Well, back to reality now but just had 6 glorious days in Bali with hubby, sister and brother in law - we left the children behind with various minders....feels like we had 3 weeks away!
Arrived in Bali after a rather bumpy flight all the way there - I'm usually a good flyer but I must say that this one had me feeling a little uneasy (probably the fact I'd only managed 3 hours sleep before having to get up and get to the airport). Touched down and the temperature was a rather cool 23 degrees - rain and clouds but no humidity so that in itself was a shock! Thanks for the comments about the freezing cold back in Perth and Busso...made me feel better :)
We walked into the airport, paid our money then waited in line for 20 minutes before anyone actually arrived to process us all - it seems they slept in!! Turned into bedlam as the immigration officer decided to open his desk across from our huge line and we all dashed for a spot in the new line!
Once through there were smiles all round and we got on to our hotel - staying once again at O-Ce-N Outrigger....almost full to capacity this time which was good to see.
Weather stayed cool and rainy for first 2 - 3 days...doesn't affect the drinking and shopping though so that was ok.
Late breakfast at Lanai - the perfect start with Eggs Benedict and Bali Kopi! Straight into the shopping, then spent the arvo settling in with Black Russians and Vokda Lime and Sodas :) Dinner at Queens Tandoor and then to bed....
So, here's a basic run down of places we went, ate at and things we did...
Breakfasts: Lanai, Zanzibar (good wifi there), and a great walk along the beach to La Lucciola
Lunches: The Pub, Aromas Cafe (hhmmm only realised after sitting down that this is a full vegetarian cafe...no meat, egg or fish so anyone who needs lots of protein should avoid eating here but the toilets are fabulous so good for a break!), Made's Warung, Sheppy's Bar, The Pizza Club in Seminyak (by far the greatest pizzas ever!)
Dinners: Lanai (okay, it's a fave so we eat there a LOT), Sarong in Seminyak (absolutely to die for decor, comfortable chairs - ours were lounges, and the food is top notch - Aussie chef used to work at Lemongrass in Sydney), Ultimo Italian in Seminyak (once again a very classy place, so so busy but they have a great system going - sit at the bar and the tables are turning over so fast you'll soon have a table, looks like it'd cost a fortune but didn't at all - in fact, 4 of us had beers, daquiris and a Cosmopolitan, entrees and mains and we worked it out at $95 all up with half of that being the drinks!)And we couldn't believe that the place is owned by a Balinese and the chef is Balinese - could have sworn it was Italian run!
Without the kids, we shopped until we dropped and the boys went to Waterbom Park for some fun and surfed with Blue Ocean. Considered another tattoo but might leave that for the next trip.
We visited a Reiki master near Nusa Dua - had an amazing experience (my husband was the only one who couldn't bring himself to take part - it's the cynic in him!) The 3 of us who did, each had a very deep meditative experience which was incredible.
Drinks at Ku de Ta were fabulous - best strawberry daquiris and the atmosphere is unbeatable...talk about chilled out!
My sister and I went for a couple of massages, the boys did some reflexology and then our last morning was spent at Bodyworks while the boys watched the grand final....perfect!
So the week passed and we reflected back and wondered if we should have been climbing Mt Batur and driving out to far distant mountains....the conclusion was a definitive "computer says Nah"....we relaxed, we slept, we drank, we chatted (uninterrupted!), we walked until our legs ached, we were responsible for ourselves only, we missed our children and sent them emails to which my 5 year old son replied "Dear Mummy, I fell off the chair. I hope my presents are really cool".... there was never a need to worry! LOL!
Flight home was brilliant albeit a little uncomfortable and the welcome home from the kids was second to none!