just arrived home today from a wonderful trip. We have read how quiet it was but in no way prepared, first night we walked down Jalan Legian to be the only tourists on the street. Flew with Garuda excellent service plane mainly with transit passengers to Jakarta and still about 60 percent at the most. Have heard that sellers were more persistant but compared to September when it was so busy they are much much less persistant. Tried many new restaurants and some of our favourites. Warung 96 still great and cheap, also warung next door cheaper again and always good food, bali deli, Zani Bar (which felt like a inner city upmarket restaurant) but great prices, Venus at the Moon JUST WONDERFUL food incredible best creme brulee and absolutely stunning decor, Bonsai at Sanur, Tommys, and our favourite Aromas. Only managed Samie & Suzies twice caught up with Smudge, Made and some lovely young girls that smudge has arranged medical care for, just wonderful. Went to S & S saturday and sunday no sign of Suzie. Caught up with our wonderful balinese friends had traditional balinese meal at Novi's house fantastic meal, her mum prepared black rice pudding just for me, so bought some from Makro will give a go. (got through customs no worries) At no time did anyone complain just said things so quiet. Cannot have ever imagine walking down Garlic lane on any Saturday night and being the ONLY people on the street, definately a sad state of affairs, did we feel unsafe at no time, but not feel that security is any different than any of our past visits over the years. Wanting to arrange a night to raise money for Smudge & Ken Southern Cross, thinking about dinner at new balinese restaurant in Sydney at Garden Centre, as I work fulltime thought could get a quote per head and then donations on the night, would appreciate any feedback. Caught up with some very special friends from Oz who I had not seen for many years.
Had no problems taking clothes over for Smudge through customs in Bali which was great. Spent quality with our driver/friend and his family his baby was born whilst we there in August, my goodness you should see her now very healthy looking baby 6 months and 10 kilos.
If you are in need of a driver S C O O B Y is the best for us, but I know we all have good relationships with our drivers.
Looking forward to returning in August