Working out which currency to take, and in what form just about did my head in. I checked USD and Aus $ conversion to IDR rates a few times a day, (derrrr, that was a useful wasn't it?) And if that wasn't ridiculous enough I even starting checking 3 different currency converter websites, just incase and then torn between all the advice on BTF. Procrastination had to end and, 2 days before leaving I made a decision, went with my instincts and got a mix of Anz travelcard USD, some Aus$cash and emergency money via credit card.
In end, becoming so obsessed was so unnecessary, there's really only a few cents or a few dollars difference in it. I wasn't talking about converting thousands of dollars and really did not dent the budget in anyway, maybe I was out by about $10-$20 in total. Rates change daily, just relax and go with the flow is what I have learnt.
And then there was the weather outlook, I checked at least a few times a day, comparing a few different weather websites, everyday thunderstorms and that didn't change, asking BTF for hourly updates on what was happening with the weather. I don't even listen to weather forecasts at home as it always changes, so started to chill out closer to the date, I resigned to myself that it will be what it will be. Advised Princess, Sensible and Nona to expect rain, and there might be sunshine, of course, they didn't really care that much, as we are going on a holiday, there was a pool and a beach and that's all that mattered.
All documents, check, all bags packed check, taxi booked for 5am check, at 2am in the morning thought I now have time to put some colour in my hair, Princess and Sensible couldn't sleep and were up on the hour amused at their mama double checking contents packed, with a geisha hairstyle whilst the colour did it's thing.
I had managed to get wax in before, so I was almost set.
Very weary, but we are on our way to pick up Nona and on the way to the airport. Checking in, Nona notices a few (3) who had plastic wrapped their suitcases, I knew exactly what she was thinking and tried not to make eye contact with her. I could see the look on her face and what it wanted to ask me. Mum it will be fine, have a look no one else has plastic wrapped their suitcases; we have locks on all of our suitcases. Oh dear this might be a tough holiday for me if Nona keeps on having that questioning look.
We flew with Garuda, all so fine. Left on time and Princess, Sensible and Nona loved receiving their meal trays. By the way, don't care what anyone thinks, I LOVE plane food! Movies galore, great! And then the highlight came when we got chocolate ice creams, Princess and Sensible squealed with excitement, at this point I knew this was going to work out to being a great Holiday.
Arrived ahead of schedule in Denspasar in the afternoon. Oh that smell of Bali, I love it. Very grey and rainy, but that was ok at this because it was hot and I had prepared them for 12 days of rain. Cleared through the airport in 30 minutes, despite a few arrivals at same time, was expecting hours of waiting. Could have done it even quicker had we all not lined up to get VOA. Next time if traveling with more than one, one person can get the VOA whilst the other waits in the immigration queue.
Found our driver and on our way to Legian. Sun peaking through and rain stopped. Yes a bit of sunshine, that's fine if that our quota sunshine for the remainder of the trip I thought. Driving, places seem foreign to me from my last visit 11 years ago. I had forgotten a lot. I did prepare my girls in advance of the driving standards, lack of traffic lights/rules compared to what they were use to and all the motorbikes they would see whizzing by, all fine and no freak outs for the first timers.
We arrived at The Bali court Hotel, a friend's recommendation, and were so so pleased. We had 2 separate rooms as apartments were booked out, so 1 adult and one child in each. It's a small hotel that I wanted. Didn't want a massive resort, with hundreds of people something clean, simple and it was appealing, great pool and walking distance to the beach, great location a couple of min walk to Jalan Legian.
Staff were excellent, lovely, kind and always smiling. Rooms were ok, simple and clean, minimal décor but no musty smell which I had in other hotels on previous trips. Beds comfy bathroom ok, clean, all good and very comfortable. Breakfast was included, and served in their open restaurant that also offers lunch, dinner and a bar, prices reasonable. Fruit salad, and pastries, toast juices and coffee/tea. You can order more at an extra charge and the girls had their pancakes every morn. We aren't big breakfast eaters, so it sure beat our normal daily routine of cereal and toast.
Princess and Sensible respected other guests and were so well behaved especially when in the pool. They aren't rowdy girls but do get excited . I gave them the full brief and rules. No problems throughout the whole trip. Nona was beside herself, so impressed and excited, her frequent comment everyday ‘Divota' (divine). It was so important for me to get her stamp of approval, now I could relax. Sun shining and all decked out by the pool, girls starting to grow fins and gills, Nona and I cracked open a couple of bintangs which would become our staple drink at lunch and dinners and in between. Cin Cin! Welcome to Bali.
More to follow ...where we ate, went, shopping and Nona get's on a banana boat!