Six neighbourly neighbours (NN) set out from Central Coast NSW - 2 been to Bali 3 times (the tour guides - male TG, female TG ), 2 been there 15 years ago(the surfers-male surfer MS, female surfer FS), 2 newbies(male newbie MN, and FN). Limo to the airport, no worries, straight through peak hour - think I'll travel this way from now on!
Caught Garuda for the first time. No more Jet* or V* anymore for me - more seat room, full service and great movies (food not so great, but who cares). VOA at Sydney airport and immigration in flight.
Straight through customs, no queues,no slowing down, just a gaggle of passengers wandering straight through to get bags, even the porters were on their best behavior!
Transport to the Padma - love this place! Bintang and cocktails in the pool, Biancos for dinner. 2 Beef Rendang, 1 mixed sate, 3 margharita's, 1 mojito, 1 beer 389K - back to Padma, collapse.
Day 2 - Padma brekky still fantastic, everything you could imagine. Change money at exchange in Melasti st 9350. Ketuts is next to find out prices and buy in bulk - singlets 20K, Bali bag 30K. Sim cards in gang at end of JL Padma 35K, use the 01017 code for cheap calls. Shopping in Carrafours - Bintang small 11700.
Massage at Melasti spas turns pear shaped when I find my phone booking was for their Kuta spa - damn, catch a taxi there - takes forever in traffic, still massage is great 115K, probably wont do that again but a nice way to start the holiday.
Dinner at Mozarella by the Sea - Portabella Mushrooms (yuuummmm), Blue cheese and garlic fettucine(yum), red wine beef shanks, seafood chowder(yuck), 2 bintangs, 4 cocktails 409K - great night, lovely setting, friendly staff - lots of laughs.
Day 3 - Early to Brisbane Tailor, haven't tried them before, have had skirts made at Komangs in Padma St before. MTG having suit made in pure wool 1200K (probably too much but honestly cant get him any lower and MTG needs tailor made suit. FTG bought own material - 3 skirts made, 1 hem on a skirt, 1 repair shirring on blouse 800K, happy with this but OMG its hot in this shop!
Definitely need to get toes done - 45 min pedicure at Santai Spa in Padma Utara 50K plus 30 min massage (more like 45min) 40K. I see why everyone is raving about this place - I love it - the Hibiscus tea on the way in and Ginseng and Ginger tea on the way out, the washing of feet before a massage, the lovely staff - pure decadence!
Better do Kuta - quick run through Discovery Mall, non leather cross body bag in Sogo 150K, everything the same as Legian, out of there quick.
Dinner with the NN at TJ's - being Mexican fans they love it - jugs of Margharitas 325K (glasses are bigger and better value!)waiter spilt jug all over me - oh well! Most dishes 60-70K. Not being a great Mexican fan I thought it was OK, staff not so friendly - want you in, fed and out. But NN's loved it and went back later in the trip.
Baik Bike tomorrow.
Thanks for reading let me know if you want Part 2.