This was our 3rd trip to Bali, hubby and I, and our 17yr sons first trip there...... As im vegetarian, i will include my meals etc for other veggies! We left our car parked at United Airport parking. They shuttle bussed us to the airport and collected us immediately upon arrival back home.. 15 days = $149.00
(Also there will be spelling mistakes and gramma too, so knock ya self out if you want to search for them!!)
Arrived at Melb airport at 7.45am for our 10.55am departure with Garuda, all went smoothly checking in. My requested Vegetarian meal had been noted, so i knew that i wouldnt starve this flight. (Previous flight, veggie meal requested, but didnt get!) Did duty free shopping, got 1 bottle of Cointreau & 1 of Wild Turkey for $62, good deal we thought.
Flight over was good, movie was The Duchess. My meal was Eggplant & Lentil Mousakka with chickpea and salad. Fruit flan for desert. Was very tasty!
Exchange rate 7500rp, always used the Kodak shop next to the Dynasty for exchange, never a problem there.
Arrived at Denpasar 25mins early!!Departed plane at 1.30pm, at VOA 1.40, boy best to be organised as it was busy, but moving very quickly, we had $25US x 3 and it made the transaction super fast, handed over money, got voa immediately, dont even think there was any conversation exchanged, it happend that fast!! Next line went a bit slower, as another plane had landed just before us, but we were through with in approx 10mins. Collected luggage, was already taken off carousel by the "helpers" and we polietly declined their offer of assistance... We only hand 1 suitcase, and a small gym bag, so no problems!! Did get them shrink wrapped at Melbourne for about $18 for both bags...
Off to find our transfer..a bit daunting with all those people looking at you with names on bits of paper...but we found our guy quickly. Was taken to a mini bus, along with 2 young girls who were staying at the Bounty. Gee were they Bali Virgins!! The look on their sweet 18yr faces...nervous etc!! lol So in the short drive from the airport to the Dynasty, i gave them the run down on the Do's and Dont's of Bali. They just had no idea!! They were overwhelmed by it all, so we gave them our names and told them if they got into any probs to call or come to the hotel and we would help them out, as they knew no-one. Small world too, as they only lived 5 mins from our home in Melb!
By 2.30pm we were relaxing by the pool with a cocktail for me and Bintang for hubby and son. It had apparently rained that morning, but was sunny and humid when we arrived. Tip for the ladies with curly hair, dont bother straightening it, as the minute your out of the airport...the frizzies start!! Will get hair braided asap!!
The Dynasty is under going renovations, so i have posted some photos of the hotel and the beach out the back.. http://family.webshotsDOTcom/album/570600438RfwqhJ (just change DOT to .)
We stayed in a Family Studio room, which as a good size for the 3 of us, with the sliding door to section of the room. 2 tv's, dvd player, great for checking out our purchases!!
I have to say that i was not impressed with the stained sheets and doona covers, upon our arrival. Next morning had them changed, but the next lot too were stained in spots. Changed again the next day...
that night son went to bed, and noticed dried blood stains on his doona cover... NOT IMPRESSED! Took the doona down to reception and explaind that this is not acceptable. They smiled and said sorry. Left the doona with them to show manager. Upon returning to room received phone call from manager apologising. Also when we arrived there was a used cotton bud and bottle tops under the sink on the floor in the bathroom. Well they were still there after 14 days of the room being cleaned. Not good enough, especially since prices have risen, standards should not drop! Our bedding was always stained, never had a stain free sheet etc!
Had dinner at Queens of India. Fantastic... I had Navratan Jalfrazi, was lovely! There were 3 mains, 2 small rice, 2 bintangs 4 soft drinks for 348,000rp. Nice restaurant & great fast service.
More to follow asap....