We (Trevor and I) departed from MelbourneTuesday 18th August, on Garuda flight 719. We were almost ready to take off after pilot announced flying time, ETA etc then aborted with mechanical problem. We sat in aircraft for 2 hours. Flight was smooth and event free and we arrived at Ngurah Rai airport one hour later than scheduled around 3pm.
Queue for VOA was short but very long waiting for Immigration. Ho hum, about 90 minutes later it was finally our turn to show our passports and collect our bags. VIP VOA was operating. (Although friends later that evening had booked VIP VOA and were not collected, so maybe still hit and miss).
Davy collected us and we arrived at SuriWathi in Legian by 5. This is ‘our village'.
Most of this has been typed on the laptop as the days went by, while the activities were still fresh in my mind. You see its good for me to share my thoughts in type especially for us to read over later too.
Gail was still residing, Shelley and family, Dale, Jon and loco mates, Ruth and Sharon arrived later, Kay and family, Phil, Denise, Paddy and David, Reg, Eddie and Lyn, Kay and family and Caz came later, lots of regulars. Europeans seem contented to stay in the small upstairs standard rooms where Aussies book the superior or deluxe rooms. 4 of the new deluxe rooms are now open with full power.
The pool was cloudy for days with lots of floating flower dust and petals, but improved after the second filter was repaired. They also sprayed a mango tree then trimmed back lots of diseased limbs which I suspect were shedding particles in the breeze.
I was in the pool one day as they were spraying and with a slight breeze I thought, yikes, I am going to get the fumes from that poison. I got out of the pool and headed back to the room. I commented to the sprayer about the poisonous fumes, but no problem, just soap powder. I did notice a week or so later that the black sootiness was flaking off, so their spraying was working.
Booked a car thru Made Arsana and Three Sisters Car Hire. Over time I negotiated to hire a Toyota Avanza, 4 door with lift up back , which was most suitable for 2 to 4 people. It was manual and although having 155,000 on the clock, comfortable to drive. We put 150,000rp of fuel in twice.
Around Legian.
Moonlight restaurant, ex Breeze is running well and seemed to have lots of patrons most days. The décor has changed since ‘Breeze' with the large sections on the walls now painted by an artist. The cushion covers are lime green and look good. Best of all Desak and Komang are there and both in good form. Food is same standard and consistent.
We shopped at Carrefours, Matahari Kuta Square, Centro at Discovery Shopping Mall (expensive parking, 3000rp), had my hair cut at Johnnie Andreans for 55000rp. First time ever we explored ACE hardware and gee that's a terrific place, upmarket hardware with homewares, went there twice.
Parking is consistently 2000rp.
Bought glorious laces at Alta Moda and alongside Denpasar market. Alta Moda sell precut pieces for kebaya, with sashes/scarves, at the far left of the third floor and cost around 220000rp per pack. Some laces by the metre can be a million a metre.
Supernova is still the convenient place to buy new born baby clothing, nappies etc and clothes for young kids. Lots of great bargains. They also stock Martha Tiilar products and limited Revlon. There is a supermarket at the back too.
Mr Honeyman.
I decided to get some driving prescription sunnies made. We called to Bintang Supermarket and asked the security guard if Mr Honeyman was around. He left his post and found a girl selling dvds who took us over the Mr H post, in the centre of the driveway. His business cards are there and some non-prescription reading glasses. I took a card and rang him. He arranged to come to our hotel later in the day. His assistant came at 4 with lots of samples and his goggles which he slides in prescription lens. He took away my multi focals (brought back about 9.30pm, after he had filled his tummy, it's a long day between sunrise and sunset when they aren't eating or drinking. Its Ramadan). My glasses will be delivered next day. Cost 850,000rp for better frames. I left a deposit of 150000rp
I think its ideal if you bring you prescription.
honeyman.optic@yahoo.com Phone 081 7471 4740 His card says Haj/Lalu, sales and optician
House of Komang
They made me 3 kebayas, a dress, blouse, 3 mens suits, a vest, 4 tops for Mum and 2 pairs trousers. The whole lot cost just under 5 million rp.
I always want to take home some of the left over fabric for each piece and I do find that difficult to get after the garments have been made. The appear to be made off the premises, I expect in little places around the back streets.
DHL back to Australia
We called into the DHL office on Jl Legian near Rum Jungle Rd.
Their 10kg box US 127, Junior size, 25kg Jumbo box us$167 and 80x80x55cm 50kg us$352
Legian Early morning market.
We are regulars at the market. Wayan our banana lady selects whichever bunch for todays eating or tomorrow. A bunch of about 10 bananas costs 5000rp. Pineapples are 3000rp each. Tomatoes are about 600rp each. We like good sized fresh fruit juices with breakfast, rather than the orange cordial and our kitchen ‘in our village' will make for us each day. We buy the freshly made pancake/cakes cooked as you wait, 3 for 1000rp. We bring back all of his stock for the staff to nibble on. Maybe 30 or 40.
Breezes at Samaya resort.
Trevor and I decided to ‘dine in style' one morning and drove down to Seminyak for breakfast beachfront. The Samaya resort oozes elegance and I expect the room rate would be more than we are prepared to spend! We both chose the American breakfast. Each person receives a basket with a Danish, muffin and bread roll (only 3 these days, rather than 5 in March). Coffees served later and bottomless glasses of water. Really special but needs to be as it cost us au$49 for two persons.
Permata Dewata Gems and Jewellery
We went for an adventure and drove into Denpasar. We found Kalimantan Road but had to drive around in circles a few times. Whenever we wanted to turn the road seemed to be one way the opposite direction. We eventually parked in the market and walked back past many material shops.
I was pleased to see Kerry from the Indo National at the counter. Jon had recommended the jeweller too and I know Helen has been very happy with her pieces.
Burhan looked at my large hollow gold bracelet and checked out my ring and quoted to remake both. They delivered to our hotel 2 weeks later. They were almost made to specification.
If you have any old gold pieces of jewellery, old bracelets, single ear-rings, you know the bits and pieces in the drawer, well worth getting melted down and remade. The bracelet cost
permatadewata@yahoo.com 6 Kalimantan Road Denpasar Ph (0361) 242334 - 081 238 75 252
On the way past I did buy some more lace, material for a dress and blouse. Lovely selections.
DVDs
We stocked up latest releases in dvds and H-elgie visited our Hotel with his stock.
He and Tina are marrying in the Catholic church this week. He is such a delightful person. We wish them well, as I expect all of you who have met him do, and wish them both a lifetime of happiness.