Last minute decision to fly over to Bali for 4 days on 10 June.
This was to have 'on the ground ' collection of information to re apply for a Tourist Visa for my long time friend to visit me here in Darwin for 3 weeks. The Application has since been approved and my friend arrives in 4 days time
It was suggested from a few on my previous post that it would be better to flick $5k at the Balinese than invite someone to visit your home. I discussed this thought with my friend to which she responded 'Experience is best teacher'. 'You can find no money for that'
This time I stayed in my friends village and home. It was a wonderful enriching experience Whilst Ive visited there often I hadn't actually stayed before. This was also my first trip to Bali on my own. Somewhat of a personal milestone.
During my stay there was a huge ceremony so It was nice to witness the preparations.
The Main offering was decorated with a Woolworths fruit cake that I had brought over which was placed in the centre and near the top was some local cake.
Overnight a mouse had nibbled away on the Bali Cake which had to be replaced but the Woollies cake remained untouched. !!
The power had gone off for 15 hours or so one night. So the water in the traditional bathroom became somewhat low. I did not miss a western loo but i did miss having hot water for a wash.
I think the name is 'mandi'.
I ate lots of food that was interesting. One eve It was suggested for me to try some Babi Guling from a local warung. It was great except I spotted some foreign bits eg Heart & other things I didn't enquire about. In all very delicious and nothing like what I'd had before which was I guess in the Tourist spots.
Endless socialising with the family & new members that I had not met before was expereinced. Went to Grandma's as its been 5 years since I last met her. She had been a little worried that my friend was taking on this trip to Aussie which seems so far away or not really understood where exactly. All was good. I spent a bit of time with her pigs at Grandmas home. Much to the shock of my friend that wondered why interest in such stinky animals!!
One day my friends father came by with two Icy Cold small Bintangs as a gift for me. I was wrapped. How nice.
Went into Denpassar one day to Mataharis which was very busy. I wanted to get some shoes for work. It was the usual 30 mins wait to find out sorry they didn't have my size. This happens busy or not. Id already picked out another pair that happened to be my size. However the assistant couldn't find its box. So off to the register with the code written on another box lid 50,000 Rp I was happy.
The Airport was quite busy $25 AU was accepted for Visa. Flew Air Asia both ways with no delays.
Not sure when my next visit to Bali will be. I hope it will be longer next time.