Up early keen to get outside with the late arrival the night before..Had not stayed at the Dynasty before found it lovely and peaceful in the morning before everyones out at the pool and the whist
les and bells for the happyhours start.
Decided to at least have some attempt at looking like doing some exercise so on with the sandshoes and out of the side entrance and onto the beach. Always the best time in Bali the early morning, locals are happy just to talk rather than just selling.Beaches along Tuban/Kuta i found still to be quite clean.Walked for the half hour then headed back in as the guys start setting out their displays of shells and freshwater pearl necklaces. Had a look at these but didnt buy any had some pretty colours but have no idea of the prices.
Collected my husband and Hannah my 7 yr old and in for the buffet breakfast if you buy i think 8 vouchers you got 4 free. This options great if youre big eaters but i never felt like a lot of food all at once so a few days opted for a more relaxed breakfast poolside or across at Daddys cafe which is a great cheap alternative with the food and service being good.
Decided as Made had gone back to the village for his grandmothers cremation just to do a few things where we didnt really need a driver. Decided on checking out some tailors. 1) Anika Tailor nice work and a vey professional type shop but i think its more suited to the corporate clientele or if you were after formal dresses etc Price here for a 90% wool mans suit was around the A$250 mark.2) Nia Tailor..Price around the $120 hadnt decided on the suit but i had some alterations done -really cheap 5 pieces taken in $2 each and they dropped them back to the hotel and they had done a good job.3) Dolphin Leather where they do tailoring as well decided on a 90% wool suit cost $120 A when it arrived back pants were too wide but they had them altered in 2 hrs and finished were great also had some leather shoes made for $30. Would suggest if you have favourite clothes best to take them to get copied.
Decided on the elephant park for the next day and booked it through the hotel just had the c.c bill $212 for 2 adults and 1 child.
NEXT DAY; Picked up by Bali adventure tours in the minivan and up to Taro near Ubud with about 7 others from nearby hotels.Arrived about 11/2 hrs later at the park. Had alook around the museum first then down to the baby elephant feeding which the kids love as the elephants are really friendly. You give the other staff youre name so you are in the queue for the ride and as we were towards the end headed in for the included buffet lunch in the rest. which overlooks the park first. The lunch itself was actually quite good with a reasonable variety. Finished just in time for the elephant show which goes for about 15 mins which shows how clever the elepehants are. Timed it right as soon as the show had finished we were next in for the elephannt ride my husband and daughter on one and myself on the other.Its actually very nice ride through all the greenery. Not sure if they normally do this.... but after giving the guides a few of my chupa chup supply she asks if i want a photo by myself and proceeds to get off the elephant..must say was a bit nervous trying to ascertain how hard i was going to connect with the ground if the elephant decided to run off if he saw something worth eating. Then she says sit down on its neck and with me looking worried she says" no problem""no problem: in the usual balinese way. Meanwhile i think my husbands close to a breakdown just watching so of course declines the offer when it comes to his turn. So had the photos done on the elephant alone and must say relieved when she decided to get back on. I think my thrill seeking days are definately declining..We then continued on with ride back to the start area where theyll take photos of you with your own camera when you go into the water. The ride probably goes for about 45mins. Luckily all the people on our bus finished at the same time so had about 5 mins wait then back to the hotel in time for a much needed swim by about 3 pm. Must say even though this tour is fairly expensive i definately think its worth the money and is very well set up.
Staight into the swimmers when we got back. Found the pool to be reasonably busy on some days with most of the lounges taken up not really conducive to a quiet afternoon ie reading a book as theres always activity in the afternoon which is great if thats what youre after. Found the grounds a bit confining in a way maybe as there was no direct beach view but good that you usually knew the kids were not far away if you were looking for them as the kids pool is right next to the big pool.. My daughter was a bit disappointed as the long awaited 56 metre water slide was still being tested at that stage.
I think we decided to try the buffet at the hotel on this night which was around the 100,000rp mark must say found that a bit disappointing to ones wed had the year before at the Patra. They did have the balinese dances though which is always entertaining.