Well, the excitement begins. First disaster: I check the passports on Saturday morning and he's only got 5 months left instead of the required 6. Panic! Ring dozens of people, including DFAT and Qantas. They won't let him on the flight, because if they do, and he's rejected at Denpasar, they have to fly him back at their own expense. So we cancel frequent flyer flight, re-book a full fare for Wednesday, he has to get an expedited passport first thing Monday, I have to travel on my own (with my sister and her husband on Sunday), and there's lots of questions when we arrive. Where is Mr Kidd? Passport problem. Aaaah, passport problem.
All is fixed and he does arrive safely on Wednesday, but not in enough time to save me from almost drowning on Tuesday afternoon. For some reason known only to God, I get a dizzy spell and pass out in the middle of the pool. Sister and husband not there, as she's having a massage. Made friend for life with Jurgen and his wife Sabine from Germany, who drag me out of the pool and comfort me while someone gets sister. I have major stress attack. Let me tell you, drowning is not a lot of fun. I wouldn't recommend it.
On Monday Wendy (Wenful) arrives to spend time. She's lovely. We all get along like a house on fire, and make arrangements to have another day together next Monday. Going to check out Candi Kuning and Cracker's Bar (and the famous toilet). Have organised driver (Made, what else) for Monday at 350,000 for the day. We're comfortable with that, won't argue the point. Considering the cost of everything, that's not bad.
The exchange rate currently is 6880 to AUD1. Everything has gone up. Even the penguin satay at Lazers Sports Bar is now 15,000 compared to 7,000 last year. Petrol is 4,500 per litre. Still get a good price on watches and DVDs. Get watches on the street at 3 for 100,000. Some very fine watches, including Rado and Rolex.
Bought 104 DVDs at Sakura, top floor of Ramayana Centre. 10,000 each, buy 10 get 3, buy 50 get 10, buy 80 (which I did), get 24, buy 100 get 50. Gotta be happy with that. Checked them out with the portable player, and all seem to be fine, except for "Walk the Line" which won't start. Will take it back next week when we go back to collect our new spectacles.
Took a bicycle tour around Sanur this morning. Something new the hotel has implemented. Allen and I were the only ones on the tour, which made for fairly personalised service, and it was extremely interesting. Had to cross the Bypass twice, which was a little intimidating, but the traffic is very aware of bikes, so kept out of our way. All the locals seemed happy to see tourists taking an interest, and it was "Hello" and "Good morning" every step of the way. On the way back, asked the guide why the beach rescue patrol was on the beach this morning, and he said they'd lost a German tourist yesterday, snorkelling on his own. They hadn't found the body yet, but I suspect they were waiting for the tide to bring him back in. Very sad.
That's enought for now. Will report back (if I get the inclination) in a few days. Feel free to ask questions.