O.K. As I may have mentioned before my gorgeous wife in a vodka induced haze booked us a quick holiday to celebrate my significant birthday. God love her. Mind you she did seem a little surprised when I told her it was my 54th not my 55th. Anyhoo a holiday is good no matter what. Am I right or am I right.
We flew Virgin for the first time in quite a while, had a nasty experience several years ago, but thought it was time to try them again. So after our $50 breakfast at the airport, I kid you not ,eggs coffee for two, we boarded the plane. Check in had gone great and the plane left on time. Service on the flight was great and we arrived on time.
Now, the new airport, it seems to me that they've just redesigned the old one with air conditioning. Lots of VOA booths, a big open space, and then funneling everyone through two lines to get you're passports stamped. It seemed quicker at the old airport. We,ll definitely pay the $50 for 2 for VIP next time. 45 minutes in the queue was long enough. After that clear sailing to the taxi rank and our hotel.
We stayed at the Legian Paradiso. They took us to our room and I couldn't help feeling slightly depressed. It smelt of disinfectant and was pretty plain compared to what we were used to. After a few hours I came to appreciate that it was just an older resort and everything that mattered was fine. The King sized bed was comfy and the rest of the room,while lacking character, was clean and functional.
Anyway off we went to Ketuts for a bit of shopping and then to Ours in Garlic Lane for refreshments. If you are in the area ,to quote Molly Meldrum, do your self a favour and drop in and see Franky for a bit of Bali hospitality. Posers Pub next, several watch sellers and then back to the hotel for a quick nap. Now it appears we may have gone out too hard to early cause we woke up 3 o clock next morning. Oh well , we'll have tea twice today.
The next couple of days went much the same with the following standouts. The rain. F..k me. We always go in August so have never seen the wet before. Spectacular. And how enterprising are they. 10 minutes of rain and the scooter pulls up next to us selling poncho's. La Monde 1 ,always been to #2 , but the outlook from #1 is great and the service is the same. The watches, can't say to much, may have an obsession. 46 between us. 3 were presents so that's OK. Moo Moo's on Melasti, great food great prices. Uncle Norms bar on Melasti, every drink comes with a performance. The hidden gem was Hotel Sidoi . It was down a lane off Jalan Legian just past Mamas German Restaurant . Two vodka lime and lemonades and two Bintangs, less than 100,000 rupiah. Breakfast the next day, just as cheap and just as good. At the top of the same lane we had outdoor cushions made at Ditos for $4 each. Tailor made shirts for $16 at Janokos down Poppies 2. Massages outside the Paradiso at Angelines? .They are the best. The wife had her nails done on the beach behind the Jayakarta. Ask for Christine. She does the best flowers ever. Bali Christine on Facebook. Tell her John and Jennie mentioned you. For the guys Uncle Rays has the coldest Beach Bintangs going
The super highlight, apart from those private moments, love you Jennie, was one day when we were heading out for lunch. We were out the front of the Paradiso and intending on heading towards Melasti when we heard the sound of a gravelly voice and slide guitar. Instant course change. Warung Etnik has a band playing, I think it was Sunday, and if you like Bluesy music ,this is for you. We stayed for an hour and loved every moment.
I'm sure I've missed lots of stuff and I will post again when I remember. The flight back was good , just seemed a little strange being fed a large meal at 3 am our time and then not even a water or cup of tea for the next 4 and a half hours. The only disappointing thing for the whole trip was the state of our luggage on our return. Covered in Grease and a hole through one of the suitcases.
Overall an outstanding trip, thank you darling. Can't wait to see what you do for my 55th