Wow...my 8th trip to Bali from Sydney, flew Garuda. Went with my bestie and her 14yr old daughter and my 14yr old daughter. First time arriving at the finished airport. Doesn't feel the same to me, that's just my opinion. Flying Garuda it was great with Immigration done on board we walked straight through but then waited 45mins for our luggage. Stayed at Bali Garden usually stay at Santika but it has been demolished, I was offered very cheap accommodation to stay there though! We booked and went to Biku Restaurant at Seminyak for afternoon High Tea. Totally loved it and would do it again lots of little treasures and goodies to purchase. Did the usual - Waterbomb (the girls needed us to go on the new python ride to get the weight up. We ended up about 40kgs over. Good old Bali, the 4 of us were allowed on, we bottomed out at take off, the water kicked in and took us off and I screamed the whole ride) - Bubba Gump, Green Garden with their yummy chicken satay sticks. Shopped at Dianne's and Ketut's. The Hypermarket to stock up on hair product, face creams etc. Had 3 of my gold rings enlarged with Ms Pak, Bali Rani and 1 gold ring made smaller all up 60AUD I supplied the gold. Very happy with the quality of their work. As with every visit I go to Johnny Andrean at Centro and Tika does my hair. Regrowth, foils cut etc 70AUD my daughter had red foils and trim 40AUD. Have always been 100% happy with her work.
Visited Unagi for homewares. They seem to have their prices marked now and they don't follow you and help you out. Grabbed a few things at The Billabong Factory. I find it is a bit of hit and miss. Have been there many times and have walked away with nothing or other times walked away with two bags full. As we had two girls that were so into returning to Sydney with their tan and their friends 'pasty' we spent alot of time around the pool, which was a huge but rewarding time for me. I still prefer Blue Bird taxi's. We found this time the other company are putting the white letter writing on the top of their windscreens in similar print to Blue Bird saying 'Bali metered Taxi', which did catch my eye a couple of times. So enjoyed seeing my friend, Wolly who has been driving me, my family and friends around now for 9 years. I always pack a suitcase full of clothes, towels etc. for his family and village. I caught up at the Bamboo Bar with an old workmate for a couple of Bintangs and a catch up. So nice to see a familiar Aussie face. Both the girls had their ears pierced at Rooster Inn, a really clean Aussie owned tattoo and body piercing place. Have had no infections, problems at all. Flew late home on Thursday night.....Arrived home in Sydney, Friday morning. So cold. Have my best tan ever....walking around in a singlet top trying to show it off...getting a few weird looks. Cannot wait to go back again....