Once again this was written prior to Saturday night and is unchanged, as I do not want this atrocity to 'flavour' my positive feelings for Bali, in doing so I mean no disrespect for those who have been so devastatingly impacted by this tragedy, I sincerely apologise if this the case.
Day 8, AFL Grand Final Day, well if you can't get there, the MCG that is, then the second best place to watch the Grand Final would have to be Bali.
It's standing room only at the Lazar Sports Bar, mostly WCE Supporters, however about 20 Swans Supporters, all very vocal, lots of good humoured ribbing and lots of fun, just a shame that the Eagles lost, and I'm not going to say anything about Barry Hall, except that he needs a haircut! {:o)
Just a note, everyone, including the Lazar Staff, stood and sung Advance Australia Fair, good to see that even in layback Bali we still do the right thing, and throughout the game there was a running commentary on the rules and there application, for the crowd of 'Transport Boys', who were watching from the foot path.
Mind you it was confusing for them when opposing supporters disagreed vocally over a number of the decisions, mostly however the transport boys found these interchanges better fun than the game! {;o)
There was one 'moment' when a lone 'English Soccer Fan' ventured a disparaging opinion on the game and was unceremoniously 'ejected', but still smiling.
It was a bumper day for the Lazar, in that 4 extra kegs of draft Bintang were rushed in at half time, along with armfuls of packs of frozen French Fries, to keep feeding the 20 - 30 kids, mostly sitting on the floor in front of the big screen, anyway a good day was had by all, despite the loss! {;o)
Back to the Griya for a swim, and to finish off the Duty Free as sadly we leave tomorrow, and for or last dinner it's back to the Retro.
I have previously stated that this is one of our favourite restaurants in Sanur, those who haven't been it about 200 meters south of the Griya, on the other side of the road, it only has a small street frontage but opens up at the back, it is vary spacious it's impossible to bump chairs with the next table if you know what I mean, and very clean with good loos, and the most friendly and attentive Staff.
Food wise, well we started with the Spring Rolls with 3 different dipping sauces, and the Avocado and Shrimp Cocktail, served with a complementary basket of the most delicious Garlic Bread I have ever tasted.
For mains Mrs C had the Char Grilled Bali Tuna with Lemon, Lime and Garlic Butter, while I was a bit of a woos and opted for the Filets Mignon with Mushroom Butter Sauce (I can only go so long without red meat), both dishes served with the usual accompaniments of Salad and Fries, oh, and another basket of garlic bread.
As always washed down with a number of those 'Cocktails' that Bali is so noted for, which can be generically described as 'various coloured fruit crush with loads of alcohol' normally topped with fruit, drunk with a straw, slips down as easily as you please, and bites you on the bum when you get up to stagger back to your hotel, but don't you just love them! {;o)
For those interested in the cost, not that it matters after having such a wonderful meal, from memory all up 130K Rp, including a generous tip, that's still under $20AU.
We have no hesitation in recommending the Retro, or for that matter any of the Cafes and Restaurants in Sanur, either on the main road or on the beach front, I can honestly say we've never had a bad experience.
To be continued, regards BJC.