The 4 of us left Sydney 5.15pm Sunday 1st November bound for Beautiful Bali again.
Flight on time and everything went well, Flew over some electrical storms after leaving the coast of Australia behind, lots of lightning.
Arrived around 8.40pm Bali time and was out of the airport in 40 mins - pretty good.
Greeted by the smiling face of our soon to be permanent driver from Bali Garden Hotel - Jimmy.
Checked into rooms 273 & 274, basic, clean and good enough for us, we only intended on sleeping here anyway.
Went down to Kafe Batan Waru for a very late dinner of Chili Crab, Chili prawns, Nasi Goreng and a chicken wrap. First time to eat here and couldn't complain, good food and ice cold Bintang. Up to bed, still on Sydney time.
Up for a reasonably early breakfast, 8am then off to Jonoko Tailor in Poppies 2, have used them many times in the past with no issues. Had a wander around, the couple with us, 1 bali virgin, 1 back after 33 years needed to get acquainted with the modern day Bali.
Back to hotel for a swim, then down to see our friends on the beach outside Inna Kuta Beach Hotel at Sams Bar. As usual greeted by many smiles and excitement to see us again.
Dinner tonight at Poppies - always a treat.
Day 2
Hubby and I started the day off with a walk along the newly renovated beach area from BGH down to Tuban, I must say when I got to Ma Joly I couldn't believe it. What was once a straight drop into the water is now a beach that stretches for 100mtrs.
As it was Melbourne Cup day, we headed to Gracie Kelly's at Bali Dynasty for their Cup Luncheon, very pleasant although rather smokey.
Off to Melasti Spa for the girls, 3 hrs, massage, body scrub and facial - Wonderful!
Easy dinner tonight at Made's Warung, a drink at Hard Rock to show the newbies the pool, then home for an early night, still on Sydney time.
Day 3
The girls went and hit the shops, Geneva, and Alta Moda for some stretch fabric then back to Jonoko for some additional work to be done. Kuta Galleria appeared to be devoid of all life, everything shut and boarded up, very strange. Boys went to Melasti Spa for a massage while we were shopping, loved it.
Lazed around the pool for the afternoon and then to Gosha for dinner, I must say that I was a bit wary as there have been some bad reports of late, but the food and service was exceptional as usual, Hubby was even invited to play a round of golf with Gosha.
Day 4
Big day today,
Breakfast
Pool
Lunch by the pool
Pool
Sams Bar
Then across the road to Chi Chi (it was close and we were lazy) for some very dodgy Mexican.
Day 5
Met up with Jimmy and he took us to Pedang Pedang for the morning then a look round Nusa Dua in the afternoon.
Back to BGH for a swim in the pool and then met up with some friends for dinner at La Luciola - always nice.
Day 6
Bit of shopping and off to the tailors for final fittings, the clothes were all delivered that afternoon, very happy with my suit, tops, dress & hubby's business shirts. Went to Sky Garden for a drink with some other friends who where over on a break, management assured us the renovations would be completed by the end of the day, can't see that happening when they were still laying grass on the top deck, and building the fences on some levels to stop people falling 3 floors. Should be great when finished and tremendous 360degree views, go and have a look its worth it.
Back to the pool then off to my favourite restaurant - Ma Joly.
A bit disappointed this year as they have changed the menu and no longer serve escargot or scallops, everything else was lovely although prices have gone up and I think this would be THE most expensive dinner to be had in the Kuta area, don't know might give it a miss next time.
Day 7
Shopping for last minute things, then afternoon by the pool and off to Echo Beach for an early dinner, this was the one new thing I did, and it was a highlight, what a top spot, I took advice from the forum and booked a table as it was Sunday, the place was packed and jumping, seafood bbq - sensational and the most beautiful sunset all week. A pleasant drive up to Canggu, hadn't actually seen the ducks at work in the rice fields before, so this was a treat.
Back home to start the arduous task of packing.
Day 8
Had a big sleep in then spent the day by the pool. Had a reasonably early flight home set at 9.45, delays meant we didn't take off until 10.15pm and arrived back in Sydney at 6.40am not too shabby, I hate the flight home regardless of what airline I use, I think its more the fact I am leaving Bali behind rather than comfort or service.
We had some very ignorant travellers sitting in front of us, a word of warning if you find the person behind you has directed their airconditioning directly down your back, think about what you have been doing to be subjected to this! A little bit of consideration amongst travellers goes a long way to the comfort of all.
I am now suffering the dreaded Bali Blues and already booked and planning my trip next year, can't wait!
This year was far to short.