Day 3
Today started with a day by the pool combined with spurts of shopping.
Quickly made friends with all the beach sellers and picked up a few bits of pieces, the usual watches, caps, sunglasses, beaded anklets and items you don't need but buy for the fun of it.
My son and hubby had to have a Doctor called to the hotel. Both had ear problems the moment we had arrived and they weren't improving. Husband had to have his ears syringed and my son had swollen inner ear that had to be treated with antibiotics. The cost for both of them was Rp 900,000 in case you are interested in what it costs to get a Doctor.
Tonight we are off to celebrate my 40th birthday. We arrived at Samaya Villas - Breeze Restaurant and were totally blown away. This place would be one of the best kept secrets for romantic dining. The place is lit up by candles along a pathway, which we followed to reach our table. We had booked before we left for our trip and had the floating pontoon, surrounded by water and floor lit candles.
The food was sensational and the ambience magical. The staff brought out a cake and presented me with a bouquet of gardenias. I though Ku De Ta was special but this place would have to be the best place I have been in all my 10 trips to Bali. Truly wonderful. The cost was around Rp 1,700,000 - so not too expensive in comparison to "like" restaurants. Do yourself a favour and pay a visit to this place as I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Day 4
We had planned to go to Waterbom today but due to the ear problems, decided to put it off until tomorrow. Thought we would visit Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park at Ulawatu as we had never been before. Made picked us up and came with us on our tour of the park. I am sure the park will one day be spectacular but at the moment, I wouldn't pay it another visit. Whilst there, the kids were mobbed by Indonesian students wanting to take their photo. It seems we were the novelty and I must say we got a taste of what it is like to be chased down by the paparrazzi.
We had lunch (well kids had lunch, we had drinks) at De Memedi. It is always good to stop and have a chat with Made, catch up about his family, he now has two daughters.
The afternoon was spent trying out the poolside special cocktails of the day, and we gave them a good workout. The boys days never seemed to differ. Watching the kids in the pool, sitting at the poolside bar and drinking Bintangs. They were in their element.
Tonight we had dinner at Tanayas Tepanyaki in Legian Street. We always visit this place and have a fantastic meal. We order the set menu (around Rp 290,000 per person). This includes salad, soup, followed by the entertaining display of cooking fish, prawns, lobster, chicken, beef, vegetables, rice and finsished off with fried banana with fried ice-cream). Always too much food! They also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel - no charge.
Day 5
Waterbom park today. The kids love this place. The boys now had to do some work because us girls weren't going near the water slides! We had a float around the lazy river, which was more to our liking. This is a great day out for families. On our way out, we managed to see our friend Made who drove us back to the hotel. He truly is a genuine person, with a gentle personality and a great understanding of English. If you want his details, let me know.
Early night tonight as tomorrow we are off to Amed for two days. Good timing really as a few shops were closed due to Gulingan (spelling ?) Ceremony.
Part 3 to follow...