(Firstly, apologies for JBR 3 and the typo's! Trying to type in a hurry!)
Day 9
We had arranged for Made to pick us up and take us to Nusa Dua - Bali Collection. Had went to this place several years ago when it was known as the Galleria. It had been closed for a long time and re-opened late last year I believe.
Well, I wouldn't pay it another visit. Hubby did get a few Polo Business shirts and us girls did get a few pair of shoes from Sogo,, but we could have done that anywhere.
Had lunch here which was expensive (Rp 700,000) considering we only had entrees. All part of the experience however.
Tonight we started with drinks on the balcony enjoyed with blue cheese and quince paste!
We headed off to Drops in Padma Street, which I had heard about on the forum. The restaurant had good ambience but was so understaffed. We ordered our entree and first round of drinks. We then waited for 40 minutes and when no one was serving (we couldn't even see a staff person) (by the way there was only 4 tables to wait on), we decided to go to the bar, cancel our drinks that still hadn't arrived and pay the bill.
Such a shame - but as there are so many really good choices on offer, Drops needs to get it's act together. Would never go there again.
Day 10
Spent the day enjoying the huge Padma Pool. The kids loved it. Unfortunately a rude German tourist shouted at the kids to "stop the screaming". My friend Graeme gave him a look and I told him to get a grip. By no means were the children being excessively noisy, I do consider others. However, if people have problems with kids on their holidays, my advice would be to 1. not sit on a lounge in between the shallow end and toddler pool...the place where kids are likely to be (if you have seen the size of the Padma pool then you would know what I mean). 2. Stay in a villa.
Had dinner at Poco Loco's. The food was good, the margaritas even better. Managed to buy ourselves a poco loco t-shirt in our drunken stuper. (My mum had the kids so it was party time).
Day 11
Back to Jayakarta Residences. We stayed back in the 3 bedroom appartments and our friends had to book with the hotel for their 1 bedroom appartment, which was a bit of a let down. The room was no where near the standard of Suzannes's privately owned appartments.
Overall, I think the Jayakarta Hotel is in need of a reno. The lounges around the pool have seen better days and the pool tiles could do with a good scrub to get rid of the ring of body fat surrounding the pool bar. It is starting to look tired.
I will continue to stay there though because location is fantastic.
Tonight we had dinner back at Seaside. We met the owner/manager (?). One thing about Bali, although it is all about the "fake" most of the time the experience you have with the people is genuine. I did not get this from the American owner. Although he spoke to us, we might as well of not been there - no interest in us whatsoever. He could learn a thing or two from the Balinese. The food though, was as sensational as ever. The rice paper duck rolls were great. The menu is varied and for the quality of food, the price is more than reasonable. They also make a great Grasshopper!
Day 12
Paid a visit to discovery - had a coffee at Starbucks, which prepared me for some serious shoe shopping. Managed to come home with 9 pairs in total. They had some lovely bling bling shoes for those that are interested.
Tonight we went to La Lucciolas for dinner. Our friends shout to say thank you to us for showing them around. The food was excellent. The zuccini flowers were the best I have ever had. Hubby had the steak which was so tender. Risotto was great. The wine was yummo and I must say I had a few reds. The staff were very friendly asked our names and proceeded to call us by name the enitre evening. A great place for food and ambience - beach front. Have been there previously but it just keeps getting better. By the way the owner is from Sydney and the Chef is from Adelaide. (just some trivia!).
Generally, we had breakfast at Zanzibar - great value. Just outside form Jayakarta Hotel. The full breakfast: toast, fruit plate, coffee/tea, juice, bacon, sausages, eggs, tomato was around Rp 28,000 - so AUS $4. Bargain! Also had breakfast at Lanai, also outside of Jayakarta back entrance to the right. They make a fab Cafe Latte and the breakfast of french toast with caramalised banana was to die for. (Had this 2 days running!).
We bought our drinking supplies and other bits and pieces from Bintang supermarket.
We did not go too stupid this holiday with our shopping. We did buy bags, jeans, shoes, osh kosh clothes (from discovery) for the kids, fake designer purses/wallets, the usual glasses, watches, wooden bowls, frangapani fridge magnets, Bintang Beer Glasses, a shirt for my nephew from Suicide Glam, kids swimming board shorts, t-shirts, and our token statue for memories ( we do this each trip).
For the first time we went to the Prada lounge at the airport. For Rp 150,000. Sorry I did not go earlier! No more waiting in the grungy airport with tired kids until midnight. The lounge was comfortable, had a smoking area, had an open bar....(5 bailey's on ice for me) and had buffet style food - help yourself. Great value. I couldn't remember if this or the Premier lounge was better? Wil have to give that one a go next trip.
We had the best time (although weather wasn't as hot as in the past, a few rainy days - but still arrived home with the envious tan).
We enjoyed the company of our friends, the experience of being on "Bali time" where there is no rush, it's all about taking it easy, chilling out - and realising there's always tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone who contributes to the forum. I do read postings almost daily - but don't often post myself. I have gathered many ideas and places to visit as a result of reading the forum. A big thank you.