Dunno what happened to part 2a, took me ages to remember and then type for it to disapppear into the ether. Oh well, the joys of modern technology.
from the last episode.... there were 22 of us from all parts of Oz staying at the White Rose. Nice place, very central, great pool etc.
One of the party organised the mountain bike tour which most of us attempted. Four of us failed to go the distance. Gerri had 2 incidents, the first sideswiping a parked truck and ending up in the storm ditch. The locals and I were more shaken by this that Gerri, I told her the truck would be off the road for weeks after that. Then as we were going throught a local village Gerri looked up to see what the ladies had in their huge head baskets, hit a rock and did a three point landing over the handlebars, knees and face. Luckily she used her arm to break the fall completely. She still has a sore wrist/hand.Discression dictated that the A/C van would be the go for the rest of the tour, ice being administered to the injury by me. Better views there anyway, and we got to the lunchrooms first for a cooling Bintang.Bintang bikerides was the company, wouldn't go with them again, would try the one recommended on the forum.
We all went to Poco Locos for dinner one night, great food and company. Also went to Jimbaran Bay for dinner, Melasti Cafe half way down the beach, also arranged by driver Ricco, set menu, nice(expensive) meal and good company, sunset obscured at the last by low clouds on the horizon...bugger.Also very smoky where we sat.
We had some great times at Gosha Restaurant in Melasti St. Excellent food, great girlie drinks in decorated coconuts, wonderful and funny staff.The tell us that they will be moving as the rents are about to triple. Seems stupid to put up the rents when there aren't the customers that there used to be...anywhere. Its still very quiet everywhere. Always enjoyed a "bloody cold Bintang" at Bagus Bar in Poppies 2. Say hello to George & Roy the Boy if you are ther soon.
Gerri and I enjoyed a romantic last meal at Poppies restaurant in Poppies 1 on the last night. It was really lovely and nowhere near as expensive as I thought it may be, Gerri even had the Lobster.
Shopping was good, not going to bother you with prices or what we bought, suffice to say we were happy, the seller was happy and usually got a tip.
Helgi(MCSHOP) is a lovely young man, eager to please and truthful about the quality of DVDs youn ask for. I recommend using him for the majority of your DVD purchases for that reason plus he delivers to your door.
Found the reflexology shop of Shazperth fame, met sexyman, Gerri had massage from him, whilst Andy soothed my shopped-out feet at the next seat. Lovely......
Had full massages at the hotel spa, also lovely. Had several foot massages in the lane between Memorial and White Rose, a lot cheaper but not as good. (Gets what you pay for.. pays for what you get).
We even braved the very early morning, and some rain), and went to the early markets. Read the sign, 4-6am, got there at 4:50 and half the place wasn't even open. Forgot Balitime thinking, or maybe it was the rain..... anyway it was a been there done that!
The rest of the time was relax by the pool, find somewhere interesting to eat/drink or sleep. Walked many a mile, for the exercise mostly, window shopping. Mataharis in Kuta have constant sales up to 50% off. We bought a new Polo suitcase for $28 (199000rp), handle, wheels,ziplocks etc.
Centro Athletes Foot had great New Balance bargains. We got runners for $21-24 pair.
I took a book of things to do/places to go with me that I had gleaned from you lovely people on the BTF, hardly any of which we did. Now that means only one thing...Gerri and I will have to go back there again, alone this time, and try to see/do some of them.
There has been a little trouble at night among a couple of local gangs trying to stake out new territory. Therefore there is a larger than normal police presence on Jl Legian late afternoon/night.Didn't seem to affect any foreigners at all.
A tip for the virgins, always count your change when its given to you. Once I got change from a 100000rp note and received what would have been from a 50000 note, deliberately.
Money change was around 7220rp /$A. or a tad more. I have always done my money changing at Beemo Corner(Pt. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima). Never been shortchanged, always good exchange rate, and receipts.
I couldn't be bothered walking down there a few times so I changed at the hotel reception for 7150rp. Big deal, Whats 70/700rp going to buy you anyway?
I also left all my spare coins/1000rp notes on the pillow for the cleaning staff each day. Its amazing how you then get thicker, newer towels etc.
Became techno and sent the kids an email from one of the many sites around Kuta. Minimum cost 2500rp, 1000rp minute.It took the girl about 10 minutes to sort out where I wanted to go and how to do it for me.( probably thinking who is this klutz, but always helpful and smiling )
Thats it for now, wish I was still there.
Cheers,
PCB