We arrived home on Saturday morning after what can only be described as the most wonderful holiday. I went with my girlfriend, we left the children at home and decided to take some time out for us. We had three beautiful weeks of sun, sand, swimming and relaxing. The first week was spent in Sanur at the Gryia Santrian, what a fantastic hotel this is, we were upgraded (at no cost) as we needed a twin room and they only had double left, oh what a shame. The room was divine, the facilities first rate and the staff bent over backwards to accommodate you. I loved the location and the surrounding restaurants, we ate at so many places to many to mention, but I will say they had seafood BBQs at the Griyia on certain nights and this was well worth it. Most days we walked, did a bit of shopping and basically relaxed by the pool, only to move to the massage table to be pampered. It was bliss. On the Friday we went to visit the Helen Flavel Foundation Learning Centre, what an experience this was, I have never met such dedicated staff and such enthusiastic children before, the children were a delight asking questions in English, singing songs and looking at the pictures on my digital camera, they were so happy and lovely. Next I went to visit my sponsor child, I didn't know what to expect and after reading various posts on this forum before I left was left wondering if I was doing the right thing...well let me tell you, it was the most humbling experience of my life, to see this loving kind family who are soooo poor, open their hearts, cook us food and share a tiny part of their life with us was and experience I will never forget. I took along some teddy bears and ribbons and clips for the children as I did not want to overwhelm them, they were so grateful. We spent a few hours with them and when it was time to come there were tears all around. We then went to the local markets and bought them rice and food and clothes that were delivered that night. They were also told that my family was buying them two beds with new mattresses and sheets etc. So no one has to sleep on the floor anymore. I know we cant help everyone but if everyone did a little bit so many people would be just a little better off. Anyway I think Helen Flavel is doing truly wonderful things for these families and giving them opportunities that that you and I take for granted.
So after that experience we went on to spend a week in Ubud, staying at the Tegal Sari, What a gem of place this is, don't really want to tell too many people as we might not be able to get back in next year...the staff were fantastic, its such a tranquil place to stay, I love Ubud it really is my favourite place to stay. While staying there we did an amazing bike ride through the villages and then had lunch at wayans house, his wife cooked for us, what a feast, we sat there all afternoon eating and talking to his family and children it was just wonderful.
We also booked through Wayan to do the Mt Batur climb, well that was really worth it, we were literally pulled up the mountain by our guides, it was pretty tough going, but so worth it. The view and the sunrise was spectacular, I highly recommend doing both of these activities, you will not regret it.
While staying at the Tegal Sari we also did a cooking class, well I have to say I am not much of a cook, but I left feeling inspired and ready to cook up a feast on my return home...(I would like to report that I am still keen), It was a wonderful way to spend a morning, and then to sit down with our fellow chefs to partake in the feast that we help prepare was delightful and very delicious.
We ate at some fantastic places, my favourite would have to be Indus, go there if you can you will not be disappointed.
Well after Ubud we headed down to Legian for our last week, wow what a shock coming from the quietness of Ubud. We stayed at the Kumala Pantai, it was nice, but I have to say the staff overall were not that friendly, great location though and the pool was lovely. But don't you just hate these people who reserve a lounge in the morning and don't come back till the afternoon, Oh my god that really made me mad. Anyway I just moved the towels enough was enough I just find it so rude and ignorant. (ok that's my only grip for the entire holiday not bad I have to say). Legian was nice we did some shopping, had lots of beautiful suits made for work, had some leather boots made, and some stunning evening dresses. Bought pearls on the beach, I could not believe the price and they are the real deal. Found same great places to eat and once again met some great locals. All in all we had a very relaxing time, we wanted to chill this holiday and that was what we did. I love Bali I just think it is the most magical place, a place that will always remain close to my heart. I am hopping to go again next year, so until then I will just lay back close my eyes and relive my wonderful holiday.
Please email me if you have questions I am more than happy to help...
Cheers Fransina