A wintry kind of Springtime

After our week in Bali Melbourne's return to wintry weather was a little hard to take. Arriving home at the end of October we had expected that the sun would be shining as Summer was almost upon us. With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing I think that all the racegoers were hoping for the sun to shine too. Having just arrived home on Sunday and worked the next day, I took advantage of the Cup Day holiday to catch up on some much needed rest. This was our first year without Tammy & Paul coming to visit and it really did not feel like Cup Day. The right decision to stay home I think as it was a very cold, windy & damp day. We did watch the race at home only to see Bill's horse (from the sweep) come in last. No real horses this year so I have included the sculptures we took last year out the front of the Racing Museum.

The sun finally decided to show itself as the week wore on but it wasn't until Saturday that there was any warmth in it. We were still under the winter quilt and needing the heater some nights. I know we all like to pick on poor Melbourne's weather but this year it seemed there was just cause. Just before we went away Lake Eildon was getting close to 100% and they had opened the spillway at the weir. Hans & Astrid rung us on Friday night to see if we wanted to join them on Saturday for a trip to the lake. Of course we couldn't wait and drove up to meet them at Healesville for lunch. Thanks Astrid, the smoked salmon rolls were yummy. After lunch we all piled into the car and Hans drove us up the Black Spur and over to Alexandra where we stopped for coffee & desert before heading over to see the Fraser Camp grounds where we visit them each year.

Driving in past the rangers office we saw a sign that said earlier that day the water level had been at 99.9% but with all the rain running into the lake I'm sure it may have even made the 100%. It certainly was an amazing sight to see water where only last year we were sitting around the campfire. Now the water is only about 6ft away from the fireplace. We drove around a lot of the campgrounds and already there were lots of people taking advantage of the beautiful day and the water. Boats, jet ski's & fisherman were all in their element enjoying this most wonderful place. We walked along the edge of the lake to the point before heading back to the car and taking a drive along the skyline rd. This road gives you an overview of the lake and some of the bays you just cannot see from ground level. It is truly a spectacular sight.
We stopped along this road for a picture and so as to get a higher aspect we pulled into a drive that was up on a hill. Soon after the owner came down to leave and we moved to let him out. He stopped and chatted to us for a while and then invited us up the drive to the top of his property to see the really 'spectacular' view. It is a 360 deg view looking over the many bays, The Cathedral Ranges, the Acheron valley and miles beyond. The property is a 'Land for Wildlife' refuge and though we didn't see any of the many creatures that call it home we did see many little birds enjoying the spring blooms on the trees. Saying goodbye & a huge thank you we continued our drive over to the Dam wall at Eildon to see how high the water was there. The spillway had been closed again so we didn't see it flowing over but the weir looks full to me. The wall had been extended a few years back so it can actually be at over 100% before it overflows.

From Eildon we drove back to the Black Spur Inn at Narbethong where we relaxed over dinner and a nice bottle of red wine. The old pub has been licensed since 1863 and has succumbed to two bush fires during its exciting history but managed to survive the great 1939 bushfire and acted as a refuge for the local community. History repeated itself once again on "Black Saturday" 7th February, 2009 when the Black Spur Inn was spared by the great firestorm that destroyed almost all of the nearby areas. It really is a 'must do' place to visit, one for the drive up the Black Spur and two, for some of the best food around.

A leisurely coffee back at Astrid's and then it was time to hit the road for the drive home. Thank you so much for a wonderful day and we can't wait to come and stay with you at the lake in January. And we'll bring our own bed!

Sunday was a lazy day with me catching up on chores & Bill trying to get on top of all his Bali photo's and now a new lot of Eildon pictures. Not sure how well he went but at least it kept him busy for the day.

The sun shone for the next week and while the days were lovely the nights were still cool but at least it looks like Spring is trying to emerge once more. We are off to Perth next week so hopefully once we get back the weather will be sorted.

until next time......

Last days in Bali

Another early start as Bill's mission this morning was to walk out to a sandbar at low tide and see how close he could get to an old boat which had been stranded on a reef. He did get very close and was able to have fun with some pictures. He also had the company of some of the local dogs each morning and they made interesting subjects too.

After another yummy pancake at The Cat & Fiddle we were picked up for the last time by Wayan, Josie & Nolan for our final road trip, this time to Candi Dasa. Our first stop along the way was at the Temple of Kerta Gosa, the ancient house of Justice, in Semarapura town. This place was constructed in the 18th century by the highest King of Bali. The ceilings of the Pavillion are decorated with paintings depicting traditional punishment of the lawless action. It is here that you will also find Taman Gili, a building which seems like it's floating because it is intentionally founded in the middle of a fish pond. The Palace is now a musuem but we did not go in here as we still had a way to go.

We arrived some time later at Candi Dasa and found our chosen restaurant busy with a school group. We spent some time admiring the scenery here but soon went in search of some lunch at another place also right on the beach. A very good choice and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and the Coconut water with lime juice & ice was really good. Beautiful views of the ocean here and some large rocks off the coast gave some interest to the view. After lunch we drove along to Pandangbai were we watched the Lombok ferry arrive. Lots of boats in this harbour but the most amazing sight was the large motorboat with 6 outboards all in a row. Talk about horsepower.

No detours on the way home gave me time for a quick swim before it time to head out for our last night in Bali. We met Josie & Nolan and went to the Bonsai cafe for pre dinner drinks and I can safely say it was the best Pina Colada I have had in Bali and it looked as good as it tasted too. While here we took a walk through the gardens here which have hundreds of Bonsai plants and many Medals, Certificates and awards that they have won in the past. Very obviously a work of love. After drinks we walked back to the main street where we had dinner at the Wicked Parrot. As always there was a band playing and this one was an Irish band called the Leprechauns. Just imagine Balinese boys, Irish music and requests and I think you have the idea. Their musical ability was very good but their singing was quite comical and as we were sitting right in front of them they entertained us all night begging for requests and did manage most of what the boys asked for. They did sing us one special song when they knew we were Australians - Andy's Song - and he sang and he watched.... The most interesting take on Waltzing Matilda I have ever heard. We had a big night with a great dinner, lots to drink and lots of fun as we remembered all the beautiful places we had been and the many funny things we had seen. And the Rp 900,900 bill at the end was just amazing. A great night out for four people for under $100, where else could you do this. A fitting farewell to a great week.

The following morning, our last, Bill decided that it was time for a sleep in. I wonder if it had anything to do with one of the 16 Bintangs the boys had consumed the night before. We had our last banana pancake at The Cat & Fiddle and then joined Josie & Nolan for one last trip to the shops. We went over to the Galleria Shopping Plaza for some last minute gifts for the kids at home and was just amazed by the size of the place. A very modern shopping centre but very quite that morning so we were able to get in and out quickly. Once home we said our goodbyes to our friends and hope to see them again soon in Darwin. With a late checkout organised there was no need to rush so we headed down to the Beach Club where we had a lovely lunch just watching the world go by Bali style. Bill spent the afternoon organising his photo's in the air con and I spent a couple hours at the pool with a book and a final fruit juice. So hard to know that we had to leave in a few hours. Finally we packed our bags, said goodbye to our little bungalow and after checking out and stowing our bags for a little while we returned to the beach for a final dinner & sunset. It was beautiful.

I would like to say that our final moments in Bali were as much fun as the rest of our trip but anyone having travelled through that airport knows there WILL be challenges before you reach your plane. Ours involved my water. Having been allowed to take it in to the airport through the scanners I thought I was all OK to take it on the plane. Oh no, this has to be the only airport in the world that makes you leave it as you are screened again to board the plane. Even the people who had surrendered it at the front door and purchased it again inside the airport lost it again at this point. A nice little scam I think, perhaps they sell it back to the shops. But what can you do, it's Bali after all, but it did take me a long time to shrug my shoulders and think like that. Rhossie was definitely not happy! We flew home through the night managing to get a few hours dozing in and before we knew it we were landing at Melbourne Airport to 10.9 deg and a miserable day forecast. Welcome home eh. Just one last obstacle to get through, Customs, and like a good girl I declared the little bits I had only to lose my prized Cat Poo coffee. I really thought that as it was processed, powdered & sealed it would be alright but obviously not. Ah well I still have my ginger tea and ginseng tea and Bali Coffee. And thanks to our taxi's prompt arrival at the 'statues' we did not have to stand around in the cold for too long.

So at last my story is done. Our return to Bali was a huge success and we are both so glad that we have some wonderful memories to take the place of last years rather traumatic ones. A huge thank you to Josie & Nolan who showed us places we would never have seen otherwise. Thanks so much for sharing your favourite places with us. We enjoyed every moment of our time with you both.

So now it's back to work on Monday and I'm sure we'll come up with something to do next weekend

until next time.............

A day with the animals

Sunrise called Bill once again and he headed off to the beach with his trusty camera. I stayed in bed and actually slept for a bit longer. We walked across the road this morning to a little cafe called The Cat & The Fiddle to have our Banana Pancake & Watermelon Juice. Not quite as good as Bumi Ayu but a close second. Each morning as we waited for Wayan at the front of our hotel we had the company of a little dog. This morning he followed us to breakfast where he just sat under the table until we left and then followed us back. He didn't seem to want anything just tagged along until we disappeared, our very own Bali pet.

We were picked up a bit later today as the plan was to have a quieter day but along the way we decided that the Bali Safari Park might be worth a visit. So off we went and spent a few hours with the animals. Like most safari parks you are driven though and can see the animals close up. The lions & tigers were very sleepy but in full view. The White Rhinoceros was quite happy to have it's photo taken and most of the other animals just happy to sit around. After getting off the bus we walked along to see the elephant conservation show, very educational and quite amusing as 4 or 5 elephants were used to demonstrate how man is destroying their habitat.

Our next stop was to see the beautiful white tigers that live at the park. They were being fed when we arrived so we had the opportunity to see them being very active. They are just the most beautiful creatures even more lovely than their coloured cousins. I could have watched them all day but we had to move on as we were heading on to Tabanan for lunch.

Leaving the animals behind we drove on to Tabanan but decided to stop along the way at a restaurant overlooking some rice paddies. This was a very popular spot but we managed to arrive just as someone was leaving and got a table right at the window. Of course being in Bali there was no glass. We had a lovely meal here and the field right in front of us was being planted by a little old man. As we took photo's of him he asked for money which we happily gave him and then watched him wading around in the water planting the rice for the next hour or so as we ate lunch. Another tourist decided that he wanted a closer look and with a guide was walking through the rice paddies. Of course once his camera came out the old man wanted more money. At this point our tourist, a young man, decided that he wanted more and must have asked if he could plant the rice. The answer must have been yes because the next thing we saw was the pants being rolled up and he got in the water and planted a few rows under instruction from the old man. More money changed hands after this so I guess our little man did quite well that day.

Another half hour or so and we arrived at Tabanan which is an amazing spot. A village on a narrow mountain road with a magnificent view of the rice terraces on one side of the road. Rows of shops & markets specialising in lace are precariously placed along the edge of the road and to get the best views you must run the gauntlet of very aggressive Bali traders to get to the edge. Apparently this was once a sleepy little village but as more drivers bring tourists up here it has become very busy and an absolute test of the drivers ability as they manoeuvre their cars up and back this mountain road. Was it worth it - absolutely - the most spectacular view yet. And watching the man harvesting the rice on the terrace was an added extra.

Our quiet day had turned into quite an adventure and we all decided that we would have an early night staying in our respective hotels for the evening. Bill & I rested for a while before heading to the beach to watch the sunset which was beautiful that night. I wandered along the beach path a little way and found a number of little beach side warungs offering all sorts of seafood and drinks. After the sun went down we walked along in search of somewhere for dinner and found a nice little place in the main street where we shared a very yummy Nasi Campur and even had room for an ice cream on the walk home. Once there it was straight to bed again.

All this sightseeing was wearing us out.......

The return journery

Leaving Lovina Beach we headed towards Seririt where we saw lots of grape vines growing. We had seen a few on the way up the hills but over here there were many more. Wine is certainly more readily available in Bali now so perhaps these local vineyards are where it comes from. Also we had been quite surprised at how many coffee & cocoa plants we had seen along the way, many of which looked like they were growing wild. We can only assume that someone harvested them and earned an income from them. Our drive home took us through Pupuan, Belimbing & many other villages where we stopped frequently along the road to take in the magnificent views of the sculptured rice terraces. These tiered fields are an amazing sight and such a lot of work has gone into the planting, tending and harvesting of them. We never tired of seeing them all afternoon. Another feature of these terraces are the many flags flying among them. These are makeshift scarecrows and are any sorts of bags or materials on poles. We often saw women walking along the terraces with them as well to scare off the birds & ducks who come to feast on the rice.

At one of the stops as Bill & Nolan were taking photo's of the fields they were approached by an man who said it was his rice field. He was happy to have his photo taken by the boys and did not want to take anything for it. Nolan insisted and soon after he shimmied up a cocoa tree, brought down a pod, chopped it open with a machete and encouraged the boys to taste it. They did and brought it back to Josie & I to try it too. A cocoa pod (fruit) has a rough leathery rind about 3 cm thick. It is filled with sweet, slimy pulp enclosing 30 to 50 large seeds that are fairly soft and white to pale lavender in color. While seeds are usually white, they do become violet or reddish brown during the drying process. We tasted these seeds and they have a slightly citrus taste about them. Quite nice but nothing at all like the chocolate they become once dried and processed.

Another stop along the road was when we came across a very large colourful icon, statue, idol in what would become the front yard of a new building. Not sure if it was a very large house or a small hotel but whatever it was it certainly had the most colourful decoration we had seen all day. Such intricate work and it looked so out of place in this building site. One day it might make sense.

Another surprise was a quick stop into another small hotel where the rice fields were spectacular. As we walked into the entrance we were confronted with 3 or 4 bats just hanging off a couple of very small trees. They stayed well wrapped up in their wings but did keep an eye on us just the same.

Soon after we were back into the outlying villages of Denpassar, the very heavy peak hour traffic and slow ride back to Sanur. Arriving back at Griya Santrian we decided that perhaps dinner first and then home to bed for us all. We did manage to stay awake long enough to taste the excellent mushrooms (not Bill) at one of Josie's favourite restaurants. Bill's satay was one of the nicest he had and not too long after we were in a taxi heading home to our little bungalow. Too tired even to head to the beach bar for a coffee.


It had been a great day but we were certainly looking forward to our bed that night. I think the lights were out before I had even emerged from the bathroom. Bring on tomorrow......

Our Bali road trip

Another early morning as Bill was tempted by the sunrise yet again. He couldn't stay for too long though as we were being picked up pretty early for a big day out. We were off to Lovina Beach on the other side of the island and what an amazing day we had. We had an early breakfast at the hotel and while nice it was the pretty usual hotel fare. We waited outside the front entrance for Wayan to drive past and pick us up and it was a pretty warm steamy morning. Lots of offers of transport while we waited but all good natured when we said no thank you. Once in the car we set off for our long day driving along with many early morning commuters. The roads were very busy but one amazing sight that we were not too early for was the 'monkey man'. Each day we had passed this intersection near Denpasar we saw these fellows with monkey masks over their heads. As the traffic stopped at the lights (yes lights) they came along side trying to sell them. I'm not sure how many traumatised passengers there were but they were there every day. We also saw sesame buns being offered as well. No takers though whenever we saw them.

Wayan drove us all though the local roads until we had finally left Denpasar and it's outlying villages. It was so much more interesting seeing all these areas than driving along the main highways. It was really quite interesting to see how the locals live away from the hustle & bustle of the tourist areas. Our first stop was a couple of hours later at the Tegal Sari Coffee & Spice plantation. Here we walked though the trees where could could see Cocoa Beans, Coffee Beans, Ginseng, Ginger, Jackfruit, Bananas & a baby pineapple growing. The other coffee that they produced here was made famous by the movie "The Bucket List". Yep, Luwark (Cat Poo) coffee. For those that don't know this coffee is Called Kopi Luwak, it's an Indonesian coffee made from the faeces of a Luwak, a small cat-like creature native to the island nation's coffee-growing regions. The Luwaks select the freshest coffee cherries to eat and once the bean passes through their digestive system it remains intact but is no longer bitter. They say this creates a sweeter-tasting coffee. People collect the animals' droppings along with the coffee beans. The excrement is then separated from the actual coffee before being washed and brewed up. The heat of the initial brewing process eliminates any disease, fungus or parasite. I sure hope so because I just had to try it.

Before we got to the tasting table we passed through a little shack in the middle of the field where a little old lady was roasting the beans in a wok over an open fire. After we stopped and watched for a moment she told me to sit down and do it. I think she wanted a rest. I was only there for 5 mins and boyo boy was it hot work. Beside her was a very large mortar & pestle where the roasted beans were then crushed. Once at the tasting table we were able to sample Bali Coffee, Bali Cocoa, Bali Tea, Ginger Tea & Ginseng tea. These were all free and if you wanted to try Kopi Luwark it was 40,000 rp. At about $4 how could I not try it. Usually it sells for about $50 a cup. So what was it like - strong & black. We all had a taste of it and while it was OK I certainly wouldn't rush out to pay the real price for it. And on the way back to the car we saw the little creatures that produce the coffee. Very like a pointy nose possum. And of course there was the shop which you had to pass though before you could get to the exit. I did buy some Ginseng Tea & Ginger Tea.

Once on the road again we continued to climb as the most straight forward way to Lovina is up and over the ranges through Bedugul, Gitgit & Singaraja. It makes for a very long day but you see so many different sides of Bali it is really worth the trip. We stopped at one resort just before Bedugul and the views over the rice fields were just spectacular. Our next stop was the Bedugul markets which were just wonderful. Just like the South Melbourne markets here they catered to the locals and tourists with amazing displays of fruit & vegies, spices, clothes & souveniers. I could have stayed there all day but after buying a few bags of vegie chips it was time to move on again.

Our next stop was just a little further up the road where the monkeys gather in roadside bays waiting for the passing tourists to stop and feed them. An enterprising little lady was selling bananas and once you had them the persistent little creatures were all around you wanting them. It was a bit of fun watching them take the bananas, peel them and eat them. They were all very fat little creatures as no doubt this is a daily ritual. One tiny little one kept shoving food in and it was pouching at its neck as it really didn't want it but still it came begging each time it saw a new banana.
Of course there were lots of photo opportunities here and after about 20mins we moved on again this time not stopping until we arrived at our destination - Lovina Beach.

We had a buffet lunch here in a restaurant right on the beach and finished off with Black rice pudding, yum. Bill spent some time chatting with the local beach hawkers and while the sarongs were very pretty he did not succumb. While it is lovely having lunch beside the water there is nothing to see here other than the horizon. After lunch it was back in the car to begin our journey home taking a different route.

I'll tell that story tomorrow......

Bali with the birds

Bill had another early start as the sunrise beckoned again. I took advantage of the solitude and snuck an extra half hour in bed. Today we were meeting Josie & Nolan at Bumi Ayu where we were going to have breakfast before we headed off for another days adventuring with Wayan. Apparently they have the best Nasi Goreng there and while we didn't order that Josie's & Nolan's looked pretty good. We had the Banana pancakes, a real favourite of ours, and I can tell you they were the best we have had anywhere in Bali.

With breakfast over we had a quick wander along the street as Bill needed to buy a pair of sunglasses. He had left his at home, still can't believe the two most important items were left there. Sunscreen & sunnies - obviously winter has gone on too long in Melbourne. We found a little shop and after the usual round of bartering Bill left with the required goods. Back to the car now for a drive to the Taman Burung Bali Bird Park.

We spent a few hours here wandering around this excellent park looking at the many stunning birds housed here. The park's layout is designed to recreate a walk-through of the Indonesian islands (with a detour through other parts of the world). Some are in cages but many others roam free and you can get up close & personal with them. One of the highlights was a beautiful white peacock and we were so lucky to turn the corner and see it in full display. Not just once but three times did it fan it's tail and turn round and round. Such an amazing sight. We also found some little Aussie birds here with a White Cockatoo, a Major Mitchell Cockatoo and some very bright red and green parrots. After we had 'done' the bird park we found Wayan waiting with the dozens of other drivers in a nice shady spot and we piled back into the air conditioned comfort of the car for the drive to Kuta.

Wayan dropped up off at Matahari's for a quick shopping spree. Once finished there we went off in search of lunch and decided that a good coffee was needed so had a very unBali lunch at Gloria Jeans. The iced Mocha's were so good and Josie enjoyed a proper coffee at last. After lunch we had a quick wander around Kuta markets and was so pleased to see that it had not changed. Very quiet when we were there and also very easy to get a good price on whatever you wanted. I lost Bill during my wander and when I found him he was nicely settled in with a group of young local guys who were very entertaining or was it Bill entertaining them. Who knows but they were all having a laugh. Good to see he hasn't lost his touch and he didn't even buy anything! We found Wayan again after this and were very happy to be able to leave Kuta behind and head back to our hotels for an hours rest before meeting up again at our hotel for drinks at sunset.

Josie & I watched the sunset from the very comfy lounges on the beach while Nolan & Bill took to the beach with their cameras hoping for some stunning pictures as the sun went down. Happy hour was the ideal time to sample the Puri Santrian's cocktails and once the boys returned from the beach we found a table and settled in for another yummy dinner and a great night with friends. A few Bali Hai's later and it was time to say goodnight to each other as we had a big day ahead of us tomorrow. We were off to Lovina Beach.

Stay tuned for all our adventures next time...........

Lets see Bali...

The next morning we woke up bright and early so Bill could head for the beach to see the Sunrise. I stayed home and got another half an hour in bed before I wandered down and joined him for an early morning walk. Watching the locals sweeping the beach and raking the sand each morning is something that just has to be seen. An hour later we were on our way to the Griya Santrian to have breakfast with Josie & Nolan who had arrived from Darwin the night before. Their hotel was just as lovely as ours. Breakfast was yummy and we had a fine time catching up for an hour or so. Josie & Nolan have stayed in Sanur many times before and were ready to introduce us to a Bali we had not seen before. Let the fun begin.

The first thing we had to do was to find our driver for the next week. This was already in hand as Nolan had left a message with the Bumi Ayu to let Wayan know they were coming. We walked over to see him but found that he had already got tourists that day. Another of the drivers, Wayan (2) was there and agreed to be our driver for that day and we would see Wayan (1) later. So off we went to Denpasar to pick up some bits at Matahari, a local dept store. Just a quick visit but long enough to find some cute little clothes for Corbyn & Amelie and sample dept store shopping Bali style. Always guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

With the morning almost gone we decided that lunch at Ubud sounded like a good idea and so we drove up to find the restaurant we were going to meet last year but never arrived. On our arrival in Ubud we discovered that this place no longer existed and so went to the next hotel along the road and found another great place with an amazing view over the river. From our elevated position we saw many rafts going through the rapids below. Lots of squeals and laughter as the white water rafters were thrown around the rocky course. Beside the river were rice fields and dotted all around us on the hillside were little cottages from the few hotels in the area. We saw two gardeners preparing garden beds on the very steep slopes and on closer inspection discovered they were tied to the hillside with rope. I wonder if 'worksafe' ever visit. Oh, and lunch was very tasty. My Soto Ayam, (chicken soup) was the best I had all week and I did try it at other places. We spent a leisurely couple of hours enjoying the view, the food and the drinks and only decided to head for home when they ran out of cold beer. The boys drew the line at warm beer served in an ice bucket.

We drove back to our hotels managing to avoid much of the peak hour traffic that day though I'm not too sure what peak hour is. It always seemed busy whatever time we travelled. Not sure that Bill always enjoyed seeing the traffic up close. As the tallest in our group he got to sit in the front seat and most days he got to experience a few hairy moments. Today's moment was our driver doing a U-turn on a very busy, very hilly road. As he executed this turn Bill looked up to see a rather large truck coming down the hill straight at us and all we could do was hope it had good breaks. It must have done as we are here to tell the story but I think Bill's blood pressure might have gone up a notch or two. Back in Sanur we met Wayan (1) and organised to meet him the next morning at Bumi Ayu for another days sightseeing. We thanked Wayan (2) for a great day, arranged to meet at the Griya Santrian for drinks later and went home for a rest. Bill caught some zzz's while I enjoyed the sunshine and the beautiful pool.

Back at Griya a bit later we joined the others in the poolside bar for happy hour and to decide where to eat that night. A seafood bar-b-que set up in front of us was very tempting. That decision made we didn't have to go too far to find a table and we had a great dinner on the beach. After a fun night and a short taxi ride home, the two hotels are at each end of Sanur and just too far to walk between them, we headed back to our beach bar where we had a coffee while we watched the waves gently roll in & out before calling it a night and heading off to bed. What a way to end a fabulous day.

We were off to have breakfast at the Bumi Ayu the next day, will tell you all about it soon .......

Bali - take 2

An early start was needed for our return to Bali. A morning flight saw us up and out to the airport by 7.30am for our next big adventure. All smooth sailing at the airport and just 20 mins late leaving but we made that time up and arrived in Bali on schedule at 1.30pm. Everything was so quiet that we were almost first in line to clear customs and had to wait for the people to take up their places in their little boxes. There is a first time for everything. Once outside it was just a matter of finding our man with his little sign among the many others and then we were on our way to Sanur to begin a well earned week of fun in the sun.

Having never been to Sanur before we had no idea of what it was like or how long it would take but enjoyed our ride over, about 40 Min's, and on arrival at our hotel were very impressed by what we saw. We stayed at the Puri Santrian and it was beautiful, so very well maintained and such a tranquil setting. Our adventures were to start from that moment and all could have gone very bad from the start. We had booked on the Internet and had chosen a 'garden bungalow' for the very reason that it was in the garden giving us maximum interaction with nature and the birds. During the checking in process we were advised that we had been upgraded to the brand new Premier rooms. Bill asked if these were 'bungalows' like the others and we were told yes. Of course when we arrived at the room it was just a hotel room, albeit a very luxurious one, in a block. Facing a concrete wall and a service path in front. Hmm, Not happy Jan. Bill straight away voiced his displeasure and after a half an hour they decided that we could have our bungalow and they would 'upgrade' the next guests. Happy at last and it really was quite amusing to see them so totally confused as to why we did not want the luxury new room. The bungalow was very nice as well, typical Bali suite with the outdoor bathroom but it was just what we wanted. As Bill says, he can stay in, and does, a hotel room almost every week, we did not want to do it here. So after our very minor hiccup the rest of the week was just amazing and really all you could wish for in a tropical holiday.

Staying in Sanur is a very different experience than staying anywhere near Kuta & Legian. Those areas have always been very busy but as I mentioned last year they had become to my mind, a madhouse. Between the traffic, the constant roadworks, the continual building and rebuilding, then add to that the yobbo elements at the many bars & nightclubs and it was not a place that I ever wanted to return too. In June, when after a chat with Nolan, Bill suggested going back I really did not want to go. Even as we boarded the plane I was really apprehensive, one - that it would be no different in Sanur and two - how could I eat for the week now needing to be a little bit careful with what I ingest. Needless to say I had packed my pills! I am so happy to be able to tell you that all my worries were groundless. Sanur is quiet, peaceful & beautiful, the people were just lovely and never hassled you. Sure they would ask if you needed transport or sarongs or t-shirts but once you said no that was it. One main street with shops, markets & restaurants with another street running off to the left a little further down the road and along the beach at the back of the hotel was a path that linked the many other hotel restaurants, bars and local warungs. It was lovely to walk along there in the early morning or later to watch sunset or take a stroll after dark. Very safe and very quiet.

And as far as food and drink went I had no problems at all. Obviously my choices were not too out there but I never had a moments worry and was able to eat & drink many different things. Even tried a Nasi Campur one night and survived the tasty Bali fish curry. How good was that.

Once we had settled into our room that first afternoon we thought we would just take a wander to get our bearings and to find a shop to get some water. Also to buy the one thing I had forgotten to bring - sunsceen. I still can't believe I did that. We looked around the extensive hotel grounds first and were suitably impressed, then off to the beach where we found the beach club sun lounges, beach bar and restaurant. Again all very impressive. We then headed out the front gate for our first walk along the street, found our shop much later and on our way home decided that perhaps it was a good idea to have dinner first and an early night. We were meeting Josie & Nolan for breakfast the next morning at their Hotel - Griya Santrian, the sister hotel to ours. We found a place just across the road from our hotel and had a nice dinner for our first night. Also our first Watermelon juice for the trip. Yum. Once home we went back to the beach and took a walk along the path for about 20 mins and then came back and two weary travellers hit the sack.

So with our first day in Bali deemed to be a resounding success, I'll continue with tomorrows adventures another time.......