Day 8
Back in the confines of the villa, Seminyak-side and another day to fill, this time without the parents (they are in Singapore for the day). Easy fixed - I have an old friend of mine living over in the Dreamland Beach area in a simple house with her partner. Haven't seen her since our partying days of the early 2000's, so grab our driver and we're off for the day. The resort, for those that don't know, is a failed project from Tommy Suharto and it sure looks like it. Paths branch out from roundabouts that promptly lead into thick unkempt bush - quite literally, roads to nowhere. With no housing directly on the roads as you enter, it seems to be nothing more than a hamster wheel for frustrated drivers. A golf course in amazing condition appears to be the only sign of life, but eventually, tucked into a backblock, I find my friend's house. We have a great reunion and eventually decide on lunch at nearby Fusion Resto (Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan). This place is run by Aussies, features a huge menu, good prices and a welcoming vibe. It's also rather large inside and host parties, bands, the lot. Ask Claire for a piece of their cheesecake - very good.
Afterwards, my driver and I find Padang Padang beach area and I get some phone camera shots on the bridge overhead, and down on the sand. I can see the attraction here - flat shallow waters at low tide make it the perfect hang-out for an assortment of budget tourists and curious families looking for a safe, protected beach. At high tide, Gede tells me this place has a huge surf and gnarly break available to those that can brave it. Beautiful, busy place. On the way out, we pass lots of sentries posted to keep the police happy with bribes, and cars and parked bikes lining the grassed areas parallel to the roads. Apparently there is an illegal cockfight going on within the dense forest to our right - and business would seem to be good.
Returning to the villa again, I think about dinner. I hate eating by myself, but I really do like Villa Kresna's Art cafe - so take the easy walk there and order a beef strogganof fettucine. It has no right to be any good I suppose, but this guy can make anything taste good. Meanwhile, a 3 piece local band start up around 8pm, quietly doing Foo Fighters, Oasis, Radiohead and other covers. Just my scene - I love everything they do and though there are only 4 of us listening (plus some hangers-on) we all applaud like we're 20 to encourage them more. They're actually pretty good, nice jangly pop sound and not too loud (it's a small place and we're all eating). Lead singer can sing - all in English too. Kudos to them - these guys were the highlight of what was going to be a pretty standard night. They play every Wednesday and Friday there, if you like a little rock with your meals.
Parents arrive back early the next morning after an exhausting trip, so breakfast is late today. But, there's a party on tonight at the villa and all their Indo expat friends are coming around. Finally, my gay wing is available and turning up without his partner. The day is spent running around getting the usual stuff you have to when throwing one of these things - I get my second (and final massage of the trip) just opposite Bintang Supermarket at a nondescript locals place. One hour with a shower afterwards, 65,000rp. Happy with that, although I must have fallen asleep for the last half hour because it was over before I knew it. Clock said a full 60mins though..
Party time approaches..