Well we flew back into Sydney yesterday and drove onto Newcastle which had not changed since we left. It was pouring rain when we left for Bali and still pouring when we got back. Our week in Bali was great as usual. Stayed at Garden View Cottages which always feels like home.
It was so hot. It felt like you were inside an oven with a full roast meal cooking all day every day. The humidity levels were unbelievable. There was a little rain one day which was a relief for a short while. Even the locals said they cant remember it ever being that hot.
Although the plane we went over on was full, I didn't see many other westerners walking the streets. It was really sad and the local people are suffering quite badly.
I went to some markets which were about 30 minute drive away. Please forgive my spelling here, I think it was Sukuwarti, where the bargains were incredible. I was the only tourist there and after a while it got quite daunting as if I bought from one person I had 20 others with the same thing surrounding me pleading with me to buy from them. I purchased my items and headed back to the car, the whole time with people wanting me to buy. One fellow even had his arms in the car window full of items as we were driving off.
I want tothank everyone that responded to my questions about purchasing guitars in Bali. We bought an acoustic guitar for our friend and it cost us 250000 rupiah or approximately 35 Aussie dollars. It is beautiful. Our friend was completely over whelmed when we gave it to him. His old one was held together with stcky tape but he had treasured it so we know he will treasure his new one just as much.
The things I bought were:
Sarongs for 12000 rupiah
Sunglasses for 10000 rupiah
Ebony carved statues for 30000 rupiah
Kimino style dressing gowns for 70000 rupiah
Single bed doona for 70000 rupiah
DVD's and CD's were same as usual 10000 rupiah
Jogger style shoes 80000 - 100000 rupiah
T-Shirts 25000 rupiah
Board shorts 20000 rupiah
We bought heaps of other things but at themoment the brain is still a bit mushy so i will continue onanother day.
All in all we had a great time and are madly saving now for our next trip which at this stage will be in July.
Maree