Had a really chilled out day on Tuesday, wifey went bargain hunting around Legian while I went with 15yo to buy some teenage thingy's, now I ain't a good shopper and wifey is the expert. Wifey got some jandals (thongs for those in the home of no rugby trophies) and explained how she got a bargain $9 morning price of course, but later on I took her to a fixed price shop and her same jandals were there on a rack hmmm $2.50, so wifey now has 2 pairs of the same jandals for the trip home.
Got back to Baleka and Made was at reception a little worried about our transport as her BIL didn't think he could fit us all in but she had a friend with a car so we were going to use 2 cars for the day. So yesterday we moved camp from Legian to Candidasa. After a lovely checkout at Baleka our familiar gumball rally through Legian and Kuta we drove for about 1 1/2 hours til we pulled up at Batuan Temple in Ubud. Now I am bit of a mansy man, but this is a must do for virgin travellers as it gives you a good insight into Bali beliefs and culture, in the outer area the "Grisswalds" got dressed in sarongs. I did ask the young lady for a double sheet to go round my expanding Bintang Belly then a nice guy stopped the cars with a peep on his whistle and waved a red flag, we had to have faith in him.
Once we entered the temple Made explained the whole protocol and parts of the temple, once again she was lovely and made the visit more enjoyable. Of course we had to have FB photos, starting to feel like an "A lister" now.
Everyone was getting hungry so Made took us to Dewa Melon warung, when we got there Made wanted me to have a look but I said this was fine, Made had been there before with clients but never eaten there, so I insisted they must join us, Made was beaming from ear to ear. Her friend (who I can't remember his name) wouldn't come in, but he was a really nice guy.
Anyway lunch was stunning, overlooking a working rice field in an open area with beautifully dressed staff pampering you.
It was a little expensive from previous meals but the food was outstanding and well worth it.
We still had an hour to Candidasa so piled back into the cars and drove many narrow winding roads til we got back onto the main road.
An hour later we pulled up to Bali Palms Resort in Candidasa. Said goodbye to our drivers as they had a 2 hour trip back home and we checked into our new home for 5 days.
Check in was awesome with our glass of juice then 6 guys were all waiting for us to take our bags to our rooms. We have a 2 bedroom apartment overlooking the massive pool and the ocean and the rooms are huge. Our mouths dropped when we saw them and 15yo is like a 15yo at a rock concert cause she is upstairs with a better view and her own deck etc. Lucky for us we arrived at cocktail hour, sorry 3 hours and I set wifey the mission of drinking the list over our stay, so she started with numbers 1 to 5 last night, she was getting her giggle on.
Then we ate at the restaurant at the resort and I must say it was probably the best meal so far.
Had been running a tab since arrival and got the bill before heading back for nightcaps, was worried I was going to regret my thirst and 8 Bintangs 6 cocktails (15yo stole one off mum) 3 meals 1 coke, but was only $80, now I am looking forward to tomorrows small tab.
Anyway once head hit pillow it was zzzzzzz but sitting outside this morning in our private courtyard with 2 sets of table and chairs and swing chair listening to the waves crashing on the rocks am looking forward to exploring Candidasa today.
If you want a different Bali experience check out Bali Palms in Candidasa, you will fall in love with it just like we have so far.
Sorry these are a bit long, just there are so many highlights to pass on.