Hi all, i departed Sydney airport Mon 18 June with my sister, best friend and mother. I was to be joined by my Aunty, cousin, other aunty and uncle! We were delayed by an hours waiting for missing passengers which was very annoying as we had to wait and it was cutting into precious shopping time! VOA was okay lines but seemed to go pretty quick as we were all so excited to get to our hotel. Lucas Neil from the socceroos was on our flight which was pretty cool if you are a soccer fan like me! He graciously got a photo taken with me when we arrived! We stay at Ramayana Hotel which is in Kuta across from Art Markets. It has recently been upgraded and changed rating to star 4. We love this place as the staff are beautiful and so dam funny!The restaurant is new and they serve a lovely breakfast with a great atmosphere and view of the lively morning streets. We were in Bali for 12 nights and for most of it we shopped (go figure)Our best shopping was done at the Billabong sale which i think is now finished. They had some great things there along with lots of winter jackets or jumpers great for home now! They were about $10 or less with thongs around $3 they had everything from boardies to bags, wallets for boys and girls and adults. Definitley worth your while if you are there! Geneva as always great shopping i think my auntie spent 2 million rupiah on one floor. Thank god we have a container to put the extra things in. Bought some nice table runners, place mats and also some really nice serving plates.Carrefour new bali supermarket is good for a look bought some different things like a pair of louis vuitton black tights which i love i think about 50,000 they are so cute and so right now. Toilets are also great just like at home with a flush... Galuggan (spelling) was on when we went, this is the Balinese Christmas or i should say Hindu's Christmas they celebrate over 3 days and some things were shut like Art Markets and some shops. It is decided by the moon not by a date so we were suprised as we go the same time every year and miss it. We shipped some furniture back this year as well my mum has done this before and turned out great so i thought i would give it a go. Also bought some beautiful stone wear inc a 1.5mtr genesha which is absolutely stunning can't wait to get it home. Streets were a bit bare the 1st week but second week started to pick up. Not too many Aussies around and Balinese still say to come back.Visited all our friends and delivered all our pressies they are always so grateful. Had a beatufil paiting done of a Buddha which is created on 3 canvas' that you sit slightly apart on your wall great effect and just over a mtr long black background with gold brown buddha face. Holiday went way to fast lots of dvd's and cd's also some beautiful silver bought.Trip home a little bumpy but good can't fault Garuda's service have always delivered us safely home with a full belly! Any questions gladly ask. Best massage at Melasti in Kuta or Tuban and pretty cheap very professional! Stadium have just updated their menu and must say very very good food and big meals with dessert to die for. Also great entertainment on Mon and Thurs night the guys have a great band which i would recommend. Wish i was back there can't wait for next year!!!!!