Thanks everyone who has read my first two JBR's, and thanks for all the positive comments...sorry for rambling but I'm really trying to get accross how much we enjoyed our holiday. Now onto the important bits - FOOD & SHOPPING!!
I didn't think I bought as much last time, but as we were packing I'm thinking "WOW - I've done a bit of shopping!!" Bought the usual dresses to wear while in Balifrom the beach sellers. Hubby bought lots of singlets IDR 20 000. I was looking out for the crinkle look handbags that 'GUESS" are making at the moment but no luck...there were some attepts, but didn't look right. Didn't let that stop me, bought a 'few' handbags ranging from 80 000 - 200 000. Purses to match of course - 50 -60 000.
Did most of my shopping in Poppies 1 & 2 and Kuta art markets. Bought a beautiful painting from here, just don't wanna tell you how much!! Sunglasses and watches of course - bought most of these in Sanur where I found them more willing to barter than Poppies, cheaper prices also. I had meant to check out Geneva and Unagi for homewares but found most of the stuff, cushion covers, metal geckos, wall hangings etc in my other shopping journeys. I did discover a great homewares / souvenir shop on the top level of Discovery Plaza called "Tandamata". Alot of the same stuff, but some unusual, different things as well, worth having a look at if you are at Discovery. I bought most of my souvenirry things at Centro, same price as on the beach, markets but no haggling!!
NOw if you are around Discovery Plaza at 10.00am just as they open I highly recommend going upstairs to Centro and watching the staff get ready for work - they all stand in a line of sorts and do a dance then something like the "hokey Pokey", much fun and laughing by the staff. Apparently it is too get them happy and ready to sell for the day _sometimes I think Australian companies could learn a thing or 2 about customer service from the Balinese...
Also went to Bali Shoot and had some wedding photoes put on canvas. I was really happy with the result, they do a test print for you first so you can see how finished item will look. A very easy process. I do have a price list and address somewhere, but they do have a web site.
Also got some stubby holders made for our Post Wedding Party back here in Australia for all the poor buggers who couldn't or didn't want to come!! Hubby arranged these through a lady named Aimee who works at Jenny's shop which I believe some forumites are familiar with as it is a fixed price shop. It is near the Green Garden Hotel. Again very happy with end result (I was just relieved that they didn't say "Happy Birthday"!!)6000 each and had them made to fit Aussie cans.
I have to mention Wayan Chessie, another favorite of mine in Bali. Beautiful lady who has a shop in Poppies 2, no 5 in front of Bounty Hotel. Not sure if she is a fixed price shop or not but we don't have to haggle with her, good price straight up!!
My food report will not be so long as we didn't venture out very far to eat. Found the convenience and variety at Boardwalk to be excellent and the kids could eat when they were hungry.
Did do Bubba Gumps again and must say I was disappointed. Very pricey for pretty ordinary food all though the kids did love it. I found it very hot and stifling in there on the night we ate and couldn't wait to get out of there.
Had lunch at the stadium bar in Kuta in the outside area. Loved it here, very relaxing. One of the security guards took the kids and fed the koi / carp with them and encouraged the kids to put there hands in and let the fish suck there fingers. Very funny!! Now I might have been parasailing and had a snake draped around my neck, but Holy Cow I aint letting fish suck my fingers!! Good food and reasonable prices.
After good recommendations from BTF we tried Pantai. Beuatiful setting but I just found it a little "Off" Staff seemed inattentive, food took a while to arrive, just a little different from other dining experiences in Bali, can't quite put my finger on it. Again yummy food and reasonable prices.
Found a great little Warung in Sanur called 'Anna's Warung" operated by an Aussie named Stan. We went on a Sunday as he does the traditional Aussie Lamb roast. For 70 000 we got a huge plate, plenty of meat and traditional roast vegies. Roast chicken was 50 000 and of course other indo and western items available. Loved it!! Blokes settled in to watch Geelong thump Essendon while us girls hit the shops.
I really enjoyed Sanur. We didn't stay there but spent a few days there with friends who were staying. Very quiet after Kuta and Hubby and I are seriously thinking of tacking 2- 4 nights on to the end of our next trip to truly unwind before we go home! Kids not so keen, they thought Sanur too quiet and boring.
Must mention that Hubby got a tatoo that he had done years ago coloured in. Excellent work and hubby ensures me an excellent price!!
I can't recall the name of tatooist but he is behind Bagus Pub and of course George organised it.
The worst part of the holiday was of course leaving. Both kids visibly distressed at having to say goodbye to all there new friends and to Bali itself. "seng ken ken" I said to them, "It's not goodbye it is just see ya later!!" Thought daughter was okay but bacame upset again as plane flew out of Bali and she could see all the night lights. I felt really sad to be leaving and reckon there was a tear in hubby's eye as well.
A fantastic holiday, so many priceless memories!! Yes not Goodbye, see ya later Bali, soon I hope!!
Thanks everyone who helped me with my queries on the BTF prior to leaving. Thanks for all who read my JBR and next time you are in Bali and bump into my friends George, Tony, Nita, Wayan Chessy, Tommy... say Hi from Rick and Cath!!