We've been back a week now so time to post a bit of a JBR. Will try and keep it brief as I know I tend to rattle on sometimes.
We spent most of our time at SBV (Sanur Beach Villas), except for a few days in the middle where we headed up to Amed and then to Ubud.
SBV is a paradise, we love the relaxed atmosphere and Ron & Irma are the best hosts. We always feel at home and get to mix with the other guests. We had a great crowd on this visit (you know who you are, don't want to name you all in case I leave someone out).
Irma's cousin is now part of the team (Rosie) and she is an absolute sweetheart, always smiling and friendly. Komong & Ketut are still there as well. Lovely to see them both again.
Nyepi day was a definite highlight. It was like a relaxing, long christmas lunch. We had plenty to drink and amazing food.
Ron supplied the most impressive oysters we've ever seen. They were huge and by the way they were dissapearing off the plates they must have tasted as good as they looked. Ron was also supplying the Ducks Nutz with these little babies for their "Oyster Day".
Each couple contributed a different dish for the day. We took over some Wagyu Rump for the bbq. Had no probs getting it though customs, we declared it on the paperwork and they just asked what it was and let us through. It may have been a bit easier as we used VIPVOA (Thanks Hadi). Money well spent, considering out last 2 visits we've lined up for over 2 hours at immigration.
Back to Nyepi, a great day was had by all. Hopefully we can all do it again next year.
While in Bali for this visit we were celebrating Piete's 40th birthday. We headed up to the Ducks Nutz with about 20 friends and family. We had a great day with plenty of cold Bintang and finger food. Piete got 2 birthday cakes and even shared his birthday with Gael, one of the fabulous owners.
We spent quite a few afternoons at the Ducks Nutz. My favourite meal was the Pork Chop with mustard sauce. Sunday afternoons they have live entertainment witht the famous "Benny". It seems most people in Bali know Benny from the band Crazyhorse. He was fabulous..
We headed up to Amed for a couple of nights and stayed at the Amed Cafe & Hotel. This place was a little gem. We would have stayed longer if we could. Amed is so peaceful and quiet. The roads aren't busy at all and the people so softly spoken and eager for a friendly chat.
Sails Restaurant had the most amazing food. If you ever visit Amed we highly recommend this restaurant.
In Ubud we stayed at the Ubud Village Hotel. Great location and beautiful rooms. The pool was under construction but the hotel supplied a driver to take you up to their sister hotel to use their pool.
Favourite restaurant in Ubud is still Cafe Wayan. If you haven't been there, you just have to try it. Make sure you say that you want to sit in the gardens. They are just beautiful and even more amazing at night. The food also matches the surroundings, it is so tasty.
Our long time friend and driver was recently married so we got to spend some time with him and his beautiful new wife. Wayan Sukerta is such a special person to us and definitely one of the best drivers in Bali. He is a licenced guide and knows so much about Bali. Feel free to email us if you would like his contact details. He drove us up to Amed showing us some of the most spectacular views. We stopped along the way for photos and to meet the local kids. We were kicking ourselves, the kids were asking for books & pens. We had a few but it would have been great if we had more to give them.
Another highlight was seeing the Ogoh Ogoh, on Nyepi Eve. We headed down towards McDonalds in Sanur along with thousands of other people. The excitmement and energy in the air was awesome.
Ok, I wasn't going to rattle on but I think I've done it again. Feel free to ask any questions. I've also left our email open.
Cheers.
Rhonda