JBR 2007 16 March - 1 April
The Girls Trip- Belinda, Di, Sharon & Tina
Stayed Suriwathi Legian & Tegal Sari Ubud
Sorry it's a bit late - spent last few days in Bali a little unwell and have been a week recovering. I think it all caught up with me and my poor old immune system is telling me 'Slow Down!'.
Shuttle service -Happy Cabby- picked me up 45 minutes early (at my age I was ready but back in my twenties I would have only been ready if it were 45 minutes late. Door to door Belmont North to Sydney return $116. Not worth dragging someone 2.5 hours each leg of the trip + fuel= $80 + toll fees + airport parking.
Jetstar Checkin Sydney
Not much of a queue as I was fairly early so I had to wait about 10 minutes which gave me time to observe procedures and decide what to do. Managed not to get slugged for excess, the CSO at Jetstar checkin had to shout at me to get my attention and I thought 'here we go- you're in the bad books already' but I apologised and said I was chatting to improve customer service and pacify the angry people behind me (I knew she wouldn't get them so the fib was OK}- had to leave a lot at home but will take next year when I can take at least 81 kgs (taking 2 grandsons) they will arrive with the clothes they are wearing and I'll rush them up the road to Ketut to get fitted out for the holidays. They didn't weigh my carry on but my other luggage (2 nylon sports bags) were 6 kegs over. I kept looking over my shoulder hoping and expecting Lynne to tap me on the shoulder and say 'I'm going you for a few days'. I purchased my Duty-free for return pickup (2 bottles of Baileys for Nanna & bonus box of Cadbury Favourites)
In the Air
Boarded on time but left about 70 mins late, as the baggage didn't 'add up' so they had to unload on the tarmac. I purchased my ticket last May on Frequent Flyers before Jetstar came into existence and when I received a call in June or July advising me that the flight would now leave at 6 pm and Jetstar would be the carrier I was asked if I wished to retain the booking. I was advised that if I did I would receive 10,000 FF points and I would receive the Jetstar package (FREE). No problems I stayed on the booking and the points were credited within a few weeks.
Just after boarding the flight attendants began handing out the packages - I waited about 15 minutes and asked why I had not received one - ' I was not on the list of pre paid packages' I showed my original Qantas booking and explained what I had been advised. I asked if they could ring the call centre or some one as we were still on the ground but was told that was not possible. The attendant was so nice and said 'no problem. I will look after you'. I did receive a blanket and was offered a meal but I don't like airline food and declined. I got comfortable and placed my blindfold & earplugs on pulled the blanket over me and unclipped my bra. I managed to sleep on the way over for 3 to 4 hours as I had a vacant seat beside me. I was seated down the very back at my request and although it can be a nosier and rockier ride it's my preference. When I awoke my bra was up under my chin, the 2 cups pointed roof wards. I scrambled around and re clipped it and then realised that everyone who went to the back toilet during the flight probably got a gander at the old duck in the back seat. Another situation where I was so glad not to know nor recognise a single soul. . Jetstar was OK, the service onboard was faultless - and I can compare as I have flown with plenty (was secretly hoping they would have Weis bars as AA did)
Arrive Ngurah Rai and watched amazed at the scramble to disembark - there was no fire on the aircraft that I know of but obviously some believed there was. Through VOA quickly and spotted bags on other side of conveyor already on the floor. By the time I ran around there they were gone- back on the belt again. Grabbed them next round and headed through customs - he took a little look through my backpack but as I had no white crosses I was out in no time. My Mate and trusty driver Buda and his girlfriend Sari were there at the very front of the line - all smiles and jumping up and waving as if competing for a prize for the best greeting. He ran to me and hugged and kissed and it still surprises me as I never force this type of affection on the locals, as I am not use to them appreciating that type of greeting. So much to catch up on as I missed them last year as they were in NZ apple picking. They had been waiting a few hours so when we go to the hotel I said I was tired and would catch up the next day. I could see the relief in Sari's eyes - she still hasn't recovered from Dengue Fever and was very thin and tired looking
Got the key to my room at Suriwathi opened the door to 19B - now has a queen - last year twin room- slid my bags in across the door and headed to Legends - 4 quick Bintangs catch up with staff and wandered back to the hotel.
Stopped at Reception to borrow scissors and back in my room I noticed one of my 2 bags had the security cable tie missing. Didn't do them much good as going over I pack one nylon sports bag upside into another so when you open it all you find is the bottom of the bag containing all the goodies. Coming home I pack everything into large garbage/garden bags first - that way if the bag breaks you stuff is still in the sports bag. I find these bags the best. They are easy to handle, weigh nothing and I am always able get a trolley.
There was nothing missing but I was a bit disappointed with myself that I didn't notice the missing tag at the airport. What would I have done? I'm still thinking about that. You are not as alert when you arrive and anxious the get out of the airport
Well that's it for the first night - the rest won't be as long winded and I will summarise other incidents as Tina & Sharon have given informative reports.