Before things become too foggy I really need to continue my report -
First afternoon - over some swims, cocktails and wonderful satays (pretty special on their own little charcoal grill) and WHAT a location, sun,sand,tubular!!LBH front deck.)It was agreed it would be a good idea to get the 'Dunny's' out and about on their first night as there was a real fear afta their initial shock at the airport they may not want to venture beyound the LBH security gate.
Jl Melasti's footpaths were under major construction which led to some "you can't be serious, you want me to jump over what!!" moments but I'm just living and loving it - smiles,smells and adventure.
We 10 were sauntering along that 1st.evening when we happened on 'Blue Skyz'...."hang on that sounds familiar".....out came the (what was soon to become the trusty) notebook I had been writing all the BTF's recommendations in and sure enough it had a tick of approval, in we went and good food and laughs followed (barmen are practising Tom Cruise/jugglers) meals weren't large but tasty-everyone that had the seafood plate enjoyed and the 'Frozen Margarita List' began (had seen another poster include their ratings and it was very helpful in planning our travels! Our ratings are based on taste and presentation ..couldn't overlook the effort put in there at times) Blue Skyz 5/10.
Woke at around 4am Bali time and possibly drove Kerry crazy with my babbling and excitement,couldn't sleep, got up early...big surprise! Found ghekko's and squirrels on patio when opened the door love it. The 'all included' buffet breakfast is awesome at the LBH with something for everyone and such a relaxed atmosphere it became a wonderful time of the day where we all came together to chill,laugh and plan.
Our first full day we decided to just hit the markets and only got as far as the first block on Jl Melasti, some great bargains were had of course and at one point I found a 'soul sister' whilst buying a handbag and dress..we just connected you know... turned out we discovered on parting that we even have the same name!!...Kerry tried to pop my balloon by saying 'bet her name will be Kerry if I go there!' I won't be having it though..I was really touched by this happy,smiling lady.
My attempts at learning some of the language went alittle astray this first morning when Mrs.Dunny remarked that Terima Kasih sounded like Tiramisu..that pretty much did it..for some of the day in my excitement and confusion I was wishing the lovely Balinese sellers a very nice coffee liquor dessert (s'pose there's worse things!). Discovered "Sheppy's" on the trip home, very friendly place and Marg's rate a 8/10 it was our initiation to the fresh squeezed lime/lemon juice some establishments use...makes all the difference! "Sheppy's" held the highest ranking right up till the last day of our stay (even when stopping in one night for a nightcap a novice made my 'Marg' and interpreted rimming the glass with salt as meaning put spoonfuls in the mix blaaaaah,this was all rectified very quickly by "Sheppy" himself (I think!!,he is the boss I'm sure as he features in all the photo's about and there's not a collie dog in any of them)with a smile and salutations.That evening we all hauled a*se to 'Gosha' where service and food were pretty average and doesn't really get the nod ..Marg's rated a poor 2/10. Hey but we were all still smilin'.
Ocean Rafting tomorrow and one of the most awesome experiences of my life.....