1st attempt be gentle


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Posted by hewbro on Tuesday, 15. September 2009 at 12:37 Bali Time:

So, we (16 people) flew out of Perth 30/08/09 with Pacific Blue, arrived 10 minutes early... Approx same time as a full JAL jumbo... Never mind, the familiar smells and feelings coated us and we all slipped into 'Bali time'. About 2hrs from touchdown to clearing immigration and customs. We arrived at Jayakarta Private Residence at about 1am and checked in no hassles. Pleasantly surprised by the apartment (Max & Suzannes) I am a big sceptic when it comes to internet photos and what the actual accom turns out like as have been burnt before... We did Bali Baik Tour, superb, really recommend. Turtle Island, did more for the kids but actually really enjoyed the slow glass bottomed boat ride and watching all of the water sports, was a very relaxing day. Safari World for the 2nd time, was belting down with rain but the kids loved it. As we had only ever stayed in Kuta/Legian on our previous trips we decided to stay overnight in Sanur, stayed at Swastika Bungalows, very very basic but was clean. I think maybe a different hotel if staying for a longer period of time would be better. We enjoyed it, kids were a little bored and some of the other guests (average age 60+) seemed put out by our well behaved BUT noisy children in the pool, but hey, it was only 1 night so they just had to deal with it...Shopped at Ketut's, such a change from the usual cut and thrust of bargaining, although there wasn't really any fun to be had from the theatrics that usually play out in the bargaining process... A big thanks to Barry & Trish (AKA Jerryatric) for making us aware of the Amlapura Orphanage, we raised money at our places of employment prior to going and managed to get $450, we bought them a LG stereo system as Kadek had requested it for the kids to continue with learning to dance and the usual staples rice, noodles, oil and toiletries etc. It opened my 14 y/o son's eyes and I think made him appreciate his life in Australia more. Kids in Aus could learn a lot from these wonderful children and you're right Barry Kadek is an Angel, she really is. Highlight of the trip, spending 15 days with my whole family (Dad was there in spirit) in my favourite place.
Thanks for reading... Be kind people :)


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