As we look back on our sensational trip to Bali we have so many fond and incredible memories. We feel very fortunate to be able to meet so many great people and see such awesome things.
It really does feel as though we have been happily away for months not just 10 days. I am not sure how I am going to cope with the daily grind of our normal lives when we return home to Australia where complete strangers will look at me as though I am a freak as I sing out 'ello'. Nor will they wish me a good day numerous times a day. After spending a while in Bali I was totally convinced that I really was in store for a super good day after so many pleasant well wishes and warm greetings from complete strangers came our way. :D
How will we cope when we will have to drive ourselves everywhere, do our own laundry and cook our own meals? We will need to wear jumpers and restrictive socks and not even be able to sit outside every evening and morning to watch the sunrises and sunsets. We will even have to speak in complete sentences and no one will open the car door for me. It sounds all too complicated for me.
It really was the people who made this trip even more special. Their constant sunny greetings with a sparkle in their eye to complete strangers was really heart warming. The Balinese people have a great sense of humour and most of them go out of their way and even work as a team to make your wishes a reality. They don't call it the island of smiles for nothing :D
I loved it when I sheepishly confessed to them that I did not have any children knowing how important families are to the Balinese. Hubby would promptly correct me and say that was absolutely not true by showing them a photo of our two beaming golden retrievers who really are my spoiled rotten substitute children. The Balinese doubled over in laughter time and time again. They were awesome and so jolly with their bright smiles :D
I also especially loved the weather in Bali!!! The weather we encountered on this trip in October was absolutely beautiful during the day and night. Sometimes it was hot and steamy but that's OK since most of the pools were a perfect temperature for cooling off.
John, I am thrilled to let you know Madame Lucinda was absolutely correct!! LOL! Bali really was bright and sunny each day. Before we embarked on our trip we religiously researched the weather forecasts only to find that they predicted thunderstorms each and every day. Fortunately they never eventuated for us. It was a real treat for me to be able to wear dresses and shorts every day even during the night time in October which I could never do back home. I guess that is all a part of the magic of Bali. :D
I was in constant total awe of the natural beauty of the island of Bali especially with its stunning sunsets and view points along with the most incredible architecture of the most divine hotels. The Balinese are the best in the world at creating the most extraordinary experience with amazing value for money and I consider myself to be so privileged to be able to return now and again to see this astounding place.
Obviously I would have never have found so many of these golden nuggets without the wisdom of my Bali travel buddies. Thank you for sharing your wonderful secrets with me, you have assisted me in my endeavour to live my life to the fullest.
Bali is an extraordinary place and which attracts some pretty extraordinary people. Thank you also to the very kind people who took the time to respond to my posts especially those who contacted me multiple times:) Your encouragement and laugh out loud moments made my day. It is sincerely heartwarming. :D
I am very grateful for all that Bali has given me and I look shall continue to look forward to the potentially wonderful blessings that I might be fortunate enough to experience in the future thanks to you and beautiful Bali.
Only 724 sleeps to go! :P
Until next time...
Semoga harimu menyenangkan!
Have a nice day!
Hints for newbies:
For those who find it difficult to sleep on the plane buy a Travel Rest Pillow. (THANKS! HNB it worked like a dream :P)
Get a photo book printed of your photos. Make sure that it has a hard cover (not just a slip cover) so it looks just like a real library book. I am working on the Blurb web site now.
Write your own journal asap. I have already forgotten so many of these details so I am glad that I have a record of them now.
Don't bring any food to Bali otherwise you will have to write it on the form, go through questioning and show an official to be approved. Buy it all there as it is much less hassle.
Aussies double check the prohibited list before bring anything suspicious back to Oz especially wood. It may be all OK but you will have to declare it and then go through questioning and then show them for approval or you can do what we did and skip right past the lines, wave good bye and make a bee line for home sweet home.
For even more of my Bali adventures or hints that I have missed check out my JBR spoilers from 09
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http://www.tripadvisor.com/SearchForums?scope=2&ff=7220&geo=294226&q=spoilers&sub-search.x=0&sub-search.y=0&returnTo=__2F
For those newbies still looking for the best things to do here is
- MY TOP MUST DOS IN BALI
The Ayana Hotel in Jimbaran Bay
Uluwatu temple and fire dance
Safari Park
Bali Zoo + Reptile Park and Bird Park
Bali Off Course trek
The Monkey Forest in Ubud + shopping on Monkey Forest Road
The Royal Pita Maha in Ubud (Organic river restaurant)
Infinity pool dinner at Kupu Kupu Barong
Snorkel straight off the beach at Amed from the Coral View Hotel
Lovina sunrise dolphin cruise and hot springs (+ Snorkelling in Pemuteran)
Climb Mt. Batur at sunrise (Lake View Restaurant at Kinitmani)
Lembongan Island (Eat at JoJo's on Mushroom Bay, walk to Devil's tears and go snorkelling)
Turtle Conservation and Education Centre
Get your nails painted.
Tanah Lot
(sorry I could not limit it to 5 or even 10 :P )
Enjoy!