Our last full day in Bali was spent with Putu our driver. We wanted to capture some ordinry Balinese life experiences. On the way to Tanah Lot he invited us to his Village and it was lovely to meet his Mother and and other family members and to gain some first hand insight into village life.
The family home was of four rooms with a small temple and Putu overloaded my brain cells with alot of information. He climbed the trees like a monkey gathering all the flowers for us to smell. His niece had finished pre school for the day and was acoompanied by another small child. Within a few minutes we seem to have all the village girls darting in and out of the doorway in the yard giggling as they do. It was very cute and I said to Putu I think P1 and I are now the white monkeys Putu insists I give up smoking and eat mints like him. However when his brother lit a cigarette I weakened.
The rice fields were busy with harvesting. Grains we being dried out everwhere there was some space in the Village. It is hard work in that sun. Putu wanted to know if I had eaten Eel. I said I'd give it a miss for the day.
The Fields were dotted with small tents where the rice workers sleep. Long hard labouring work for nicks return. Gee we have it good.
The tiny road down to the sea revealed a temple. The foreshore was very rocky.
Tanah Lot was very interesting. It was extremely hot. I had really wanted to go at night as the sunset is supposed to be spectacular. Then again I was informed by anotherr traveller the'd been there many times and never once seen a so called spectacular Sunset.
We stopped in at the Jayakarta Hotel to see Putu's wife and also to check out the 2brm Apartments.
I think these would be good budget value in the off season. However the hotel is very tired, I could here renos going on. Apparently they are doing up some of the floors. I enquired with Putu if it was in fact the Kumala Hotel Construction noise at first. I know there has been some discussion on the forum about it.
We stopped in at the Aston Villas near Bintang Supermarket to have a look. The two bedroom Villas, they are spacious with a modern contemporary decor. The staff there were lovely, security was tops. So agree with Nicno that these are quite good.
I went to Super Nova and got some MT products. I also bought a lipstick which is really great. The counter staff were extremely helpful.
Our last evening meal was at Ketumbar in Melasti and again it was a terrific meal.
Its always so sad leaving Bali, however it was softened I think this time as we were to go onto Kl and Thailand - Phuket.
I am enjoying Phuket. The beaches are stunning and the viewing points are helped by the hilly landscape. The beach sand here at Karon Beach is just lovely to walk on.
The food is absolutely fantastic. We have been consuming all sorts of seafood. The King Tiger Prawns are great. The Pad Thai yum yum. I think you can choose your own budget here. Weve had meals so far at 900TB with drinks and wine. Then we found a seafood cafe last night and ate for 400TB inc drinks.
We have been to Phuket Town which is better for shopping - found some fixed price shops. One area - Ocean Plaza has fixed prices upsatairs stalls. If you have girls aged 10-1'8 please avoid this place - you will give your wallet some serious emptying. The clothes are all trendy and of good quality. I didnt like some of the other shopping Centres like Big C and especially Lotus - so touristy and expensive. Silly me even got ripped off by a fortune teller there. It was a spare of the moment fun thing. However it was no fun.
$20 AUS to find out I was born on a Monday( I already new that), "you father die" ? No. "oh you mother die" ? No. "Oh you father die before you mother" Well lets face it a good guess that woman often out live a man. Then he wanted another 1999TB for very special Buddha reading - forget it.
On alighter note we found some great budget accom for $10-$20 AUS per night right on the beach. So next time we might do part budget.
As our Accom at Marina Phuket has the Dino Park next door ( Like Fred Flinstones) I managed to get over my Elephant Phobia. The baby elephant was so cute. At first he backed away and P1 said" He doesnt like you". I said I think he senses my fear. ( well that was my soul massage belief). However he eventually let me touch him. Gee their skin is like serious sandpaper.
The only difficulties with this part of Thailand is the Language barrier. Even in this hotel the reception staff have extremely limited command of the english language. I need to learn more Thai.
Transportation is very unorganised. Theres public buses, Tuk Tuks ( where its real difficult to negotiate anything). Air Con driver with car is just over the top expensive. However I read that the transportation issue has been a long time one that maybe - some day will be addressed.
Laundry services are good. They go by the Kg and its extra for "pressing".
Well thats it for this time. We head off in a couple of days back home via Singpore on Tiger. More shopping :-))
Cheers to all.