Got back Monday morning, into Perth with Garuda. Flight was slightly delayed, but Ok. I really hate flying that time of night - good thing it only a short time to Perth.
Had a great flight out with Garuda (No delays!) Arrived and got through VOA really quickly, then a lot slower for immigration. Didn't care - in our beloved Bali!
Dewa Alita picked us up and took us to the Puri Raja (thanks for the recommendations). Loved this Hotel. We had a balcony room not too far from the main pool. It was beautiful. The rooms are a good size and really clean and looked after. Loved the pool area too. Had to become like all the other poolchair hogs,and put towells on early. Or you didnt get a chair, mind you, unlike a LOT of others, once we had finished with ours, we gave them up so that they could be usedby others.Some lefttowells on them all day, and only used onece every now and then.BLOODY SELFISH!! My husband reacons he was gonna get me a hat, with POOL-CHAIR MONITOR on it, because of how much it annoyed me!
Anyway for anyone who was in the Hotel or the area at the same time as us - I was the Blonde in the 2 couples, where one guy had BLUE hair. (Not my Husband - my sister has that Honour!)
We did lots of shopping at Ketuts fixed price just off garlic Lane.
I must admit, it really did make life easy! Just to hand over a pile of clothes, and get good cheap prices, without bargaining.
Bought some great handbags from Steve's shop around the corner from Ketuts And bought some watches off him too.
Went out to Carrefour for the supermarket. It was really great. We picked up all the usual cheap stuff - plus Loreal Mascara at half the price that we pay here. Also bought Cheese and Bikies, which were lovely to have back in the room. washed down with a few Bintangs. husband picked up a few bits for the computer from there too - Good prices he said.
Went out to Supernova, where my sister and I, stocked up on a LOT of Martha Tillar! Have not tried before. It is really good skincare, so later on we went back to purchase some more to take home.
Did a lovely trip to one of the Hotel drivers Villages to meet his family. It is something we have never been invited to do before. Wow - what an experience. it was one of the highlights of our trip. He has 4 children , the second is Deaf, so is at school away from the family.
We had taken over some clothes and school supplies over, so we took them to his family. They were so happy! It really humbles you to see how the Balinese live their lives, they are so happy, but have so little. Makes you appreciate your own life a little more I think.
Anyway, we did the trip out to Tanah Lot this year, and really enjoyed doing the priests blessing - except my sister got a little dumbstruck, and would'nt move out of the way for my turn. I was whispering "Move over, Move over" but she just stood. So we sort of got blessed side by side!
Ate at some fabulous places. I swear, every year they get better and better. I am a vegetarian, and very picky about what I eat, and I had some great meals. We ate 4 times at Seaside (their eggplant and Tofu, in a Tempura batter, is to be tasted to be believed!.)
We also ate 3 times at Drops. The meals here are like some of the finest dining you could ever get, except on Bali prices. ( and the chocolate mousse is so very, very, delicious)
Had the usual burgers for lunch at Hard Rock, always nice.
Met quite a few people who were forumites. We sure seem to be in great numbers.
All in all, I think it was probaly the best trip ever, (we have been 5 times now), but then I probably say that every year!
Anyone want to know anything, you are welcome to email me direct.