Well here goes. Arrived back on the 16th june First of all thanks to everyone for all the info I gathered in my little note book. This was my 8th trip and hubbys 7th. Off to Adelaide airport with note book and homemade conversion card of rate exchange in hand. Everyone had cable ties and lots of locks on their suitcases. We flew with Air Paradise, plane was not full, food and service was good and had no complaints. On arrival, straight through VOA, immigration and customs, we probably waited longer for our luggage. We did check that immigration had stamped our passports because last year hubby got caught up in one of their scams and had to pay some money on departure because they neglected to stamp his passport. (thats bali....lol..) One of the porters wanted to take our luggage for us, I said no and hubby said yes! because he wanted to video all the transfer people and drivers waiting outside to pick everyone up. Ok then! Ohh!.. that smell and heat, I just love it! We are back! Found our transfer people and off we go to Aneka Beach Hotel. As always a nice welcome drink greeted us. We have stayed here before and love the location. Its across the road from Kuta beach and poppies lane 1 runs down the side of the property with side access to this lane. We like to stay in a smaller hotel because they seem to be friendlier and you get to know the staff and other guests. We stay in one of their villas which is lovely. The pool, huge bar area and restaurant are all together which makes the feel of this place warm and inviting. Next I had to contact Tam_tas (forum) who is staying at the Dynasty. I had arranged with telstra to use my phone to sms but I couldnt get it to work so we had to walk down to the Dynasty to contact them. A great reunion with Tam_tas, her mum and son. I met Tam_tas in bali last year when she came by herself after her friend pull out at the last minute. We showed her around and have been friends ever since. She couldnt get my phone working either so I had to buy a local sim card. Went to Matahari department store in Kuta square to the phone counter, ground floor near the supermarket checkouts in the corner and bought a mentari card for Rp.25,000 which included Rp15,000 worth of calls. Also purchased another Rp.50,000 top up card. The girl here was excellent. She set my phone up for me and wrote down in english how to text australia and locals and how to check my credit. It cost
8 cents aust for a text message so I was happy with that. The only thing was I had to let everyone at home my new no. but that was ok. Picked up supplies while we were there. The usual things of water, chips, mozzie spray etc. Dropped off a bottle of duty free booze for our regular leather guys at Queen leather, they were very happy to see us (of course). Arranged to meet Tam_tas at Bubba Gumps for tea which turned out to be a great themed restaurant with nice food. We all had fun their with the Run Forest Run! and the Stop Forest Stop! interaction going on. After this we popped into the new Discovery shopping centre. Although it has lots of good shops, supermarket, time zone, food court, electrical section etc. I thought it was a bit cold and sterile. Walking out onto the beach from the back is lovely at night with all the lights but I think I still like Matahari dept stores, Tiara Dewati shopping center, Roberstons and Bali Mall in Denpasar.
Next day went back to leather guy to order beatle boots. My hubby is in a band in Aust and last year had these boots made at Queen leather shop. His band dress up in the 60s look so when the other guys saw his boots they wanted some too. So we went armed with every measurement of their feet possible and a drawn around shape of their feet on cardboard. After a few modifications they turned out perfect. Lets hope they fit. (tonight we will know) Hubby also ordered work shoes for himself and I ordered an exact copy of my good leather slip ons which I left with them. Very happy with the results of both.
Went to S & S on the beach at Legian and met forum members Bali Crazy and hubby and others. Great to catch up with a bintang or two. Hi Bali Crazy, lovely to meet you and I hope your not too depressed! Just think of your next trip to keep those blues away.
Hope Im not boring you all, more coming up - Our week at the Hard Rock Hotel, gold street, Singaraja trip to met sponsor child and Helen Flavel, adopta - co op shop,elephant park, tanah lot, ubud
to be cont...