We flew out from Perth (myself, hubby and 12yo son) with AirAsia 1.20pm (was delayed approx 30mins)and had an uneventful flight which is just the way I like them. Had to do the bus thing to get into the terminal so of course it was a mad scramble to get to VOA etc.
Stayed at the Jayakarta Hotel, second time here and must say I enjoyed it a lot more this time round. Maybe having a ground floor room with our own patio right near the pool and tennis court had something to do with it, who knows? Every morning I'd wake up, go outside with my coffee and just watch the birds or squirrels or my fellow hotel guests going about their business.
Ate breakfast at the hotel most mornings but have to admit that towards the end of the holiday we started going elsewhere for breaky, found it hard to get a table and then when we did, we'd basically have to clear it and re-set it ourselves. Anyway, had some lovely breakfasts at The Coffee Shop which is next to Ibud Tattoo, (great smoothies)not far from the hotel. Learnt that they are moving in Sept a bit further up the street next to Circle K and Mugshots.
While we were in Bali the Balinese celebrated Independance Day and we were invited to Sanur to watch (and later participate in) the activities on the beach. Hubby was pulled up to join in the tug-of-war which was very competitive. A lot of cheering and yelling and laughing going on. We had a lovely lunch on the beach outside The Beach Cafe, food is always yummy here and the presentation of the food is # 1.
Found time to do a cooking class which I booked through the hotel tour counter. It was called "Taste of Bali" and it cost approx $45 which included a stop at the local Jimbaran markets on the way where we bought spices and ingredients for our dishes, learnt the art of making offerings, which we did while sitting in a bale in the family compound and of course the actual cooking part. I was very impressed by how professional everything was. Everybody got their own workstation and utensils so it was very hands on. There was only myself and 3 other ladies so we all had a great time.
Had a bit of girly time at the Biku teahouse again, just as lovely as last time. I chose the rose petal tea this time, it was a lovely pink colour and taste lovely. The high tea was very filling, luckily I hadn't eaten lunch as I was saving room, I was so bloated when I walked out.
All the restaurants we ate at were fantastic, will mention them now: Mozarella By the Sea x 2, Blue Ocean x 2 (great day beds inside the restaurant), Lanai, Italian restaurant outside Kumala Pantai x 3, Billy's Bar, Bali Beach Shack (watched the drag show, what a show), Monsoon, La Monde I and II.
Most mornings 12yo son had surf lessons with Tiger who sells silver jewellry on the beach outside the Jayakarta. He is a fantastic, genuine nice guy. Also Wayan and Nic who work at Franks Beach Bar. Most late afternoons where spent at the beach bar watching the sunset, enjoying a Bintang and having a sing along with Buddi and his guitar. And of course getting swamped by beach hawkers.
We had 2 leather jackets made at Mirra (think that was the name) Leather Shop and hubby had a sports jacket made at Winda Tailer, almost next door to leather shop. Very happy with all purchases.
I have to mention the choice of clothing you can buy at the markets now days. Wow, haven't they gotten better, the styles and quality are really fantastic, stuff you'd wear back home is what I'm trying to say. Spent up big this time, I even suprised myself as I usually just wear my usual "Bali" clothes but couldn't help myself. Sooooo... the poor suitcase was verrrry heavy going home.
Had the usual massages at the spas around the hotel but my favourite by a long shot (and not that much more expensive) had to be Santai Spa. As Molly says, do yourself a favour!
Anyway, we all had a great time and now I'm preparing myself for the girls trip in March. Hope you enjoyed reading what I thought would be my short JBR?