Well, we have just returned from our fantastic Bali Bash. 26 people came from Adelaide and first two days in Seminyak. Highlights there were dinner at Cocoon and then the W Hotel donated a welcome dinner at the Fire Sky Restaurant overlooking the beach. absolutely wonderful. Bashers then all kitted up with Bali Bash T.shirts and hats and divided into teams, set out for Tanalot and a picnic lunch in the rice fields. A trip to Toko Nyoman for Balinese ceremonial dress was the order of the day so the bashers could shop for the Balinese theme night in the mountains. Next to Bali Mountain Retreat and the home of Richard Kaal who put on a fantastic Indonesian buffet for us and a night of unforgettable entertainment. Not only did the fabulous Richard sing, but also we had special guests in from adelaide Kate and Antonio Villano who rocked the house. We partied till around 2am and everyone was still on a high and so the guitars came out and an impromptu session was had till the wee hours. Then it was on to Candidassar and staying at Alila Mangiss. A trip to the John Fawcett mobile hospital was the highlight on the following day. 8 bashers paid big money to watch a cataract operation in the hospital in the banjar of a remote villa near candidassar. it was emotional and very worthwhile to support the cause. the next morning we all went out to watch the bandages come off the recipients of the operations and that was a moment to behold. some of them could see for the first time in years with the sight of a 20 year old, so it made for a few tears amongst the Bali Bashers. A trip to Pasir Putih was a fun stop with massages, buying beach merchandise, doing some snorkelling for the afternoon along with a few cold Bintangs. Next day, off to the Safari and Marine Park where we lunched with the lions and then saw the Bali Agung theatre show which is Bali's best kept secret. Fantastic show. Checked into Vision Villas around 6pm and sat down to another fabulous banquet. Early night for most. Then the finale, Life is a Cabaret and that was a huge night. Antonio and Kate sang again and Hans from Adelaide 's Show and Tell, made a guest appearance. All entertainers were donating their time also. around 150 local ex pats attended and all have said it was the best night's entertainment they had ever had in Bali, so that was a great thing to achieve out at Vision Villas who kindly donated everything on the night. The Bashers made a corporate box area and made people pay to go up on a special balcony for pre dinner drinks. that made an extra rp1.5 m for the JFF> very funny indeed. The night was a huge sucess and left people wanting more. Next day it was time to check out of the resort and head to Sanur, where the final lunch was held at the Glass House. The Bali International choir was the class act , followed by a live band and another impromptu performance by Antonio and Kate. Very weary then, the bashers checked into Kejora Villas, right next door and the bash was finally over. Most of them staying for another week to get over the excitement. A fabulous week all round with a net result of approx $16,000 AUD going to the John Fawcett
Foundation. Hope you enjoyed reading the condensed version of the Bali Bash....!!