First JBR even though 10th trip to Bali.Thought it was about time I gave back to the forum because I have gathered so much over the years from everybody. Left Brissie 20th june with husband & 2 kids 16 & 14. Not off to the best of starts, flight meant to leave 11:45pm singapore Airlines. Watched all the other flights leave, the shops all close and nothing on the board about boarding. Got really worried when they started handing out blankets and the heating seemed to have been turned off. Mechanical problems was finally announced and they were having problems locating the problem. Not good!Finally 2:30 am we take off with a very uneasy feeling, then 3 and 1/2 hours of turbulence. Needless to say made it safe and sound to Singapore with a quick dash to catch connecting flight to Bali. Stayed at the Patra as we have done always and greeted with hugs & handshakes and many "welcome home". You would think after so many times it wouldn't have the same effect, but I think I get more emotional each time we go (and even more emotional when we leave). This holiday was all about R & R, so armed with lots of books & suntan lotion we settled in. Most days were spent by the pool reading, drinking and catching up with all the gossip from the beach sellers.
Tried to eat somewhere different every night and never had a bad meal.Uncle Norm's, Fat Yogi's, Ketumbar, Wayan & friends, Seaside, Bamboo Corner, Koris to name a few.
On previous trips have done the Bali Hai cruises, this year decided to try Quiksilver. This company really caters to the Taiwanese and Korean groups. i think we were the only Aussies on board. Luckily we were adopted by one of the crew who looked after us like royalty. We were given some many priviliges and heads up on everything that it made it a good day out.But would have to recommend Bali Hai as more Aussie friendly.
Had all intentions of getting to S & S on the Saturday to catch up with formunites especially nicno. Sorry nicno we didn't see you but sold a unit on that Saturday and offers and negotiations coming hard and fast all afternoon with the deal done about 5pm. So straight to the pool bar for celebrations with anyone who would drink with us.
Did the DVD thing with "H" great quality and so convenient.
We really noticed the traffic this year with the local tourists on the roads.So tended to do alot of walking along the beach to get anywhere far quicker than taxi's.
Went to waterbom as usual a great day out. For a place that looks busy, there are never any lines for rides. This continues to amaze me!
Finally made it to Balistone and went crazy. Felicia is amazing and went out of her way to show us everything especially tiles.My husband is a floor & wall tiler and could not believe the quality and the price. Somehow we ended up back at Felicia & leo's to look at their beautiful home and the bathrooms. So armed with every conceivable idea we are about to trash our ensuite redo it with more than a touch of Bali. Can't wait to go back next year armed with measurements to buy up with Felicia. Her bath is to die for.We did buy some garden things this time to be shipped back, just to see how the shipping process goes.
Had a suit made for son's semi and just beautiful. Also had a pair of prescription sunglasses made for him a discovery. He saw a pair of Ray Ban's that he loved and they were able the change the lense, less than $200 for the lot. He got his new everyday glasses just before we left and with medical benefits rebate still cost $500.
I'll stop waffling now, i'll just say Singapore Air great to fly with, but we desperatley need a direct flight out of Brissie!