Everything okay with flight from Tassie on 7 August to Melbourne, and left for Bali at 6.45 as scheduled. Arrived approx on schedule at 10.45 pm. I was staying 6 weeks so already had my visa and went straight to that line and was through in about 5 minutes. All up I was out of airport in about 20 minutes. Wonderful. Got taxi at counter on right as you walk out. Usual 55,000rp to Legian. Dropped off at Lumbung Sari where there was a bit of confusion about my room even though I knew the staff on duty. I already knew my room number as they give me same every year, but they still had to double check. When we finally got in my room, my box of things including iron, glasses, bottle opener etc had already been placed in there so i knew I was really home.
Next day I met up with friends from WA who had arrived two days earlier. We went up to Bintang Supermarket and stocked up on large containers of water - 6 litres (which we alway put into smaller bottles and stock up the fridge). Bintang S'market, or any larger superemarket, is so much cheaper for this so best to stock up at beginning of holiday and save yourselves many trips. We also got some bikkies, tomatoes and cheese, margarine, and snacks as I really do not like the butter here. Also, I got some brown sliced bread and took a couple of slices each morning for our kitchen to toast. They really do not mind and i ask them in a nice way so i am not insulting their bread, but it is a bit sweet for me.
Aftr that straight up the road to the little girl, Kedak (who is 5 or 6), who has become my little friend. A few gifts to her and her brother (I do not want to leave him out). I took some lovely photos of them and the mother presented me with a beautiful photo of Kedak at a ceremony and she had written special words to me on the back. It is a treasured photo of mine.
The next day, Kedak's younger cousin, who remembered me from December trip grabbed my hand as I was walking along and wanted to come with me. As the Mum trusted me i took them along and had swim in pool and had bowl of chips and coke with them. They are so beautiful.
Next day up to Warung Kardini which has the most delicious food. Behind 3 Brothers, but please do not be put off it by its outward appearance as, like most Warungs in Bali, it has the most delicous and cheap food.
That night to Apache Reggae Bar. I just love the reggae music and the reggae singers there. They remember me from every year, so no lining up and paying any entrance fee....free pass for me. After a few hours of dancing, or when reggae is finished, I am off over the road to Espresso Bar. Great music still..........
Anyway, these were my first few days and I still have over 5 weeks to go.
Further JBR to follow if you do not think this is too long winded. If so, I will try to cut it down. Debbie