Thought I would write this now before the depression really sets in!!
Had an absolutely fantastic 11 days in Bali at the Dynasty. Flight over with Garuda was fine, 1 hour late leaving from Perth due to bad weather. Flew Business Class for the first time, nice big seats with plenty of leg room, excellent service from flight attendants. I think if money is'nt too much of a problem, then fly BC, otherwise for $300 less per person economy is fine. Made use of the Qantas Lounge in Perth before the flight, complimentary food and drinks, internet access etc.
Arrived at Dynasty around 11.30 pm, all very happy to be back in Bali (second time at Dynasty), had a Family Pool View Room which was just great - excellent for 12 year old son who was always in and out of the pool! Had entertained thoughts of changing to 2 x superior pool view rooms (interconnecting door) but decided against it. It was three years since we had been back to Bali, Dynasty still looking good!
Won't carry on too much with what we did and did'nt do - husband and son went white water rafting (I shopped!), hired a driver (friend of my fathers) and went to Monkey Forest and to Tanah Lot for the first time. Tanah Lot was well worth it, we did'nt go at sunset which is apparently the best time to go but still fantastic. I took photos of my husband and son with a python around their neck (from a great distance with a good zoom on the camera I might add!) I don't like snakes at all and was suprised I was within 10 foot of one, they were very sleepy, the snake handlers little boy was patting them but I still kept my distance.......
Had brekkies at Dynasty, Febri's, Green Garden, ate lots of satay by the pool at the hotel, went to dinners at Kin Khao (Thai restaurant opposite Dynasty), Il Cielo (Italian opposite Dynasty), Indo-National, Mini Seafood Restaurant (not one of our better choices), had a couple of buffet dinners at the hotel (very nice and excellent value for money).
Met up with audinary, her husband and two sons, great to finally meet her and also her friends. Caught up with her a few times for drinks, great bunch of people!! Look forward to catching up again one day, thanks auds!!
Did the usual shopping, DVD's, Sony games, great t-shirts and shorts from Diane opposite Green Garden, she is fixed price, which I found was great. Mostly we relaxed by the pool which was lovely, all got a bit of a suntan, husband was a little bit sick with the flu last couple of days but apart from that we were fighting fit! Must be the red cordial (which I think we only remembered to drink 3 or 4 times!), tried to remember the wipes before we ate (sometimes did, sometimes did'nt).
The weather was absolutely beautiful, bit cooler than normal but still wonderful. It has to be really warm for me to swim and I swam every day. Nice to not feel the heat blast you the minute you leave your hotel room.
I bought a bit of stuff from the surf shops, much cheaper than home. Also bought the infamous Martha Tilaar (tried it for the first time tonight, feels nice so far). I bought this from Supernova, could'nt get in at Matahari in Kuta Square. I think from memory paid about $43 dollars for 6 products??? Also made a trip to Geneva, found this to be a bit overwhelming but it gave you a good idea of prices.
We tried for an extra couple of nights at the Dynasty, was completely booked which is great news for Bali but not so good for me at the time! Husband was ready to come home, but son and I could have talked him into staying quite easily! I know I could have got accommodation somewhere else for a couple of days, (was thinking of Febri's) but once you pack everything up, you might as well come home.
Gusti picked us up the final morning to take us to the airport, said our goodbyes, checked in - were had 52 kilos between the three of us which was really good, you can have 30kg each if flying business class. Went and sat in the Prada lounge until the flight, flight home was uneventful - bit of turbulence but not too bad. Newer plane and much better food on the way home.
All in all, we had a ball! Did'nt have any trouble with anything, felt extremely safe at all times, travel warning had been reissued week or so before we left but everything was fine. Time to plan the next trip now, want to try and get back soon with friend and her son (similar age to mine), have to cross my fingers!
Hope I have'nt blabbered on too much, cacko xx