I don't have daily access to a computer so have put this off far too long. Went to Bali for 23 days in January with a friend from work. It was our 1st trip and every day I'm still longing to be back.
Left Vancouver, Canada with a balmy minus 5 degrees, so we were thrilled to arrive at 10:30 pm to 28 degrees. Yahoo! I'm not used to travelling with a companion & my journal relates having to deal with someone who is less than aware of what's happening around her. First has her luggage directed only to Tokyo not Bali, then leaves her passport behind on our 1st flight. I'm hoping this is not an indication of things to come (it was...).
Oh so long to sit in an airplane - 10 hour flight followed by a 7 hour. I hoped I didn't have to sit down anywhere for a week! But, boy, it was worth it. I was so glad I had picked a hotel that picked us up at the airport as there weren't too many brain cells still going after the flights. Checked into the Sarinande Beach Inn (Seminyak)- too dark to see much & too tired to care. Sure glad I know about taking earplugs against barking dogs, crowing roosters etc. and now air conditioning units that run all night.
In the morning loved our poolside breakfast & the sun. Hotel had a shuttle going to town so we're off the the currency exchange & to check out some sights. I'm fascinated by the tiny shrines & their offerings, the carvings everywhere, (the traffic!!!) and take nearly a whole roll of film within the first hour.
Sure can't move as fast or for as long in this heat tho'. May have to take the pace down a notch or two. Gratefully fall into the airconditioned Lemongrass Thai restaurant for lunch & some ice tea. It looked cool, clean & neat. Food was good if portioned a little small, but we enjoyed our waitress & it felt like a refuge from the traffic. Back to hotel for dip in pool & a rest, then I'm ready to find some beach. Less than 5 minute walk from the hotel & I'm in paradise: sand for miles. Tide going out, took off my shoes & walked. Should have sunscreened my feet as already they're looking a bit burnt.
Fairly quiet at our end but fascinating to see the big hotel set up - lounges on the sand, the massage ladies in action. The busy section at Kuta was a veritable Disneyland of umbrellas, dogs, surf/body boarders, kids, hawkers etc. Could have walked forever. Indian Ocean water like bathwater - perfect temp for the likes of me!
Back to hotel for satay snack, opened our wine, booked a massage for tomorrow & wondered what the poor people were doing. Ahhhh...
Dinner at Warung 96 where they tried to talk us into the seafood grill but I really wanted the duck betutu. What fun! Inside forcemeat so spicy - whew! Pretty yummy tho' & nice veg - loved the shallot salad condiment. Lots of staff - one to entice you inside, one to give cool towel, one to take drinks. At one point there were 3 greeters & a 4th standing just inside the restaurant. Guys in traditional dress, live gamelon music playing. Yep, we're in a foreign country alright. Loved how several of the staff shook our hands & said goodbye as we left. State of collapse at 9 pm. Budget on track - love it.
It felt like I'd been waiting half the night for morning to come I was so ready to get up & start the day. Decided I wasn't up to tackling the bemo system to get to the market at Denpesar so we booked a taxi. There & back was 60,000 which we felt was pretty good. The best sight was a man tying at least 2 - 3 live chickens onto his scooter before driving off as well as balancing the large bag of limes between his feet.
Lots of photo ops at the market but boy, don't stand still for too long. Wasn't long before a lady attached herself to us trying to get us up to see her spice stall ( real saffron...). Next thing we know there's a 2nd one & I wonder how many we'll have by the end. Lots of attempts to sell us silver, perfume, bracelets, sunglasses etc. Found a wonderful batik shop with beautiful fabric. Finally reached our tolerance level with the heat & the sellers, (besides - had to pee!) so hail that cab & back to the hotel.
Warung Kita for lunch - what a change from the "traditional dress" of the night before. Our waiter was a hoot with his huge baggy pants & streaked hair - all that was missing was a skateboard & we'd be at home. Fun tho'. The chafing dish lunch was really good! A rice cooker of rice, a good mix of salad & veg. Had the chicken curry. Loved the peanut sesame brittle that was salty/sweet. Yum. And all for less than $3 back home.
Found internet & gelato for $1.50 a cup. But, boy you need to eat ice cream here NOW, as it melts so fast!! Some interesting shops but mostly too hot to stroll & look. Loved the doggy clothing accessory store with the chinese pug advertizing. Turned out there was a store dog but I felt sorry for him in his doggy coat. Must have that airconditioning turned way up!
A fabulous walk along the beach to Kuta for sunset. It was great to see Bali locals out enjoying their beach that it's not just for tourists. Lots of soccer & we even got invited to join in! Bad idea I said unless you want me to play for the other side! Found what Jenn called a "middle aged" bar with a view to the beach. Carafe of wine & some yummy springrolls to watch the sun go down. An incredible sight & I felt very decadent sitting there.
Walking back along the sand was so beautiful but it was dark by then & we missed our turn in. Back tracked through a very elegant hotel (turned out to be the Oberoi). How we giggled & laughed about being not rich enough for this place. Everyone was very nice tho'.
So we opted for practically the 1st restaurant we came to: Reflections. Loved the tiny welcome drink of arak - hmmmm. Had the spareribs which were pretty good. Too tired to try & walk back so flagged a taxi- less than $1 each - gotta love it.
Next day a shopping day that wasn't all that sucessful. I need to realize it's too hot for shopping (for me) & I find the traffic discouraging. but some fun things. Seeing the beautifully dressed ladies all crammed into pickup trucks on their way someplace.
After a trip to the money changer all of a sudden I feel I'm wearing a sign that says: loaded with dough! Pick my pockets! Couldn't wait to get back to the hotel & safety deposit box. I absolutely did save money by bringing US & converting here. By quite a bit. But you need pristine bills & preferably 100's no older than 1996. Thank you forumites for the tip!
Running out of time. Next installment when I can...