13th trip since 1971.More a case of catching up with old friends and seeing changes rather than a holiday.Took alot of gifts into the village of our adopted family in Badung.Didn't do much shopping as what we seen was the same junk and copies that we seen 18 months ago.
Did stumble across some nice antiques by accident while visiting some people in Celuk and made reasonable offers and godds were purchased.
Stayed at Kartika Plaza this time as we had no child in tow and our time was our time.
Excellent Hotel with good service and very nice facilities.
However we will not return as we found it "too big,too busy,too noisy". Security was extreme whilst we we there as a number of highly ranked Military Officials we also staying at the hotel. Military police and security were everywhere.A little uncomfortable at first but settled with it all in a couple of days.
Had an order with "H". As usual prompt an corteous,however it was unusual on this occassion to find some DVD's with faults and he was unable to supply a number of discs ordered.
Had a day at the Bali Safari and Marine Park..... this was fantastic.
Without a doubt it is the best attraction in Bali at present. Only disspointment was the drugged state that the big white Tiger was in to allow photos with him.
My summary of restaurants notable /forgettable eaten at.....
Ifiori Restorante Excellent allround.
Pandan 8/10
Kafe Baran Waru Pig Swill
Casa Luna Food excellent. Staff rude and grumpy.
Seaside Cafe By far the best in Bali.
Black Canyon Good quick meals. Good service
Tanayas Acceptable small serves.Pleasant staff.
Zanzibar Nice but overated.
Gracies Nice but overpriced to other similar venues
Drops Very good but again overarated/overpriced
Indo National Third time lucky...... Wrong. This place was again "Bloody Awful". Table of 12 (1 enjoyed the meal,2 sent theirs back,9 complained) I know a lot of you forumites give it a wrap but I wont be going there again. I think he may well have lost a couple of expats that were with us that night.They dont normally go there but another invited us all. Que Sera Sera.
Thats enough.
Not going back now until early 2009.
Going back to USA and Vietnam this year.
C Ya.