Hi thought i had better finish this.
Left Lovina to head back to Legian and was booked into the Mandira for 5 nights. We got a driver and headed off down the Centre of Bali.
Stopped of at Crackers Bar. Yes the toilets are great. Was waiting there for a crew of formites to turn up but we missed them by about 15 minutes which was a bit sad as i was looking forward to meeting some of the people that i had been chatting with on the forum.
Had booked a Deluxe Cottage with Club Benefits at the Mandira.
Well what a dissapointment.!!
Would not stay at the Mandira again.
The club benefits where crap to put it bluntly. I am comparing them with the Padma. If i hadn't stayed at the Padma i wouldn't have known any differance.
The first time we went there the lady was quite rude. It was 4.30 and we asked for tea and a coffee. Felt like we were putting her out.
The internet was that slow i gave up.
The food offered is nothing like what the Padma dishes up!!
The one time i tried one of the cakes it was frozen and hurt my teeth.
The room was okay quite small but.
The breakfast was fine.
Anyway that was my thoughts on the Mandira.
The next 5 nights we stayed at the Casa Padma.
As i had booked the accomodation myself because we had also stayed there in November the staff remembered me and mum.
They couldn't do enough for us.
We had a great room and slept in a King size bed each.
Heaps of room for our shopping.
Great location as it is close to everthing. Garlic Lane ect.
The food at Drops is the best and the sweets are lovely.
They were getting quite busy when we left and where putting on more staff for the restuarant.
It was great seeing all the Ausi tourist walking around.
In November when we went last time it was spot the tourist.
Such a shame that these warnings have been comming from our government. Trying to cover there arse if something does happen i suppose.
The one thing that i did notice was the range of fares for the Taxies. In the end i didn't care if they had a metre or not i would still barter the price. If it was a good trip and the taxie driver didn't try to rip me off if would allways give him a decent tip.
One time we got a Metered Taxie from Drops in Padma St to where the restaurants are on the beach and he charged us 160,000 Rp. We got one home for 40,000 Rp. It also happened when we went to the new Carefour shopping centre.
Anyway thats it now did heaps of shopping and went to all the usual places like Ketuts, Geneva, DVD shops and surf shop sales.
Oh for the larger ladies got some lovely clothes at the Animale Factory. Great prices too.
Mum and i had the best time again in Bali. 21 days in total.
Still didn't do half the things i wanted to do so may have to save up for another trip.
Regards
Leonie