Day 16 Home again.

Day 16 Leaving- I hope

Woke at 6:30. Noisy people leaving bumping their bags down every step and talking as they did at 2:45AM!!!! More noisy kids at 5 am and then it was time to give up and get up. After I was dressed some part of last night’s dinner “went through and cleaned me out”, but once it had gone I was fine. Down to breakfast. They used a card system  to order, similar to a motel. A choice of four different kinds of meals. The fruit platter that I ordered never arrived.  Toast cooked on one side only? but that’s Bali. The cups of tea were delicious once we had ordered more hot water to solve the eight tea bags to the pot!

Chris took Val and Pauline in the first taxi/ car, while Sandra and I went in the return trip. Only one cab available- Ramadam. It was a very short trip to the airport, with very strict security as you approached. We checked through the first section and sat and waited until the counter was opened at 10:30, then a VERY long wait in the Jetstar queue (for one hour) until it was our turn to be served. All the bags and extras got on. Mine was only 26 kgs Chris’s was heaviest- with lots of Val’s fabric inside- at 31kgs and everyone else was between. A few grumpy patrons whinging about Jetstar which only got worse when the sign above the counter showed that the plane was to be delayed by another two hours- until it arrived. So it may well be three hour delay by the time we board? We all got a $10 voucher for food from the counter. One bottle of water, a salad and a cup of tea cost $15.

Next another security check, where Chris lost one pair of scissors and Pauline lost 5. They had each forgotten that there were scissors in their hand luggage. Wandered through the tax free duty free until we got to the food court, where we all sat and ate. Then we walked around to the departure section at the allocated time. We all sat because we did not have a gate and our flight wasn’t even listed now.

As we waited we read/ sewed/ talked or in Chris’s case sat on the floor waiting for her battery to recharge. Luckily I had put my local plug in my carry on. Close by some girls in full costume were performing traditional dances in front of a magnificent display of local orchids. The gardens at the airport were very impressive as was the building. A combination of modern and traditional. The roof reminded us of Southern Cross Station.

Finally our flight was on the board and of course it was gate 9- the last one in the terminal. So off we went. Message to future travellers. There are no hot drinks. Substantial meals available after gate 2- but you don’t know that at the time. However there was a children’s playground area, deck chairs to relax in, snack bars and plenty of toilets. We sat and waited at gate 9 and finally saw our plane arrive.

However then they pulled yet another security check. Got us all out of the area and herded us back through a security check, where you lost all liquid- bottles and cans, even if you had just bought it after the last security check. Bags were opened and some people got patted down? I think I failed to mention that the air/con in this section “may” have been working, but it was still VERY hot and quite uncomfortable. There was no water available and no toilet facilities. So if you needed either, you had to go out and go through security again???

At long last we were called to board. Not in the usual seating rows, just first in- first served. No children or elderly first, just get in the line and go down the ramp. The enclosed ramp area was extremely hot- glass walls with radiated heat all around. Luckily we were only in that area for a short time. All boarded. Full flight (no surprises there) and finally took off at our new time of 3:45pm. The captain gave us the good news that it should be a short flight and the flight manager helped to quell the potential rebellion by telling us all the entertainment was free. The five of us got free meals as well as part of the package that we didn’t know we had? He even found me some GF food. Two tubs of lettuce and a feta cheese salad. Later he found a GF biscuit. Free cups of tea this time and free water. Two movies – one I’d seen before -and lots of knitting later we touched down in Melbourne at 10:55pm. Almost 5 hours by the time you add on the time difference.

Toilets (why are the women’s around the corner and the most distant from the gate?) through passport control, down to immigration, carrousel 6 most distant of course and just to end it all wait until almost the last bags to get ours. Through customs because we all had things to declare but nothing was checked and finally out!! Around 12 am but my body was still in Bali time. Peter was there to pick us up via the airport bus. Chris and Val were going to long term parking bus section and Pauline was picked up by her son in the terminal.

It was 2 am by the time I got home and walked in the door to an icebox….. A great holiday but the start of a series of “issues”. 

Day 15 Moving down to Kuta

Day 15 Moving to Kuta

Woke at 6:30 and read my e- book until it was time to get up. We packed our cases before breakfast. We went down for breakfast. Since yesterday afternoon they are using different water causing the cups of tea to taste awful. As if they had added chlorine. Same breakfast, with a few new families- more kids around. Val was much better this morning and able to join us for breakfast, although she ate sparingly.

Chris went to the office and organised that we would get a “free” lunch in place of the mistaken dinner of last night. The office staff believed we were staying another night- but we had made our next booking based on the night staff telling us there would be no rooms! Atypical of the lack of internal communication.

While Sandra, Chris and Val went for a pedicure/ manicure, Pauline and I minded the bags before having lunch with the others.We got some staff to take the big bags up to reception. We had carted them down the stairs. The two shuttle cars came on time (2pm) and we loaded bag after bag into the two vehicles and set off for our next hotel. Our driver was from Java and had minimal English, but drove well. He was exceptionally kind to let other vehicles enter into the traffic. There were many small back streets and very narrow roads.

Our last “road’ was very narrow, almost a laneway. But they pulled up in front of the “Manggar Hotel, Kuta. 

The staff greeted us with a complimentary drink. Because Jetstar was paying and I had used my computer to make the booking, I used my credit card to pay. We need every receipt for our refund. Val and Sandra/ Pauline were on the ground floor, but we were on the second floor- steps up. So we opted to leave our heavy bags down stairs and just take up what we would need for the night/ flight. The rooms were smaller than the last hotel and the grounds are MUCH smaller, as is the pool. But everything is clean and the jug was soon on to make a cuppa. Noisy and rude kids here as well. Holiday time for some and the feast of Ramadam. Val had a drink and then went to have a rest. Sandra went for a dip in the pool.

It was very muggy. I got out my computer and wrote a review for our last hotel, then my diary.

We walked down a long dark narrow alley to the main road, for dinner,passing by some small laundries, and shops. The traffic was at a standstill or crawling along. Lots of big tour buses caught up in the traffic. We managed to cross the road twice and walked along till we found a lovely restaurant “Kafe Batan Waru”. While the inside had lovely décor, it was hot so we quickly opted to sit outside where there was a occasional breeze. We all had great meals. After dinner we took the escalators down stairs to the mall to go to the toilets. The escalators are automatic- slow while no one is on them, but speeding up as soon as they are used.

Home again via the big Catholic St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral over the road. Very plain interior but peaceful and open! Coming back down the lane we were glad to be in a group. It was very dark. Back to the hotel where our peace was quickly destroyed by three young boys running around the pool and then kicking a ball over the pool. I got cross when the ball started coming towards us and my computer. They just laughed, but eventually settled down. PS: Not at it again. Parents nowhere in sight. But they are keeping clear of me because I yelled at them. 

Looking forward to a good night’s sleep. These beds look comfy?

Day 14

Day 14 Legian/ Seminyak

Woke up early and read an e-book for a while. Val joined us for breakfast, although she was still unwell. After breakfast we met “Johnnie Walker -Tour Guide Transport Bali” aka Made (the second son), who was, as always, right on time. Val stayed at home in bed.

He drove us to the Queen Rajata Silver shop. Not very far away, but once again in the serious traffic trying to cross the intersection. This silver shop had many lovely ‘international’ designs, but not specific to Bali. I didn’t buy anything and knitted while waiting for the others to complete their purchases. From here Made drove us back to Wendy’s silver shop where the designs are specifically Balinese. We all bought something. We walked up the road, looking / shopping until it was time to stop and have lunch.

Lunch was at “Mozzarella” restaurant and bar. Great décor, fabulous food, very well presented and delicious crème brulee. Sandra had tiramisu, which she thought was great. Sandra and I opted for salad, the other two sea food.

From here we continued on our way home walking along and sometimes shopping.  It was quite hot in the sun. After stopping at the Bintang supermarket for fruit Pauline caught a cab home and I finally got the two tops I had been looking for.

Home to have a dip in the pool, which was really refreshing after walking in the heat. Chris was sewing and I did a few rows of my quilt. Sandra had a swim too. Val and Pauline were resting. When I finished the sewing, I began to type up my diary and got an email from Tripit to say that our flight had been delayed from 11:15 pm tomorrow night to 1:30 Sunday afternoon!!! I thought they had sent me information about the wrong flight because of the huge change in times. No one else got any information, so it was a bit confusing. But then Peter rang to say Sandra had just got an email from Jetstar about the delay. We decided to check in at the front desk re accommodation for tomorrow night. The young man up there was fairly sure they were fully booked!

At dinnertime we went to the hotel restaurant only to find that once again there was a confusion. The cook only had chicken to cook. You are supposed to book the meals with him in the morning- not the front desk which is on the voucher! So we walked over to Malo’s. Once again the waiter held up the traffic so we could cross the busy road. I had a small soup which had delicious stock. I wasn’t too keen on the local radishes in it. Chris had chicken, Pauline a salad and Sandra- hmm not sure. Once again nice meals.

We walked home past the local doctor and noticed it was still open, so Sandra took Val over ($50 consultation. $80 for a home visit) I wanted to type upstairs away from the mosquitoes but the internet was not playing fair. So down stairs to type. Peter had forwarded the Jetstar message, so Chris and I used my computer to book another hotel for tomorrow night -closer to the airport and hopefully with better beds. Then I typed up my diary. Val and Sandra returned laden with tablets and a message to avoid the satays in the future.

Given that it is not that far to the next hotel, we will leave maybe after lunch? Plenty of time in the morning.

A door handle in Balinese style.

Day 13

Day 13 Relaxing by the pool

Woke early at 5 am and read my book. Val had gone to breakfast early because she was reading the Australian time and thought she must have slept through. Unfortunately Val had tummy issues during the day.

We had breakfast and I asked the breakfast customers if anyone had a bag scale, so we could weigh the bags and if necessary buy more luggage allowance. The young man from the Gold Coast had one and lent it to us. Mine will be ok. Chris’s was well under weight.

Following the weigh in, it was time to relax by the pool for the whole day. So tough! Reading, sewing, swimming, emailing. Lunch delivered. And yet again I was the “lucky” one. I ordered a chicken steak with vegetables. After everyone else had their sandwiches (not necessarily what they ordered) he came out to say- ‘no chicken”. So I had beef steak instead. 

The rest of the day was just relaxing and more relaxing. In the late afternoon Val and Pauline started getting their things together to see if it all fitted in their bags. Chris went to watch a movie and I typed up our day of doing nothing much.

We went to Marlo’s for dinner, but Val stayed home. Another delicious meal for everyone. This time I got a photo of the chief Chef. We were amazed at the number of couples sitting at tables each with phone/ ipad in hand and NO conversation occurring!

No conversation during the entire time they were sitting there.

When walking home we stopped to look in the shop window at TS- very upmarket and some strange items for sale.

Home to finish typing up today’s news and download the photos. Pauline went to bed early.

bag/ shoe?

Day 12

Day 12 Shopping

Woke at 6:45, and read until breakfast time. After breakfast we met our taxi driver and were driven to Wendy’s Silver shop. She had a lovely collection. Back in the taxi to drive down to ‘his’ silver shop, which was closed. So it was back to an Emporium, which had a vast amount of tourist type items. Some cheaper, but some about the same as the shops.

portable ATM. Guard fast asleep.

From here we drove to the main street for more browsing and shopping, stopping on the way past to drop off our parcels at the hotel. We walked around the corner and up a bit to a different restaurant “The Haven” Delicious food and drinks, but not as cheap as many others.

Next it was back via the video shop, the yoghurt shop, the fabric store on the corner and home again. Val stopped for a foot massage while we came home. Sandra and I stopped at the ATM outside the hotel, only for it to swallow her debit card. I stayed at the machine, while she went in to ask if they could ring for her. No was the response. So Chris and Sandra tried to get the card out, to no avail. She was able to use the phone at the office to ring Australia- cost $10 to do so. But the card is cancelled now.

I caught up on yesterday’s FB page and started downloading and typing while the mozzies started chewing.

Time to go upstairs and wash my hair. It must be going to rain soon. 

Day 11

Woke at 6:45 and read for a while. We got up at 8 am and went down for breakfast. Just as we were finishing breakfast, the rain started to fall. Our driver arrived on time at 10, in the rain and we set off for Turtle Island. We drove down the same road as our trip to the resorts. Over the same bridge and past the resorts to a check point, where we had to pay an entry fee. More driving to the boat area.

At the place where we were due to set off, we had to negotiate a price for the boat trip across to the island. He wanted 400000 per head, but we got him down to 200000 = $20 Aus per head. I took some photos of the amazing array of boats all seemingly speeding through the water without any obvious plan. Lots of para sailing and some up on huge inflatables.

Getting on board the boat was adventurous, no hope of doing so without getting slightly wet. The boat set off at a fast speed, then slowed down while it was negotiating all the shallower water. The really sad part was all the rubbish in the bay. We arrived at the island but there was a long walk through the shallows from the boat to the beach. Climbing out from the rear of the boat had to be done very carefully. Unfortunately Val fell into the water. The boat moved as she was getting out and her lower half and bag were drenched.  Luckily her bag was closed and only a little bit of water got in. The walk across the sandy silt on the bottom was not pleasant in bare feet. The shells and small rocks were sharpish and I trod very carefully in my bare feet. (On the way back I wore my shoes.)

The island was very small. We had to pay a donation of 2000 ($2) to enter. Although the animals were in small old cages and pens, they appeared to be well fed and the water in the tanks was clean. I took photos of the turtles, but it was sad to see that they had minimal space to swim in their tanks. There was a snake, two iguanas with their beautiful skin, two owls, a toucan, fruit bats, two lemurs huddled in a corner and two porcupines. I wasn’t sure why they had this “mini zoo” because it was supposed to be a turtle sanctuary? We sat and had a drink before boarding the boat again.

The island could have been amazing. They could have made it far more of a commercial enterprise. Maybe in the future, but not for a while. We were quite disappointed by the cost and the conditions endured by the animals

On the trip back there were no issues. We got back into the taxi vehicle  and tried to find a craft store in Kuta. I’m glad we saw Kuta, even if we couldn’t find the shop. It was just like any other up market tourist beach town, with only a few original Balinese shops and alleys left among the high rise buildings.

We stopped at a small Balinese restaurant recommended by the driver: Warung Taman Bali. The meal was nice. It was enjoyable sitting there with the breeze blowing through the sides of the building. After our lunch we drove the short distance home, sat by the pool and read.

At 4:45 we all had to evacuate the garden area for them to fumigate the mosquitoes. My goodness the fog was incredible. We could see it from our window, where we were inside watching a video.  “Choices”

Fumigating the garden

Peter and Holly tried several times to ring Sandra via messenger. We could hear them but they were getting no sound from us. We had to resort to writing our replies for them to see. Needless to say it was a short phone call.

When the movie finished we walked up to Marlo’s for dinner. Again a delicious feast- sausages and sauerkraut, roast lamb and rump steak. We asked for the recipes of the potato salad, sauerkraut and gravy sauce- no hope. All secret. Home again to read/ computer down stairs. The mosquitoes seem to have avoided the fog and were buzzing around being quite cranky about being fogged.

Day 10

Woke to the sound of pouring rain. The gardeners were in full water proofs and sweeping in the rain. But by 10 the sky was clearing.

We sat in our room watching “A dog’s purpose”- several hankies worth, followed by “Gifted” which was a great movie, using a few tissues. Luckily by the time they finished it was lunch time.

We all opted for a small lunch in the hotel restaurant. Oh my goodness the service was appalling slow. We ordered at one BLT and two tomato soups at 1:30 and it came at 2:15. A few minutes before we had to leave. The soup was delicious but both Pauline and I had to pour cold water in so we could finish it quickly.

Got into the taxi at 2:25 and off we went through the back streets to the “Biku” restaurant in Kerobokan for High Tea.

It was so well presented and all for the cost of $15.00 Aus!! I was given the GF option- sandwiches on delicious fresh bread, a spring roll, some cakes, meringues and the worst scones ever! They looked like a brown biscuit and tasted like sawdust. The only way it was palatable was to smother each mouthful with jam. I could not force myself to eat the second one. But the rest of the food was just lovely and the tea that I chose was fabulous. The staff were lovely too.

I did inquire about the GF bread that they used and he gave me the name of the bakery. “Made’s Banana Bakery” but it was up in Canggu and this restaurant was only half way up to that area. Rats! So close and yet so far.

Our taxi pulled up just as we came outside. Serious traffic on the return trip. He dropped us off in the main street and once again we shopped and stopped along the way. We spent a lot of time in the supermarket. I only bought bananas and apples. But the others were buying a variety of things. Two caught a taxi back to the hotel with most of the bags. Sandra Chris and I walked back- again stopping and shopping along the way. The yoghurt shop was excellent.

Chris stopped to pick up her laundry - $3.50 Aus.  And then had a manicure. Sandra had a massage. When I got back I ate a banana, had a cuppa and went down stairs to type up today’s news.

Day 9 Legian

Woke at 7: 30 but also several times during the night because the A/C was so cold. There was also several showers of rain during the night. Breakfast with the girls but the dining area was full today. So we sat in the outside area. After breakfast we went to our sitting area until it was time to go down the street. (Most shops don’t open till 10)

There was much less traffic in the streets until the afternoon and several shops remained closed. Two took a taxi to the beach. Sandra, Chris and I walked along stopping, browsing and shopping along the way. Chris went on ahead to meet the others. We organised to meet at the beach and then failing that at the pub for lunch. Sandra and I walked to the beach

but couldn’t see the others so we walked up to the pub to wait. We had a cuppa and I took out my knitting which was luckily still in my backpack. We waited for the others.

They eventually joined us and we had another lovely lunch. From here it was mooching up the road stopping and shopping. Eventually two took a taxi back and three walked back.

Amazing metal carving down the street.

We had a cuppa and Sandra, Chris and I went up to finish watching the movie “The Founder” (Good movie but the topic was about the founder of the McDonalds Corporation - not a very pleasant person. He stole the concept, ideas, even the name from the original founders, predictably rescinded on a verbal agreement and of course dumped his wife along the way.) I was typing and editing photos while it was playing. Sandra and Chris were sewing. Val went for a massage and Pauline went for a rest.

Petrol is sold in vodka bottles by the side of the road for bikes

Day 8 Legian to Nusa Dua

Day 8 Legian and tour of “The Peninsula Bay Resort”

Woke at 7:30, dressed and chatted with Chris until breakfast. When I was getting ready to go down I noticed that my hat was missing?  After breakfast I went on a search for my hat. Not in my room or downstairs. I asked at the desk- no. So I walked over the road to the mini mart- no. But in the massage place- bingo! I was fairly sure this was going to be the place.

Back again to find our "relaxing by the pool day" had changed into a “let’s visit a resort day” Chris had received a call to say she had "won" a free lunch for four at a resort down in Nusa Dua. Taxi was coming to pick us up at 9:45.

Ready, in the taxi, and off we went. Sandra stayed at home, because her knee was hurting. The usual traffic but we went via a magnificent toll bridge, which was very new and incredibly long. The taxi driver was trying to sell us on all kinds of tours etc along the way.

We arrived at the resort in a very run down area. Even the road/ track in was bordered by traditional homes and shops in poor condition, and surrounded by mangrove swamps. The other side of the road was the future development of another resort. Currently littered by rubbish. Guessing by the time you arrive at the end of the road to this oasis you will forget about the poor surrounds outside the resort walls. However not a very nice place to think about going for a walk up the street. Possibly why they offer a shuttle service?

The resort – number 1- was only 4 years old, very modern, lovely big rooms, well appointed, huge pool system, lifts, looking out into a flat bay. Mangroves had been removed and sand now lined the edge of the water. Not one customer in the sea water. They were in the pool/ around the bar. Majority were Australians. Despite its impressive facilities the place smelled- either from the nearby mangroves or the grey water used on the grass. We were welcomed and had to sign a document guaranteeing that we would listen to the sales pitch after lunch. 

newest resort

Our “guide/ salesman” David met us and began the sell process over lunch. Free lunch and soft drink/ juice. And yes it sounded like a great deal, but our party were not convinced enough. He took us over to resort 2 – the original one, which was more impressive in other ways, despite its age (23 years) and number of steps. Smaller pools, beach frontage, well-manicured lawns and gardens, and smaller rooms. However it was much more like a Bali resort than number 1, which was like any hotel in the world. After our tour back to resort number 1 for the sales pitch and price. Yep definitely a good price but no one was signing up. With that we finally got in our taxi and returned, with him selling all the way!

Older resort

We were tired and ready for the free afternoon tea.

I sat on the banana lounge and typed and organised photos. Sandra read, Chris sewed and Val and Pauline were in the pool. Tonight’s plan is a restaurant by taxi, short walk around up there and home by taxi.  

Day 7 Legian

Walking, shopping, eating and pampering.

Woke at 7, bright sunshine outside. I sat in bed and typed up yesterday’s diary and finally connected to the internet. But I was only able to send off yesterday’s entry before it crashed. Chris woke up at 8 and we went down to join the others and then went across for breakfast. The usual buffet breakfast, which was fairly ordinary. I am missing Gf bread, but there is always something to eat.

Tattoo on a young man at breakie

Finally got a clear shot of a "garage"

After breakfast Sandra, Chris and I walked down the street, trying a different road. We wandered in and out of shops, stopping for shopping and drinks/ lunch. After lunch we checked out the rooms at that hotel, which was very central to the shopping areas.Then we caught a taxi home, $4.

We  dropped off our shopping and set off for a massage/ pedicure/ manicure afternoon. I managed to get my back put back into line after waking up with a cricked neck and back. While we were gone Val and Pauline sat by the pool.

On the way back I bought a top I had seen in the morning and some water and Coke for the girls. I tried to get online. No way, yet again!!! So I typed up today’s diary and tried to upload photos. No internet fast enough to do it.

We went out for dinner to the nearby restaurant and everyone had a lovely meal this time. When we returned FINALLY the internet was working and I had enough bars to upload photos.

Day 6 Ubud to Legian

Woke at 7 and finished packing. Breakfast to another glorious sunny day. Once again the cases were picked up and we met our additional driver. All the bags and I went in his car and the others got in with Yannik. When leaving we met Yannik’s mother and father, who were just arriving. Wayan Komang and the aunties said goodbye and off we went to Legian.

The drive was similar to our other drive through the countryside. Past and passing many motor bikes, stalls and shops, small villages, rice fields, flower plots, deep ravines up and down hills and everywhere green and lush. At times the traffic was horrendous and at other times it flowed smoothly. A few roads were wide- but rarely. Some were narrow and very difficult to pass other big vehicles. Double lines didn’t have the same meaning.  Scooters, as always, were passing on the inside/ outside or anyway they could. Women carrying offerings or building materials on their heads, children on bikes because it is school holidays, men sitting in “cafes” drinking coffee using their mobile phones, dogs roaming across the streets and of course temple after temple.

An hour later we arrived at our most important destination of the trip- the fabric shop, where the five of us dove on the bolts of lovely batik fabric like a starving man onto a loaf of bread. The shop was a flurry with bolts flying through the air as they measured out each precious metre.

I was VERY restrained and kept within my shopping list and colour range, so mine fitted easily into my blue back pack. But at $2.40 Aus a metre, it was very tempting to just go crazy and buy as much as you could. The frenzy was over within a relatively short time and then it was “dodge the hawkers” and get across the road to fill up the car with our bags and bags of fabric. Yannik and the other man were exceedingly patient while we completed our transactions.

Another hour of much slower traffic saw us arrive at our next hotel in Legian. It is obviously a tourist destination and most of the people here seem to be Australians. Different to Ubud – much more touristy. Less stalls and more actual shops, clean and fresh. But so many duplications of exactly the same items.

We found our hotel, checked in and went to our rooms. This hotel is “tired” but clean.  

After dumping our bags, we set off up the road to a restaurant. Lunch at 3 pm as you do on hols. By this time I was ready for a steak which I devoured hungrily. Mine was good. Sandra’s was awful. Chris’s fish was dry but nice, the roast lamb was good as was the nasi goring. Once filled up two returned to the hotel for a quiet afternoon and Sandra, Chris and I went browsing shopping towards the beach. We reached the beach in time to see a fairly cloudy and boring sunset and caught a taxi back again- $10Aus. But he did have lots of traffic and it was a slow trip back. We met the others and at 7:45 had at light dinner at the hotel restaurant- just us. No other customers. Slow service but nice food.

We returned to our sitting room, but I went up to our room, repacked the fabric into my bag and  to remove the frogs in our room.I tried and tried to access the hotel’s internet without success. Chris came up and she connected her magic box to the TV and we watched “Ballerina” a children’s movie. Bed was after 12 am!  Another lovely day.

Day 5 Ubud

I woke at 5 am, so I had plenty of time to connect all the photos to yesterday’s diary. Then I did my blog and it was soon time to get up and do the last minute pack for our move today down to Legian.

Breakfast and farewells on a glorious day.

We stood outside at 10 and waited at the appointed place, and waited and waited. At 10:30 Chris rang the taxi people and found out that she had given them tomorrow’s date. Yannik went down to get his car and organise another car for us. Five people fit in his car, but not with all our luggage. But when Chris rang to check the next place she found that they also were expecting us tomorrow. Fortunately no one had booked here tonight, so all the bags went back the steps again. 

Rice drying on the footpath

Yannik drove us down to the end of the street, where we went into one of the larger supermarkets. I browsed, they bought. A cuppa over the road at the GF/ Veg. place and then we walked slowly back up the hill, stopping along the way to ensure that Ubud could be solvent for another day.

We stopped for lunch at a restaurant, which overlooked a large rice field in the middle of town. By now it was much hotter and progress was slow. Interesting to see all the motor scooter riders going up a one way street!

Getting babies to sleep here.

When we got to the top of the street, the rest of the party made their way down to the market and pub. I walked home. I met Yannik and Agus at the top of the steps when I arrived. Agus read to me from his school books and showed me his lovely handwriting. After a brief swim, I connected photos to FB- finally finishing yesterday. They came home about 4. Val and Pauline had a rest when they got back. Sandra had a swim. Agus joined him and I had another swim after I had finished yesterday’s FB. Washed my hair, reapplied bug screen, prepared some “afternoon tea” at 5:30. Sandra was still in the pool reading her book. Komang bought us some dragon fruit to eat- as bright as beetroot. Tasted like a very mild kind of cucumber.

Yannik's special car

Sandra, Chris and I walked down to the pizza shop, where we ordered pizzas, calzone, fries and a salad for me. We sat upstairs and had a drink while we waited. Sandra had to have her beer replaced because it was flat. We finally found out that there is 2% alcohol in the beer they like to drink. We walked back up quickly and devoured our dinner. I had to take a photo of my Caesar salad. It consisted of a small handful of mixed lettuce, dressing and seven tiny pieces of chicken! The fries were great, but the salad was slightly soggy.

I took the rubbish down the street, to stop the ants having a picnic here. After dinner it was back to reading for Sandra, Chris and Pauline, while Val struggled with her phone again and with a bit more help looks like she finally managed to post some photos. I was of course typing!

I am determined to get to bed before 11 tonight.

Day 4 Driving around Bali

We were on a schedule for today. I woke at 7 and got out of bed only to have one of the beams from the four poster bed fall on my head as I did so! Slight headache for the morning, but no other consequences.

Breakfast at 8, so that we could go with Yanik on a tour in his car at 9. Our first stop was the art cooperative, where there were some lovely art works for sale. Room after room of both traditional and modern.

From here we drove to the wood carving shop. Great talk about the wood that they use and demonstrations of the traditional wood carving – by hand.

From here we drove to one of the many silver and gold places, where again they were demonstrating many of the intricate processes in silver jewellery making. The fine filigree work was outstanding. 

From here we drove through many small villages to a restaurant, passing by a funeral procession at one stage. Yanik also stopped so we could take photos of the roosters being prepared for cock fighting! (This is used as one way to raise funds for the villages.)

Throughout the day we passed through villages where the main industry was a specific craft- bone carving, furniture making, statue making, stone carving, wooden masks, creating parts for temples, art work etc. A delicious lunch for everyone. While we were eating I took photos of farmers ploughing up a field, cutting the leaves for offerings, shooing the ducks etc.

After lunch we drove to an amazing Temple, where we all had to wear sarongs. The carvings were incredible. Yannik told us about their nine gods, their different colours and other aspects of their religion. We had heard already from him about the Balinese having two calendars- ours and theirs. We especially loved the part about Karma and how it goes through three generations. The Temple had many tourists from other countries, but I’m sorry to say the Japanese were very inconsiderate of others when taking and posing for photos.

Then we drove via some rice fields to a plantation growing coffee, cocoa, and spices. Again Yannik told us so many interesting things about each plant, after which the staff took over and explained the coffee process followed by a tasting of many different teas and coffees. 

We continued on our trek to the rice terraces, passing deep ravines along very narrow roads at times there was barely enough room to pass. Then it was time to continue back to Ubud where Yannik dropped us off at Nomad’s restaurant for another wonderful meal. T

It had been a most wonderful day. Yannik was a fabulous guide and shared so much about his religion, and the Balinese way of life. So many highlights, but if I had to choose just one it would be the Temple .