No spell check, so don't worry about it!
Left Brisbane with Pacific Blue on the 26th of August for 28 days arriving home on the 23rd September.
Another good flight, but still held up for nearly 2 hours going through VOA and immigration. We were told that they could be moving arrivals to the domestic terminal, I doubt that would happen but wish they would do something to improve it.
Straight over to Bloodyrons Sanur Beach Villas for 4 days.
It might be hard to believe but after 16 trips this is the first time we have stay in Sanur, and we weren't disappointed.
We arrived at BR's around 5pm and there sitting under the tree of knowledge awaiting our arrival was the Struth, Sharon27, Sir Fin,(all over from Kuta),Ron, Balibabe, Noseverylittle, Hools and wife Jo, Cranky Frankie and a few other guests.
After a few cleansing Bintangs we all ended up at Kesumas to finish the night off.
We spent the next few days exploring Sanur and loved the beach front walk past all the big hotels, bars and restaurants.
Although a lot quieter than the Tuban, Kuta, Legian area we enjoyed the boutique feeling of the surrounding streets.
Next time, providing they have large soft seats and 2XX strength tyres we will definately hire out the push bikes.
Ron was very insistant that we visit the "bug and insect museum" and although not keen (after all I watch Animal Planet and National Geographic) we decided to go.
His "bug and insect museum" turned out to be the "Cavern" which is a very well presented private bar full of tributes and memorabilia to the english pop group The Beatles, although the trip was worth it, I should have known that Bloodyron and a museum would have nothing in common.
I know this is very unusual but while at Rons we met a lovely Kiwi couple Anje and Pete who were in Bali for the first time. Pete never missed a chance to stick it into me about the Wallabies fall from grace, but I did forgive him after all they are ravers:).
We kept in contact with them when they went to Ubud and they looked us up back in Kuta before they flew back home.
I gave BTF a plug, so Pete and Anje if you read this, cheers kids, we enjoyed your company.
Although Mrs Dumpty expected "Foo" to stick his head over the outside toilet wall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Rons and would have no hesitation recommending his hotel,it is quiet, well presented, clean, well priced and has a great host.
After 4 days in Sanur back to the hustle and bustle of Kuta and 24 days at the Masa Inn in Poppies1 and low and behold Hools is also there.
Off to the Rama Garden to catch up with Luvthe NT (Jan and Brian), Struth, Sharon 27, Sir Fin and Tina G, we missed the Plonker, Hillary and Brian but I am sure we will catch up later.
Over the next few days the rest of our party eventually arrived (12) including my wifes 63 year old friend Margie on her first visit to Bali.
When we picked her up from the airport we told her that as a "Bali Virgin" she has the right to sit in the front seat of the van back to the hotel.
The trafic and homicidal moter bike riders soon took a toll on her with quite a few expletives flowing out of Margies not so dainty mouth, the driver kept bipping the horn at everybody she was amazed that our he new so many people:)
We ate at many restaurants, Seaside, Indo-National, Tea Tree, Swell Bar, Bali Agung, Basil Leaves, Pantai (great), Havana Club, Secret Garden (great western meals), Kuta Puri (great meal, good ambiance, no hawkers), Tom Yum (saw Baldie), Un's where we saw Baldie again, I made comment that this island is not big enough for the two of us, he suggested I find another island! ( cheeky Pom).
After 16 trips the food continues to improve and you certainly do not have to go to an up market restaurant to have a good meal.
Wines and spirits are once again available and wilst you can get some reasonable local wines and spirits at a reasonable price you can also buy some imported spirits at approximately the same price we pay in OZ.
It is good to see a lot of developement continuing, especially along Jl Pantai, the esplanade, or what ever you call the main street behind Kuta beach. It was interesting to see that the Ocean Beach Club only lasted 12 months and has now been demolished to make way for another hotel and shops. The deveopement of all this area will certainly make a big impression, and not before time.
I have always thought this area could be the jewel in the crown of Kuta.
We caught up with a lot of Bali and BTF friends in our twenty eight days, but one thing that sticks in our mind is the staff at the Hotel Kumala Pantai. Over the years we have kept in touch with some of them and although we haven't stayed there for two or three years now they are always genuinely glad to see you. Ari, Desu, Yulia, Dharma Suditriana (Sp) and of course Martini and Gusti, who Mrs Dumpty acted for as a matchmaker several years ago, they are now married and expecting their first child.
Martini and Gusti came our hotel to see us off before we flew home and presented mama Dumpty with a beautifully carved Cowrie shell as a gift. It certainly is the thought that counts.
Flew home on the dreaded night flight and it is re assuring to see the upgrade in security at Denpasar airport.
Arrived back in Brisbane 23rd September, straight through customs and immigration (20 min.), two hours drive home, straight into the bathroom and there was hools staring back at me from the bathroom mirrow. (But we will keep that to ourselves!)
Cheers for now,
Humpty