Well, who do WE blame?? There's a belief-- that once a person is addicted --they'll always remain an addict--Well, I'm here to tell you people on the Bali Forum that, thanks to your advice and encouragement--you have created a MONSTER-- thanks to your love and brilliant descriptions of Bali--we've succumb to the Bali addiction--we're ADDICTED-and they say that cigarettes are the most difficult of addictions to quash--me thinks NOT!!!!hahahahaha!!
The hot Bali blood is still running through our veins--the bintang still running through our brains--the Balinese smiles still caressing our hearts--and--the sand still falling from my swimsuit-hahahha!!
Alas, we're home in South Korea, where it's freezing cold. It's only been 2 days since we said our Selamat Tinggals and already we're looking for our Bali fix---what a trip!!!!
We arrived on Feb.2nd, in the evening!! 2 plane loads-we flew via Singapore Air--was magnificent--absolutely no hassle going thru' the immigration protocol---changed some coin at the airport--don't change much of your money here, the rate is poor--we took U.S. cash--was trading at 8700 in the airport--elsewhere in Bali we managed to get between 9190-9350--even beat the money changers at their own game once--landed a 9500 rate with no commish--I think the guy drank too much Arak-Oh that's right --I challenged him to a drinking contest--he didn't know that Canadians can drink--hahahah!!! The kodak shops were generally the safest and fairest to deal with. No hassles with the porters at the airport--In Sun-my partner in crime-grabbed a dolly,we loaded our luggage and off we went. Our shuttle from the Green Garden was patiently waiting for us! Being dark we couldn't fully appreciate the surroundings--but--the smells--the heat-the warm reception at the hotel--wonderful! Great budget hotel for those wanting to stay in the Tuban/Kuta area(as well their beach resort hotel is a little more $$-but-quiet and beutiful--close to the beach). First night we ventured, on foot. Where are we--In Sun asked--Entahlah!!Let's just Berjalan Kaki--OK?? Not really getting a sense of direction-or-Jalans--we wandered for hours thru' the cracks and crevices of Kuta. We stopped a couple of people and asked where we could get something to eat--they said to follow them--InSun was concerned--not me--I had a good vibe--ended up at their house and they prepared some satay and nasi goreng-I picked up some bintangs-thank you Gede and Jenny( his wife)-met them later on our trip to go to a couple of clubs and house parties. What an introduction to this wonderful island. The next few days were spent playing with the market people and the Bargaining game. We spent 7 days total in the Tuban/Kuta/Legian area---4 days would have been sufficient---too noisy-too crowded for our liking--even though it wasn't really busy--too polluted--Kuta is alright--but--becoming too Westernish--with the huge shopping malls being built everywhere--I feel for the small entrepreneur-their time is being challenged---the beaches were dirtier than we expected. If you're into trinket shopping and western style food it's everywhere. Went to the Waterbon park--go early--it helps land a good spot--if you have kids-or-a young mind and heart-it's a gas!! The club scene was alright--been there done that-and paid for the t-shirt before-hahahaah--but worth the hangover-hahahha!! If you're fortunate enough to hook up with a couple of the locals--the house parties are better-live jams, and friendlier people-as opposed to the meat mongers at the clubs--but if you're into getting your jollies-off--there's plenty of opportunity at the clubs! You can search the forum for the bars--they're pretty much all the same--party-party-party-hahahah!Have to admit--we did have a great time!
Did the Geneva thing-worth a trip--MataHari--good for supplies-Leather goods--great price and fairly well tailored! Was amazed at all the chi-chi(pronounced she-she) eating establishments--must be nice to have lots-o-money--too much fusion cooking-KuDeta,the Living Room,Gado Gado,the list goes on--I've been in the food biz' for over 20 years--time to get back to clean tastes for the palate--they have so many local spices to play with--- oh well ada kene,ada keto-hahahha!! If you're into that sortofthing--La Lucciola's, Ma Joly's was interesting-settings are magnificent at all the chi-chi restaurants. Talked to a number of the chefs at the restaurants so I understand where they're coming from--but?? Made Warungs,Bamboo cafe were fun and reasonable. Met some other fantastic people working for humanitarian causes-locals and foreigners--I'll tell you at another time and place--I'm shaking, just thinking of the Spirits I've been touched by in Bali.
Next up was Candi Da sa! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH peace and serenity!! Stopped at Pa Dang Bai on the way--beautiful,small bay. Not far is the white sand beach-a few kilometers. Stayed at the Kubu-Rex you rascal-hahaha-bargained for a good price and well worth the stay. Built in the side of the hill over looking the ocean. Make sure your heart is in good condition--it's a walk up and down--fantastic. Stayed for 3 nights--and thoroughly enjoyed it. Didn't have to go to the Monkey forest in Ubud--had our private visit with the monkeys every morning and late afternoon- our room was at the very top of the resort near the forest. Went to Amed--Wow--- the beach and snorkelling was wonderful. Went to the Water Palace(interesting), Lake Batur(beautiful view), and Besiak Temple(amazing history). Didn't make it to the Bali Aga village-next time? Al-in-all Candi Da sa was a very cool place to chill(getting that Zen kinda feeling) after the Kuta madness.
Onward to Ubud. WOW WOW!! This is it--Bali Central!! The artsy,Zenlike surroundings, and a little funk thrown in for good measure that we were looking for. From here you can take your magic carpet ride to the most cerebral and earthy environments of Bali that we had the pleasures of tasting. The arts scene is happenin'--the food thing is there--on the outskirts are the sculptors,the silversmiths,the ceremonies,the mask demons,and a plethora of local hoods/villages! Had the honour of meeting and staying with family members of the royal family-Chokodra Oka and Chokadra Putu--these gentlemen are the real deal!!The local people flipped when they heard that we were blessed to stay with them. Had a tour of their grand ambience of fine resorts,rice fields, and schools( I have to pause for a second--I'm having a major flashback)...........OK-I'm back---Worked with a chef,who was from the Hyatt in Nusa Dua, at the school--what a great gig they have goin'-they're teaching the local woman to bake for commercial enterprise--getting away from the begging-for-money routine! Stayed at the Tjampuhan---to die for--Rex--you rascal-hahahah!!!! I could go on and on about Ubud-but-my computer is on fire-and-I'm getting those Bali tears-So ask questions about food places and spaces....
Our last stop FEB.19TH-23RD was Sanur. Stayed at the Inna Sindu for our last few nights-next time longer-wonderful. The beach was clean--went on for miles-and rather quiet. Went to Jimbaran, from here, for a couple of fantastic meals and amazing sunsets.
Well folks that's it for the sojourn! I have sooooooooo much more to say-but--I'm burnt--your questions will be welcomed and I'll try and give you my honest opinions. We did so much more than I can tell you so, if I remember--I'll post an addendum to clarify some other mind blowing experiences we encountered.
If anything, I recommend that you chill and carry your Karma in the right spaces and places--and--you too will be blessed with favourable Spirit of Bali!!
Matour Suksama to all of you forumites who helped us in making this a very treasued experience--Too many of you to mention--so please understand that you'll all remain in our hearts. So, as it was in the beginning, is now, and forever will be ADDICTED TO BALI!!!!!! YOUR RAY OF SUNSHINE!!!!