JBR 3rd Aug - 8th Aug
Back once again amongst our friends at Bali Hai Resort, greeted like the 'long lost' by hotel staff, feted by our friends on the beach, given a great room and so it goes on. Each day a plate of canapés together with a Bintang and a bottle of Coke or Sprite mysteriously is find its way into our room. Each day we meet up with families from previous years, they come from Germany, Australia and other parts of the globe and we eagerly discuss our previous meetings, how long they have been here and how many more days they have left. We are unaware that Kimbali is also here, having not met her before we would not have recognised her however, we got to meet up on the 8th at 'Glory' with other forumites. Sad to say she'd moved on from Bali Hai by that stage.
Dinner at Green Garden, more greetings and the presentation of a VIP 10% discount card. We made full use of that as the month progressed. Next day, after the more than ample breakfast we went and met our beach friends again. Peter (Kites), Donna & Sandra (manicure), Deby (Hats & socks), the husband and wife teams of Julie/Charlie (trinkets/wood), Helen/Chris (also trinkets/wood), Mike (paintings), Martin (watches), masseurs Renita & Rina and there was also Leanne, Jessika, 3 other masseurs so on and so forth.
I struck a deal with my masseurs; 21 (Rina) and 25 (Renita) whom I'd used for the past few years, a lump sum, crafted to create a win win situation, with payment up front. If I had a massage daily then I was ahead but conversely if I failed by 3 massages (knowing full well that I would) then they did better than last year. It worked wonders especially as there was a little bonus at the end of the holiday. Arrangements were also made with Donna and Sandra for our annual manicure and pedicure next day (5th Aug).
12.30 Siang and we met Ilovebali2 and spouse: Maxine and Max for lunch. An excellent meal at Green Garden followed, great conversation with lovely people. Then a tour of the Bali Hai gardens, our quarters and the hotel in general was organised. We parted company well into the afternoon having had a terrific time. Later we ventured to Pantai for a coldy and re-acquaintance with more of our friends.
On the 6th Aug we were going to SD 7 Sembung to meet or 2 kids, Komang and Made, so it was off to 'Makro' to buy some supplies for the school and a pressie for each of them. It was our first time at 'Makro' and we purchased much for very little - fantastic value. Benny and I were very impressed with this place and no doubt it will be on future itineraries We also stopped at Pepitos supermarket in Jl Kediri on the way back for 'fridge supplies' and nibbles. This is a modern, well supplied establishment, worth using if you are staying in Tuban or close by.
Benny & I fulfilled our promise with Donna and after an hour we both emerged with perfectly manicured hands and toes. I have to admit that I still have my 2 big toenails adorned with bright red varnish overpainted with 'Frangipani'. Actually, when I arrived for the process I still had remnants of last years adornment on one of my toes. My theory is; when the varnish is almost gone, it's time to go back to Bali.
That evening we found our main driver for the holiday 'Putu' and he was hired for a trip to Sanur where we had arranged to meet our Melbourne friends Sandra, Owen and Jenny (from South Africa) for dinner at Swastika. Putu turned out to be a good find, so if you are in the Tuban area his phone no is +6281338618598. We were to use him on a number of occasions at very reasonable cost - RP200.000 - RP250.000 per day. (plus the odd tip or cash for lunch). While he was good driver, regretfully we cannot say that for the food at Swastika - it was actually pretty awful.
Next morning it was time to head off to Sembung to see the kids at SD 7 including our littlies. We had made arrangements with Rotaries Agung before leaving Australia and he had offered a driver for RP250.000 for the day, so we did not use Putu on that occasion however, we did arrange for him to pick us up 2 days later when we returned from Pacung.
It was just like last year, the kids were all in the playground waiting and as we made our way to be reintroduced to the teachers and meet Komang and Made and we felt somewhat like the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' as we were closely followed by 40 - 50 kids everywhere we went. We then we got to see Komang and Made. While Komang had already met us poor little Made had not and she was terrified. During the whole time we were there she did not say one word however, she did firmly clutch the large kangaroo we had given her. After a little while we told the teachers to let her go and play with the others. It must have been quite daunting for her. Next time we hope she will be more used to strangers like us arriving and talking to her. Komang, on the other hand is developing an impish quality and he was more at ease with us.
While I handed over the writing books, pens etc we had brought with us for the school Benny was outside totally engulfed by about 30 of the students. Every one of them shook her hand, spoke their name in English, 'my name is ........' I watched them silently, the look on their faces was one of joy, they had the biggest, loveliest smiles, they all wanted to get close to Benny, touch her and hold her hand. I produced my camera and snapped away, then I ran the video but was spotted and sure enough I too was engulfed; 'my name is .......'
The teachers proudly showed us around, the library, the new classroom, the old classrooms, the building with a soon to be replaced roof. And all the time with our entourage of friendly kids. We spoke with Agung, who as usual had arranged everything to perfection and to the President of Rotary, Denpasar. We were all destined to meet up later that month at the annual distribution, but much of that later.
When we became involved with the sponsorships we were simply looking to assist, in our small way, a couple of kids get an education, a start in life however, we did not realise just how much joy and fun we would be getting from these past 2 years. To be able to see the school, visit and talk to not just our 2 children but all concerned with the project has added a new dimension to our lives and yes, we believe that everyone who has a sponsored child is indeed 'making a difference'. So if you have yet to venture into this scheme, please give it some thought, contact Noel Allen and see if you can't also 'make a difference'
Time moves on and so must we. Over the last year or so we had been hearing more and more good things about Pacung Indah, a hotel high on the hills a short way before Candi Kuning (Crackers Bar & Grill) and Bedugul. We decided that in conjunction with the SD 7 visit we should spend a couple of nights there and enjoy the quiet solitude of the foothills and so it was that we arrived at Pacung just in time for the famous buffet lunch. We checked in and were allocated room no 1 which was simply built on the edge of the hill and which afforded us the most magnificent view of the surrounding district.
Lunch was superb with, in my opinion the 'pork sate' being the best item but closely followed by the rest of the food. My Bintang was icy cold. Our room, situated right on the side of the hill, had a small lounge with a day bed from which your eyes took in the whole valley, a good, well stocked bar fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. The entrance to our accommodation was through double doors and after which came a small enclosed courtyard complete with table, chairs and umbrella. The bedroom was more than adequate, the bed very comfy and we slept very well indeed.
Mine hosts Moira and David Aussie expats were both back in Australia and we were therefore unable to meet them however, their absence was more than made up by the overall quality of their employees. We had a ball there and it was made even more enjoyable by the efforts of the staff. Mind you they were encouraged to be good to us by their daily ration of 'Chuppa Chups' and 'Ulars' (snakes) dispensed by yours truly. Reta, Davids most trusted lady at Pacung Indah took us us to Candi Kuning where we enjoyed a Bintang, left 2 trophies and purchased a couple of their T Shirts. The much vaunted toilets are yet to be commissioned and the grill is also still under construction however, this will certainly become 'must see' for all travellers in this area.
At a BTF dinner the week before leaving for Bali we actually were recipients of a 2 night voucher at Pacung Indah however, as we had already made this booking we decided to keep for another visit down the track.
Well after 2 glorious days at Pacung Indah we had to return to Bali Hai because the 8th Aug meant dinner at Glory Restaurant in Legian that evening. Putu, our new driver arrived on time and we left around 2.00pm having enjoyed, once again, the lunch time buffet. I made my way to Glory without Benny as she had succumbed to the rigours of the previous few days and was feeling unwell. I had never been to Glory (nor did I know it even existed) but was pleasantly surprised by the meal and I believe all who went there thoroughly enjoyed the fare as well.
I hope I've got all the names so here goes, Gordon (1), Ratna (Skippy) , Kim (Kimbali), Maria (her daughter), Waxy, Luna, Mangotree (Angie),Ken oath and missus, Rodney (Doobie Bagus) and Amanda Great8time and partner, Bou, Anny (annyf) and partner, Denise (Deniseperth) and partner, Shelley (Chellenz) partner Mike and friend. Following dinner there was much joviality, bonding, photography and, of course lots of conversation. It really was terrific night made even better by putting faces to names from the computer. I was offered a lift home on the back of the motorbike with Angie pleading that it was well out of her way - if truth be known it was more likely my unease in being on the back of such machines.