Well we arrived home on Monday after a lovely Bali holiday. I am now suffering from the Bali Blues! Pretty sure the only way to get over it is to book another holiday.
The holiday got off to a bit of a crappy start with our plane from Perth being delayed with an "engineering problem". My friend and I then received seats on either side of the isle at the back of the plane, so we were lucky enough to have all the people who needed the loo to walk past us, bump into us, etc. etc. Let's just say we were happy when we finally arrived!! The Bali smell hit us and I felt like I was home.
Arrived at the Barong quite late and waited a while for our bags. Have to say the hotel wasn't really much to write home about. Was very basic but I guess that was all we needed. The hotel was full and they were run off their feet! But no powerpoints in the room, no hair dryer, bathroom flooded after showers... but the aircon worked and that was the main thing!
The rest of the holiday was spent hanging out with some local friends, swimming, shopping and just enjoying the Bali lifestyle.
Due to Galungan a lot of restaurants were closed for two days, which made a lot of others very busy, but nothing was really inconvienced.
We went to a friends village about 3 hours from Kuta on the Friday for their final day of celebrations and ceremonies for Galungan. It was a really great experience, we kind of felt on show as all the little girls in their family would just stare at us and laugh but they were all very friendly! But they kitted us up in the sarongs, etc. for us to go to the temple and see what happens. We were made to feel very welcome and at home.
We also went white water rafting for the second time and it was great. Lots of water in the river which made flow quite fast. The only downside is the climb of 300 steps to get back up to the top! That was a work out and a half.
The weather was alright, a few mornings it drizzled but it was mainly nice, was great to be back in summer clothes again!
Spent a lot of our nights out at the Bounty singing karaoke, playing pool and watching the bands. I have never seen that pub so packed. It was difficult to get a seat most nights! But it was fantastic to see familiar faces and to catch up with friends there.
We found some great DVDs shops where the quality of the new releases were amazing and also found out if you e-mail them they will send you DVDs to Australia.
Our favourite place to eat was Rainbow Cafe and also another little place on poppies 2 (not sure of the name) but is a small place, attached to a hotel, small pool at the back of the restaurant.
Massages were great and something I enjoyed a lot of! Favourite was one in Kuta Square next to Matahari, VERY relaxing and a great massage.
Anyway, after 10 days we had a fantastic time and coming home really made me realise how much I love Bali. It was my 4th trip and I am looking forward to my 5th!