WOW!!! What a trip. This was my 9th trip and hubby's 3rd. This trip was to be our unofficial honeymoon as we took the kids on our 1st holiday, it was also Rob's and my birthday whilst we were away. We had had this holiday planned for 5 months and suddenly, October 1st rocks our world. Should we go or shouldn't we. We decided that we need to support the Balinese people and off we go on 4th October for 15 days without the kids. PURE BLISS.
We stayed at the Pelangi Bali Hotel and Spa Resort in Seminyak. We heard mixed reports about this hotel on the forum and was a little worried. Well, we instantly felt at home. The rooms were clean and spacious. The hotel was about 60% full when we arrived which soon fell to 30%. The hotel staff were very friendly and since the hotel wasn't busy, they decided to do some maintenance (polishing floors, few rooms being painted etc). The only complaint that I have is that the pool bar was only open for 3 days then you had to order everything from the restaurant after that. NOT HAPPY JAN!
We went to the S&S on the 6th and as our luck would happen, Susie and Sammy were at the Ramadan ceremonies and we had to drink else where. We did eventually catch up with them and met the 'famous' Smudge (a lovely chap I must say). He gave us some great places to eat etc.
The 7th was Rob's birthday and we had booked at KeDeTa 2 weeks previously so we still decided to go. Security was huge (about 15 guards between the front gate and the front door). We order 2 bottles of wine and both had a 3 course meal. The staff came out to sing happy birthday much to Rob's embarrassment (haha). Final bill
2 030 000 (rounded down to the nearest 1000). We nearly had a heart attack. With the exchange rate at 7500 it cost $270.00. Food was great and service impeccable but would not do it again.
Bali was very quiet with tourists etc and we went to Raja's to see the damage 6 days after it had happened. I must say that I did not remember this place until I had seen it and thought back to the previous year when my husband, myself and our 3 kids ate there for lunch. Chills ran down my spine. My sympathies go out to all that have been effect by this terrible tragedy.
To be continued...............................
Jay & Rob