Husband (himself) and I left Brisbane on 6 August for number 8 trip to Bali. Flew out with Jetsar to Darwin where we stayed for a night to have a look around the city and break up the trip. Very impressed with Darwin, everyone was very firendly and loved the Parap Markets. The area at the waterfront with the Wave pool and Parklands was great.
Off to the Airport to catch the flight to Bali, very quick and we arrived half an hour early, Having booked VIP arrival with Murti beacuse of an influx of planes at that time, of course it was quiet because of our early arrival, but we were at the front of the plane and were among the first off. We were met as we reached the Arrivals Hall and our passports and $US50 were whisked away and returned immediately. Off at a dignified gallop to Immigration where we were passed through the Aircrew channel and straight to Customs. We were only carrying hand luggage so didn't have to wait for bags. We had bought 2 bottles of spirits each (declared) but after asking me if I had and cigarettes (no, don't smoke) we were waved through. I was quite prepared to pay "duty" or abandon the bottles but we were't even queried about them. Still at a fast gallop we were out the doors, even beat Murti who was stuck in Saturday night gridlock. Our guide rang her, I spoke to her and as she suggested just left the money with the guide, all in all a 10 minutes exercise. Will use the sevice again.
Out to the Taxi booking office, and in a cab to Seminyak all within 15 minutes of arrival.
We had booked 2 nights at the Pearl Hotel as the reviews here of their restaurant made trying it a must. The hotel is tucked down a gang off Jl 66 and has only about 12 rooms. Good sized room, enormous bathroom and efficient aircon. We had a standard room by the pool and it was more than adequate. Just time for a short stroll to orientate ourselves and off to bed, Breakfast was an omelette, fruit/juice and Bali Kopi, love that kopi!
Up early and off to Discovery to order new glasses. I always use Optik Melawai there and have had good service. This time was a bit more expensive as I ordered the new Next Gen lenses with improved and wider area of vision. I have progressive lenses with transition change and with the super duper lenses and new frames, the total was A$450, about half of what I would pay in Australia.
Back to Legian and Ketut's for the obligatory pruchase of 4 sundresses, 4 singlets and a couple of sarongs ( total of wardrobe) she is as busy as ever and her range seems to be increasing with the extra room, she now has 4 rooms, including a storeoom with some very nice bags and wallets!
My birthday treat was to be a night at Pearl Restaurant and I have to say we were delighted and impressed. We passed on the appetisers, but complimentary inbetween course taste items arrived anyway. Delicate pastry horns withmushroom and tomato fillings. For our main course I chose the Lambshamk and Eggplant stacks with a mustard sauce, absolutely moutwatering and so tender, it just melted in the mouth. This was accompanied by a gratin potato served in a little glass jar. Himself had a pork and chicken dish with creamed potato and mixed mushroom accompaniment. Himself being a steak and veg man I was interested in his comment, but he was blown away by his choice, Although the portions are not big, the taste and richness means they are more than satisfying. Another "inbetweener" and onto the desserts, himself chose cream puffs with home made icream filling and drizzled with a very rich chocolate sauce and on the recommendations from here, I chose the taste platter of four tiny desserts, well, I have to second the opinions of others, it was divine! All dishes were presented as works of art, it seemed a shame to desecrate them bye consming them! Service was faultless, this restaurant has to be a must!! Cost icluding a botle of white wine was A$100 and worth every cent.
Next, off to Timeshare at Candidasa and fishing for the elusive Mahimahi.