Right so 'stiff upper lip and all that's needed today chaps!!..The sound of the crashing waves on the foreshore didn't exactly bode well for our "Ocean Rafting Expedition" as I attempted not to look too panicked over our usual 'idyllic' breakfast. It's not like I'm a stranger to boats as my husband and I have always been involved with the water...it's just that I'm not a fan of the scary bits - they have a tendency of scaring the Beejesus out of me when they become airbourne,skid,lurch and slam down over a swell knocking me off my feet....so a smooth calm day sailor I be...!
I estimated a 3-4 metre swell off Legian Beach and squally...Kerry(an ol' seadog dare I say herself!! A million pardons..) checked my frown and advised me of others who may be easily panicked within our Co., aka Mrs.Dunny who was sensing my "vibe" and had already admitted to not being a 'water person'on a number of occasions this trip...so I sucked it up and shut the @#$&@* up.
The Campbells organised this tour so I'm not entirely sure of the details but I think it was either $70 or $90 AU ea. Our vessel was a large rubber ducky with enough Hp.3 x 250's to get us over to Lembongan in 45 mins. (in good weather). As is usually the norm on these tours we had our "Fluffer"(ozzy,ozzy,ozzy,oi,oi,oi till he realises there's no footballers on board!)a sombre Captain and Cabin boy.We also had a exceptional Life Saver Dude on our voyage that fulfilled his duties above and beyond I feel!!
Ahhhh but alas it was a voyage fraught with sea-sickness and it was one of the youngest that was first struck down with the infernal scurge...Poor pretty young "Campbell" the washing machine action of the sea played havoc with her equilibrium and she proceeded to empty her belly over and over. When it didn't look like letting up soon ... our little Life Saver stepped in and sang to her and massaged a pressure point on her hand in an attempt to restore her with good results.!
With the wonders of the island approaching..awesome monoliths,springs and blowholes to witness more of our Co. were struck down with the "Motion of the Ocean". Mr.Dunny was the next to become OOoooooee.
We made it to a small bay where we were to snorkel...OH MY GOD!! Crysal clear and an aquarium even from the boat.
Now I have always been a huge fan of the underwater world...but have ear prob's and for years haven't been able to put my head underwater was in my bathers though and planned to just splash and frolick whilst everyone had a look...a small discussion with our Life Saver had me in the water being towed on his rescue/floaty thing with goggles and snorkel,hand-feeding multitudes of tropical fish! This was the moment I knew I had to bring my family back to Bali.
We floated a while offshore from a small village having a light lunch whilst Mr.Dunny waded waste deep doing his bit for the enviroment and feeding the local fish population. Can't say I was overly rapt with the rest of the tour, personally opted out of the village tour as it felt like walking into someones lounge room uninvited and you can keep the Lembongan resort where the barmen were a little too obvious when it came to leaving the Tequila out of the Marg's - eventually rating a 4/10 (with persuasion!)
Now I have somewhat of a confession to make...don't know what it is but when it comes to physical misfortunes such as cramps, vomiting, coughing fits,fly swallowing (she has a talent for this) whatever, whether it's like a knee jerk/hysterical reaction or something...I'm not sure., But whenever any of these befall my Dear Cuz Kerry I just can't help myself and fall about laughing,like uncontrollably(meanwhile attempting to offer assistance of course ..I'm not a complete b*$%h and trying to keep my knees clamped tight together!)I've owned up to this flaw here because the poor thing had a moment in the rubber ducky on the approach to Lembongan the "motion in the ocean" got the better of her and she lost her lunch...I was trying to remain helpful/sympathetic but those bags haven't much of a capacity and the backup one I provided unfortunately came undone and sprung a leak (at least I didn't run and hide behind the nearest tractor...but that's another story!) bloody funny though in hindsight!!
On the journey home there was mention of Volcano Pizza's so off we went for dinner at "Papa's" that evening just around the corner from our hotel and we had some veeeeerrry empty stomach's to fill.
"Papa's was one of the most wonderful restaurants we visited on our stay...atmosphere and service exemplary,food excellent. Marg's 5.5/10 with extra credit for very special presentation.