Day 3 Ubud

Day 3 Ubud

I woke at 5:30and read for a while, before getting up and making a “bucket” of tea and then I sat outside to write some emails and sew.

The others got up and we ate breakfast with Whyan as our helper. I was able to take some good photos using my telephoto lens of a butterfly and the yellow bird. The rain was delayed until after 10. We made morning tea using the kitchenette facilities. Then Val had a nap while we sat and sewed.

Yanek went and got his car to take us to the local Commonwealth bank to try to solve Pauline’s card issue. They had tried to take a taxi, but the driver wasn’t interested. While he was gone to get his car we watched the happenings in the street. Petrol costs approximately 70 cents a litre here. The petrol is different colours to indicate super / standard and the pump is carefully marked to show how much it is going to cost.

Eventually Pauline had her money issues solved and we drove down to the main shopping area. Yanek dropped us off near the palace and we found a restaurant for lunch. I had a steak sandwich minus the bread. Nice. Then we walked over to the palace and looked at the restoration in progress. The carving was just amazing. We walked back across the road to the market for more shopping therapy. This time on the top floor. It was so hot up there and it smelled of mice. I felt sorry for these stall holders as very few people ventured up the steps. 

The rain began late today about 3 pm and it was heavy. The traffic was also much heavier than yesterday. We stopped in a pub and had drinks hoping that the rain would ease. It didn’t and while I was lucky to have my plastic poncho in my backpack, the umbrella and jacket were at the unit. We watched all the various people going past until it was time to find another restaurant for dinner. Our second restaurant of the day was not the best one we have tried, but my fried rice was delicious and fresh.

Out from the restaurant into the dark and pouring rain. We walked up our road, dodging motor bikes parked on the footpath and even one driver driving his motor scooter down the path in the dark!

Back to our units to dump our treasures and some had a shower after being soaked. I made a cuppa. Yanek and his son bought them some banana and Nutella pancakes for super. The others were sewing and once again I was downloading and editing photos.

The rain stopped and soon the frogs and geckos were calling out. We even had three geckos above our table. One ran into my room when I opened the door. Fingers crossed he stays under the bed. I’m hoping it will be an earlier night tonight. Tomorrow we are going on a tour with Yanek. We did a lot of sitting/ sewing today, but it was lovely to have the opportunity to see the magnificent carvings at the palace. The steady rain is back, so my backdrop noise is crickets, frogs, rain and snoring friends.

Day 2 Ubud -“The Village Guest House”

Day 2 Ubud -“The Village Guest House”

Woke during the night to the sound of rain and then roosters but luckily went back to sleep until 7. Up and tidied the room and saw a man putting new flowers near the various statues around the place despite the pouring rain. I also discovered that there was a pool right outside our rooms. The whole place is just delightful. They currently have three rooms and are building another 6, which will be completed at the end of the month.

Breakfast begins at “8 ish” . WOW! My kind of cup of tea in a bucket sized cup.  The most delicious fruit salad- never tasted banana quite like that, so fresh. I asked for boiled eggs- slightly too hard, but ok. Served in the most delightful egg cups A pineapple and orange juice- freshly blitzed and so good. 

After breakfast Sandra went for a swim and I wandered through the garden taking photos, after the rain stopped. By 10 am the rain had gone. The rest of the morning was spent catching up on my diary and chatting with the others listening to the pool fountain- feel the serenity. We met the owner Yanik, who took our passports for registrations and returned soon after telling us about the community cremations on July 26. People are buried and then exhumed to be cremated and the ash is sent on its journey in water. Yanik was telling us a little bit about their beliefs/ religion based on the philosophy of respect for self, others and the environment. We even met his son- what a cutie.

Soon after we walked down the street to get some lunch. My camera was VERY busy taking shot after shot of the sight and the people. We stopped at a restaurant for lunch “Nomads” – Everything was absolutely delicious and yes you can get GF here, but you have to ask and there aren’t many items on the menu but food is great. Very fresh. 

After lunch we set off to find the local market and wandered through the stalls sometimes stopping to buy and always bartering. Unfortunately so many stalls carried exactly the same things as many others, so after a while you just kept walking. Items were definitely cheaper in the market than even the nearby shops. While we might not have walked very far, it proved to be quite hot (just right for me) and stopped for a drink at a small café. I ordered hot black tea and it came in a tall glass loaded with sugar! But I was thirsty, so down it went. We continued to make our way through the market to the next major road, where we found a shop for manicures and pedicures.

They was both relaxing and funny and included foot and hand massages. Mine cost the equivalent of $17. We definitely kept the girls doing the manicures entertained, despite the language barriers. We also had a chat to a Danish midwife who was on holidays. She was originally an Iranian refugee who came to Denmark 26 years ago with her family.

After we had all been “done”, it was out into the streets again. Getting into a shop is QUITE an effort, with at least three enormous steps to climb up/ down and walking along the “footpath” is slightly problematic. You need to be watching the whole time for holes in the path, sudden dips/ inclines, obstructions- like cars/ bikes parked in the way or that the path just disappears into a wall!

On our way home we stopped for a light dinner. I chose nasi goring- yep GF, but it had so much chili in that I lost all feeling in my mouth and throat before I realised. 

As we got to the guest house, Yanik met us and took us up the road a short distance, where the local boys were practising for the upcoming Cremation ceremony. On our return, we found Pauline and Val waiting to get into the rooms, which were locked. One of the Yanik’s aunt’s tried to ring him and  I walked back up to the band practice but he wasn’t there. When Yanik returned he showed us that the keys were on the table where everyone was sitting! In their defense the overhead light was not on, so it was very dark. He showed me where to find all the things we would need to make a cup of tea- great.

We sat around and sipped tea/ “other”, listening to the nearby frogs and geckos. While there might not be any mosquitoes there are definitely biting bugs. The rest of the girls sewed/ read while I typed and downloaded photos. Ah the serenity. An early night for most at 9:30, and after last night possibly warranted. I still had to upload. So I was up latest. 10:30 before I went to my room. Listening to the cacophony of frogs, geckos and other animals- sounds like a donkey right now but probably frogs again. 

It had been a lovely day with so much to see.

Day 1 Melbourne to Bali

Day 1 Melbourne to Bali

I was off to Bali to see the sight and buy fabric with four other like minded sewers.

Adam and Sandra picked me up at a little after 1 pm and we drove to the airport arriving about 2:15. Sandra and I went over to Jetstar area, but were too early for check-in but by the time I had been to the toilet the machines were ready for us. Well almost! It took 5 tries and lots of frustration to get checked in. Going to a person would have been a whole lot faster. The other three in the party took longer to arrive and by then our bags were finally accepted and we had all the paper work. 

However Pauline had left one of her bags in the car back at the long term parking, so she had gone back to get it. While she was gone we had to pull things out of her case to get her onto target weight. Hers weighed in at 21 kgs > 15 kgs. Luckily Chris only had 9 kgs so we were able to even them out. Val and Chris checked in. More issues when Pauline returned to check in and her British passport was so new, it needed to be validated. 

By now it was cup of tea time while we waited. Finally all accepted and through the security and immigration check. Easy for me. 3:45. Gate 4 was short walk and wait until our flight was called. Because we were at the back we were called first and yippee lots of overhead space. Boeing 787. First time in one of those 3-3-3 seats but surrounded by babies and small children. Took off at 5:45 pm. 

It was a smooth flight, but it was so warm on our side of the plane- at times quite uncomfortable. When above Alice Springs, it became very turbulent. I was surprised that they didn’t turn on the seat belt signs earlier but we did climb higher to 43000 feet.  Although I had to pay $4 for a half a cup of tea, it was very nice tea. I ate my pre-prepared sandwiches and fruit and drank lots of water. You could fill up your water bottle for free down the back in the galley but everything else cost money. I finished my book, did some knitting and then time to begin the diary.   

Coming down to land the poor babies starting crying the place down. We landed 45 minutes early but because we were down the back it took ages to disembark. By the time we waited for all the joints to become mobile again were almost last to the long, long queue.

Bali terminal was huge with a very high ceiling in the main hall. It looks as if they are currently doing some renovations along the smaller passages. The advantage of an early arrival time was soon eaten up by waiting for our turn to be processed. The fellow holiday makers were a wide range- the very young to the “much older”. Once outside the terminal the usual bedlam of taxi drivers touting for business and more signs looking for customers. Our drivers had been booked and waited while we changed money. I am officially a millionaire!!!!! Well might be in Balinese money, but hey it will only happen once in my lifetime so cause to celebrate.

New time was now 11 pm and we set off through the narrow streets to find any restaurants that were still open. Most were of course closed or closing. Finally the drivers found a great one called “The Wicked Parrot” A few customers and one other party who also wanted a meal. Fabulous meals. I had salmon on a bed of potato. Delicious. But not too many times in my life that I have eaten dinner at 2 am!

We set off again in our vans through the dark streets up to Ubud with the rain just starting. We finally arrived at our lovely accommodation at 1:30 am = 3:30 am. Slightly problematic to climb the few steep steps up from the street, but the drivers carried up the bags, which were naturally quite light. We were met by Komang, our hostess,

who even at that awful hour was so lovely and welcoming and showed us to our rooms. Val and Pauline shared a room and Sandra and Chris shared a bed, while I just happened to get a room to myself. A hot shower was most welcome and the bed was great. Sleep at 2 am = 4 am.

Day 35 LA- Stevenson Ranch

Another good night’s sleep. Susan had left around 5 am for the airport. She had a meeting in San Francisco and Oscar left about 6. So I woke the kids up. After breakfasts they went to school. A bit of housework and then I walked Churro. It was a wonderful day. Warm and sunny.

After walking Churro, it was time to walk to the shops to get some items. However the queues would seem to indicate that everyone else was shopping early too.  Every shop had long queues waiting to be served. Some were really grumpy shoppers and there was one very abusive man who held up other shoppers while the manager tried to calm him down.  At the same shop two English women were deriding all Americans and their customs. Interesting situation. They were obviously living here. I did wonder why, when they obviously had very little love of the country.

I laughed when I passed the "dead" snowman

Eventually I had completed my jobs and walked up the hill to get a coffee (You can get a coffee with almond milk here) I sat in the sunshine and drank it before setting off for home. I had lunch outside then did some sewing out there too, before preparing dinner. Chicken, frittata followed by apple cake. The kids returned from school. I had dinner with them. Susan had sent a message to say that her plane was delayed in San Francisco. I cleaned up after dinner then tried to check in on the Qantas site, but they had a problem online. So I downloaded photos and typed up today’s news. I may need to return to the shops tomorrow for a Christmas jumper for Sarah. We have a parcel to send to them from here and there is enough space for a jumper.  

Day 34 LA

I woke at 6:30 and spent time on the computer, before getting up for breakfast. Everyone was on their computers. I took Churro for a walk. What a glorious day. The trees were just starting to turn lovely autumn colours. When I came home, I continued with my sewing outside. In the outside light I found a few clam shells that I must have done in poor light, so a little bit of unpicking was required.

Susan and I went down to the shops to try to get her tablets in preparation for her trip to England and a few other items including “ugly” Christmas sweaters.

We had fun searching through shops to find just the “right” ones for the family, at a realistic price.  It began as an idea to outdo each other in having the worst sweater you could find. One like your mum/ auntie would give you, which was so loud and so bright you might only wear when they were coming for celebrations. Now there is a huge range, from the very awful to the nice. Mine will be useful if we have a cold snap at Christmas.

We missed lunch, so upon our return we both had a late sandwich. Teagan was still at scouts, Troy was playing a computer game with a friend and Oscar on his computer.

We all put on our new jumpers and took photos under the Christmas tree, before going out to dinner.

The knife was big enough to cut down a tree

We were the best dressed! After a lovely family dinner Oscar drove us the long way home to look at some of the local Christmas decorations. Not as many as in previous years and more houses projecting light displays onto the house rather than putting up lights. Home to watch TV and bed. Susan has an early morning flight to San Francisco with an overseas one on Thursday.

Two more sleeps until the wretched plane home. While I am enjoying time with my family, my brain is starting to overload on everything that has to be done upon my return. The list at this time of the year is extensive. If I was at home I would be baking non stop in preparation, the decorations would be up, the cards done, the gifts wrapped and under the tree, the house would be ready. This year I will have to rely on jet lag to get a start in catching up and just enjoy a special time with family. 

Day 32 and 33 in LA

LA has been a "resting time"

Day 32 LA

AGGHHH. My sleep was broken by Churro barking at 4 am. So I took him outside, but he didn’t need to pee! Dragged him back in and went back to bed. He began barking soon after and this time Susan got up. Meanwhile I shoved my ear plugs in and went back to sleep.

Woke at 7 to find bright blue sky, but a very “cool” wind. Breakfast, then caught up with my diary and posting. Kids went off to school. Susan was on one side of the table working and I was on the other. Suddenly she remembered she had a hair appointment- in 10 minutes and still needed to get ready. Rush!

I eventually finished my posts, did the washing and walked the dog. Wow the wind was freezing cold and very blustery. (There was a fire on the nearby hills being blown by the strong wind.) Slight issue being that I had just washed my only thick jumper. Luckily it was dry by the early afternoon, because it just got cooler. Teagan had a half day at school. When she came home she wanted to make something in felt for Amelia, so I found a simple pattern online and created others. She began to stitch but we needed pins. Susan cleaned out her craft cupboard searching for the missing pins. Eventually we went down to the shops to get supplies for our craft and food for the empty pantry and fridge. (Two growing children take care of the emptying process)

When we returned I made pasta for dinner, after which we sat and watched TV. I pent some time snoozing with Churro. It was an early night for all. Both Susan and I getting over flights.

During the day I was colder than I had been at Quebec. Tricked by the blue sky I did not have enough warm clothes on.

Day 33 LA

Fabulous sleep. Woke at 5:15 LA am time. Spent time on my computer, until Susan woke up. Breakfast, then I walked Churro, before helping Teagan with her sewing. Another sunny day with a cold wind.

The rest of the day was very quiet. Basically me sewing on the couch and the others relaxing, except when Oscar took Churro to get washed. A bonus was being able to use the quilting mat of Susan’s, which made keeping all the clams in rows MUCH easier. While I was sewing, the kids were playing internet games. We “watched” several programmes. The TV was on, but everyone was doing something on their computer /phone/ sewing. We began to watch the series “How to make a murderer”. But it was incredibly long and drawn out. After three hours, I just asked for the ending (another five to go!) and we moved onto another series about Robert Durst, which was much more interesting, despite being six episodes long. 

We had a break after four series, so that I could prepare dinner, do the dishes, they could find all the Christmas decorations and then we continued. During the last two episodes, the tree was set up and the kids decorated it. Troy spent ages on the tree but in his pj's so missed his photo opportunity. Lucky me to have been at both house during “tree time”. 

Day 31 Leaving Quebec > Montreal > Los Angeles.

Thankfully a great night’s sleep and Lachie woke at 6:30. But today we woke to heavy snow falling and more snow on the ground and in the trees than I had seen previously. The snow ploughs were going up and down at a great pace. Even the footpaths got scraped.

Sarah drove Lachie to Day Care and Tim to work. It was a sad time to say goodbye to Tim and especially Lachie. The heavy snow made the roads very slow. I stayed at home, while Amelia slept. I washed clothes and the linen, finished packing and then when Sarah was still coming home Amelia woke up, not too impressed that her milk supply was not available. Sarah came home 20 minutes later and fed Amelia. I made my dinner- Fairly sure there will be no GF on the flight. Then I checked the airline. No trouble accessing my check-in process today, so I checked in and paid for my checked in bag. First issue of the day was that the flight times had been changed, so it was really lucky that I checked. Both flights were earlier than ticketed. However instead of the original two hour connection, it was going to be VERY tight.

I went for a very fast walk across to the Plains. Nearly didn’t get there. I wore Sarah’s boots, because I didn’t want to get mine out of my bag and get them wet. The only way they would fit was by leaving my slippers on.  (Sarah has much bigger feet) Once outside I walked to the corner and had a “surprise” when a huge lump of snow fell off one off the nearby trees and landed on me. The next “experience” was the cars splashing the dirty water, as they passed, while I was waiting for the lights to change. The plains were covered completely in snow. It was very pretty.

Back home to have lunch, then we drove to the airport, passing so many snow ploughs in all different sizes. On the highway they had a series of four across all the lanes, all ploughing at the same time to ensure the road was clear and there were no banks of snow. The airport was completely covered, but their big snow ploughs were keeping the runways clear.

I was able to change my seat of the second flight to an aisle, checked in my bag and said a very sad goodbye to Sarah and Amelia. I was crying through the entire security check. Once through I got a cup of tea, changed my last Canadian dollars into US dollars and sat for a short time watching the snow ploughs. I was sure we were going to be delayed because the plane came in late. However they cleared it quickly and we sat down on time and waited while they de-iced the plane. Some sort of green spray over the top. We took off after sitting on the tarmac for 25 minutes for the short flight to Montreal. The delay was going to make the connecting time even tighter. From the air you could see snow everywhere in Quebec, but once we came down through the clouds it was only wet in Montreal.

HUGE problem for me at Montreal. We landed on the tarmac and I walked quickly across into the domestic building at 3:45. My plane was due to board at 4: 05! I literally ran non- stop, through to the international section, through to US customs and security, thinking the whole time “it will have left”. But God was on my side and as I ran out of customs I heard my name being paged and the gate was thankfully very close! Ran to the desk, showed my pass, ran down the gangplank onto the plane – nearly knocking over some guy finishing his phone conversation on the corner. Thankfully I didn’t have to do the walk of shame. There were still people putting up bags and coats. I was sweating profusely as I found my seat and sat down at 4:25. Got to be a record. After my marathon, we then sat on the tarmac for another 25 minutes before taking off!

Now all the signs are DONE and you can find it.

Watched Florence Foster Jenkins, then listened to the original version of the Producers, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes while I was organising my photos and typing up my diary. Only got two cups of tea on the flight, but at least they started bring around water after they had done the meals. Of course there was no GF. So I ate my sandwiches and all my snacks. Then they turned off all the lights. 8:00 Quebec time. Once I had finished writing my diary I took off my boots, stretched out across the seats and had a snooze. Still thinking of those I had left behind, especially Lachie- wondering if it was sausages again tonight? I miss them all, but know how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to stay with them and share this special time.

The plane landed in LA at 7:35 pm new time (10:30 pm Q time) straight off and down the stairs to collect bag and guess what it was there in less than 5 mins! Went down to Starbucks, juggling two bags but desperate for a cuppa for the long wait. I hate that LAX has no secure Wifi and my blasted phone has not yet connected to America, so I can’t even contact Susan or send a message. She was flying in from Washington on AA. As I sat I read my book. Just as Susan arrived at 10:30 LA time, I had reached the last five pages. So she arrived as tears were streaming down my face. Good welcome! I was able to go to the toilet while she waited with the bags (tricky when you are by yourself). We caught the bus to pick up her car and then drove home arriving here about midnight. Bed at 12:30 am = 3:30 Q time!