Sitting on the couch one cold evening in June, I told my hubby that my friend was off to Bali for a week (no hints dropped!). He then said why don't you go, but only for a week. Well, I was beside myself, I was hoping for only four or so days. Abandoning our partners and children for a week of not so guilty R&R in paradise, must have been the best idea my friend has had for a long time.
We booked our flights hastily, before he had a chance to change his mind. Then came the accommodation dramas. We tried to get into Dynasty, BGH, Kumula Pantai, Puri Raja, and the Melasti, with no luck. In the end we opted for the Kuta Lagoon Resort, pool access room. Then another friend decided to come then promptly changed her mind when she found out we'd be drinking every day! And somewhere along the line we ended up in one of the upstairs rooms.
Our flight from Perth on a sunny Sunday morning was uneventful, with no queues or dramas to speak of. Except for the poor bloke sat next to us that had been split from his wife, who was a very nervous flier. Don't worry we'll keep you company (aka chew your ear off as we're so excited). He then said hang on a minute I'll get the missus. Straight away we hit the wine and she was fine. Flight ran out of beer and wine before the end of meal service! Although, when I went to the back after the movie I saw heaps of beer sitting on the kitchen counter (staff drinks?).
The arrival was another thing altogether. First pay the VOA (AU$30 change given in AU$ then go to the back of line and queue to get through for stamping. What a mess, no one seemed to know which queue was for where, the Dutch kept pushing in front of everyone. Someone fainted; I got caught in what can only be described as a scrum, flight arrivals announced every 15 minutes. Turns out only one person in each of the wooden desk sections. Very hot, long two and half hour wait. After this grab bags and straight through no questions.
Room was nice, clean and air conditioner working. Changed clothes, straight out to change money. We to Bali Beach Shack for tea, now I know this place is popular, but we were very hungry from the small in-flight meal and drinks. Our meals took around one hour to arrive, with no explanation.
We then went to the nearest shop and purchased a sim card (50000rp with 5000rp credit), we would have to charge it the next day (50000rp this last us a week with credit left, both of us calling home at least once a day).
More to come, I'll try and condense a bit!...