Just back last night after a three week daughters wedding trip.
We had 50 guests from Australia, and some local attendees also.
The wedding was at Ketewel (just north of Sanur), in a very large stand alone villa called Pushpapuri.
This is a five bedroom property, with all the trimmings, and located right on the beach.
Cost is USD 850 per night, min two nights stay, but worth it for such an occasion.
We arranged a Perama bus to pick the group up at the central parkir (Ace), and return after the celebrations.
This was good value at around 1.5mil.
The whole thing went off just perfectly, mostly due to the fastidious attentions of "Bali Butler", and their representatives Daisy and Ayu.
The attention to detail was incredible, with daisy co-ordinating and timing everything over a two way communication system.
Once again I was reminded that Bali is not the technical and organisational third world place that some perceive.
The whole 8 hrs of ceremony and reception/aftermath was filmed and photos taken (in excess of 1000 pics)
There was a three piece local band doing live music, and also pre selected DVD music.
Catering was by Ketupat, who also provided the oportunity to sample taste the full menue prior to the event.
I cannot praise the organisational skills of Daisy and Ayu enough, and would recommend them to anyone thinking of getting married or reconfirming in Bali.
To those interested, the very approx cost of the exercise, with all trimmings was in the vicinity of $12,000 Aus.
We spent our time in our apartment at Kuta Townhouses, which had an endless stream of friends and relatives coming through, and was a Godsend (This is continuing for the next couple of weeks)
We love our place, the space and location is great, but the noise from stage 2 was overbearing at times, with planing of doors and cutting of tiles the main culprits.
I understand that there were some check outs as a result of this noise.
Parking is also still a nightmare.
However, the progress has been good, and hopefully things will return to relative quiet once the dividing fence is down, and stage 2 is completed (Around September)
We are having heavy wooden venetians fitted this week by Serbia Antik, and this will further enhance the apartment, and will also get a flat screen LCD fitted as part of a re-furnishing program.
We are suffering from the cold at the moment, and also recovering from the 24hr trip home to Perth on Qantas, so I will save other comments on this trip till later.
I will close by saying that it was great to catch up with my old sparring partner Dennis again, and am greatful for the way in which he took care of our apartment for us prior to our arrival.
Also Jaqui, who some of you will know, was a great help with customised stubby holders, alcohol and general support as always.
Thanks to all.