal and accused me. KFC was very busy and I handed my money to another girl who was not the one that served me! THAT'S A LESSON -
Anyway thanks to all hope I have not rambled on too much and been boring