Background - Family of 5, Myself (Paul), wife (Jennifer), daughter (Victoria 10), sons (Zachary 6 & Alexander 5)
Sorry forgot to mention in Prequel JBR that we are from Perth
First of all a great thanks to Balibabe for producing the Bali Bible. This was a fantastic guide this time around and to everyone who posts messages for your insight and advice on absolutely everything
Second of all apologies. This is my first attempt at a JBR so here it goes.
We arrived 21st. December, staying at The Dynasty in a kids suite and spent the first day just familiarising ourselves with everything, everyone, catching up with our friends from Melbourne who were celebrating their Tenth wedding anniversary. We were made to feel right at home with all the staff going out of their way to welcome us back. A pretty quiet evening as we babysit for our friends whilst they have a special wedding anniversary candlelit dinner which gives the kids a great opportunity to catch up and lets us catch our breath after such a hectic night and day to arrive.
22nd December. Put the kids in Kids Club, Followed advice, hired a driver (Malek) at the front of the Dynasty and headed for Makro. What a great place. Only intended to do a half day with Makro, Galleria and some more but Makro alone took about 3 hours. Jennifer stocked up big time on stationery (A lot of teachers seem to be the same). As I selected a number of pens, I got to talking to the gentleman next to me who turned out to be Elmore' from the Forum. We got everything from water (a whole carton for $3), Autan lotion for mozzies ($1 a bottle) cereal, wine, snacks, milo, cigarettes, berocca, milo, toiletries, a box of 100 chupa chups for only $6 plus much more including out there purchases like large Brass numbers for the front of our house which were about 80 cents each. Anyway finally got to the checkout only to find out that they don't take visa, only American Express so had to pay cash. Lucky we had enough. We went past the Wine of the Gods and bought a couple of bottles and then headed for the Galleria. Jennifer wanted to look at whether they had any Nintendo DS games for the kids. We stopped at the little bakery just outside the supermarket and had something to eat. We didn't get sick last year from the food so decided to brave it again. Really cheap and quite tasty. I am struggling to remember the names of the food but it was like large fresh spring rolls. We get a couple each which they place in a plastic bag with some special sauce and fresh chillies and they only cost about rp2000 each. Good to have the wipes handy as they are oily. Jen had a look at a couple of shops while I had a haircut, how cheap about rp25,000 for wash, cut and then wash again. Had to give it a go. Getting late we head back to the hotel to rescue the kids and to indulge in Happy Hour (or hours I should say). Cost of driver rp200,000 and I think we would have been out at least 5 - 6 hours. We rescue the kids from Kids Club, well they don't really want to be rescued but are happy that we are back and now have the option of leaving. Jen decides on foot reflexology whilst I have a neck and shoulder massage before we get into the swing of the nights festivities. Thursdays are quiz nights at Gracie Kellies which we always try to attend as it is for charity helping the poor kids in East Bali. Always a great night with The La Rasi brothers, an absolutely fantastic band and a great bunch of blokes.
23rd. For every one day of shopping must come a day of rest and rest we did which basically consists of eating, drinking, more eating and more drinking interrupted by the occasional swim or organised activity around the pool like bombing competitions, water volleyball or a water melon competition. We booked our Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and New Years Eve Dinners. Not a particular eventful day in terms of the JBR but a day much enjoyed by us as we are just winding done from work.
24th. Well if yesterday was a rest day then today means 'Shopping'. Off to a slow start after a late night, kids off to Kids Club and we plan to do a lot of browsing today to check out whats on offer and prices. We head out of the hotel and I remember reading in the Bali Bible about two shops Diane's and Jenny's that are two doors apart. Look at both, decide to look closely at Diane's and again how good is this. Fixed prices basically the same as we paid last year and no haggling, well maybe just a bit to keep everyone on their toes. We got her to put everything we wanted to buy (boardshorts, singlets, t-shirts, satchel, Bintang stubbie holders, skirts etc) to one side so we could pick up on our return from a visit to Centro. Needed to check out PS2 consoles for the kids Chrismas present. Went to top floor, electronics area and ultimately made the decision not to buy. Walk back via the beach and I head off to see another recommendation from from the Forum to order the PS2 which is a special edition silver one, already chipped, two shock controllers, memory card and I select the 10 free games. Pay deposit with a promise of delivery to hotel at 8.00pm. With that all organised I walk back to hotel via Diane's to pick up shopping. Back in the hotel it is happy hour once again before we get ready for our Christmas eve dinner at the Tropical Café by the pool. The heavens have opened up and the staff are running around with umbrellas. True to his word, I received a text message that the PS2 was in the foyer. He came to the room to set up the PS2 and test it, unfortunately we had to pack it all up again so the kids would not see it. I returned to dinner to see the last part of the magician show all be it with extra props of umbrellas hovering above his head. With more rain dinner was short and we retired for the night and with great difficulty got the kids off to bed.
25th. Christmas Day and the kids love the new PS2. Not much time for playing as again we sleep in. (Its those heavy lined curtains that we don't have at home that work so wonderfully in keeping the room dark) as we get ready for lunch. Jen and I agree that our Christmas present will be a deluxe spa package for two in the Spa Villa, so we make a booking on the way to lunch. The kids got a present from Santa. The food is great and before long it is time for our pampering and massages whilst the kids play with the new PS2. Feeling relaxed the night just involves room service and a quiet night in if you call the sounds of a PS2 quiet!!
26th. Boxing Day. Bali Belly. Jen has been restless all night and by breakfast is really suffering. We bought the Norit tablets and Jen retires for the rest the day. The kids play PS2, I hang around the pool and Victoria gets ready for Kids fashion show. Another hotel activity where the kids all become models and parade down the catwalk during dinner. Great to watch. Both Zachary and Alexander are jealous of their sister and regret saying no to being involved earlier on in the day. Well there's always next Monday. Well we are booked to go on a Reef Cruise tomorrow off Lembongan island but Jen is still crook. Well we decide to wait until the morning to access the situation. Off to bed, we have an early start with everyone meeting for breakfast at 7.00am
Next instalment to follow