We left for Bali on the 26th sept for what was suppose to be 18 fabulous days.We stayed at the Puri Raja and instantly fell in love with the place ,great location,beautiful gardens,friendly staff,yes the rooms were a little tired,but clean and comfy,and thats all you need.
We were meeting up with friends who were staying at the Melasti next door,and boy!we were all on such a high.
The first week we ate at,Legends,Indo National,Wayan and Friends,Poco Loco and the Flying Piano.All were great,except the service at Wayan and Friends was a bit slack.
Hubby and 12yoson went w/w rafting and had a ball,and i shopped and had a beautiful massage at the Melasti spa.We took a day trip up to Git Git,Lake Bratan,A monkey forest and Tanah Lot.
On Saturday the 1st of October we decided to go back to The Flying Piano for tea.After another great meal,we wandered up to the Beleka hotel for a quick look at it, and obseved that it was very quiet on the street.It was here we were told that most sickening news.
Our friends daughter was going to the Bounty that night and some other friends of ours were heading to Jimbaren Bay for tea,so even though our hotel was about 7mins away it seemed like for ever to get back there.
The gang that went to Jimbaren were safe in there rooms and the young ones heading to the Bounty were stopped by the security at the Melasti as they were about to leave.We all cryed that night,and not much sleep was had at all.
My huband,myself and our son discussed our options and agreed we did not want to leave straight away,the airport to us was not somewhere we wanted to be with so many people around.Friends were flying out on Thur the 6th so if we could get on the same flight as them thats when we would go.You have to understand, that our son was very scared,hes 12yo,just a kid and his feelings and welfare are our no1 priority.We did get on that flight.
Before we left we managed to visit our sponser child,a very humbling experience indeed.We also went quad bike riding which was bloody great fun!Sadly Filo,we did not get to the orphanage at Negara,but we left all the stuff we bought over with Nyoman from the Helen Flavel fondation to be distributed amoungst the villiage of our sponser child.
Will we go back to Bali,i would like to think one day yes,but not for a while.Am i sorry we went,not at all!What would i say to anyone going soon,its your personal choice,but remember a holiday is not much fun if you cant feel relaxed.
On behalf of myself,hubby and son we would like to offer our sincere condolences to all the families and friends of those who lost loved ones and those who have been injured by this murderous act.
Karen,Brian and Luke.