You know what they say - better late than never.
First day we were all together we mostly relaxed by the pool settling bub into Bali - not hard at all. And a bit of shopping
It was Australia Day. What a great atmosphere. Everywhere you could spot Aussies flags, shorts, t-shirts, sarongs etc. Gracie Kelly's held an Aussie night. Kids as well as adults participated. The live band mostly played songs from Australian bands, lots of requests. An Australia Day not to forget.
Happy hour at the pool bar was different with a baby, we stuck the little fellow into his baby float and we enjoyed a love bucket of Pina Colada.
For those of you not familiar with Bali Dynasty they serve cocktails by the bucket, which is a ceramic pot & ladle (about 4 drinks), at happy hour Rph55,000. Yum Yum !
One night we had a great meal at Dew Sri. It's about a 10 minute walk down from Dynasty. They offer fresh seafood. The food is good but the restaurant is crappy. I wish they'd fix it up a bit and make it more aesthetically appealing.
Went to Waterbomb Park for the day. We got there early and hired a hut. The kids got me on the new Boomerang ride - don't know how but never again- that was frightening. There's a good variety for lunch and it's quite nice and not too expensive. It's a no cash system now. They give you a wristband and you put credit on it. Anything you buy they scan the band. They also have top-up stations in case you need to add more money onto the band. It's always a good day.
We were invited, as Dynasty returnee guests, to appreciation night at Gracie Kellie's, free drinks and nibbles. They hold this night weekly. That night 43 families attended. We stayed on afterwards for the trivia night, and then the live band. We were in the company of a few other families we had met and we had lots of fun & laughs.
However, I did have a serious meltdown when the band played Imagine. John Lennon was one of my brother's favourites plus that song was played at his funeral. I had to leave for 5 minutes to compose myself. This happened a few times throughout the trip, not actually hearing Imagine but various other triggers. I'm sure you know what I mean.
I had prescription reading glasses made at Optik Seis in Discovery the price was about $140. They were ready in 5 days. Very happy with their service.
We bought many DVD's from various shops. The smart thing to do would be to wait till the end and just buy them all in one place because the more you buy the more freebies you get. But I have noticed sometimes they actually run out of some titles so if you wait till the end you may not get what you want.
Also some titles were not good copies when we first arrived but were good the day we left. What a difference a week makes. So far all have worked well.
Daughters found a good deal for Nintendo DS games in Discovery. You buy a chip for Rph 1 million and they download 10 free games. They have a book which you choose the games from. It takes about 15 minutes. Better value than buying individual games. And they were all the latest games.
All my kids bought Chucks/Cons whatever you call them. I used to call them Gym boots. We found the best variety in a sports store in Discovery.
I bought these really ridiculous big yellow Corey sunglasses (for a joke), Aussies should know Corey the My Space party boy. Anyway I gave them to friends who had asked me to buy them sunglasses. They didn't know what to say at first, thought I was for real. What a laugh we all had. Oh and yes I did buy them some nice ones as well. Arnettes, Police, Dior & Gucci. I paid about 30,000Rph each.
I know some people were paying less but I think what the heck it's only a $1.00
I ended up getting a really sore throat which turned into a nasty head cold. After two days I couldn't take the coughing, sneezing & headache anymore so decided to see a doctor. I went to a clinic down the road from Dynasty. I was impressed. The clinic was very clean and the doctor thorough. She (yes female doctor) checked me all over and dispensed two types of medicines.
I started to feel better by the next day. Thank God.
I had taken with me some photographs of my brother which I wanted copies of.
We needed one for the grave plaque.
I went to a digital photo place in Legian. I've had photos done there before and I've always been happy. They scanned them and made various sizes, zoomed in and fixed them up a bit. I also had some other photos printed from a disc. They turned out great and very inexpensive.
I found Supa Nova to have the best supply of Martha Tiller. So I went there to stock up. I also bought some other goodies from the supermarket. I love bringing home a supply of those fruit soaps - oohh the smells of Bali when I shower. They only accepted cash only no cards. But I noticed there is an ATM outside.
I found a great hairdressing salon in Discovery Mall near Krispy Kreme Donuts.
I took the whole family, including husband & son for a creambath for Rph17,500 each. My son also had a haircut and big daughter had a pedicure for Rph35,000. The ambience is not the same as a spa, it's just a regular hair dressing salon but great value. Now I was really desperate for a touch up at the roots so I booked in for a colour and cut. I was so happy with the result. I swear the guy was like Edward Scissorhands. Just as good as any salon at home and for Rp225,000 approximately AUD$30.00.
Now last but not least, I'm sure some of the ladies will be interested. After all the stresses I'd undergone in the last couple of months. I decided to do myself a favour. I braved the ARC Clinic. I made an appointment for a consultation with Dr Murino. Together we decided an IPL facial rejuvenation would be the best for me. He suggested doing it on my last day in Bali as you cannot go into the sun at all after this treatment. So the day comes and I go for the treatment. I really didn't know what I was in for. They use this hot wand thing over your face which kind of burns. My face stayed red & hot for a few hours then settled down. But the brown blotchy burn marks continued for 1 week easing gradually. My husband says my face does look better and the few friends I told agreed there is an improvement. I hope so at Rph1.3000,000. - The things we do!
That afternoon we packed up for the return trip home.
Everything ran smoothly.
We had arrived at the airport quite early. No one had eaten also we had the baby with us, so we decided to spend the extra money and go into the Prada Lounge. We've been in there before and think it's worth it. They offer a variety of food & drinks, including beer & wine. The kids mucked around on the internet, I watched a bit of TV. My son had a shower, he wasn't feeling well (bit of Bali Belly).
Flight home was fine.
Home again back to the grind. Work, school, cleaning, cooking, shopping. . . . .
I know our holiday was not that exciting. But if you read my first JBR you will understand I was just happy to be with my family enjoying Bali for the peace and serenity. Bali is so good for the heart & the soul.
Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to continue with my plans to holiday in Bali after the suicide of my brother.
We still had to come home and grieve, but believe me this trip for my family was extremely beneficial.
Thanks for reading - hope I haven't bored you.
One last thing I have to say is;
When the going gets tough - GO TO BALI !
Julia
ps. excuse mistakes - had a couple of wines tonight.