Arrived in Bali 9.30pm on Friday night. It is so ggod to be here, sights, sounds and smells all the same as usual. Arrive at Bali Mystique by 10.30pm, only one slight problem the room we are shown is not ready, much shock and "Oh miss Caron what has happened" quite funny really cos' how the heck would I know what happened!!!!!
We are put into room 104 for the night and settle ourselves in. Noise from The Living Room is pretty loud and we learn later that the nightclub section will be finished by the end of the month. This will be a great relief for geusts who come in October, but not much good for us. Mind you we are both so tired (and happy to be back in Bali) that we could sleep through anything so are not too bothered by it all.
Moved to 105 the next day which is much better than 1st room. Bali Mystique still has all of it's charm in the bungalows, but they are a little tired. We were pleased to hear that the bungalows are all getting a bit of a spruce up soon. Most of the energy has gone into the apartments, which are absolutely lovely and soon the bungalows will get some TLC too. The gardens and staff are still as charming as always and Bali Mystique is still a gem of a place to stay, for a price of AU$25.00 per person with a cooked brekky you couldn't ask for better.
Day 2 up for a swim and then brekky, and a hello to all of the staff who I haven't seen for 12 months. It is one of the things I love about Bali, going back each year and catching up with friends we have made. Dayu, our lovely Balinese friend who works at Bali Mystique is pregnant and still working with only a week or so to go. Norman insists later in the week that she stays home and gets some rest, he tells her she is welcome to come to the hotel and see her friends and chat, but no more work. He is a lovely guy who looks after his wonderful staff.
Our highlight today is a visit to the school to meet up with our new sponsored child. We now have 2 children we sponsor, Putu (boy aged 10) and Tutti (girl aged nearly 10). This is always a highlight for us and today was even better as it was Saraswati day and all the kids were dressed in the best outfits for this occasion. The day is to honour knowledge and learning and as such all books are blessed and no reading or school work is done. We get to meet both Putu's parents and are invited back to their home, sadly we have to decline this time as time is pretty limited today. We have taken some gifts and give these to the kids, Putu is very taken with his new soccer ball. We also noticed that Puu's english is much better than last time and he is very proud that he can have a limited conversation with us in Eglish. Gary converses in Bahasa, but I am not so good and appreciate the english conversation we have.
When we get back to the hotel Gary goes off to rent a bike and I am content to spend the rest of my day by the pool and visiting the inhouse beauty salon for a hair creme bath RP 50,000.This is the life.....
That night we are invited by Norman to join him and some friends to enjoy drinks on the terrace of the new 4th floor penthouse at Bali Mystique apartments. We watch the sunset and enjoy drinks, food and great company with some old friends and some new ones we meet tonight. Lots of interesting and varied conversation with people who are holidaying in Bali, others who building villas at Canggu and others who operate businesses in Bali. What a fabulous 1st day in Bali.
Day 2
A big sleep in is required after a very late and heavy night.
Later we both head off on the bike to a Balinese friend and her daughter, she has a new shop in one of the small lanes near Villa Kubu and Villa Lalu, where she sells all sorts of odds and ends. I enjoyed the bike much more this time, last time it was a bit terrifying, but this time there seems to be a bit less traffic and it is more fun.
Back to hotel for some lunch, a swim and then a massage in the room RP60,000. Dinner at Bali Mystique restaurant with another Balinese friend who has just returned from Australia.
Day 3
A day of shopping today for us both, but in different directions. I am off in search of Martha Tillar products and go to Supernova and find what I am after. I am really pleased with these products, both price and the job they do. The stuff I got this time is a new product called Botu-Like anti wrinkle overnight treatment and it is great stuff. RP290,000 for 2 jars. gary goes to Denpasar to get Nkia phone stuff, Wayan Kilts and a blender for a Balinese friend as a wedding gift. He has success with everything, Phillips blender RP300,000, Wayan Kilit puppets 6 for RP120,000, hands free kit, leather case and car charger for phone RP125,000.
Massage at small salon near Legian Village hotel for what Gary considers best massage (she even walks on his back!) RP60,000 for one hour of heaven.....
A bit of a problem, the matter of a small prang on the bike, luckily no one was hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dinner Sate Bali in JL Oberoi opposite Samaya Suites. Great food here if a little on the dearer side, Lemongrass seafood entree, mixed sates, Chicken in cardamon/coconut curry sauce, nasi puti, nasi kuning and nasi mera and drinks RP185,000.
Day 4
More shopping, books from Bintang supermarket as I am quite addicted to reading about Bali, picked up 2 good ones, Niksala and Sekali (spiritual side of Bali), and Indonesian Spice (a novel) RP209,000 for both. Also picked up some fabulous footspa products, lemongrass and peppermint spray, scrub and lotion for RP30,000 each.
I went to CHILL for relexology 1 hour for RP90,000. This was great, except for the pain I endured. It must be doing me good (no pain no gain!!)
Went to Divine Diva and got 2 lovely pairs of pants and a top can't remember how much, but a bit dearer than I usually pay, but still way cheaper than back home for great stuff. Picked up 6 bracelets to use as napkin rings, starting price RP30,000 each and I got all 6 for RP50,000, very pleased with this.
Dinner at Le Tebu, JL Petitenget, drinks, Pepper crab, Butterfish, choc desert (can't remember name but superb, sponge on outside with melting chocolate centre) and coffee RP185,000.
Day 5
Hired a car for the day to go to Ubud RP400,000. The price of transport has risen a lot since last year this includes cost of taksi's. Went to Celuk to see silversmith and got some fabulous new jewellery, then off to see Ibu Robin Lim with donations. Disappointed to find she is in Italy and we can't catch up this time (next time must send email first!!) Clinic is still going well and is run on volunteers only. This is a charity worth learning about and assisting with if you can.
http://www.rotaryseminyak.org/bulle...p?yID=5&vID=169
http://www.robinlimsupport.org/index.htm
Lunch at the fabulous Indus, and meal is great as usual. Indonesian Tapas plate for 2, famous lime pie, mocha chiffon pie, drinks and coffee RP189,000. Also stopped off to view Anoms Cottages, what a great place, next time we are in Ubud this is where we will stay. It is a little oasis just up the road from Indus with superb views of the valley and lovely accomodation. It was recommended by several others and it is a great little find. Very quiet, no kids and no AC, just how we like it.....
Stopped of at R2buy in Kerobokan and got all sorts of stuff, only spent RP1,021,000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great place this is. This is where we will come to furnish our new home in Bali. Dinner at bali Mystique Gnocchi, slow roast pork and coffee, then off to bed.
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