Well, back three days now, but still feels like we're in bali mode after a very relaxing holiday. Flew air paradise, great flight and seemed like we were fed a lot, a very busy flight being in the middle of the day and the many people ordering fosters kept the air stewards busy for most the trip.It was a little cramped being the flight on the smaller plane (737?)but we were lucky to be in row 16 so at least one of us could stretch their legs (my husband). Arrived at our hotel the Kumala Pantai at about 7pm, in time for the sunset and dinner at the hotels restaurant the sand cafe. We were impressed with this meal, and with every other we ordered at the hotel.
Spent a lot of time at the pool, especially in the morning, great length for doing laps, and also to veg out on your back, looking up at the trees and the blue sky (sigh).
Some things we did- visited Hope Childrens Home, an orphanage for about 100 children in Untal Untal. Brilliant though most of the children (approx 70) were in their villages to celebrate Galungan. Spoke to Nyoman who helps run the orphanage and gave toys, clothes and a donation, which gave us a real high for the rest of the day. Butterfly Park was next, where they also have other insects like the balingal (sp?) which blew me away, being really interested in biology, couldn't believe how like leaves their bodies were. Then to Denpasar, shopping at Sakura, where we quickly worked out had moved to across the road and up a bit from Ramayana Shopping centre. DVDs we brought are excellent quality, though haven't watched all of them yet, but for $2.50 each couldn't complain.
We also went to Waterbom Park which we did on our very first trip, was great to feel like a kid again, running up the stairs, going down maccaroni tube, etc.
Visited The Pub at the very end of Jl Legian, straight at the round about. Met Made, ate great beef sate, drank lots of icy cold bintangs, we got some rings made with specific engravings we wanted from Made, and they turned out really well.
Some places we ate at- Billy's cafe (pineapple fritters and icecream), Legends Restaurant, Cafe Warna, la Porchetta (average), zanzibar, dolphin bar, gateway to india (great authentic indian).
Shopping at Mackro, found this really cheap, if its not cheap enough already, but halfprice on most things- lollies, indocafe,shampoo, peanut brittle and lots of other snack foods.
Hair extensions/braids from Henna's hairdressers off of melasti, turn right into lane next to legian garden restaurant, keep walking down and its on the left,cost was 150 000rp. Couldn't believe this as it took 4 hours to do.
Bought tshirts and shorts and dresses from Dian, who has a shop on the back right of melasti markets (facing north).
Did a few other things too, but will write another if people are interested.
cheers, jojo