Travelled 8th - 22nd April
4th trip in 2&1/2 years
Stayed at the Bakungsari hotel again and as a budget hotel go is great value.
We just go for a break now as we have done the touristy stuff before unless someone wants company on a trip.
Did all the usual things (Shopping,More shopping and then there is the Shopping for other people)
Mostly ate at Bamboo corner in Poppies 1 but did have a very nice meal at Alleycats just off poppies 1 near Legian street.Owned by pommie guy.(Good change from indo food) Breadtalk always good
Went to S&S a couple of times and met up with Balibec and her sister (Larissa) which we had met last year in August.Also Smudge-Made Nicno,Nyonya and other's who's names have gone from memory.(sorry)
As Balibec mentioned in her jbr we all went to the orphanage in Sammie & Suzie's Village. Great afternoon had even though we thought we were going to do a cooking class after the visit.
Also went to visit our sponsored children in Singaraja which after a few hiccups turned out to be the best thing we have ever done.
Wasn't going to visit as I have only just started sponsoring them and thought it was too early.
Sponsoring through the Helen Flavel Foundation.
We arrived at the learning centre early,only to find it locked and no one around,but after a few phone calls Nyoman Sukadana(the coordinator for the learning centre) soon turned up from his job at the University and after a quick look around we were off to the school and village of our sponsor children.(Gede & Juni Brother and sister)
At the school we were introduced to the headmaster and staff then shown around the classes. It was funny as we were introduced as Distinguished Guest (we think not)and also did a few question and answer things for the students and handed out lollies books and pens which we had brought just prior. We were very impressed with the school even though they have nothing like our schools. They are all taught English from 4th level which would be a great + for them.
Then it was off to the village to see were they live. SHOCK!!!! Small 3 room house 1 bed (Mum Dad & 2 kids all in 1 bed) no furniture to say. Very poor.But as usual always smiling. (They have nothing but are content and happy).
In the house we were offered sweet bread and ice tea which had just been bought for us which was humbling as we knew they had nothing as work is hard to find for the father.
We had bought a few things for the children and a food hamper for parents but just didn't seem enough, Also a bag of clothes for sharing.
After the village it was back to the learning centre (still early) but students were early too. ( 2 hours) Just so willing to learn and better themselves.
I can not say enough about Nyoman Sukadana and his wife who give so much of there time to the learning centre.
Don't want to ramble on too much but it was a great experience and for anyone wandering if they should sponsor or not please do you won't regret it.
Well that's about it as this was our last day.(Amazing how quick its gone)
Now just planning when to go back.
Shane & louise
Tasmania