We enjoyed a day of watersports at Nusa Dua. We arranged this through George who works at the Bagus Pub in Poppies. A great bloke, very funny, hubby says I have a soft spot for George. It was 300 000IDR P/P including transport. You could do parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat in this part of the trip. When we arrived at Nusa Dua I though "oh My God! What a shemozzle" boats everywhere, people parasailing everywhwere- an accident waiting to happen, I thought. But like the driving in Bali it was organised chaos. I parasailed and lovd it, glad I did it but wouldn't do it again. Kids loved the banana boat rides and jet skiing. The bloke who was organising the banana boat rides was one of those fabulouse Balinese you meet, could have talked to him for hours. His passion for Aussies was on show with "AUSSIE PRIDE" tatooed across his chest!! From there we went on a glass bottom boat where snorkelling was available over a coral reef and then onto Turtle Island. Our guide here was one of my favourite people I met in Bali. Great command of English, very funny and great at his job. Of course there were turtles and also snakes, iguanas, a few monkeys and I can't think what else. The kids had a ball holding the animals, having a snake draped around there necks etc. I thought the price here represented great value for all we did.
Did the Safari Park and absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend it. I think the set up is great and once again, I though great value for money. The kids had photoes with the orangatuan - priceless. The elephant shows are great and also very 'hands on'. I can't remember what restaurant we ate in but I didn't think it was too pricey.
My children learn Indonesian at school and have penpals from a school in Denpasar. The two teachers from both schools arranged a visit, and it was another great experience. The school we visited was less than 2 years old, and according to our driver it was for richer Balinese. The whole school was waiting for us and we were made to feel so welcome. We found my son's penpal and left them to go and see what daughter was up to. She was fine, chatting with her penpal and the other kids. Back to see son and when we walk in the room there is cheering and clapping and there he is arm wrestling all the boys. I guess boys will be boys the world over.Our other friends took an aussie rules football over for their penpal and that was a big hit!! As I said the school was so welcoming, morning tea provided and a lovely gift for the mum's of each visiting family (3 of us)a handbag and all the students had made or bought gifts for there respective penpals back in Australia.
Made a morning trip to Ulawatu temple, I thought it was breathtaking but son thought there was too many stairs and too hot so he amused himself talking to Tony, our driver and asking him why he had rice on his head!! I had heard monkeys were quite aggresive here but didn't find that to be the case. As with everywhere we went in Bali I am enthralled with the scenery and lush greenness (I live in drought affected rural victoria. IThe car trips never seem to take so long as there is so much to see and take in. Kids were laughing there heads off at how many people can fit on a bike...
Did waterbom, very well run also. Kids loved it of course - We met friends there who had booked a cabana for the day and I think this is the way to go, if only to have a meeting point. There new wrist band money system works really well.
I have mentioned our driver Tony. we did use him in Bali last time. Hubby reckons he is another one I have a soft spot for and he is right. Good English, funny, great with kids, new vehicle. Would recommend highly. Tony works out of Bali Garden and Bali Rani. A truly special moment for me in Bali was recieving a wedding gift off Tony and his family the day after the wedding. It was not something I would have bought myself but so special because it came from Tony. The card said "For Mr. Rick and Mrs. Cathy, Happy Good Marriage we hope you are safe always." Very touching!!
As I stated in my first JBR watching my kids fall in love with Bali was very special. One day my son started playing soccor on the beach with the local boys. Now they do take there soccor very seriously but let G play and helped him and showed him some skills. So the soccor thing became an almost daily ritual, maybe the young teenage girls with us watching the boys was incentive for them to let G play!! We would buy a dozen bottles of water for them to share each time G played. I'm probably not articulating this very well but it was special to watch him interacting with the locals and them with him!! Priceless.
Another special time was with my daughter. her and the other young girls with our group loved all the staff at Boardwalk, especially Nita and Ayu. Nita didn't start work until 3.00pm so arranged to meet daughter out the front of BGH and take her to lunch and then show her where she lives. I gave Tylah some money to pay for her lunch and whatever but Nita refused to take this money.
The people of Bali, like Nita and Tony and the soccor boys are such beautiful people. Some people I met out and about and chat to are amazing. The smiles and grace of the Balinese is something that stays with me long after the bintang singlets have shrunk and the tan wears off!! They enrich my soul and make me want to be a better person!!
I'll finish off later with shopping, eating and Sanur..