Flew out of Perth on the 7.40pm flight which was delayed by two hours - oh well, we figured it was better to be delayed on the way there (when we were excited)than the way back. Got through Bali customs very quickly and were to our hotel by about 2.00am. We stayed at the O-CE-N Outrigger in Legian for the entire stay and what a pleasant surprise when we got there - we were upgraded from a two bed apartment to a three bed/two bathroom apartment (room 421) with an enormous outdoor patio area including a hot tub - and ocean views - needless to say we were pretty stoked.
Spent the first day getting our bearings (we usually stay the Tuban end) and stocking up on supplies. Bit of street shopping. First night had dinner at Kori - very yummy.
I won't detail things day by day but we had great meals at Kori, Poppies, Sip,Chandi,Pearl and Rosso Vivo - the last four were especially good - not cheap by Bali standards but very good value by Australian standards. Had good lunches at Bali Cafe and Cafe Moko as well as Lanai on our last day - they had the best choc cake - yum. You can tell I love my food, right? Another good dinner was at Un's. Had disappointing dinners at Indonational and Secret Garden - there was a caterpillar on Master 15's salad at Indonational and my steak was very tough.
Husband and sons 12 and 15 did a scuba diving trip which they really enjoyed. We all did a quad bike trip and a cycling trip. I am not a motorbike rider - all the boys are, and I thought I would hate the quads but it was really good fun - lots of mud - I am glad I put on the wellies they offered he he.
Had some Botox with Dr Ida - pleased with the results and will definitely see her again when I am next in Bali (July 2011 already booked the airfares - BTW about 2K cheaper using Air Asia online booking compared to using the travel agent).
I did a reasonable amount of shopping by my standards - I am a very bad shopper - really indecisive he he. A few summer dresses from various boutiques along Legian Street and SOGO.
Husband and Master 12 got prescription glasses at one of the stores at Discovery Mall - about $250 each - Ripcurl frames and transitional lenses. Both were very happy with the results - especially Master 12 as he has an unusual prescription that has previously ended up with one lense much thicker than the other and the need to pay extra to get a thin lense - this time they were both thin for about $75.
Husband and boys did "lots" of street shopping - t-shirts, shorts, Vans knock-offs and caps. Husband also bought a boogie board, fins andtwo steering wheels (that he was ecstatic about). Husband also had some stickers made up for his boat that he was really pleased about - hope they stay on when they hit the water....
Master 12 bought a skateboard, a Ripcurl watch and some other bits and pieces.
All three guys bought Steamers.
It was a great trip and I really didn't want to come home.... I guess most can relate to that.
Did I mention we had free wi-fi in our room - I think this is getting pretty standard now.
Flight home was on time and arrived a little early at about 6.30pm. Out of customs by about 7.30pm - no hassles until we got back to where car was garaged to find a flat battery... Then the 8 hour drive home the next day. At least we came home to lovely warm weather and our gorgeous dog who we all missed. I don't think her feet have touched the ground.
Only "negative" about the O-CE-N is that taxis can't cruise along the front so you have to phone for one and there is fierce competition between the private transport providers and the Blubird taxi company - the former chase away the taxis and try and negotiate higher fares - it is a bit of a standover type situation. Made us feel intimidated at times.
All in all fantastic time and can't wait to go back.
I forgot to mention the great massages!! Have to stop now or I will go on forever he he.