Last JBR... at last!


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Posted by Nicno on Thursday, 26. April 2007 at 19:20 Bali Time:

Hi team,

Will wrap up my recent Bali adventure now while I still have some memory of it.

After Lovina we went to Padma in Legian and my friends arrived for their first trip. Plane was in late so I need not have rushed back in such a flap. Last year I liked Padma this year I loved it.
They Have done some work and gee it's made a difference. I now have room numbers I prefer. Whole wings in fact.

They loved Padma right away and so I took them down a few knotches to Legian Snaks for a snack. Not to put down Legian Sancks in any way as I eat there often, love their food and was really surprised how quiet they were. Can't go past their Bali Crepe. Just didn't want them thinking that Bali would be all just like the Padma. No no no.

We changed some money at Kodak shop, average rate for entire trip was 7350rp and then my first chance to get to S&S... Was great to meet many BTF people there over the next several visits. Caught up with Sammy and Suzie of course and Bali Boy my favourite watch man. Also Robert my favourite ring man and Smudge my favourite Expat man. Also caught up with Chris and Ken who are now living there for 6 months - lucky things. Also Scully, Fisho girl and family, Bali Bob, Julee, Marg W, can't remember BTF name, Tuberose, Kobi & Midnight and more I'm sure. Will have a big think as I motor along. Suffice to say we had many arvos there, many Bintangs and lots of laughs.

Duirng the course of our stay we had the nice dinner get together at Koris organised by Bali Bob. Lovely night, great food and company. Chance to frock up. We tried to alternate one night cheap and no effort with clothing and and the next in nice restaurants and actual attention to appearance.

My new favourite restaurant would be Seaside. It's directly behind Kumala Pantai and to the left or behind Jayakarta and to the right. In between.... Great Menu and cheap really. 35.000rp for the Griled Mahi Mahi which is just insane. Cocktails about 35.000rp also so a good spot to do it nicely. Great atmosphere and excellent service.

I had been boycotiing this place as they had gotten rid of Cafe Warna to build it and I loved Cafe Warna and that great treehouse. Any way boycott over and we ate there at least four times. Good every time. Also ate at Poppies which I thought was just ok by comparison. Novelty has worn off for me, I'm looking for great food and service and didn't feel I got either.

Another place I love is Bali Colada at the back of Discovery mall on the left. Great menu and cocktails are just super duper. Great for lunch or dinner. The Bali Punch - the best!

Had as many massages as possible varying from traditional Balinese to Kenko reflexology. Overall winner was the massage I had at Asylum at Waterbom park. Just awesome. That's really saying something when you've had treatments at the Spa at Le Meridian and Waterbom Spa was better...... Thanks to Fisho girl and family and also Tuberose for looking after my boys that day while my friend and I had our massage and lunch and some Centro time.

We did the Bali Budaya Bike ride again. Always a winner and this time we got held up by a procession that lasted over 20 mins. One in our group video taped it all. We were told that it was a once in 30 year event to bless the temple?? Had a police escort so a biggy. Lunch was awesome again and the trip to the Monkey forest always a ripper. Love watching the little angels attack all those who are foolish enough to pay for the food for them. Of course I learnt that the hard way a long time ago.

Another top dinner event was dinner at Smudge's house. Thanks again for that. Was really a good night. Hope we can marry off my son to Ilou. I will totally approve that union. In the ten year plan of course.

Random thoughts.... Jalan Melasti all dug up so traffic going around the back of Legian Beach Hotel and Mandira. That was hard to get used to after a few beers at S&S.Hard on the traders in Jalan Melasti also.

Weather was super hot compared to same time last year. 2006 no A/C over night.2007 A/C on all night every night. Wasn't just me either I conducted a survery as I wasn't certain.

Got my DVD's delivered by the H man and he is lovely as usual and supplied great copies. No shop any more but still mobile on request.

Revlon counter at Mataharis still the best value. Got my Facial moisturiser, Mascara, threee nail polishes and two lipsticks for $42. My Moistruiser costs more than that here.

Bags.... Man the bags are just the best ever. Garlic lane is bag heaven. Never seen them so good. I paid between 80.000rp and 120.000rp and have had to fight off my friends since I've been back. Have a comment a day on my bags. Loving it!

Spent more time in Kuta square one day than ever before as I usually just walk past most of those shops. I've stoppped in on occasion but this time we went hard. Thoroughly investigated them. Found some good stuff. Bought a great YSL Scarf for my boss for $9 which she treats like a sacred treasure. This was in that over priced watch shop that if you give a chance has other little bits and pieces for good prices. Glad I finally had a good look. My son bought a skate board for $107AUD which theyhad priced for $350USD on the net. Long story short they have researched this flowrider 14 wheeler and this was his birthday money so he's stoked. The kids here are just bug eyed about it.

First time ever that Ididn't make it to Sanur. Few firsts in things I didn't do as I was really trying to have some me time and break some new ground. Feel I did that on a personal and professional level whilst having heaps of fun. Really was my best trip ever even if my JBR's have been long in coming and may not reflect it as much as I felt it. Maybe it's because between my last visit and this one my whole world got turned upside down. Not sure but loved it...

Another thing I managed to do was get 28 soccer shirts and 28 Nike caps for the teams my boys are in. Such a deal. The caps here at the Nike outlet factory are $15AUD each and I got them for 10.000rp each. Didn't even ask for a discount on that number as I'm more than happy with that. The Soccer shirts were a special order as we didn't want famous team names or sponsor names just the Brazil blue and white colours and numbers. 37.000rp each - stoked. Team is ever so pleased with me.

Now I'm sure I've missed way too much but I think I should leave it there. Great trip for so many reasons. People, weather, scenery, shopping, food, massages, sights, sounds and smells.

I'll let you in a little secret.. I'm going back next Friday for the long weekend. Feel free to be happy for me in a bitter twisted jealosu kind of way. Aren't I wicked. Secret womens business that I will reveal upon my return. And No.... It's not a guy. Business!

Happy Travels
Nicno xxx




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