I won't go into the next days until day 28 except to say, I will never complain about Bali drivers (or Melbourne drivers for that matter) ever again in my life. The motorcyclists in Pontianak cannot be described. It's a good thing that the car drivers are so paranoid, is all I can say. Turning right in front of ongoing traffic from the left hand lane on a 3 lane highway is not a good way to continue living. But that traffic is surpassed by Jakarta traffic. I've never really enjoyed being in Jakarta. We were privileged on this trip because we were staying in a nice area, but the traffic is insane. I don't know why they waste the paint on lines designating lanes, no one uses them. Why car manufacturer's waste money on indicators, no one uses them either! There is none of the 'patient waiting and eventually you'll get there' that you see in Bali. It's all 'I'm moving into that non-existent space and if your car is expensive but you don't have the money to fix it, then you'll let me' attitude!
Met many family members, baptised two of mine, got an ear infection (great ear-nose-throat guys in Pontianak), had a 'small' party with 100 family members, visited Taman Ancol in Jakarta and Waterboom in Cikareng, Java, etc.
Anyway, Day 28 and we arrive back in Bali at 3.20. No problems getting luggage and leaving from a domestic flight. We arrived at the hotel our friends discovered for us, Hotel Taman Agung on Jl. D. Tamblingan, just up from Bali Hyatt, and walking distance from Hardy's supermarket and various hotels and restaurants. This is an absolutely beautiful place - an oasis. Only 33 rooms, but some are two-bedroom and kitchenette. Lovely little pool. Simple, but cheap, restaurant. You could stay there and not move if you wished!
Bali was just beautiful to come back to. We had bought Mentari phone cards and using the code 01016 before the 61 for Australia, 3 for Melbourne and then home number, we were able to speak for a long time for a little amount of money. I think once it was around 45 minutes for Rp35,000 rupiah. Only works to land lines though.
That evening we went to La Pao on the bypass in Sanur. Great band.
Day 29 was my third born's eighth birthday. Spent the day in the pool and then to Tamukami Restaurant for dinner. We had been told that some friends were singing there. I will never go there again. The food was ok, at best, the price exhorbitant! It cost us Rp760,000 for the six of us for meals, non-alcoholic drinks (except for one large Bintang) and 4 desserts. After bringing the children home, we walked out the driveway and across the road to Café Batu Jimbar where a great salsa band was playing.
Day 30 we collected a car that was being lent to us, and took clothes to the laundry. We had a huge amount of washing to do, but it cost only Rp44,000 for all. Very good service, too.
Decided to have lunch at the hotel - only Rp184,000, and much nicer than Tamukami.
Kids in the pool, again, second son's tenth birthday, so we went to visit our ex-livein maid and her family. Our second son was her favourite and she was thrilled to see us again.
That evening we went to see friends performing at Cat & Fiddle, just before Sanur Beach Hotel.