June 4th to June 21st. Stayed in Sanur. Exchange rate around 11,160Rp to the A$. Weather was just right, no rain, not too hot. My holidays are primarily eating, swimming, lazing so may be a bit boring however........
Although I am a regular visitor to Bali this was my first time staying in a privately owned villa. A brand new villa managed by a balinese man and his Australian wife. I loved it. In a great location in Danau Poso.
I thought I would miss the hotel breakfasts but after a visit to Hardies for a packet of cornflakes, croisants and jam and coffee found I was a happy to get my own breakfast and didn't miss the hotel experience at all. My villa had a kitchen but I don't like cooking or doing dishes especially on holidays.
At this stage the TV channels had not been connected to the villa but I don't watch TV in Bali anyway so not a problem. I had a TV and DVD player in the living room and in each bedroom so watched lots of DVDs. The WiFi had also not been connected yet but I got a Simpati 1.5G, 3G card for my iPad and this was plenty for my 21 days of use. Cost about 230,000Rp.
I rediscovered the joys of skinny dipping in the pool or in my case fatty dipping. At first I would just do it before bed in the dark of night but later started locking the gate to my villa and because it was perfectly private did it during the day and it was lovely to have the sun on my skin.
Had a friend came over form Perth for a long weekend and stayed with me as my villa had 2 huge bedrooms. It was nice to have the company however it did mean no fatty dipping in the pool for a couple of days. Worth the sacrifice.
I should point out that I have mobility problems with dicky knees and find it hard to find hotels who will either guarantee a ground floor room or have a lift and are a reasonable price. This villa was perfect as it didn't have any steps and had a hand rail to get out of the pool. The bottom step in the pool was a doozy but I found I could easily back myself onto the second step and get out without any problems.
It was always easy to get a taxi at the end of the short driveway and I was only two doors down from one of my favourite restaurants La Bruchetta. I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I got home delivery quite often from La Bruchetta. I know it is supreme laziness but sometimes I would get out of the pool and just couldn't be bothered to get dressed to go out. They have the best pizzas and if you dine in the Gnochi with gorgonzola is soooo delicious but is not on the home delivery menu. Only a short walk to another of my favourite restaurants The Fire Station although I did not manage to get there this visit.
A friend from Perth was staying in Jimbaram and came up on a Sunday to try the spit roasted pig at Linga Longa, also only a short walk or stagger from the villa, depending on how many margaritas have been consumed. They roast the pig over a 44 gallon drum all afternoon, turning it continuously, a terribly hot job, and then at around 7:15pm slice it up and serve it with salad. Very yummy.
My Jimbaram friend also came and had dinner at The Art Cafe one night which was fun. I love this place. The food is good, the staff are great and the chocolate desert is to die for. The Art Cafe recently moved to a new location a bit north of Wicked Parrot and on the other side of the road nearly next door to Lazers Bar. Taxi drivers don't know where it is. We also had lunch at Mona Lisa which was also very, very good.
Had a few meals at La Playa on the beach, feet in sand. Lovely setting and good food at very reasonable prices. Had the very pregnant resident cat for company a couple of times. She is lovely and knows how to play to the crowd to get fed. She talks continuously even while eating. No manners.
The rats are well and thriving in Sanur. Saw lots at night time and they are very scary sometimes.
Unfortunately due to a very sick, very old father, this will be my last visit to Bali for quite a while but when I do come back it will be to repeat this holiday exactly. Villa life for me.