hi all, back wed a.m. after a week in glorious bali.
Met up with balibob and friends at airport, who were on their way for a 'motorbike trip'- nice to meet people whom you share an interest with on the forum! Arrived at Puri raja in legian and loved this resort. Small rooms, but nice twin share with balcony, lovely 2 pools and perfect location right on the beach- good breakkys too.
When we arrived, it was 'galungan' holidays- the beaches were deserted, many shops and restaurants closed and soooo quiet! After asking the locals, I discovered it was a 10 day holiday, but the wed and thurs were the main 2, where everyone returns to their villages to celebrate.
Life was soon back to 'normal' and the hustle and bustle set in. Actually, it was a nice peaceful way for my bali virgins to get used to bali, without being 'bombarded' straight away.
RESTAURANTS- Lanai, Nirvana, Gosha, Ultimos, Koris, Mozzerella. All were fantastic, except Gosha, a major disappointment and will not return there. So glad i tried new discoveries in ultimo, nirvana and mozerella. food, atmosphere, prices-fabulous!
MONEY CHANGER /SIM CARD/ DRIVER- Straight over the road from Puri is 'noman" A lovely lady who has a shop- she will change money, do sim cards, and her brother jimmy is a lovely man who has a nice aircon van
if you need to go on any trips.
Exhange rate- 8,100 to -7850 when we left. The weather was really unusual- i havent been in may before, but it was extremely humid, totally overcast every day, sunshine only 1 day, and a few late afternoon showers and rain every night. I like a little more sun, but it was still warm for swimming , etc. I have never seen the sea sooo filthy with rubbish- after the rain, the water was full of plastic, wrappers, bottles, etc- absolutely disgusting, however it disappeared after a day or 2. Met up with all old friends outside melasti and jayakarta, and made their day with lots of clothes, bags, etc from home. The girls spent up large- shopping daily for all the goodies. Sandi had a lovely long leather jacket made by dolphin for $200 aud- dont know if this was good price or not? but she was happy.
Lots of massage treatments, mainly at Briella and a couple at melasti.
We all had a ball, and its the perfect getaway for a girls trip. Im off with the family in september to grand kumala for 16 nights, so thats someting to look forward to!
On return trip, we were held up at check in for over an hour, just when it was our turn , the system crashed, and we could do nothing but wait. We were 35 kg over for the 5 of us, and were charged $20 aus per kilo. They dont seem to check hand luggage, so i suggest extra kg there! Bought a lovely, coloured glass light/lantern for my bali hut at home. Precious hand luggage but so glad i bought it for about$38- in aus it would be $250 at least!
Well, thanks to all for all your help. Thanks bob for helping me on return trip! Any questions or phone nos, etc- just ask- bye for now- helen