Sunday dawned and the sunshine managed to peek through the clouds. I was expecting to see Noah gathering animals after the last 2 nights rains. Instead he had gathered the party animals onto Tina's porch. They announced ' We are going to La Lucciolas for breakfast'
'Heaven I'm in Heaven' - well the amount I ate it's a wonder I wasn't in heaven suffering from MBO (massive breakfast overeat).
We crossed the little bridge and La's looked almost deserted - my bottom lip dropped as I thought about the possibility of them closing because of the lack of tourists. But never fear - the cleaner advised that they would open at 9 - it was 8.30 so we marched up the stairs and plonked our fine frames at the front table. I think that move prompted them into action and they began arranging tables and setting them - 'forget the table cloth - I'll eat the hash browns from the floor' It seemed to me to be the longest 30 minutes I have ever experienced - even first stage labour passes faster.
Breakfast was divine and lasted till 10.30. The staff should be on the wall (in a calendar - with or without clothes they certainly are top quality eye candy - I would say in the Ferrer Rocher quality). We crossed back to the car park just as a couple of police trucks arrived. We asked one group for a photo opportunity and one copper grabbed his comb and made himself beautiful, the others were a little more shy and politely declined - We got a few good photos with the help of the shy constables and just as we broke up the posing group (5 Bali babes & a copper) - sounds like a good title for a movie- the well groomed Byrlcreem lad whispers to me 'You got money' I laughed, rubbed my tight stomach and whispered 'no I ate it, got none left' and I opened my small notes wallet that was actually empty. That felt almost as good as getting morning price.
We decided to walk to Syra Art but it was a battle keeping up with Tina (alias Lisa Ondieki) so Sharron & I just sauntered behind. Now I am an avid walker - I walk most mornings for an hour but keeping up was a challenge - my legs must have at least 5 inches on her too. We finally gave in and decided to use performance-enhancing methods - a taxi- to get there. Then they were closed but Leonie using her superb persuasion skills convinced them to open Lesson Number 1 grasshopper plan where you go on Sundays as some Balinese also have a day of rest. Then 1/2 drama No 4 I realized I had left my camera in the taxi. Meandered a bit further along and found Martha florist - well Tina purchased a large bunch of tuberose and I bought a nice arrangement. So inexpensive compared to here.
Sharron, Leonie & Lynn hailed a cab to Bintang Supermarket and Tina an I checked out Divine Diva and managed to part with a few more thousand rupiah. We all met up at the supermarket and gathered a few necessities and back to the comfort of the pool. We spent many bonding moments in that pool but upon reflection I giggle when I recall a few moments - you see we were like sharks in that pool waiting for the next victim to walk past. We purchased DVD'S & CD from the pool and a hotel staff member carrying a nice bag walked past the 'pack' and the water rippled not quite a feeding frenzy but a deep curiosity of 'that's nice how much and where?' And must have one - so she accommodated and returned a few days later with a collection of bags. Her mum either owned a shop or at least worked there.
We set off to Sanur for dinner and sitting at the beach tables at the Bonsi we were asked, 'do you want to move inside? - It's going to rain soon'. Sharron was busy tucking into her chicken & cashews but found time to reply 'oh no we're fine thanks'. The expressions on the staffs' faces were a true indication of the situation and the couple of drops soon became thousands. We retreated to the sheltered restaurant. Lesson No2 grasshopper - these locals do know their weather. We caught a bemo back to Legian, the driver was a Bob Marley look alike. We drove back with the side door open - I would have spoken to my kids so sternly if I caught any of them riding in such a dangerous vehicle - one sudden swerve and Sharron would have catapulted home to bed in WA
Another day & night in paradise had ended and we were all looking forward to our trip to the mountains .