In Reply to: Going solo to Bali end of Jan posted by DW Zebra on Saturday, 24. December 2005 at 19:41 Bali Time:
Then when you go out onto the beach from the hotel you should look for a group of massage ladies, manicure etc. They are Nyoman, Nyoman, Emma, Maria, Suzie, Mary. Such good value to sit and chat with. Old Pak Nyoman (the elderly man with little English) runs the esky with the soft drinks and beers. The others help him out with the language, prices etc. His son has the beach chairs and umbrellas. His wife Ibu Nyoman also well on in years still comes down to the beach sometimes and massages but more usually stays home and babysits her several grandchildren. We've had so many laughs down in this spot over many years. Made sells silver and is a very laid back easy going salesman!! "Jimmy Hendrix" sells watches and will give you a good deal too.
They would be so happy to hear that you heard of them on the internet because everyone knows about the amazing success of Sammi and Suzie from this forum. If you were to print this out and take it down they would be blown away I'm sure!!! Tell them Hilary and Brian sent you and said to give you a good deal :-) :-)
Emma's husaband (another Nyoman) who sells temporary tattoos is a very good driver too, not crazy at all and he has taken us to Jimbaran Bay several times. You would be comfortable with him and he will wait and bring you back to your hotel. If you want to go upmarket he'll take you to Sharkeys or wherever but we go to Denas in the older group of fish cafes and Nyoman knows where that is. (much cheaper and excellent quality down that end, but if you don't want to use a squat toilet either go to Sharkeys or don't drink beer!!!!
Have a really great time
Hillary