Returned last week after two weeks in the land of the gods! It has taken us this long to admit that our Bali experience has ended. We travelled with another couple, my mum and our two kids aged 3 and 5. Mum and I have been to Bali many times but it was ten years since I had been due to marriage and kids etc. What a sensational time we had. Kids loved the locals - swimming every day, motor bike rides, cheese jaffles and lots of fun. Highlights were Safari Park with all animals close up and water park Probably kids favorite. Waterbom Park also a hit as they had kids water slides we put a life jacket on little one and she could come down slides on her own without her head going under which was fantastic. We also visited the crocodile park which was a big letdown it's licence is nearly expired so not much left there and very run down.
We stayed at Kusnadi in Rum Jungle Road which was a great location as not right in tourist hub. Small hotel so the staff were sensational and great with kids. Our rooms faced the pool which was great. We walked along the beach at sunset collecting shells and digging while dodging soccer balls and manicures.
Hubby was buying Bintang by the crate from little store on the corner so was cheap and plentiful. We ate in a lot of small warungs as local fare is the best! The Kuta open air food court on the Beach Road was an experience - renenber to take a mosi coil and have a great time! Mum and I went out shopping and would get a motorbike back from troppozone near Ground Zero. Much quicker than taxi (along the back lanes). As long as you hold on tight to the shopping all ends well!
The weather was perfect, beer was cold, shopping was cheap, food readily available we really had nothing to complain about.
It was so good to see some familiar faces - Lee from Bali Aussie who has been a great friend since my first visit 22 years ago, Nikki at Ours place, Made our driver and Putu who is just adorable. These beautiful people have a loyalty and love second to none.
We found a fixed price shop in Garlic Lane called of course "Bali Shop" run by Made. Prices were very low and great idea for any Bali firsties who are not sure about bartering etc. Some people prefer not to haggle but for us that was half the fun. We made some good new friends after much laughter and cajoling at each other. Jimmy from Rays Collection in Garlic Lane is a man in the know. If you can't find what you are looking for ask Jimmy. He was great fun.
Denpasar provided a cheap and exciting market experience as well as a visit to gold strip and optometrist. All proved fruitfull.
There were tears shed on arrival with local "fanily" I hadn't seen in years and tears shed on departure for the simple life we were leaving behind and the friendship that is uniquely Balinese.
I know many are complaining about the oz $ rate but surely $6000 rp to $1 beats working 10 hours a day six days a week for 125 000rp ($17) as my friend who has bee a waitress at the same place for over 20 years does.
In closing we had a great time and hope to go back in two years time.