Well before I get on topic I tried to add to my original HNR in Bali but the link kept timing out to gave up until I arrived home so here is my JBR. I arrived home only yesterday after a wonderful 9 days.
My last HNR regarding inked people gave me a laugh and the crap that always goes on about the breeding of WA people but it is obvious there is no mirrors in houses in the east. About 80% of Aussies at any one time in Bali are from West Aust so doesn't it tally that there would be more with ink. Are they jealous of WA wealth - You Bet ya, and yes I am from WA, Wilga to be exact and have a small tat done 40 years ago.
Been to Bali many times so mainly get about the Seminyak, Legian, Kuta and Tuban area. Seminyak is where I will start this time. Went to Potato Head and LaLuciolla (spelling) Both great meals but I found that Potato head was seriously overpriced. Australian prices so the owners must have a good bank account by now. Yes one can spend a lot of time there at the pool for very little, but have a meal and get slugged.
Moving further south, we went to O'cean at Legian/Seminyak and ate at the restaurant whilst watching the beautiful sunset. Husband had marinated pork Ribs and I had mixed Satay. Excellent and although these two dishes were slightly more than the Bali average, they were very good and a good size. Getting a Taxi home was the nightmare. Had to walk all the way to Legian Street where there were taxi's everywhere. Bluebird taxi's complained that they were not allowed down there (to the end of double 6) as the other taxi's had the contract with the hotels etc and the word corruption was mentioned. Said it was the same same as airport. This fact was also mentioned to friends who also visited that area to watch Nyepi activities on the beach. I don't know but someone will inform us. Must put the bluebird phone number into my phone for future reference.
Back to Melasti Street area we ate at Bali Beach Shack (garlic Lane) and Wyan's in Padma St. Further South we ate at Tubes in Poppies 2 (very good for the price), Ratu in Poppies 2, Bagus in Poppies 2, Ratu and Bagus meals basic and good. The Ratu has done renovations since our last visit and was quiet. Appears they had two banchongs (spelling) working as waiters for a while and a few regulars left during this period. Over the road and George at Bagus not talking to us for some reason and Mary kept asking my husband for money. He wasn't happy about that. As Bagus has the coldest beer we went back quite a few times and never had George or Mary serve us. Suzi, Tony and Lisa are great.
Next eatery was Brazilian BBQ. There has been many mentions of this eatery and we concur. Excellent and the food kept coming. Drinks were cold and once we got the hang of the system it was great. Will go back again for sure. Also had two meals at the Stadium Bar, Usual fare and was up to the usual high standard.
Money Changers. A beware first. I have seen recommended the money changer at the left hand side of the front entrance of Mataharri's in Kuta Square. Tried to rip me off and when I queried the missing 50,000rp it was already in her hand and was immediately put on the counter. Was not a mistake, she did not count it out, just put it in a pile on the counter hoping I would not count it. BEWARE. We changed a lot at the money changer at Kodak legian Street at the end of Poppies 2. Using them for years and never a problem. Also changed at the bank right on the corner at Bemo Corner. Also some changed at the bank in Melasti Street just over Legian Street. Never a problem.
NYEPI. Never again going for Nyepi. We were aware and expecting 2 or three days of no activity but 5+ days was a bit much. Signs advertising street closures at 4pm. Coming back in a Taxi at 1.15pm to beat the closures, to find the streets already closed was not what we were expecting. It appeared to us that about 50% of shops closed on the Friday and did not re-open until the Thursday. The rest closed by the Monday. Had to get to their homes in the Villages. The Government had ordered the bars closed until 5pm the day after Nyepi and we were also aware of this, and can make allowances. Friends who were also over in Bali also said that this year the closures were a lot longer. Lesson learnt.
Ubud markets still not open but I think that the building they have been renovating for the past 6 months will be open with-in weeks. Had a look through the window at the very small stalls inside but they will find a way to display their wares. We ate at the Ubud Village Hotel restaurant on Monkey Forrest Road. Worst meal this trip. Mixed up the order with only two people. The food was good last November but this year not the best.
Shopping, The usual stuff in Carrefour, with cheaper water for the kettle, tooth paste, razors, deodorant etc. Also go to Giant Supermarket. Cheaper Bintang, Bokashi oil rub, Betadine bandaids, ribbed cotton buds and other medicines. Hypermart we didn't think there was much different from Carrefour so only purchased a few toiletry items. Upstairs at the little bookshop/stationary supplier we got ink cartridges for the printer and other small stationary items. Mataharri's for some nice shoes. Also can't forget to mention Robinson's and Tira Dewata in Denpasar. Ear candles at Tira Dewata were 80 cents AUD for a pair. 10 to 15 times that in Aust, and half price of what Kuta/legian are. Also spent and enjoyable hour or two at Discovery Mall. Just a few small items and lunch at the little restaurant out the back. Exellent. DVD shops were also visited for a few DVD's but as we go to the movies regularly most titles we had already seen. One does not have to mention the singlets, T shirts, knick nacks we always purchase.
Most other things have been covered by other posters so will not bore with details there.
Thanks for reading