The last installment of our fun filled 14 days in paradise. I hope you have all enjoyed reading as much as we have enjoyed sharing!
Thursday afternoon the kids and I were relaxing around the apartment, husband went down to Gula Gula (the restaurant on Jl Padma Utara side of Baleka) and grabbed lunch. Rp145,000 for greek salad, 2 serves of wedges, club sandwich and tonic water. Was ok but nothing to rave about. Spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing before heading into Kuta for dinner.
Taxi dropped us of at Jl Legian end of Poppies 1. Stopped at leather shop and picked up a black leather backpack that I really wanted. Paid Rp600,000 for it which was probably slightly too much but since I was prepared to pay that plus postage to have one made for me, I was really happy.
Had dinner at TJ's Mexican. Rp475,900 for 2 mojito, 1 coke, 2 waters, 1 entre chimmichunga, 1 entree guacamole, 1 chicken enchilada (split between 2 kids), 2 beef fajitas and extra tortillas. We really enjoy eating here and are never disappointed with the meal. Walked most of the way back, stopping at Carla Spa in Jl Padma Utara for the foot/leg massages that the kids and I have been having daily. Rp105,000 for the 3 of us to have ½ hour which is just long enough for the kids!
Friday was a pretty low key day for us, being the last full day with no activities planned. After a breakfast at Shandy's again we cleaned up and then headed to Carrefour. We like to buy anti-dandruff shampoo, handwashes, deodorisers, hand sanitiser and other assorted household items that are 1/8th or less here than at home. What we buy usually lasts 3-6 months and extends the Bali joy as we always have a memory when a fresh bottle of something is opened!
After finishing shopping a last visit to A&W for a root beer float and icecream for the kids before heading back to BMA. After finding the pool green when waking up we had spoken with Adika Sari about buying lunch there and using their pool for the afternoon. The kids loved this as they really enjoy the feel of Adika Sari and we mourn that this hotel will be knocked down at the end of April with all the staff loosing their jobs and an ugly high rise taking its place!
Husband had lunch (club sandwich and bowl of fries) and I have a couple of lemon juices. Can't find the receipt but it was around Rp150,000 I think.
After freshening up we headed over to Jl Melasti for dinner. On a previous trip we enjoyed a meal at Ketumbar so returned there. For Rp343,970 we bought bruschetta, childs spaghetti bolognese, pesto pasta, spinach & ricotta ravioli, 2 for 1 mojitos, 1 milkshake, 1 water, 2 strawberry squash. The atmosphere is great here and the staff are lovely with the kids, in particular Agung who the kids just adore.
Again, we walked back and stopped at Carla Spa for the foot massages and I added a pedicure!
Saturday morning at 8.30 we were picked up by the bus to take us to the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge. I had forgotten how long it takes to drive there, but love looking at the scenery along the way. We immediately notice the temperature change in Ubud and surrounds, so much cooler without the humidity it was really pleasant.
Our first stop was our elephant ride. Husband and Miss 4 went on one elephant and Master 7 and I went on another. We all really enjoyed the walk, even though the kids were a bit nervous to begin with and I always find it interesting to talk to the staff about the animals and themselves. The walk through the water at the end was great as was the photo opportunity! After finishing the ride the elephants we rode were bought around for us to feed and pat them and have photos taken. We all really loved this and I love getting up this close to such a beautiful animal as the elephant. One of the elephants were bought around the side in the water and we had a further opportunity to interract. After this we went around to where the baby elephants are housed and again had a chance to feed and pat them. This really delighted the kids and we all enjoyed it.
Went up to the restaurant for buffet lunch, this was included in the package and we only had to purchase drinks. By this time the rain was seriously coming down which kept us indoors. However I kept well entertained in the gift shop instead! After watching the elephant show (which was great) we collected our photo (paid Rp78,000) and headed back to the bus to return to Legian.
Got back to apartments with kids asking for early foot massages, so headed back to Carla Spa for mid afternoon massages! After finishing those and heading back to apartment for cleaning up, we headed back out for dinner. Had been told that Sat night was Rp35,000 pasta night a Ketumbar so we returned there. Total cost of Rp244,970 for bruschetta, 1 bolognese, 2 ravioli, lime squash, strawberry squash, cole and 2 milkshakes with another great meal!
Walked back to have a drink at Adika Sari before saying goodbye to staff that we knew. Stopped off for some shopping for some last minute things before heading back to BMA to update Master 7's blog before starting to pack up. If anyone would like to see his blog and some of the pictures its at callum in bali dot blogs pot then put dot com - remove the spaces and do what you do with dots. Leaving tomorrow night and spending the day at Waterbom Park to help tire the kids out!
I have really enjoyed sharing our trip with you all. I have learnt a lot from HNR and JBR of many members and am grateful for everyone on this forum. My husband and I are thinking of returning alone in August so I will be continuing to read the forum to gain insight into a different style of trip next time!