by We left a slightly chilly Brisbane for a week of sun, surf, sightseeing and relaxation.
After a six and a half hour flight, 2 hours lining up at Denpasar airport immigration, and and hour and a half drive to our accommodation it was dark when we arrived at our villa. We were greeted by the lovely staff, and after drawing straws for our rooms (as is customary between friends) we sat down to a beautiful Indonesian dinner. We had arrived!
DAY 2.
We woke to this stunning view!
While the girls went for lunch, the boys went surfing .
We all spent the afternoon lazing under the Bali hut, and then finished the day with a surprise birthday cake for Tania and Sam-after all that is the reason we are here.
DAY 3
Another tough day today. Surfing and then lunch at Metis. Metis was meant to be like lunch in the rice paddies but it was a little more swamp than paddy. However, with good food and great company we had a fabulous time.
After buying some Bintang singlets, we headed back to the Villa past the chicken lady with her very logical store slogan on her umbrella!!
DAY 4
Big day today, a 6.30am tee off at Nirwana Bali Golf Club. A spectacular golf course alongside the Indian Ocean. The view and the rice paddies dotted through the course made it very difficult to concentrate on golf – or at least that is my excuse!! We had a fabulous morning.
Late afternoon we set off to Rock Bar described in reviews as ‘360 degrees of sheer glamour on the rocks’ – sounds fabulous. We wanted to watch the sunset over the water in this most awesome place.
Hotel guests get priority seating, so we discovered which meant even though we arrived early so we wouldn’t miss out on a table, we were sat in was essentially the entrance hallway with a big wall behind to reflect the hot sun that was beating on us while we waited for the sunset. Even so, we managed to enjoy the refreshments on offer and have a blast!!!
DAY 5
Boys went surfing
Girls went shopping
The purchase of the morning was a selfie stick! The boys seem to like it – although a little too much with those Bintang singlets!!!!
The surf guide, Sadia, lived in a nearby village so some of us went for a walk to visit his home and learnt a little bit of Balinese culture.
That night we had a local specialty for dinner. Suckling Pig.
DAY 6
Today was ride day. A 25 km ride – mostly downhill, but away from the regular tourist itinerary. Another fabulous day!
Next stop was a coffee plantation where we tried a local specialty coffee. Kopi Luwak.
Then it was off to Kintamani mountain for a late breakfast
Then onto Penglipuran village. All the houses have been built from north to the south with the traditional entrance gate to each family compound being nearly identical.
Kehen temple, Bali’s second largest temple. The temple has three courtyards connected by steps, and is decorated with carvings and statues. A large banyan tree shades the lowest and second courtyards.
Then we had a ride around Pura Taman Narmada Bali Raja. This temple is surrounded by rice paddies and a small lake.
On the way home we saw people bathing in the water ways as we watched the sun go down over the rice paddies.
DAY 7
Departure Day.
We have had a wonderful week with wonderful friends, and what better way to spend the last day than with a surf, swim in the pool and fabulous food.
awesome! i wish i was with you. from abi