Hi Guys, just a quick JBR this time as a bit busy with kids to continue. Well, this is how it went...
Departed Brisbane flying Qantas / Jetstar to Sydney, plane delayed 2 hours but luggage autmatically booked through so no problems, planes very nice and clean and staff ultra friendly, we fed the kids in Sydney so know need for on board meals. Due to delay in Sydney, we never made it to Bali in time to see the New Year in, we did however, see the fire works as we were coming in to land. Through customs etc..no problems, quick and easy, paid in Aussie dollars, weren't sure if our transport (friends) would still be waiting after the delay and us not being able to contact them, apparantly all mobile connections were cut due to minimising attempts to active explosives.
There they were with smiles on their faces welcoming us back to their Island, we got to our 10 seater bus (3 adults & 3 children travelling) and were handed a present for each child and big huge horn blowers to celebrate with, so through the congested street we went blowing horns out the windows giggling and laughing, the whole streets were one big party place. Suddenly from our tiredness from travelling came this big burst of excitement...
Finally arrived at the Melasti Resort in Legian, this was our first visit to this hotel. Next - our excitement came to a sudden halt!
Our rooms (3 executive, 2 for our family and 1 for the other) were not ready and not sure when there would be one available, hotel overbooked....I was very p*s*ed off, I had emailed several times plus a courtesy one before leaving letting them know we were arriving late and not once were we told they had no accommodation for us.
We were offered the only room they had left until morning and said we could talk to the manager then, so the 4 of us me, hubby and 2 children headed of to a standard room. When they opened the door I could have screamed, my daughter went running in followed by son and us, the bed had just been crawled out of, rubbish laying around everywhere, not enough beds in ultra small room and then daughter yelled out to us what's this mum, I went into the bathroom to see a fully used condom lying on the floor near the toilet, I grabbed the kids and stormed out, Oh, and the cigarette smell...
Back down to reception and told them we would be back in 2 hours and wanted a clean room and enough beds for the night and would speak tomorrow (5 hours later) with the manager.
Walked to Padma Street to Warung Rama (our friends restaurant) and celebrated what was left of the New Year and his birthday...
The following morning, I sat very patiently with the Manager and told him calmly what had happened and how disappointed I was when his hotel is well known for being a great family hotel..etc..etc...
All of a sudden with had executive suites (as paid for) a free dinner, a free massage and a free mini bar as an apology, why we weren't taken here to begin with, I don't know.... but even with the freebies it did not added up to what we had paid for for that night in accommodation.
We stayed at this hotel for 1 week, the staff very nice and could not fault, breakfast however, I agree disgusting... The plates near egg man had cockroaches(spelling I know not correct, mind blank sorry), everywhere, little German ones running in and out of the plates, this is the first time in Bali we have been sick and I am sure it was from the Baymaries food - sausages and meats....
We also staying a week at the Dynasty, still love it here even though it was humming with tourists. Said hello to Stitch (Steve) who was getting ready to jog around Ubud on a family outing, keg and all, not sure how much jogging got down but sounded good, thanks Stitch if your reading for a warm reception and drink...our turn next time...
Staff more than willing to please, met every request...
On the 7th of January we planned a morning soccer match in Denpasar with all our friends and their children, we started at 8.30am and by 9.30am it was mega hot! but boy, what alot fun...One of our friends sons represented Bali recently in Jakarta playing soccer and he was so good, he is 12 years old and everytime he came with the ball I just ducked for cover, a very powerful kick and his 9 year old brother just as good, well, our team lost...surprise, surprise....
Then later that night at 7.30pm hubby and I had put on a buffet dinner for all staffs children and any of them that weren't working, so I got to meet alot of tiny little faces that we often help clothed.
We played pin the tail on the donkey and limbo...and had alot of fun..This was probably the highlight of our trip...
We visited a few of other friends houses and had lunch on our last day with our closest at his house in Tuban. Food was yummy....real traditional food very very tasty...
So that's about all I'm going to report on as alot was personal with children and a bit with business, we had a great day at Waterbom and loved the new slide, we had a good massage at the Melasti, which gave my son a big confident boost, with the ladies saying how handsome he was and how many girlfriends does he have....he loved every minute of it..
Would not fly Jetstar with the children again, too much mucking around on the trip home with baggage etc...
Happy Holidaying All, and may see some of you in April if we get there...