Bit slack, back home two weeks now and so busy at work that haven't had time to write part 2. Always a bit reluctant to finish a JBR because you realise that the holiday is well and truly over.
Other highlights of our trip were:
Bike Baik: What a delightful day. We were picked up at Tegal Sari and taken to the plantation for a look at the various trees etc. Brenton thought he would be bored there but he really enjoyed the tastings at the back of the plantation. We purchased some Bandrex lemon grass tea, which was wonderful when we got sore throats. I'm hoping that we can get some here in Adelaide. When we were feeling poorly we just had a couple of cups and felt better right away! We then went for breakfast at a restaurant near Kintamani with stunning views over Mt and Lake Batur. It was a clear day so the view was spectacular. No hawkers where we were which was a bonus. Then off to the bikes. Now I haven't ridden in years and was rather reluctant but thought if I could make it a km I would be happy then and willing to retire to the van. I eventually made it about 14km and it was eventually my sore wrist that made me give in but I really enjoyed making it that far and was rather proud of myself. I spent the rest of the ride with the driver practicing his English on me, which was fun. Cannily I got off the bike just before the first of the hard but short hills so that was a bonus. After finishing the ride we went to Wayan's family compound where we had a wonderful lunch (great cook his wife) and his children are so cute. I believe Bagiada was our guide for the day and must say we were very impressed. Would certainly recommend Bike Baik to anyone. We booked directly with them off their website.
Martha Tillar:
Thought I would try so purchased supplies in first few days at Supernova and was quite impressed. Bought some more in Hardy's at Sanur. Tried the first makeup stand as you came in on the right of the left side and she tried to rip me off. Wanting 100,000 for moisturiser that was about 35,000. I then went to Hardy;s pharmacy counter just near the entrance to the supermarket and they had fixed price and about the same as Supernova. I stocked up with enough for several months so we will see how it goes but I'm impressed so far, especially at the price. Their scrub and gel are especially good value.
Tooth and glasses saga:
Was sitting having a cup of tea and a soft biscuit at the Sanur Beach Villas one night and felt something hard in my biscuit. Spat out a ‘tooth' and was loudly cursing that someone had put a tooth in my biscuit when I realised that I was lisping. Oops was my tooth. One of my top front teeth had snapped off at the root. God do they have emergency dentists in Bali. 'Quick, run and get Ron up and ask him' I said to my husband. Not likely said Ron but we'll find a dentist tomorrow he promised. I later realised that the tooth was dead anyway from an old injury and couldn't have been saved anyway. Ron drove us to a local dentist on By pass opposite McDonalds.Dr Retno Agung. Have contact details if anyone wants. After finally getting past the receptionist who kept insisting she was booked out the Dentist came in and expected my gap. She was happy to put in temporary tooth to get me home and an appointment was made for later in the day. On later inspection she realised that she could make a porcelain crown in the time I had and two appointments later I have a great new crown. Total cost just under 3 million rupiah about $400 Aus and have since had checked by own dentist and very happy with result. Will go back next year and get some fillings done. Modern surgery and nice lady dentist who was very gentle. Brenton then lost his glasses while in Bemo on way to Hardy's. Saw Hardy's Optikal in Hardy's and he had new glasses ordered in 15 minutes, luckily he knew his prescription and they were delivered within 2 days at a cost of about $67AUS. He is very pleased and sorry he didn't order new sunnies. Didn't realise how blind he was until he said he had to feel his way around Sanur as he couldn't see!!
School Visit:
Went to visit our 3 sponsor children at Sembung SD7 which is always fun. Took each child gifts put in new Coles ‘green' bags, which they loved. Also took lots of gifts for the school, books for the library and the big blow up kangaroo which was a hit. 2 years ago on our last visit the teachers had asked me for a tshirt each. They were thrilled that I hadn't forgotten, we also took some baseball hats and the teacher who had originally asked me to bring them went off very proudly with his new hat and shirt. Met some other sponsors there, which was nice. For our Bali virgin this was a highlight, getting to meet the children.
Restaurants:
We ate at so many great places. No bad meals at all though some were better than others. Exceptional choices were ‘The Pub' for the coldest beer and great satays. Loved the soy &garlic sauce they use if anyone knows exactly what's in it would appreciate knowing. Hi Dicky! Bamboo Corner near the Melasti was nice and we had a great rijsttafel at the Legong restaurant in Sanur. We also enjoyed a great roast chicken lunch at the Senia Hotel in Sanur. Seaside restaurant at Legian was also a highlight. Didn't find until our last few nights unfortunately.
BTF friends:
Met the lovely Helen (z) and Fritz from NZ who were staying in the next bungalow to us at Tegal Sari and then we met again in the Prada lounge at the airport. Also went on the bus trip on the 12th June. Met some nice people from the forum but unfortunately most people stayed in their own groups so we didn't mingle that much. The tour of the ghost palace was great amazing place and I will agree that Crackers Bar has the most amazing toilets. Thanks for organising. Also met our great friends Anne and Len who now reside near Bundaberg and who originally out me onto the BTF. Sorry we didn't get to spend more time together.
Shopping:
Did the usual shopping. Got some nice silver jewellery this time from the silver shops. Hadn't seen many nice sarongs until I went to Double 6 on the last days and then got some lovely ones for fixed price of 15,000 and 20,000. Given they wanted 29,000 in Geneva these were a bargain. On left coming up from beach end. Also got some great long necklaces for 8,000 across the road. We had paid double that a week earlier and this was with no bargaining.
Last thoughts.
Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The 4 Bali virgins (except one) will all be back and soon, they loved it. Wouldn't bother staying in Tuban again at least not the Kuta end. Surprised how much we enjoyed staying in Ubud and will stay longer next time, 3 nights not nearly long enough. Sanur was great really liked Bloody Rons end of Sanur (not his rear end). SSS was great and we had sunset drinks there a few times. Always enjoy Legian and like ending our holiday there.
Jetstar:
A good flight home, our luggage was a kg or so over but no comment and the checkin guy was great, happily changing our seats as we wanted window seats and not centre ones. Other friends who flew a week later were charged for 4 kgs over so its just the luck of the draw. We were happy to pay but luckily all of us were within a kg of the allowance. They didn't weigh our hand luggage but again we were within limit. Had to return via Sydney so make a long way back but it wasn't too bad and we had enough time to buy our duty free and have breakfast before our Qantas flight home
Already looking for cheap fares for next years trip. Cheers
Kim