Hi all, this is my first attempt at a JBR so bear with me it may be long and in several parts.
I ventured to Bali with a group of about 24 others, I took along my wife and 2 daughters (11 and 9).
We left Sydney on the 12th Jan flying Garuda (flight went OK, food was ordinary, service was great) although they really need to invest some money back into their planes.
Landed in Bali at about 2.45pm where we were met by our tour organiser and transported to the Melasti Beach Resort, where we checked in only to find that our room had 4 beds, and they were all king singles, needless to say my wife was happy, and I wasn't although quickly got over it, they offered us a room on the top floor however we had the pool at our front door so we stayed put.
5 mins later had my first taste of bintang and never looked back.
Went up to Glory's that night for dinner and shared the seafood plattrer with my brither in law, it was a bit disappointing although the ribs looked GREAT and I swore that I would get them next time (and I eventually did).
Turned in for our first sleep in Bali.
Day 2
I am still on Sydney time and awoke at 2.15am and could not sleep, decided at about 4.30am to ignore everyones advise and go for a run through the streets for a while..... big mistake, I ventured out of the resort up the road in the dark and to the end and turned left (JL Padma I think) an d was confronted by a swarm of bar owners about 100 metres ahead of me.... holy crap I thought so I turned and ran back in a fraction of the time it took me to get there.... the smiling security guard was now laughing as I ran back in!!!!!.
I did the sensible thing and waited until 6am and went for a run on the beach up past Kuta, spectacular as the sun was rising. Had breakfast at the Melasti and met the Chef Nyoman there, really great Chef and nice bloke as well.
Spent most of the day just relaxing at the resort in the pool although I managed to go to the hair salon and do what my daughters promised me to do, I died my hair BLUE!!!!!
After now returning to Australia I see the difference between Balinese and Australians, in Bali they loved my hair and would comment or come over and talk to me, in Australia they think I am a criminal and stay away from me.
Had dinner at the Melasti, not the greatest food however the Balinese dancing show was wonderful, after first full day in Bali time to sleep and sleep I did.
Day 3
Awoke at 6am and went for a run along the beach, put my ipod on shuffle and you couldn't write a better script the first song was Sting - Fields of Gold, try running along Kuta beach at Sunrise with that song playing..
My daughters had a day at the hair place getting braids and platts etc etc so I tried my hand at Shopping...WOW what an experience for the first time. Keep in mind you WILL pay too much the first time you try it, but it is all part of the Bali experience, just brought the usual T-Shirts and Sarongs (I started wearing a Sarong everywhere, only for my wife to BAN me from wearing it)..... ventured up to Matahari's for a few hours, there are some nice shops along there if you like the fixed price element.
The only people to harass us was the time share people I just told them politely no and most of them were OK with that.
Went to Merry Tailors just up from the resort and had some pants made, great price, great people.
Suddenly the weather turned nasty so we stayed in the Hotel and ordered some room service... very nasty but beautiful storm.
Day 4
Woke early went for a run again, the beach is great in the morning, breakfast at Melasti is turning into an experience with their choices for the buffett!!!!
Took my daughters to Matahari for some shopping and lunch, they loved it and my eldest daughter was HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY as she found some Betty Boop clothing.
Went back to the Melasti for a few drinks and 4 of us blokes were invited by the Security Guard (Wayan) to his village to meet his family and all the people in the vilklae and some traditional balinese food.
This was by far and away the best Balinese experience you could have, it was about an hours drive to the village, along the way we saw wher Miss Corby and the Bali nine now live.
We went to the seafood markets and purchased enough food for the Village and enough beer for all, we also brought some lollies and soft drinks for the kids and took bags of clothes and toys from home. We pulled up in the village and went inside, this was a beautiful place where everyone helps everyone and they all sit around sharing stories. You couldn't pay enough to experience this on a trip.
Some of the things I noticed wre how the children played simple games like hide and seek etc etc with so much joy and fun.
The Chef from the Melasti (Nyoman) was there with another Chef and they proceeded to make all the food and sauces from scratch, then the most craziest thing I have ever seen took place, they laid 2 concrete blocks on the floor and coconut shells between them, poured something over the shells, set them on fire and started to cook the seafood on it.
Nothing goes to waste here let me tell you, bones, fish heads were thrown together to make the best tasting soup I have ever ever had. The food was cooked and set out on a table where we were told that we were to eat with our right hands, so I proceeded to eat the best food I have ever tasted, including the frshest rice.... after sitting down for a while and talking and playing with the kids, the head man of the village turned up and was with us for a while, apparently he needs no invitiation he can just turn up, we didn't mind the more the merrier.
We eventually had to return to the Melasti but not before taking some wonderful photos and leaving some money for the kids to buy some more treats with.
This was the Bali I wanted to see and no tourist place can beat this.
I will continue with more kater including the Bali belly story on the next day....
Until later..............