Welcome to my first attempt at a JBR.
Arrived 5/6/05 for 15 night stay at Ramada. Stayed here last year and found it okay, a little bit away from the hustle and bustle, but just the way I liked it. Travelled with my brother and his wife and my two sisters all in our 40's & early 50's. Flew out of Melbourne on AA via Sydney. Trip to Sydney on big plane was great with plenty of room, however bit more cramped after that. Arrive in Paradise around 2.30pm, long wait at VOA etc with some very rude people in line. Finally out of the doors and arrive at Ramada around 5.30pm. Settled in then off to dinner at Green Garden. After the free arm and shoulder rub down I had spring rolls, chicken satay, small bintang and a Shirley temple (cost $9.80), then an early night.
Day 2 - Lovely breakfast, visit to *Dianne for my summer dresses, bought 2 short & 1 long for 120,000rp. Found a new laneway next to Ramada where I started going to get my laundry done and have my massages. Also had my 120+ DVD's delivered that I had pre-ordered. Dinner tonight at Bebek, had the gado-gado washed down with a couple of cold Bintangs (31,000rp)
Day 3 - A relaxing day - or so I thought!
Had a reflexology massage today - truly the most excruciating 60 minutes of my life (until I spent 4 hours having a tooth out recently). I'm positive it wasn't Shazperths sexy man. He honestly didn't understand the word softer and should have been able to see by the many faces I pulled that I wasn't enjoying it. Finally my time was up and I hobbled out. I'm sure all the blood vessels in my legs broke as they were red and splotchy for the next few days. Managed to make it up to Poppies Lane where I bought the big LV roll bag (150,000rp). Dinner at one of the many Warungs on Poppies II - Yummy spring rolls but a nasty BLT all up 30,000rp. My bad start to this day continued into the night as I locked myself out of the room and didn't want to wake up the sleeping beauties or go up to reception in my pyjamas so I waited until they all woke up around 8.00 - oh well at least I didn't have to worry about getting cold and it was nice to watch the squirrels playing.
Day 4 - After my bad night I needed another massage with Wayan. Elder sister has Bali Belly and spends most of the day in bed. Dinner tonight was at Impala Seafood.
Day 5 - Bit of a shopping day today, lots of Revlon make-up, i.e. Blush, Mascara, lipstick as well as all of the Martha Tillar range at Mathari Supermarket, also got packets of Tim Tams for around 6,000rp. Also bought some lovely fairy dresses (20,000rp), watches (30,000rp). Dinner tonight at Bali Asi. Great place, especially for Cocktails by the Jug at 35,000rp.
Day 6 - Ordered Leather Jacket (3/4 length - black) from Queen Collection Leather Shop at Utara - exceptional quality & fit - cost around $A100. Dinner tonight at Mudi near hotel, had the pizza which was really good for around 10,000rp.
Day 7 - Up early this morning to go to Benoa Harbour. Off on Island Explorer cruises to Lembongan Island (400,000rp). Took the Fun Ship over and did the snorkelling and lunch on the boat, then off to Coconuts where we had a great time in their pool overlooking the harbour. Took the Ocean Flyer back, what a great ride, pity most of the others didn't enjoy it but I couldn't stop laughing. Dinner tonight at Sendok - had a Calamari dish, good size serve for 55,000rp, including drinks.
Day 8 - Lazed by the pool most of the day then off to dinner at Jimbarin Bay. It really is a lovely setting but I think a bit overpriced for what we had, also I don't really like the way they cook it. Both the Calamari and prawn had no flavour and were overcooked and chewy. Sisters particularly enjoy going here for the jewellery and have some great pics of them examining all the pieces.
Day 9 - 2 hour package this morning at a little salon we found in one of the laneways (facial, massage and crème hair wash) for 120,000rp. Then up to Legian for a footy fix. Pizza again tonight this time at Yan's.
Day 10 - Geneva Handicrafts day. Got cushion covers (17,500rp), Table mats (4,900rp), earrings (2,380rp), pens, candle holders, photo frames, gift packs, etc. No bartering required - all fixed prices.
I'll wind up the next few days by saying most of it was spent shopping for lollies, toothbrushes, jewellery and presents for others. I had a few more massages and one afternoon was spent at Tanah Lot. Our driver I Wayan Rici is a lovely young guy who speaks very good English, if you want his number, let me know or catch him just down from Centro.
Thanks to Bali for letting us visit once again and to all of you for reading.
Sorry it has taken me so long to post but the work situation has been hectic - I am now due for another holiday!!!
Glad to help with any questions if I can.
Angela