Wife and I "just stopped by" for the weekend, just to catch up with staff at KTH and surrounds.
I told wifey that we were going to Bridgetown for the weekend, but had to 'fess up half an hour before leaving, as she was packing ear muffs, anoraks and snow shoes, and I thought not much use in Jalan Pasar Agung.
She was somewhat surprised.
Naturally, not a lot of time for hanging around, but a couple of observations:-
Travel - Perth-Denpasar on Air Asia
Booked the "express boarding" seats first row.
Good leg room, not that I have legs as such, seats OK as we are little people.
Looked forward to beating everyone to the immigration queues as first off the plane.
Wrong! They opened back and front doors, and we had to disembark into busses across the tarmac, so no advantage.
Did we use the VIP services that we are accused of having shares in....no, not on this occasion.
However, after about 1/2 hour not moving at all, I began to wonder if this was a good move.
As I was standing there, it crossed my mind that people have expressed the view that queueing for ages is "part of the holiday".
Well I guess that sitting in a trafic jam on Jalan Legian for 45 minutes is part of the holiday too.......but its not a part that I enjoy.
Verdict on VIP....it's an individual choice thing, good value for some and less so for others.
Also luck involved as if you cop two jumbo loads of whoever, and you are at the back it's worth having, no matter how much you enjoy queueing.
Anyway, eventually we got through and were met by Trisna rentals who deliver our car to the airport (we also drop off there)
Then off to KTH to clean up the mayhem after youngest daughter and friends stay (actually the place was not too bad, but still a bit of fine tuning to be done).
The couple of days flew by, as expected, but it was good to catch up with Julius/Putu at Tom Yum, Made/Made at the rental place, Wayan at Basil Leaves, Tania/Herus at Tanias and the new owner of Secret Garden Restaurant.
Many others including staff at KTH and a few of the owners who decided to have a bit of a get together one somewhat mabuk night.
Left on Sunday after dropping the car off, and with the lightest luggage load ever!!
Used the Executive Lounge instead of Prada.
Pros - Good views of planes taking off and landing from top floor.
Much better food.
Cons - Bintang on tap, but no spirits.
Cost 100K
General comment:- We have a big crowd heading over Xmas, and looking for accommodation.
We had a scout about the Poppies one area, even at LA Inn, which is probably only 2 star or so.
Bookings are very heavy everywhere for anything around 3 star standard, so if you are considering Xmas or NY, I would get in quick.
So, short and sweet, thank you AA specials.
Back again soon.