Well unlike those of you lucky souls who have direct flights my sons and I had to fly to Sydney the night before and then out one hour late the next day on to Bali. My choice to fly the night before was all about the costs of domestics - hideous by the time I booked. this was December 11.
As I had been lucky enough to scam my way into Business class ( long story ) we got to use the Business class lounge. What sensational timing when the flight was delayed. I could get used to that. I also got some great deals at the Duty Free on grog and perfume - $19.95 for 50ml Calvin Kline Escpae - I bought two.
Good flight to Bali. Few BTF lurkers on board and we all made promises to catch up in Bali and didn't! For that I apologise if you are reading but as you will see when I go into weather and my sons Bali belly I had my reasons.
So we arrived and all moved really well at the airport. I did get chalked for the first time as I had some wine that was actually a gift for someone there but as it happened they were wanting to know why I had 57 back packs squashed in a bag. I finally made them understand donation without having to make a donation to these two guys.
On to Bali Garden Hotel by taxi. Cheap and easy. We stayed there two nights. First two days were great weather - couldn't understand what all the fuss was about until day 3. HOT! Day 4 HOT. Now I was getting the picture. My first time in December and it threw everything at us. Warm , HOT, Wet and then variations all over the show. Was very hard to stick to a day well planned. I've been in February and it was just HOT constantly but we were really lucky with only 10 mins rain in 12 days on that trip.
Any way scoured Kuta Square - Mataharis and Centro. Nike shop had a big sale so the soccer player in the family made a killing. My mandate for shopping was Christmas shopping only as I'm just way over budget this year on personal spending. We had one additional 13 year old added to our posse while his parents went onto Aston at Benoa for their 20th wedding anniversary. He's a great kid so no probs there.
We ate at Bali Colada the first night and I just love that place. Great value for the type of place it is. Looks far more pricey than it is and their cocktalis are just awesome. Next night was upstairs at the back of Centro in the right hand corner - can't rememeber the name. Not as good as Bali Colada so I won't be back. Earlier that eveinig I had been at the new beachside bar at Bali Garden having nice converstaion and drinks while watching the boys swin in the two inch swell. Should have stayed there and ordered a pizza. The new pools and bar are just what Bali Garden needed. Was just so nice and relaxing - something I struggle with.
Moved onto Lokha in Legain on day three. Forgot just how much I love this place. We shot over to Benoa for lunch with the happy couple as they wanted to see their baby boy. He could have cared less as we were having tons of fun. Was really impressed by the Aston Benoa. had not had great feedback but I loved it. Nice for a couple of starter days I think. We hung by the pool and it was really super hot.
We then headed back over as I was meeting a bunch of people at Sammy and Suzies so that started to feel normal to me. Just couldn't get my routines in orders this trip. Susie was there and Smudge and Ken and Chris and a bunch of regulars. Wendy and Fanmily, Jeff and Family and the 3 lads from WA. Don't know any of the BTF names and don't want to post their real names but HI :-) Missed you Scully by minutes a couple of times.... Oh and Hi to Gary!
Had about 5 afternoons at S&S but was washed out a few times so that was a reason I missed a few people. Back at the Lokha they invited me into the basement for their three year birthday with the owners and the parents of the owners and all of the staff. A very nice cereomony and party. A great satff there all Balinese as is the owner. I was the only westerner and felt very honoured as they sat me at the front with the owners family and got me up for cake cutting and during prayer. I love Bali for springning these unexpected special moments on you. They later presented me with a staff t-shirt with the 3 yr birthday embroidered on it. I had to jump in the pool after this though as once again - HOT!
Any way after three lovely days at Lokha we moved to Padma which I also adore. Certainly three very different hotels. Unfortunately later this night my 14yo would start his four day adventure with Bali belly. The weather had turned to farily constant rain so at least his timing was good. If you're going to be sick then Padma is the place. They were wonderful. They got the doctor organised and made sure we had crates of water delivered and fresh towels and washers and extra toilet paper. They would slip notes under the door asking how he was and could they do more.
Poor kid missed out on some truly spectacular breakfasts there. Man the Mango was abundant and sensational as was the whole spread there. They had extra food stations going I guess because of Christmas.
Now this is getting long so I'll go point form shortly. As my friends were now at Padma with me I was able to get out as we did some tag team with the sick one. He was up and about inside of 24 hours just fragile so I took him for a facial as any good mother would do. He was horrified at first but is now asking why I have kept this from him for so long. Made him feel heaps better and I didn't have to cancel my appointment - win, win! He was only out for very short bursts though and stiil no food just water and rest.
Ok Shopping....
Went to Geneva and bough a bit - still the mother ship of homewares.
Mataharis for Revlon and miscellaneous bits and peices.
Odds and sods here and there with Wallets and bags at Centro - Chanel stuff so about $42 per item. One bag was my christmas prezzy frpm the boys and the rest were for the girls at the office who had given me money.
Bagus watches for a special flasher than normal watch for a friend who gave me money. I get my watches from Bali Boy at Sammy & Suzies and have never had a dud. I once bought 30 off him for a fund raiser so I can vouch for his quality.
Restaurants..
As mentioned the new "Ifiori" opposite Centro beside Waterbom is just glorious. The menu is amazing and while up there in price for Bali, still a joke by our standards. Check it out we went a couple of times. Dinner and lunch and again great cocktails. Cheaper than Ku De Ta or la Luciola and no extra travelling involved. - Love it.
Seaside good as always.
the Japanese place in Jalan Padma fantastic quality and price. Five people having Tepenyaki and lots of it with at least two drinks each $82 AUD all up. That included desert also.
Papas on Jalan Pantai Kuta. First time here and loved it. Very genreous serves in fact entrees are enormous so watch that as they give you bread as well. If you like pizza DO NOT miss out on their volcano pizza and have your camrea ready. Quite the event as they arrive to you table.
In between these meals we eat cheap at Bobbies or Legian snacks or Treehouse. All super cheap, basic and good. Missed Kubuku for the first time ever this trip.
Spas
Sacilia spa in Jalan 66 still my pick for value.
Had a free voucher to Prana Spa which was fabulous but pricey compared ot others. Very upmarket and a truly amazing experience. Did the hot dripping oul on the forehead thing - Awesome.
Also had a massage at Kayana Villas Spa at Seminyak. Once again a freeby but what a wonderful thing - I'd pay for it for a special treat on a birhtday or something. Had coffee at Ku De Ta after that.
Had a great massage at the bai Garden Hotel spa too.
CHRITMAS IN BALI
Just while I think of it I just loved all the effort they put into decortaions and music. This really constantly amazed me as I didn't think they'd make such a bg deal of it. Certainly didn't feel I was missing out on anything back here. Just about every shop assistant was waring a santa hat and there were Santas everywhere. the foyer at Padma and their gingerbread house were truly world class.
On several occasions I was asked very innocently if I were staying in Bali for "Merry Christmas" I explained that I must get the children home to the family for "Merry Chrsitamas" or my Mother would be angry. They are so cute.
Any way I could babble on for hours... I keep thingking of things. had a nice night in at Padma with Inmyblood - Shauna and another nice Breakfast with Leanne - hotel manager of Ida and Barong and Dewi Sri. Love to catch up on the goss at that end. Would love to live and work there for a year.
I'll sign off here as it's a novel again.
happy travels
Nicno