This is my first JBR so I hope it meets with everyone approval.
I travelled to Bali on the 20/01/2006 from Darwin with Garuda staying for 9 nights.
This trip I decided not to tell anyone I was going except for my travel agent, a close friend and then registering on the Government website.
The plane trip over was extremely turbulent, (saw other people's stomach contents in the short 2hr trip)...at times I was sure the plane was going to fall out of the sky and I would be busted before I had reached my destination. But thankfully we touched down safely and I got to smell the scents that are only to be found in Bali.
The plane was only a third or so full so we quickly got through customs. I caught a taxi from the airport 50000 rupiah. This was as easy as everyone says although the men had a good laugh at me when I couldn't pronounce the hotel properly.
I stayed at the Lokha Legian in for the whole time. Next time I will be braver and try a few more places but as I was travelling alone this was convenient for me to still be able to eat out but not be too far away. The Lokha staff are very friendly and helpful and as long as you don't mind your bathroom flooding then you'll find the hotel fine.
On the Friday I rushed around trying to get some things to take with me on a planned school visit, unfortunately the things I took were probably not the most relevant for these two schools. But they were still thankful.
On the Saturday I was up early, eager to visit the 2 children I sponsor. Down to breakfast only to fall into the restaurant...back up to my room and take my things down to reception to await the driver who is taking me there, all the while thinking gee it's very dark. Well I hadn't set my watch properly and was over an hour early much to reception's amusement.
I went to 2 schools in Mekasari and met with the children I sponsor. I felt like a monkey in the zoo with all the children looking at me. I was disappointed in the day for the fact that I felt rushed by the driver. He was not the man that was mentioned in the email correspondence I had prior to leaving Australia. I left at 8.30 am and was back at the hotel about 12.30. It cost me 300 000 for that time. I also felt that the schools didn't know I was coming. I would suggest for anyone who is going try to get an idea from the school what is needed if possible. Also I felt bad because I didn't have something for each child but I guess I learnt a lot and so next trip will be better prepared.
Ok sorry to gripe so much but I had been looking forward to it so much. Will write about the rest of the trip in another instalment.