Virgin flight from Adelaide wed. 8.35am 28 July - 11 Aug Took 1 hour to check into Adelaide airport then departed 25mins late. Arriving Denpasar on time 12.30pm making up time. Myself, hubby and 30 year old son I will name C. 13th trip for myself, 11th hubby and 3rd son. C had a motor bike accident back in April, shattered his wrist had to have an operation. A plate was inserted and wires sticking out and in plaster for 6 weeks. Had to cancel his Bali trip with his mates. So as not to loose his credits with Virgin decided to come along with us.
Our friends who were also coming this trip had to cancel three weeks before departure due to Patrick having an urgent triple by-pass operation. He is now on the mend and doing really well. Another friend P would also be there with a couple of her rellies.
Took us probably 35mins to clear immigration etc. picked up our suitcases, noticing 2 cases with bent out of shape struts. One case bent so bad the extractable handle would not extend! But as soon as we step outside Ahh! Lovely and warm with a nice breeze.
We stayed 10 nights at Satriya Cottages Poppies Lane 2(so we thought) and 3 nights Hard Rock Hotel(so we thought). More about the stuff ups later. We were in ground floor superior rooms and our friend P in the new section ground floor. WOW! these new rooms are gorgeous. P's rellies were upstairs in the new section but said it was a bit noisy and echoed down the corridor. The people staying on the ground floor (new section) in the first room next to the stairs said their room was noisy because of people and children up and down the stairs. Staff said the old rooms will probably be renovated next year.
C hired a scooter and purchased a helmet. Hubby also purchased a helmet but I was too scared to jump on the back. I must say we saw a few near misses because the Aussies are not careful enough. They need to take note of how the locals ride, a bit slower and on the cautious side in anticipation of riders coming out or crossing in front slowly. If riders are going too fast they don't have time to stop to let other riders in. (My son was a good rider of course lol)
THINGS WE HAD MADE
Janoko Tailor
We have used this tailor many times of the years and are very happy with the results.
You might have to have a few fittings sometimes but gee they do a good job. Hubby is in a 60s band here in Adelaide and has band outfits tailor-made on a regular basis. This time we took measurements for all 5 band members with us and had 11 jackets and 5 waistcoats made up to perfection. Hubby also had 5 pairs of cargo pants and 2 pairs of stretchy bands pants made. It's a lot easier to have an old item for them to copy but even a picture or they can draw it for you. We discovered Alta Moda fabric complex and wow! Three storeys full of material for every occasion.
Bali Brumby Tailor
My friend P had 3 dresses made by Putu. P is a very good dressmaker and was very disappointed with the end results. I went with her to this tailor and the service and workmanship was nothing compared to Janoko. An example: one dress had to be taken in about 3 inches on each side which they did but did not take in the lining so it was all bunched up underneath. I know some people have had good results but our experience was not. Putu is a lovely gentle man but I would not recommend his services.
Leather man - Ajick
Our son wanted an Indiana Jones type leather satchel made. Our friend Ajick whom we have known for years and makes all our leather goods did a fantastic job with this bag. He also copied good leather shoes for our cousin with good results.
More to come - Friend's family wedding, Hard Rock Hotel over booked and not happy!
Kay