Don't you just love a work conference as an excuse to come to Bali. That was my excuse anyway. 5 Days of conference at Nusa Dua, 5 star all the way, scenery in and around the resort was superb. Certainly a different Bali than what I had experienced before, but people come here for lots of reasons.
Conference over and headed back to the town houses. Stayed in a Standard room. Value for money with everything that makes a comfortable holiday. All the familiar faces came up to greet us as we arrived. Lovely friendly staff here that do all the extras with a smile.
First thing we wanted to do was head to Garlic Lane and order some leather goods. Ended up going to Dolphin Leather. French Leather over the road was closed as were many stalls and shops due to their holiday season. We had two jackets, pants, boots and shoes made. Excellent finish and we are really happy with the quality and the price.
We have again visited our favourite eateries. All within a 2min walk from the town houses along Gang Ronta which runs between Poppies 1 and Poppies 2. Best tastes and value is Gong Corner. Can't fault the food and it is sooooo cheap. Next door is Casa Mancini who serve up the best Cordon Bleu ever, again at a budget price. In the opposite direction and just past our accommodation is The Steak House. Had a few succulent tender steaks here. The meals are better than any I had had anywhere. Needless to say we returned to these Restaurants time and again.
We did a cooking class and went off for a session with Maria. Had seen some info about her here on the forum. Ran into her in Poppies 1 as she was handing out flyers. A very small unassuming woman with a kind heart and generous spirit. Had a great day with her and two other Irish girls. We met at 9.00am and she took us all back to her house which was about 5 min walk from Bemo Corner. Her house is very clean and tidy. The cooking session was held in her kitchen and cooked outside. She wanted to know 2 dishes we each wanted to cook. We were all involved although she did a majority of the prep work and cooking. The day finished about 4.00pm. What an experience. So many recipes and food on offer. Very interactive and personal. All prepared and served in front of us. We didn't bother eating any tea that evening and settled in for a few drinks by the pool with the two Irish girls we had spent the day with.
I wanted to have a painting done from a photo I had brought with me. I did a deal with Bruce in Poppies 1. His shop is located opposite Swell Bar. I only had a 6x4 inch poor quality photocopy to give him. The finished painting needed to be 1200 x 1000 to sit above my fireplace at home. Four days later the final product was amazing. Vibrant colours, superb detail and perfectly proportioned. He has done a brilliant job and at a great price. He supplied me with a cardboard tube to transport it back. Excellent job and the painting is sure to be a huge talking point when mounted and hanging back at home.
We have done all the usual shopping at the vendors up and down poppies 1 & 2. A few new T shirts, sun glasses and dresses. A few small gifts for work colleagues and friends and of course the obligatory DVD's for the kids who are left at home this trip. Poppies 1 and 2 where certainly less crowded due to their holidays and people only just coming back from their villages.
Rates are from 9700 to 10100. We are happy at around 9900 with no commission and no slight of hand. Weather is perfect and no rain. Sunny with a few clouds but not enough to stop the swimming.
We have now moved to Legian area and are staying at Rumah Santai Villas. Very secluded and private. Only 5 villas overlooking a small central pool. We are only sharing the place with another couple whom we have not seen yet. A great way to spend the last few days relaxing before we head home.
Legian area is a totally different experience to that in Kuta. The age of the people here tend to be a little older. Its also quieter at night which is good on the last few days left of the holiday.