Good morning everyone,
We are now halfway through our holiday.. oh no, the end is in sight!!
Yesterday was a shopping day. Optik Melawai opposite Matahari in Kuta Square would have our many pairs of glasses ready for collection, and finally our half blind group would be able to see again! I for one was incredibly relieved at this... shuffling along calling out, "pot hole... rock... huge open sewer drain" really detracts from the joy of simply walking around this beautiful island.
First stop on our trip into Kuta was a stop at the Bali Memorial. A few quiet words, and a moment of reflection before our party split.
Hubby dearest and Master 14 were looking forward to heading down Poppies 2 and finding Big Boys Toys. Now both being total Bali Newbies, and being of the dependent male type, we were all a bit concerned that they'd get lost and never be seen again.
Actually, this wasn't that far fetched. If Master 14 is sure they need to head North, Hubby is equally as certain that they need to head South (and then East). Of course, they'd both be wrong... and being male they would never ask for directions!
Clear directions of "head down Poppies 2, and BBT's is near the Barong Hotel entrance" were given. Now for Bali these directions are almost a huge neon sign pointing the way... but no luck.
They walked down Poppies 2, back up Poppies 2, back down... and then caught a taxi to join us at Matahari (because they couldn't figure out how to walk there), sure that I was lying to them, and no such place existed.
Master 14's bottom lip was trailing along the ground, and Hubby was almost as bad by the time they joined me.
I had spent the time on a family planned shopping spree.
Nyoman our driver has invited us to his family compound to visit his family, and join them in the preparations for an upcoming wedding.
We don't want to arrive empty handed, so first I bustled about purchasing a few nice t-shirts for Nyomans large family. Nyoman had previously mentioned that his family received second hand clothes as gifts from his guests occassionally and it was a great excitement for them all. I also picked up a pretty, but functional wrap around scarf for his mum (recommended by a sales lady, I hope it is okay!).
We will ask Nyoman today what else would be a welcome and well received gift to the family.
After the joys of shopping without hubby looking over my shoulder counting every purchase (yippee!!), I joined up with the just arrived unlucky duo and we set off to find the balance of our group.
Uncle had set himself the task of finding a chemist and a doctor to ascertain what action he should take for his rather tender tummy. Mum and Auntie had managed to wander as far as Stadium Bar (near the Ramayana hotel), and were waiting for him, so we wandered off to join them.
Well... it was nearly noon, and the Stadium Bar was getting very very busy! Turns out the footy was about to start, and we quickly gave up our table to some die hard fans.
Walking not being our groups strong suit, we managed to walk as far as Melasti Bar and Restaurant at the Melasti Hotel Beach Bungalows, before stopping again. This is maybe 75 metres by the way... maybe.
It really doesn't look very inviting. While I'm sure it is actually clean, it doesn't look it. The place could definitely use a refurb, new menu's that aren't falling apart, fresh unstained or singed table cloths, and a good dust and repaint of the restaurant surrounds. Nevertheless, this is as far as we were going, so we sat and ordered.
Apart from a slight delay on hubby's meal, the service and meal were a real surprise! Most of us had burgers.. and they were delicious!! Hubby's pizza was thick and flavoursome, and even Uncle's chicken noodle soup was well received. For only 400k including drinks, this is a worthwhile stop for a quick bite to eat. (just wash your hands before eating!! :P)
I called Nyoman to come pick us up, he is so accommodating and deals with our need for short distance trips with patience and understanding, we are very fortunate to have him with us for this holiday.
We asked Nyoman to drive us up Poppies 2 to find Big Boys Toys... and sure enough, directly outside the Barong Hotel there is a sign (and a large flourescent remote control car!!!) pointing the way. Hubby and Master 14 were pushed out of the van, with directions on how to get back to the villa via taxi, and we took off.
We headed home the long way... via Cool Spirit... a new clothing shop for the larger lady situated just down the street a little from Bali Deli in Seminyak. Oh my goodness... this shop is worth a look. Beautiful, beautiful clothing! Definitely recommended. The handbags, shoes and jewellery are also lovely and we ended up spending around 2mill here.
Once back home, we sent Nyoman off for the remainder of the day, oohed and aahed about the Remote Control helicopters my boys had purchased 1mill for the large, and 600k for the medium size (with me wondering how on earth I am supposed to pack them they are MASSIVE!!) had a quick swim, and then wandered up the Gang to Warung Asia.
This highly recommended restaurant lived up to all expectations. The food was marvellous and we will definitely be back! 650k for 7 people, shared starters, mains and drinks.
The remainder of our evening was spent with a quick follow up trip to Rezeky Tailor and then a quiet night of playing cards and laughing.
For those interested in the weather... yesterday was overcast, and I think it likely that a tiny bit of rain fell in some places around Kuta/Legian, but I didn't see it so can't say for certain.
It has dawned warm and sunny today. Lets hope it stays sunny for our day of relaxing at the villa with a sumptuous afternoon tea at Biku Restaurant later.
Oh... and I must pack! Off to the Safari Park for an overnight visit tomorrow with the kiddies! :)
Have a great day everyone!
BaliDaze