I planned to go on the 7th of January but a few seats opened up so I changed t 31st December but this meant running round to get ready. I knew accommodation would be a problem as I went the same time last year and rang many places.
I Rang a few places to no avail. Tuberose offered to ask some places for me which I was grateful for. I was happy to take anything for 1-2 nights. It wasn't easy but she found me Puri Wisata which is behind the Jaya Pub in Seminyak. So at least I had a place to sleep.
I'm off. Checked in and got the first row behind business class right in the middle of the baby bassinets and 3 babies and 2 toddlers. I was grateful the couple next to me didn't put the bassinet down. I even got to nurse the baby while they had their dinner. SO cute. I'm on my way to Bali so no complaining. Personal DVD's weren't working so people got a refund. I was surprised to learn that they are still serving food in the same way. I was told it had changed but no they started at the back giving meals to prepaid and asking who wants a meal, getting money, change etc as they went. This took a long time. I was told it had changed to serve preorders first then they go back to ask if anyone wanted to buy a meal. This would seem fair to me. They only had vegetarian meals left for the front?? many rows. The lady beside me had preordered and wasn't impressed. It was Chick pea something. It tasted Ok though.
The one advantage at being at the front was I was first out and first in line at VISA and customs. Waited a little while for my bag then out. I noticed there are a few ATM's near the baggage carousels that I hadn't noticed before. Handy if you want some rupiah without going to the money changers.
Arrived at hotel. Not too much traffic considering it's 10.30pm Now this is not a bad hotel. But they stuck me out in the side street in a basic room that was not cleaned. The sheets were clean so I worried about the rest in the morning. As I said beggers can't be choosers. They cleaned it the next day. I quickly changed and headed to Bintang for water etc 100meters out the door it started pouring. Yeehah I'm in Bali. I just stood with some locals and waited. Bought an umbrella and went back to bed. Street noise but too tired to care. At the end of day 2 I told them I was checking out. The manager said he tried to find me yesterday to move me to a deluxe room.
Tuberose had invited me to breakfast with her family so I waited across the road at CircleK. Reading the pamphlet out the front I was disappointed to read that I had just missed National Condom Week which ended yesterday. I could have bought a lubricant and received a free buttercup condom. LOL We went to La Lucciola. Whilst they didn't have the full breakfast menu that they have on the weekends it was very nice. I was surprised they don't have pancakes though. It's a great breakfast spot. Sitting watching the waves, the horses trot by on the beach. Ah this is the life.
I can't believe it's been a year since my last trip as I usually come 2-3 times a year. I had a look at Tuberose' hotel (Ida) which is nice. We went to visit Audrey at Kuta Paradiso and I bought a bracelet and she is going to resize a ring for me. I walked from Kuta to Seminyak checking on availability of hotels for tomorrow. Most hotels in Kuta are full for the first few days in January then people take off to home, travel around etc. I decided o Bendesa which is on Jl Legian but also backs onto Benesari where there are lots of good, cheap eats and massages.
Went to buy a SIM card. I remembered people mentioning Matahari so tried there. The shop inside wanted 50.000 with 5.000 credit (haha). The one out front wanted 70.000 with 10.000 credit. So I just waited until I got to Poppies 1 and paid the right price of 25.000 with 10.000 credit.
Breakfast was Ok. Changed some money at Bintang (8010) and waited for Tuberose who had invited me to the Bali Safari and Marine Park. I nearly cancelled as it was raining but I'm glad I didn't as it wasn't raining there and it was a fantastic day. Thanks Tubes! I got to cuddle a white tiger and pat a baby lion. I'm planning on taking my sponsor family there when I return. I showed them the photos and they were very excited. A swim in the afternoon was lovely. The place is not finished yet but it's great. It's a bit confusing when you get in as you don't know where to go. You get on a bus then get out with no instructions of where to go. You just walk around and then there is another bus near the big sails that takes you on the safari. You can do that twice if you want (tourists only). The locals and KITAS price (75.000) entitles them to admission and one safari. The brochure says they have to pay 20.000 to et in the pool area and 10.000 for a ride.
Camel and pony rides are 20.000 and Elephant trek is 100.000 (everybody). One photo opportunity is included (tourists). Extra costs 20.000.
More later
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