Hallo all!
Oh dear, England lost by an innings! Good thing Dom's travelling as an Aussie this time...
Where were we? Too much pool time by the time I finished yesterday so X back to room to lie about and play with his cars. P also finished so an afternoon off to pursue serious shopping opportunities! Went up to Kuta again and checked the Hard Rock hotel - had heard (from various travel agents and thought here as well) that outsiders could hire a cabana for the day and use their facilities (they have a great pool), but only for in house guests so no luck there. Then along Poppies Lane (obviously a favourite!). It all feels a bit edgy in Kuta these days, not at all relaxing. The exchange rates are a lot higher than everywhere else as well, which might seem a strange thing to notice but it's kind of too good to be true, you feel in general that you are not going to get a very good deal anywhere!
Visited the Sari Club memorial. Emotional. What a magnificent structure! Only worthy, however. Very disappointed with the actual site. I don't know, I think after 10 years it is time for that hole in the ground to be something more than a moped park, it seems somehow disrespectful. I wonder if it is time to rebuild - wouldn't those whose lives were lost there want that? Does it not somehow seem to be bowing down to those who did this terrible thing? Is it not time to rise up defiantly and say we will not let you have this hold over us?
Well, from there we had our first "adventure" - and what trip to Bali would be complete without an "adventure"?! One wrong turn and all of a sudden Mr 2 is being carried ... and so is his stroller! The footpaths!!! Oh my goodness, I have spent many a journey cursing the stroller but this time more than ever! As it turned out the turn wasn't wrong and we ended up where we wanted to be, but by then very weary and full of exhaust fumes (the moped exhaust pipes are right at face level when you are sitting in a stroller!). But we made it back to Poppies Restaurant and had a lovely meal there, kids were great again.
Today, no pool!!! Well, not straight after breakfast anyway. Instead more shopping and now the kids have their summer wardrobes sorted! Although who's to say there won't be more added tomorrow...and Friday!! By the end even X was saying "come ON, Mama"!!! Some good bargains, some really not so good but you get that.
A bit of pool time this afternoon followed by a long taxi ride to Potato Head (yes, that's the name!) resort bar. One drink there and then another long taxi ride home again! Killed a couple of hours...
Just had dinner at the hotel, satay night and really good. Kids now approaching feral stage so will hold off here.
By the way the weather is fabulous, just perfect. Mid to late 20s, no humidity and cool breezes just when you need them. The hotel is just right as well, a ridiculous number of rooms but large enough to be peaceful and tranquil (except for the 3:30am Hong Kong arrivals, obviously!).
Just have to ask Mr Skip (excuse me forumites!) - how is Gershwin?
Also, Mrs Dom - create yourself a logon and let us know if you are receiving us, over!
See you here again soon. x Skip