Well finally finding enough time to write a JBR it is so hard to come back to earth after 2 short weeks in the 'isle of smiles. We left Sydney on Sept 4 after a 1 hour delay due to a technical problem, it was a door which would not function properly as one of the transit Brisbane passengers told us whilst waiting in the departure lounge, the trip was fine, food pretty good and plenty of Bintangs for hubby and G & T's and a glass of white wine with lunch. The only draw back was going via Brisbane we did not arrive at Jayakarta until 5.30pm Bali time and it's a long day after getting up at 4.30am. My husband is 6'7' and I talked him into flying economy this time and I don't think he has really forgiven me as yet even though we had row 28 which is an exit door but we did have an extra $800 to spend and I made sure I did. I had to keep sending SMS messages to Made our driver who was picking us up to say we were going to be late. On arrival we were through everything very quickly and as we came to the baggage claim our bags were already there and waiting. Straight out to the wonderful Bali smell and heat with Made and daughter Putu waiting with big smiles all round.
This time I packed all the clothes for the orphanage into both cases with our small amount of clothes on top and no problems at all was a good girl and only took one bottle if duty free and no 'chateau cardboard' in the suitcase just in case. Did take the advice of using a porter for the first time in 6 years but they still searched our hand luggage.
Got into Bali mode very quickly after unpacking and headed down the beach to say hi to all the girls have a drink at Wayan's bar and listen to him playing bongos there was also a guy playing guitar as well and we stayed there until dark. The sunsets most nights were wonderful with clear skies. If I was not so technically challenged I would post photographs.
The weather was perfect, hot with a lovely cool breeze both during the day and night.
We didn't travel around as much this trip guess you can only go to Tanah Lot so many times for sunset. We did go to Candi Dasa for the day to see a friend's new block of land what a beautiful part of Bali but so quiet I think we were the only people on the main road it was quite sad to see. Ubud was another day trip and the markets were petty quiet compared to last year bought the most beautiful cinnamon trays and the smell is quite lovely. Kuta markets were also very quiet they seem to have resigned themselves that there is little business and they certainly are not as pushy as they used to be.
Food - Most nights we stopped into the Fookin Inn Hotel for a pre dinner drink as Doug maintains they have the coldest beer and they also have a decent white wine by the glass at only 27,000 Rupia, the food is good too. Saw Robin and David's wedding photos up on the wall - Had some wonderful dinners - especially Glory's in Jl Legian 1kg of scampi cooked how you like for 195,000 rupia and so fresh. Also ate at the Flying Piano which is always a fun night. Yutz for steak and grilled sausages often finished up at the Captain Cook bar on the way home. Zanzibar has reopened after the fire, food still just a good as ever. Seaside where we had to go back several times as Doug loved the BBQ'd duck spring roll. Kulma Panit's restaurant is now Italian and not as good as when it was Sands. Tommy's for a great iced coffee. Always have one dinner at La Lucciola and as always stunning food, great view and a great martini. Sorry we didn't get to OUR'S as we have been eating at the Legian Garden Restaurant for years and would have loved to catch up with the old staff. Had lunch at a restaurant in Candi Dasa which was quite eventful as it was full moon ceremony and the king tide was pounding over the wall of the restaurant quite a unique experience.
Shopping - went into Kuta to buy some new jeans and they had a sale on 75,000 a pair so three pairs cost the same amount I would have spent on 1 pair. Polo shirts are still the same price as last year with 50% off.
DVD's are still the same price buy 10 get 3 free. Daughter was very happy as she wanted the entire Will and Grace which they ordered in for me.
Thank you to the person who first mentioned Martha Tillar after going to Mata Hari and Discovery I finally re-read my notes and headed to Supanova there right as you walk in the front door - bought the whole range and some for Made's wife as well it is so cheap and have been using it for the past two weeks and love it. Just wish now I had bought enough to last until I get back again.
Bought up lots of lovely pearls from Ali on the beach he made some that are very long and not joined and you wear them like a scarf quite stunning he also had some beautiful south sea pearls which range from 150,000 - 187,000 per gram depending on size and quality and took it all to Puk at Toko Jewellers on Tuberose's recommendation along with my old gold, chose a design and the result is stunning I am absolutely ecstatic. Also took over a broken ring which she redesigned. Doug also had a silver ring remade for the cost of just over $200 all up so thank you very much Tuberose for recommending Toko I told her you had recommended me and she gave me a discount!!
The Balinese are as beautiful as ever but they are showing sadness and are all quite worried about the lack of tourists especially Australians as I think we must spend more than other countries, there was a lot less Australian and lots of European and Japanese tourists so hope it improves very quickly. We didn't feel unsafe at any time and madly planning our trip next year. I watch the Sydney flight go over each Saturday morning when I am hanging out the washing wishing I was back up there again on my way. I'll just keep on dreaming.