Bali 2011= Arrival and first night.

First Post

Bali 

20^th of April

The flight:

Different to last years flight which was on a bigger plane  and which connected through a tunnel directly into the airport building This time it was down the wobbly  steps and directly onto the tarmac. A short walk to waiting buses and we were whisked away to the to the airport buildings. The heat didn’t seem too bad. But then it was just after 5 pm and I remembered that it was always cooler in the late afternoon than morning. 15 mins later we’d paid our VOA, had our visa’s stamped and were through waiting for our bags. The place was empty apart from our flight.

Arrival of a  Garuda flight from Japan was announced while we waited and  we could see the passengers queuing for their VOA.  Nice timing. Less than 10 mins later we had our bags, strolled to customs, bags went through and we were out.  Hubby decided we should change a small amount of cash even though we had enough for a taksi and then we were done.

We had a quick look to see where the taski window  was and started heading that way.  Youngest meanwhile had been scanning the waiting drivers with signs assuming we were being picked up like last time.  Lucky he did. It turned out the Gardenia had organised a driver for us. Youngest had spotted the sign and wanted to know why we were getting a taksi when there was a man holding up a sign with my name on it.  His moment of glory!

BY 30 mins from stepping on to the tarmac we were in his new kaijang ( “3 months” he proudly told us) and Made was whisking us away in icy aircon.

Trip was uneventful and it was nice to recognise some locations along the drive to Sanur. A few places I remembered from last year that hadn’t changed and had caught my eye for one reason or another. More than once I spotted something I though would make a great photo.  Cows in a small allotment between commercial buildings etc. I think this was in the same area that last year I saw a man leading an Indian cow along the pavement. Most regretted missed photo opportunity of the drive this time would have to be the two guys on a scooter carrying a small wooden window complete with glass. The pinion passenger was holding the window but it was balanced in the foot well in front of the driver. Effectively giving him a windscreen. As long as there were no accidents they’d do ok. 

Lots of horn beeps later but in reality not too long at all we were there. The Gardenia. Our home from home for the next week.  I climbed out of the car and this time it felt warm and sticky outside.  My glassed immediately fogged up. Oops.

I’ll have to get used to that.  One of the Gardenia staff came and collected one of the big bags, hubby carried the other and the boys (kids) took our small packs. Through the café and out to the rooms. 2 girls were in the pool looking surprised to encounter new guests. It’s a small place. Only 7 rooms. A “grandma” type figure sat on the verandah of  room 4 watching the girls. Our room last year.  Down the path for us to rooms 5 & 6.

We were shown our rooms. Eldest son has claimed the queen bed in their room. Youngest has a roll out day bed ( he is not impressed) Last time in the suite they had king single beds. Toilet is separate from the bathroom in these standard rooms and there are doors on both..  The eldest was pleased with this. Rooms look great. Aircon works a treat.  The air freshener/ mossie thing? Is far more discreetly placed this time and isn’t noisy like it was last year. We unpacked a bit and plugged in things needing charging, and then we were off  to find tea.

Down the path and out onto the road. We decided to head to the Cat and Fiddle because there was a live band. Looking to see what had changed, new restaurant just before it, I think. We were soon there, seated, not far from the band. We ordered.

Fish n chips, roast pork, hamburger,  steak and Guinness pie, fanta, coke, sprite and a small bintang. Last year I would order a large bintang each night with our dinner and despite the holder it would always lose its chill fast so this year I decided to stick with small beers. The band began to warm up and then the power went out.  Still we had cold drinks.

Power was sorted out again within 20 mins or so and the band started playing.  Have to say although they played well, the music wasn’t our cup of tea at all. Eldest teenage son was giving me the eyeball the entire time we stayed. An.“ I’ve gone to hell. Get me out of here.” look.   Since it was my suggestion to go and check out the live irish band it was all down to me. I think the music was more suited to an older cliental. Not that I am young. Turning a half century this year. $352,000Rp for meals and 2 rounds of drinks.  Dinner done, we took a very short walk a bit further down the street and then turned, stopping in at  a small shop for 3 icecreams, 2 pkts chips and a coke (for me) so I could crack open the scotch. $49,000 Rp a bit more than $5 Australian.

We were back in our room by 9. Had a play with the new cable tv channels, drank most of my can of scotch and coke and kept falling asleep. It had been a long day.