Little Bali Big Bali

For a little Island Bali has a lot to offer and see and in our week here we have barely scratched the surface. Even if we were only talking about the restaurants in Sanur, an average tourist town, we could not give an overall view; all we can do is tell of our few experiences that we have had this week. Of all the places we have eaten in our two favourites for food are Café Aladdin where big John from Perth resides around the centre of Sanur and Café Kesuma at the very north end of the promenade where Claire hand wrote her blog. We had an easy day there yesterday arriving for breakfast, reading in the sun and finishing with lunch where Claire sampled the Snapper. A bargain at 7000 Rupias for 100g (47p). In these two places, the food was always cooked fresh and was always tasty. We enjoyed the Wicked Parrot for its convenience, entertainment and cheap wine and we spent quite a lot of time in JJ’s which had cheap drinks but always empty. Initially, Claire got on with Deli, the little lady that has worked there for the last 4 years but the deceit and re heated food got the better of us. They did present their food well like this house table dish I can’t remember the name of but it came out within 5 minutes of ordering it and tasted like it was yesterdays leftovers.

The Parrot does fabulous fruit for breakfast and have free wi-fi which was so convenient for us and a nice way to start the morning over a fresh Bali coffee. The fruit over here is as good as in the Caribbean and there are so many that I have never seen before, it seems they can grow anything they like here even lettuce, cucumber, parsley and tomato for garnishes. Sanur itself has at least 3 Paul Smith shops and from the look of the clothes they are genuine. I grew up with Paul Smith whose first shop was 15 miles away in Nottingham. If I saved up for a while I could maybe afford a tie or pair of socks but always liked to brows. There is a little art shop in-between JJ’s and Aladdin’s that always amused me having different versions of the Mona Lisa outside on different days as the mood took them.

Whilst sunbathing on our last day the wind got up a little and a strange sound started. We couldn’t work it out to start with; it sounded like one of those Aboriginal things that they whirl around their heads which makes that spooky humming sound. I think they use them to communicate over long distances as the sound seems to carry well. It was almost a rhythm with its own beat and chorus and I found my leg wiggling to it as I read. I went off to hunt it down and found a windmill thing mounted on a long bamboo pole. I walked over, took a picture of it and went it to investigate further as I could see more in the distance. I thought maybe they were generating their own power but could see no wires. Apparently, they are of no use other than a hobby that has caught on. I liked them but most hated the noise that they made.

After lunch we started our long, hot, exhausting hour walk back along the Promenade. Claire laughed when I first called it a promenade saying, “It’s not Brighton you know”. We have noticed that the last few days seem to be getting more and more humid; I suppose that its getting close to the monsoon which starts here in December; its December today, let’s go quick. On our way back we noticed, first dozens of people, sitting under the shade of trees or whatever they could find. The crowds got bigger the further we walked and they all seemed to be in their Sunday best on a Monday. We soon found out why when we came to a clearing with hundreds of people there; it was the cremation of a local man. He must have been well known, I have never seen such crowds.



The people from Bali all seem to understand and speak very good English until you order in a restaurant that is. I never seem to get what I order while Claire always does; maybe they don't speak Melton Mowbray? They are very friendly here and even the touts are quite easy to dismiss, they don’t follow you for an hour like in Goa. The thing that puts me off the most is the busy roads, especially between here and Kuta; maybe if were to have ventured inland to the mountains it would have been easier going and a bit greener as the tour guide promised. I would definitely come back to Bali if it was a little closer but the long journey puts me off a holiday here for just Bali's sake. Maybe if we did another swap in Australia again we could visit; but then again why not visit somewhere else that we have never been? ? We never did get our boat trip as the prices were too high for us on such a long holiday; they seem to want around $US79 each for a day trip. However, if we can find a cheap trip for an hour or two today we might just do it as we don’t have to leave until about 8pm.



We did get chance to do a glass bottom boat trip but the trip to Lombok was too expensive. We had about an hour along our coral reef where the waves break. The pictures didn’t come out too good but it was good to see anyway. We had lunch at the hotel next to our and it was fine, then we spent the afternoon reading and relaxing by our pool. In the evening we went out for a drink and had a power cut so headed back to the Parrot where they have a newly installed generator and had our final snack.

It always happens like that doesn’t it? Last night and we met William from Scotland who retired early to Bali 5 months ago. Unfortunately his partner died shortly afterwards but Bill decided to stay anyway. Some of his friends joined us and we all had a great time and it was a shame when we had to go. Good luck Bill, hope your luck changes!



The things I will remember the most, unfortunately Claire missed, the spectacular views and the monkey temples in the Bukit Peninsula and it was a lovely drive with less traffic than I have seen anywhere else. You must come on the bike with me next time Claire; if there ever is a next time!