Hi all, had been reading this forum prior to leaving and after returning I was debating about leaving a message but thought - - why not? I really got a lot out of the info before we left and I loved the place - - can't wait to go back.
We only had a week there this trip - - I had been about 8 years ago (working) but my partner had never been so we were both Bali virgins as far as tourists go.
Arrived 15/5 and left 22/5 - - flight over on Virgin was uneventful, although we sat next to an expat who lives in SAnur and we asked her about glasses as I wanted to get some while I was on the island (never would have thought of it if it were not for this forum) She told us to go to Ramayana Bali Mall for the best optomiteris. We cleared VOA and custome quite quickly - - only hassles was the health cards and this would have been easier if they were given out on the plane.
Found our arranged driver eventually and off to Sanur (we decided to keep it calm and quiet as going with our age!!!)
Reception at the Sanur Beach Hotel was awful (could not smile if you paid them) but the hotel was good and the rest of the staff were great - - the room was the best with a king size bed and a corner balcony overlooking great gardens with a duck pond and resident ducks who got lost until about 10 am so they did not wake us up.
Once unpacked and a quick tour of the hotel and then into a taxi to get the glasses (I bought a designer frame in Adelaide before we left hust in case I couldn't find what I wanted) and needed to get them organised so that they would be ready prior to our leaving. Found the optitician and they were great - - ordered graduated lenses for the frames I took with me and another pair to be made as sunglasses. Cost for the lenses is Adelaide $590.00 Cost in Bali $91.00 - - Sunglasses with my script and the frame $130.00 - - I have been on the Island for an hour and I am a convert already. Back to the hotel and rest and relax to get ready for dinner - - out outside of the hotelfor all meals except breakfast. First night Cat and Fiddle and Irish resturant which fortunatley had some balaniese meals - - service great food even better and the bill was so low - - I love this!!!
Had our first encounter with bartering and got ripped off a little (but still got a bargain so I was not worried. Also found our first money changer and went to the authorised one and the rate was so low I thought that this is the only time I am going there - - rate was similiar to what we had been given at home prior to travelling.
Breakfasts at the hotel were predictable but good and the egg lady was fantastic - - she remembered you for the day before and suggested changes to the way you had your eggs - - with so many people there I wondered how she did it.
Did some of the usual Tourist things - - Kintamani, Ubub (although we had to go back the next day for the market shopping) Jimbarran bay for dinner and Kuta during the day and in the evening. Bought Paintings at teh Coop on the way to Ubud and they rolled them for us ready to transport home and some wood carvings as well. Also had some sandles and shirts made.
Did lots of shopping in the markes aroung the hotel and lots of relaxing, reading, and having a great time - - Ate too much, slept jus tthe right amount and had a great time. I think I want to go there to live - - retirement is not that far away.
By the way the glasses were fabulous when I got them - - ready on time and creating a stir back here in Adelaide as they are quite unusual.
thsnk you to all who posted on this site before we left and answered questions and I am still reading the forum every chance I get - - I think I am a Bali convert>