Trip to Pacung Indah and the mountains. Now getting 5 women and their 'travel light' luggage into a vehicle and better still keeping them all in the vehicle was a big ask especially with no blokes to whinge and keep hurrying us up. We managed a few stops on the way and enjoyed seeing the all the ogoh-ogohs almost completed in the various villages.
Left our bags in the foyer of Pacung Indah ( no time to book in there was shopping to be done ) and headed to the Candi Cuning markets and Crackers famous Loos & bar.
Now I don't ever recall raving about loos anywhere else in the world except in Bail and the ones worth a mention are usually those attached to some very high-class establishments. These loos are such a surprise and a must to inspect. BTW big fella - I managed to leave you a little part of me let's call it a deposit (too much info again). I also left a couple of trophies and one of my well used pewters. I chose a couple of more unusual trophies to leave - one was a Toastmasters trophy - and those who know me will agree that I like a yarn and can talk underwater . The other 2 trophies were from a Steins Ski trip in the 80's when I could ski with the best of them - well when I could stand up and stay up. I decided that there are many concepts the Balinese have managed to copy & introduce in Bali but I don't think in my time I will see a copy of the snow fields ( Thredbo and Mt Buller have nothing to fear- yet). I look forward to drinking out of my trusty pewter on my next visit - it is well dinted (a bit rough around the edges just like the owner) - it kept falling from my hand at kegs and gatherings- just why does that happened?
The markets were fun and I purchased lots of bags of spices for 5000 from Made, here stall is in the very centre of the main building . All up I purchased as I made 3 trips to the markets ( Tina & I snuck in on the way up or back from our Lovina trip- see I really don't know if I'm coming or going sometimes) . I also purchased the long little mixed sample ones that they sell in the supermarkets for 17000. I find these good gifts for the friends who still like to use a kitchen. She warned me about the hot chilies and I shrugged the warning off - let me tell you - the chutney I made last week has almost melted the glass jars. You take off the lid and get tears and a sudden sinus invasion. The macadamia nuts taste bland - We once had a tree so I do know the good taste of home grown ones but the Bali ones were almost tasteless - cheap but tasteless. I purchased cashews and must say I enjoyed them - they were cheap and yummy. These markets were a refreshing change from the Legian & Kuta markets - I did purchase some beautiful cloths that I intend to use for Tablecloths - They are check and have threads of gold through them . I was able to purchase a few pairs - well 4 pairs and an odd one that I just couldn't resist, - when all the family are home we eat at the table tennis table so it will be nicer than the sheets that I have been using. I enjoyed a chat with the Adopta Co-op girls and I purchased a few funny T-shirts for 50000 ( the boys loved the beer shirts). I was amused by the shopkeeper adjacent to Adopta he continually reminded me that he had giant sizes - and it was so genuine and non offensive. Now the girls have reported plenty on the markets and Crackers Bar so do an archive search if you missed it and want to catch up.
Arrived back at Pachung Indah in time for the buffet lunch - . forget booking in ( we had lunch to consider) not really - we did manage to get our rooms sorted but it was a quick sort and we were front and centre at the long tables with tongs & spoons in hand and a curious appetite. Lunch was a distraction - this view has to be seen not to be believed - I don't care who believes but I do care who misses this opportunity. Now I claimed (in my restaurant report )that I had a few 'hits' on the pumpkin soup but I was reminded that it was vegetable soup - ah well in theory it was vegetable (minus the rest of the vegetables).
Thank you Moira for a memorable yet short stay - one night is not enough - you just get into the relax mode and it's time to go. I loved the soft/fluffy towels - you don't even think about things like that when using hotel towels but my poor old skin sure enjoyed the nice change. And a loo with a view - again has to be seen to be believed - my suite had the most amazing view from the loo and the sitting room. Watching the mist move to an fro around the mountain was amazing - the scenery changed by the hour - One minute I admired the volcano and the next minute she drew her veil of mist and clouds - I say she cause none of you blokes could be so beautiful and mysterious (perhaps with the exception of the coffee plunger at La Lucciolas ). And whilst on the topic of beautiful and mysterious I saw an albino gecko on the wall of the courtyard of my beautiful suite - it was a first for me and I am interested if anyone else has seen white geckos. Dinner followed by giggles and girly talk with Moria was fun but special for me was hearing about Ian. I had introduced myself to him at Crackers Bar- it was a special moment to touch that blazer sleeve and ask him if he had caught up with my dad.
I liked sleeping with the door open that night - the night air was so crisp and pollution free and not one kamikaze, persistently hungry mozzie. I slept like a rock that night perhaps it was the mountain night air or perhaps it was the B&B - Baileys & Bintang ( not as a combination).