flight from perth on jetstar sunday november 8, left at 10am, about 10 mins early. pretty relaxed flight, had 3 seats to myself, much to the chagrin of the otherwise packed plane. first bali trip, solo traveller, very excited. arrival into NR no problem, got off the plane and was hit with heat, humidity and a certain smell i will always now associalte with bali. cruise on through arrivals, took about 20 minutes all up. found my taxi driver outside with his sign with my name on it - i guess that's how visiting rock stars feel, all those people lined up shouting your name.
trip to ubud took about an hour, nyoman (driver) pointing out things of interest along the way. passed through sanur, glad i didn't stay there as i had originally intended - shops very run down and not at all close to the hotels i had looked at. as i live by the beach in perth i didn't find it neccessary to stay by the beach in bali, thought i'd try something different. so ubud here i come.
arrived at the cendana resort and spa after a hair raising introduction to bali-style driving. lots of horns and swerving and near misses, but it seems to work out ok.
cendana an oasis of calm just off monkey forest rd. booked in, went up to the room and just relaxed on the balcony. a welcome drink was soon brought to me, and really made me feel at home. a quick dip in the pool and it was time for a late lunch.
found cafe wayan just down from the resort, and pretty much ate every meal there for the next 5 days. excellent food, service and surroundings. and of course the price can not be beat. nasi campur for lunch, a rice and chicken sampler dish with little bits of everything, all delicious.
wandered up and down monkey forest road, avoiding the bali dogs which were quite aggressive at times. also the newspaper sellers - the dogs had nothing on them. tuning out cries of "taxi? taxi? maybe tomorrow?" i was quite happy to just stop in at the delta supermarket, grab a couple of bintangs and a DVD and return to my room.
much lazing about on the balcony taking in the rice paddy view and another dip in the pool followed.
cendana has a free internet room so sent off a couple of emails and checked out some tours for tomorrow and that was it for me for the day.
(to be continued).