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...........