Forgot to add into last JBR, we took two large bags of various pharmaceutical goods over for Smudge, which constituted one whole suitcase. The good thing about having to buy a ticket for the 3 year old, is that we can use the extra baggage space for donations to those charities who are doing so much good work. I did have something of a cold sweat going through customs, imagining the hard time that the authorities would enjoy giving me about why I was carrying so many vitamins, head lice treatments, antiseptic creams, etc etc. I have a friend who manages the local pharmacy and allowed me into their stock of out of code goods, so I had no trouble coming up with a good amount of stuff. We decided not to purchase school donations in Australia, but did a trip to Makro for pencils, writing books and chalk for teachers before we headed to Sideman. Anyway, through customs without a second glance, which was a big relief!
Smudge finally managed to find us at the Pondok Ayu in Sanur, after about 3 hours of searching, I believe. It was great to catch up with him and share a beer while hearing all about the village of Munti, which is where he focusses his efforts. Hopefully the bags of stuff we brought through are useful to him in his work. Next time, I will start sourcing stuff on the day I book my tickets, which means I might get hold of more painkillers and antiseptic.
Anyway, on to Amed. Off we head on the appointed day (whatever it was) from Sideman for the stunning drive to Amed. This is surely one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Was dismayed to see how dry it was around Amed, as the first wet season rains had only begun the day before, despite it being almost Christmas.
Welcomed at Anda Amed by Kim's fabulous team, unfortunately our room wasn't ready as we were a bit to eager to get here and arrived at 11am! Anyway, a drink by the bar and lunch saw us safely into our room. Now, first things first. Down the road to stock up on Bintang and snacks for the child, down to speak to the delightful, helpful and all around gorgeous Made at the bar to rent his sepeda motor for the week. If you are around here, he would very much appreciate the assistance with paying the motorbike loan by renting it to you for a short time. I love just jumping on the bike in this area and riding through all the little bays that Amed offers. Made had two helmets for us and we had brought our own helmet from Aus for our three year old. He loves all motorised transport and would really like me to get rid of my car and swap it for a motor bike! We used the motorbike for the week to shuttle out for dinner, lunch etc. First tip would be us to find somewhere and then my hubby would shoot back to collect my mother while I waited dutifully at the warung with a beer!
We had brought our own snorkelling gear from Aus with us, which was terrific because we would go for a dive after breakfast while Mum jumped in the pool with the little fella for an hour or so. Very convenient having a babysitter on board this trip!! Heaps of great snorkelling around Amed, straight off the beach. We did the shipwreck, Jemeluk bay, straight out from the hotel and a few small bays around the place. My husband had been keen to scuba dive but an ear problem prevented him this trip. He did say that the snorkelling was just as good anyway.
We had bought heaps of school donations at Makro, as I mentioned and we set off on the bike to find some village schools to give them to.
Mental note to self: Self, make sure that when you are carrying 20kgs of school books around Bali, that the schools are not closed for Christmas break!!
Luckily enough, in small villages, it is not too hard to find the local teacher if you ask around. We visited a High School and spent a couple of hours with the art teacher there, comparing our classes and teaching conditions. Needless to say, he would love to come to Australia to teach. Due to the fact that he was the junior teacher on staff, he got left with the janitorial duties for the holidays!
A great conversation was had and I was very chuffed that I had been able to spend almost two hours talking to a teacher in Indonesian, without any use of English. It is amazing what you can do when you have to!
Amed pretty much consisted of great food, lots of beer, great snorkelling and hanging out.
Terrific food was had at: Anda Amed: probably the best food in the area (certainly according to the international chef who was staying there at the same time!), Wayan's Warung, which became our local during this period. We loved sitting and spending the afternoon talking to Wayan and Jati and they became lovely friends during this week. Sunrise Cafe at Jemuluk is cheap and cheerful and there is a small place just up from Sunrise, which I fancy might have been called Sama Sama; right on the beach, sensational food, and very very very cheap. We also had a terrific meal at a little warung (advertised as "A Secret Place") up the hill overlooking the ocean. We had popped up here to see a friend from last time, but he had taken off quickly that day as his wife went into labour.
Anda Amed is simply the best place to stay, possibly in the whole of Bali! What a bargain this place is, 5 star and the staff cannot do enough. Their fruit platter and french toast breakfast is out of this world. If you are going to Amed, I highly recommend Anda Amed.
Wow, this is really long, can you tell I am a good talker?
Alanna