Bali day 1
On arrival at Bali airport we didn't get sprayed with anti swine flu stuff or blood tested with results miraculously coming back in 30mins. Had to fill out yellow health form telling if we had coughed or had fever etc in last couple of weeks and hand in on way to VOA to mask wearing airport staff.
Lineup in big line and paid for VOA. Then join another big line for rest of paperwork. Tv screens kept flashing and jumping think they were trying to weed out epileptics coming into country. Not too hot, in lines on total about 2 hours. If anyone was on this flight from Sydney arrived Bali 2.30 (Ozzie time) got through lines 4.30 and used VOA VIP can you let us know if you got through faster - I would definitely purchase it if it was the case. Funny wait though, only a few yobbos eased themselves into front of line instead of going to the end after VOA. Every time a plane was announced as landing a roar of gratulations and applause would go up from the crowd. Not sure if it was because we would be in front of these people in line or that they had actually landed safely. Bit of a worry though as these supposed landed safely passengers never appeared at the back of our lines.
When finally got through lines all went smoothly, through detectors ok, suitcases happily waiting for us, politely 'tidak terima kasihed' porters, gave customs forms to customs man and waved through. Emerged out of airport to sea of hands holding signs. Went along trying to read all the signs looking for my name, felt a bit sorry for sign holders when I said sorry not me, goodness knows how long they had been waiting. Finally found driver and off we went. Airconditioner in van not great but worked ok with the windows open as well.
In glorious Bali, love the feel of getting here, as if all worries and cares gradually fall off and feel I can finally relax. What fun it is taking newbies to Bali, its like having kids again seeing everything through new eyes. Cries of astonishment at so many people on motorbikes, babies being carried on motorbikes, women sitting side saddle on motorbikes, enormous loads being carried on motorbikes, motorbikes almost hitting us and us almost hitting motorbikes and so many motorbikes. Saw statues with military men on top as you come out of airport Im sure ive never seen these before, I only remember the pretty statues further on. On the way to Ubud saw a beautiful mountain encircled in clouds. maybe the volcano?
Checked into Samhita Gardens Jl Bisma Ubud. What a beautiful place. So happy as hadn't seen it before and went by recommendations from BTF. Entrance lovely, pool crystal clear and surrounded by gardens at one end, other guests smiled and said hello as we passed, not too many stairs for sis-in-law but no handrail, no worries leaned on my daughter. We have downstairs and upstairs in garden rooms, really lovely and rates great at 80USD per night includes taxes and brekkie. Rooms clean with aircon and tv, bar fridge with reasonable prices what more could you want?
Well we had a little more, as soon as we came in daughter tossed off her boots and went into bathroom when she came out she let out a little scream as a mouse came running out of her boot. She seems to attract the wildlife here, at our last stay at Ubud Village Inn she frantically called me up as she had a snake in her bathroom.
Other wildlife here are large ants in bathroom which we just ignore unless they come to close and something in the rattan ceiling above my head in bed, could hear it moving about in the wee small hours this morning, but kept shining torch up there and couldn't find it, have decided it is outside and wont fall on my head as I sleep.
As I am typing this outside on our lovely verandah a bat is circling and screeching around our unit, can just make him out in the dark, pretty sure they don't attack people...
Sun should be coming up soon, been up since bout 3am Balitime 5am ozzie time (usual time up) hope body adjusts to later waking time soon. Anyway gave me time to type this. Cant wait til everything opens, shopping here I come..