Just back. What a ball we had. 13 of us in group, stayed at Dynasty to keep the kids happy. Flew with Garuda and everything great. Heard a few problems with Jetstar - Saturday night we came home their flight cancelled, and heard of some cancellations during the week also. Sydney airport OK, Denpasar not so good and no time to check out the new lounge.
Did the waterbom park thing, white water rafting,something I am so glad we did we had a blast, and shopped around for prices. They were very different. Went to Geneva twice for great bargains, twig placemats, bangles, masks, large wooden figures etc. heaps of gifts. Prices unbelieveable! As we stayed in Tuban, most of our shopping was Tuban, Kuta, Legian but I think the best is Double 6 in Seminyak. I like things a bit different, and the best was there. I bumped into a lot of international buyers doing their deals there, and a lot of samples. Very cheap too, but just not the run of the mill market stuff. (and the most unusual sarongs which I will use for outdoor tablecloths). I think next time we go back we will stay up that end - still close enough for the kids to get everywhere, but better shopping and a little less crowded for me.
My daughter loves silver, so went to every shop, but also found the best and cheapest in Double 2 street also. Had some beatiful doona covers made from Lely in the Legian Art Market, 25000 each, pillows extra. Found great belts in Bali Om Popies II, Billabong and Roxy belts and buckles, everything you can imagine.
Shopped Kuta Galleria, no sales on at this time thought. Shopped Matahari, (great shoes) Discovery (funky reading glasses) and the best bakery downstairs. Ate many places, Bamboo Corner always too packed, Secret Garden, Green Garden, Tree house always good cheapies, but this time did the splurge with the best Peking Duck meal ever at the Dynasty. Cost a bit though but just the adults did it and enjoyed heaps. experience! at a cost. I think 3 million for Did the Jimbaren Bay thing, but realistically, I think it has not got that much more to offer than other places in Bali, and it is quite expensive. Ate cakes off the trolley in Poppies and they are so fresh and yum. Also had corn cobs, chicken sticks and fruit off the trolleys, and no problem for us.
The exchange rate went up to 7500 at PT Central (Kodak Shop) at Tuban - pretty good I believe.
Hubby took sick - there was a lot of travellers belly around. Had to call doctor, as many others in Resort did, Raspberry juice, imodium and charcoal did not work. Doctor came and gave him antibiotics and different charcoal tabs and was good. But was 4 days pretty much out of action. One lady from resort ended up in hospital bowel infection. Still there. But doctors are great and her husband said cannot fault hospital. (By the way husband was the only one that didn't eat off the trolleys!)
But our time was just great. the Balinese are the most beautiful people, and there friendliness is so uplifting. Why cant all Aussies be the same! (Shouldn't be too negative, but love saying hello to absolutely everyone there!) Oh, the weather was perfect. Some nights a shower, but days perfect. So we have come home with bags full of everything, sunglasses, watches, clothes, masks, all the tourist stuff!
I really want to thank all the forumites for the help that they gave us - couldn't have done half the stuff without your help! Now we are saving all over again for next time.