I have to say that I don't much like the touristy strip & never have. But it's great for shopping & having things done far more cheaply than at home & what I had done more than covered the airfare. Take the good with the bad & smile. The food there though is superb. This trip we didn't manage to make it to Ketupat, sadly - it's up there with Un's for quality at bargain prices in a romantic setting with haute Indonesian cuisine.
I would never again try to do more than one important thing a day.
I will always make sure that we spend several days in the hills & at Sanur. I will always buy lots of shoes in Ubud.
Sad now. We live in a small cul-de-sac here in Perth & we residents know each other well. I have just been told that our dear elderly friend & neighbour Pat died yesterday in her sleep aged 86. Pat loved Bali - she & her husband went there at least twice a year. After Frank had a stroke & was confined to a wheelchair Pat took him there 3 or 4 times a year knowing how much he loved it - the Balinese were always very kind. After he died Pat continued her trips to Bali, despite the bombings & her offspring giving her a hard time. Her knowledge & insight into the Balinese & their culture was always eye-opening. We spent many happy hours talking about Bali.
Late last year her Dr told her she couldn't fly ever again & she was devestated at not being able to return to Bali for one more time.
Before this trip I intended to see Pat but thought it'd be rubbing salt into wounds, decided to see her on my return. Too late.
Rest in peace, Pat.