MichaelBKK

Glad to hear you liked The Village. I guess I didn't know the 'old' location. I liked the 'layered' design of the new place - outdoor/outdoor, indoor/outdoor, indoor/indoor and wine room (yes, they have a whole chilled room of wine). Who needs La Lucciola?

wolfmisc

Hi Bob and Karen,
the Santrian is much older. I stayed there in 1975 already and found it a fantastic place too.

crellston

Great report Bob! Shame we missed you guys in Malaysia. Pass on our regards to Karen, Beth and Andy. Just walked past a cinema here in Darwin and saw a new movie just out hear - "Kung Fu Panda" - has Andy been moonlighting on this trip??

Robbietravels

Keep it coming Bob, I'm definitely enjoying your report and the interpolations of your designated heckler.

rhkkmk

WE LOVE QUNCI VILLAS.... very comfortable with under 25 rooms...they are building a whole new resort just up the road...the place is american owned, which we did not know...
food is excellent and reasonable...island is like bali was 30 years ago i think...many places here to choose from...

more details coming if we survive our first panda day starting sunday...

thanks kathie for qunci tip

Kathie

Bob, yes. Qunci Villas was conceived and built by an American expat who lives/works in Jakarta (or did when we were there). One of the staff members at Qunci told us Qunci was "built right" because the owner insisted it be built the "American way." I'm not quite sure what that means, but it is a lovely place.

rhkkmk

May 22, 2008


Just to back track a bit to last nite…we took a taxi down into town to the rest. that michaelbkk had suggested—café batujimbar…it was informal and suited us fine…we shared spinach and cheese samosas and vegetable salad with our beers, and this was followed by beef burritos and chicken satay….all were delicious….for dessert we had a marble cheesecake and a tiramisu….about $29….

We crossed the street to the hardy’s super store where we purchases a sim card and added $20 for our use…

Btw, the first taxi to the rest. Was quite an experience…while I was in an atm withdrawing 3,000,000 rp K hired this taxi----it was sort of a “converted” truck…the “seats” were covered with worn loose cloth…there were holes in the floor under my feat, and I felt like I was sitting on the catalytic convertor….my sandals were frying… we got there,… he wanted to know if I wanted him to wait for us: NO!!!

After completing the phone update, we took a taxi back to the hotel…packed up a bit, arranged for a hotel car to the airport in the AM…

Bed…


Up at 6…over to breakfast at 6:30….it was pouring buckets…back to the room for my shower and final packing…7:45 p/u by hotel car…25 minute ride to airport…

Checked in at the Merpati air ticket counter and got our ticket which our Lombok hotel had arranged for us….security and immigration had no lines and I paid our 30,00 rp, each, departure fee…upstairs to the lounge…

Our 9:20 flight has now been delayed for the second time till 11:10…so here we swit with no internet!

We made a couple of calls to the usa and found out quickly that the cheap calls we had made fom Thailand and Malaysia did not apply in Indonesia…


Plane did take off about 11 for the 20 minute flight…$49 each way…a folker jet flying at 7000 feet…only about 1/3 full…

A driver met us at the airport from the Qunci Villas…..a nice slow ride north to the hotel location….my guess is this is bali about 25 years ago….refreshing really…lots of motorbikes, small horse drawn carts----somehow I can’t quite picture Cheryl and Kathie going around in a horse-cart…..roads are very narrow except near to the airport…..lots of development going on and some old projects that have never been completed….the driver, a nice young lombokian ?, told us quite a bit about the island, the villas owner (an American living in S. Africa), his life, etc….it was all a nice introduction…

Full use of the land has been made by Qunci’s owner….they have arranged the living space so as to give each room maximum privacy…..i had originally asked for unit #8, but even 10 months ago it was booked for a long term…it is the primo unit, btw…..widi, the woman I dealt with on the net, told me that #5 was just as nice….it is but the view is slightly less nice, but still very decent…..from our large open porch (we are on the 2nd floor, which we highly suggest), we can see part of the pool and out to the ocean in two directions….i would guess we are 150-200 feet from the ocean… the room is a decent size, maybe 38-40 sm and has a separate bathroom/dressing room/suitcase area with no a/c and it partially open to the fresh air near the roof line…..some have open air showers but ours does not…. The bed is comfortable…..the lighting is ok, but not fabulous, but there are many windows, so in day there is plenty of light….we are very happy here….

But the best thing here is the staff….there are tons of them and each one is more friendly than the next…..when I fell getting out of the pool yesterday two of them were there in seconds to assist me…..think whale floundering on a beach….they know your name almost immediately, some calling us bob and Karen and some M/Mrs Kimball….

Our room was not ready when we arrived so we went down by the beach/pool area to the very good restaurant and had lunch…..in about 2 hours the room was ready….

We lazed around the rest of the afternoon at the pool….the beach is about 20 feet from the pool….this is really not a place for young children….there is one family here with two small brats, literally, and it makes it very uncomfortable for all….the parents just don’t seem to get it or care….kids from 8/10 up would be fine however….we went back to the room and read for a while, then went back to the pool and had a drink as the sun went down….we took a brief walk on the beach and then returned to the restaurant where we had a 7:30 res…they reserve certain tables which is quite nice….they also set up about 6-8 tables on the beach….

We had a pleasant dinner: complimentary Italian bread with 3 toppings; springs rolls and grilled eggplant/tomato/cheese stacks, followed by mixed satay and local baked fish with local spicy tomato sauce…..all were delicious and we shared each…..for dessert we shared a piece of carrot cake, which was more like a sweet blonde brownie with carrot…very sweet….

We talked with two separate german couples during and after dinner which was very pleasant…our waiter, who had stuck with us since cocktails at the pool, was also very talkative….

The locals love to ask your name, where you come from, how many kids/grandchildren, etc….its quite nice actually….the English is quite good around the island….

Off to bed about 10:30…..



May 23, 2008


You order your breakfast the nite before if you wish to take it on your balcony, which we quite enjoyed….at 8:15 they called to ask how long to cook K’s eggs and about some other thing….the trays arrived exactly at 8:30 and two attendants set them up on the table on our terrace…..quite delicious and the eggs were still warm….

We spent the rest of the morning just sitting around reading, relaxing, etc…..about 11 we called for a taxi and asked to go to the art market which we had passed on the way in….the taxi driver misunderstood and took us way out past the airport to another market, which was ok…..we bought one small carving made from ox bone….the driver felt bad that he had taken us to the wrong place, but I told him it did not matter as we got to see a lot of the countryside….

He then drove us back to Senggigi where there was a rest. that K wanted to go to….its name is Café Papaya….we had a nice corn and crab soup and chicken satay, plus soft drinks…. “local merchants” descended upon us at the restaurant before and between courses….they were all nice young guys, full of bull…..we did buy six glasses cords which are hand made in attractive colors….but nothing else…..

After lunch we went next door to do a bit of internet….

We took a bemo back to the hotel for 20,000 ($2)…..

Karen then spent the afternoon at the pool and I stayed in the room and read…..

Housekeeping has just arrived for the nitely turndown service, and bug spray….not any mosquitoes….there are not many after that…..there are not that many anyways…

Going down to the pool for a sun down drink now followed by dinner in the restaurant….

Lovely sunset…..i had my ‘ladies drink’ and K had her margarita….

We took a different table tonight, which Karen enjoyed more…..not far from the beach but on the terrace of the kitchen building….

I had a wonderful seafood chowder and K had no starter……she had a grilled swordfish with roasted potatoes, and I had an Indonesian curry with chunks of chicken and white rice……delicious

K finished with bananas flambé and I had ice cream….

rhkkmk

Can’t say enough about this place….the food is great and delicious and reasonable….the staff are outstanding…..its a real chill out place….

Tomorrow we are having a driver for the entire day starting at 9:30 and up to 10 hours for $45 in a new car.

Off to bed…




May 24, 2008 Saturday


Decided to try the breakfast in the restaurant….it is basically the same except that things are hot instead of warm…..plus the view of the full ocean is so nice….

Btw, it is blowing like mad outside….we just came in from dinner and I think our timing was perfect….otherwise the food would be blown off the plates I think…

We had arranged the driver for 9:30, but we were told by the staff that he was here already by 8:30….i went to reception to meet him and explain that we would not be ready for a while….we will call him Kar, as his full name is a bit difficult….he seemed very friendly…..so in about another 25 minutes or so we were off….he was driving a nice Kia medium sized SUV called Carren (sp)….the car was very comfortable….he turned out to be a superior driver…..you can reach him directly at this e mail: [email protected] or you can get him through his agency: lombok network holidays: 62 0 370 622 8139…..his full name is Kadek Susila….we were more than pleased with his service and friendliness, English and sense of humor as well as with the service of the agency with whom I made e mail contact some months ago, but only booked the car two days ago….$45 for up to 10 hours….3% more for use of credit card…I paid cash….we gave kar about a 25% tip….and I felt guilty with that small amount…he did receive a couple of small commissions along the way (10% of our purchases)….he did tell us that his monthly regular pay, without extra work, is 5,000,000 rp ($500)….not much for a family of 4….

So off we wet…our first stop, at my request, was the near-by Chinese cemetery…it was quite interesting….the stones are really family plots I believe and many are brightly Chinese are not allowed to own anything, but some have managed to open businesses using a straw….

Next we headed to pottery town….k bought one piece which she describes as rough but interesting…. From there we headed to the weaving town…we were met at our car by a lovely local woman who intended to show us around their traditional village before we looked at the pottery….her English was very very good….the shop is actually a co-op run by the people of the town, all of whom are related….there are more than 300 weavers, operating out of their homes….lets put it this way, the town was basic at best….quite dirty and unkempt….but we loved it and we loved each lady whom we met….one lady, the large lady who had been picked out for me as a second wife, even had Karen try her hand at weaving….they were all so friendly…..i told kar as we left that this was just the kind of experience we were looking for…..even though we were farang in their private areas, we were welcomed, not just as customers, but as interested participants in their craft and livelihood….at the shop K purchased a small table runner….asking price 875,000, final price 400,000 rp…

Next we moved into the area of the new international airport which is due to open in 2011----naught….its still a huge field covered with water buffalo….i’m thinking 2021….

Next we moved on to another village….this is the village of the ancient people of lombok…its called Sasck Village…again there were guides….it building are a bit unique here and specific to this group….the foundations are made from clay and dung….we were shown around and got to go into one house and meet its old resident, a lady, who was chewing beetle nut….we spent quite a bit of time here….in their small shop, K bought a narrow piece of weaving which she will use as a sash….we were asked to sign the guest book and then to give a donation…..we did and also gave the guide 20,000 at kar’s suggestion…

Now it was lunch time so we headed to Kuta, the large beach area….we were taken to a government hotel for lunch….it was ok….there we met up with a nice Indonesian couple we had first met that day at the pottery town….they are from Jakarta….he is an airline steward and she works with cars (a la smeagol and muffin)…..they asked us to join them for lunch which we did and quite enjoyed ourselves…

After lunch we climbed a nearby hill to get a spectacular view of the entire beach area….that would be climbing by car….
We drove down along the beach and got a brief view of the 5* novotel---somehow doubt that any novotel can be 5*….???
We then drove out on the beach and took a couple of pics, but kar had warned us that the merchants would approach very fast and about a dozen ladies carrying their goods on their heads did arrive quite swiftly….we jumped into the car quickly and speed away…aside from us and 2 farang and the ladies, there was no one on this huge beach….the town is full of home-stay places if anyone is interested….Kuta is in the extreme south of lombok, so we were at our furthest part of the journey….

I neglected to mention that while on the way to kuta, we passed through one area that kar told us was a rough area….the people there are always fighting with other local towns….it seemed that something was up that day too as there were tons of people along the side of the road and some had weapons: we saw at least one rifle and several long knives and other hand weapons…..we were not scared, but we did not stop either….kar said we would take another way back to avoid this area…

On the way back things seemed to have cleared out by the time we got to the junction where kar had to decide how to turn….so we went back the same way to save about an extra hours ride….on the way we did see police units standing around but no trouble…evidently they had headed it off….

Back in mataram, the main town, we stopped at two pearl shops….karen wanted to investigate lombok pearls…..she ended up buying several unstrung pearls for a project for the bkk jeweler on our return there….

We returned to the hotel about 5:30….it was a fantastic day….

Karen went out for a swim briefly and I just relaxed…..later we went out by the pool for a drink followed by dinner in the restaurant….again we sat on the open porch area….it is all open air….porch or tables on the beach…

I had the seafood chowder again as it was so delicious…..karen had dried beef curry with veggies and rice…..i had dried prawn curry….dried refers to the lack of a soup of curry….rather it is just a sauce…..i also had fried pots…..followed by pineapple flambé for K and banana flambé for me----only so so the banana….

Up to the room to relax….K packed up a bit as we have to vacate the room at noon as people are expected….our flight to bali is at 4PM and we expect to meet up with andy and beth at about 5:30….i called them tonight and they love the hotel in ubud----alam shanti…..andy says it is very lux, and I did good at picking it….no sheraton points however….

Bed time….




May 25, 2008 Sunday



I have been neglectful in not mentioning the sounds of Qunci Villas as there are many…..while sitting on our deck the following are frequent: waves crashing on the beach…..winds whistling through the tall palm trees, sometimes with extreme force, creating almost a whistle….the frequent calls to prayer of the local mosque, including very very early in the morning…..the crowing of the roosters from the land next door---all through the day but not until about 7 in the AM…..the shuffling of feet along the raised cement walkway….the rare muffled sounds of conversations…..the sound of an outdoor shower from the bungalow next door…..the occasional sound of an airplane or a boat engine…..all very pleasant and calming sounds---even the rooster who is crowing now at 11AM….

Sadly our last day at Qunci….we arose early….K was already sitting out on the balcony when I finally got up about 7:15…..i joined her and we sat marveling at the sounds, or lack of them, and the clear view of the ocean and small fishing boats off shore and a few sailfish….the sky was bright blue…the waters a bit choppy…the wind blowing nicely and it was cool and not humid….in short paradise….we will be sad to leave here but are anxious to meet up with andy and beth later today in ubud, bali…..i spoke with him last nite on the phone and he reports the hotel there is splendid….of course anything would be better than the ROS!!!!

About 8:15 we strolled out to the restaurant for our breakfast….we had eggs, Danish and croissants with butter and jam, freshly squeezed juice and coffee and tea….all served so nicely and we were greeted by name as we have been throughout our stay….i rewarded a couple of the staff with our $$ appreciation for their extra friendliness and over the top service….before we leave I will catch up with a few others….

Karen decided to spend the rest of the morning at the pool and I stayed in the room writing and reading and generally just being totally lazy…..

We have to be out of the room at noon as someone is checking in…..the place is full btw…the hotel car will take us to the airport about 2:30 for our 4PM flight…..a car from alam shanti will meet us at the denespar airport for the hour and ¼ ride to ubud….$20….
We very much look forward to our reunion with beth and andy….well beth anyways….does any one know of a good tranq….????

We had to check out by noon so we did this at 11:59…..we went for lunch by the pool/ocean and hung out there until about 2:15 when we went to reception for our ride to the airport which was included with our room….final room bill was about $500 for 3 nites, including one dinner…. We would return there in a heart beat…

Arrived at the airport about 2:45 for our 4PM flight….this is not a busy airport… the incoming flight for our trip was a few minutes late, as they are prone to be….interestingly it was a two prop turbo….flew low so it was nice to see the islands for about 25 minutes…plane was full…

We arrived bali about 40 minutes late….there was no car for us as we had requested so we just took a taxi to ubud to the Alam Shanti…it was dark when we got here but we could see immediately that I had picked a fantastic place…$125++ per nite including breakfast and free shuttle on demand to town…

We are in a huge two story building with just our rooms and andy’s (downstairs)….our rooms are huge and full of bali carving, both wood and stone…..the decorative arts are many in the rooms and it makes for a lovely rest place….

Our rooms are called Gangga…they are the full 2nd floor of this building…they consist of a huge bedroom with both a king and double beds with full canopy and side curtains….both headboards are heavily carved….there is lots of furniture and décor in the rooms….off of the main room is a huge dressing room/closet area/suitcase area….there is a huge deck the entire length of the building with a day bed, L shaped; a round dining table seating four very comfortably….the deck looks directly out on several rice fields, where this morning there was both a small tractor plowing and also two water buffalo pulling a plow board….behind the buffalo was a baby who ran along and kept getting stuck in the mud…there are many ducks and birds around as well….

Our room has tons of sliding windows, a set of sliding doors onto the deck, two ceiling fans, a floor oscillating fan and a wall a/c unit….
The king bed is very comfortable…..

Off one end of our room are double wooden doors that lead to the open air bath area….it is huge….you enter in the middle of the area….there you find a huge marble sink, mirror, etc…..to the right is a garden shower area surrounded with orchids and other plants….this shower is only cold water….at the other end, facing out into the rice paddies is a huge bath tub….next to it is another outdoor shower with the shower head placed on top of a classic lady statue…in the same area are drying racks and bathroom amenities….in between this area and the central sink area is the western toilet….so three could shower/bath at the same time….

We had our reunion with andy and beth in their room downstairs…..and off we went to dinner….we were undecided as to where we would go…..there was a young English/French couple waiting for the hotel car and they were going to café wayan on monkey forest rd., so we tagged along….this is owned by our hotel’s owner….Sunday nites they have a huge buffet….it was good but not fabulous---130,000…. The hotel car came for us to take us home….

WE LOVE THIS PLACE….IT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR HONEYMOONERS---FABULOUS IN FACT….NICE FOR COUPLES AND ALSO FOR WELL BEHAVED KIDS….it is a find….we have the two rooms that are $125 and they are the best and ours is nicer than andy and beth’s…..

We arose late as agreed with andy and beth….we were all quite tired except andy who does not believe in tiredness….

Andy and Karen decided to walk into town before breakfast to take our laundry…..we had a huge load and the price is about $3.90….andy tried to bargain with the woman but of course she just looked at him like he had two heads…snake heads….

Upon their return we had breakfast delivered to our balcony and the 4 of us enjoyed a delicious and fun meal overlooking the rice paddy and the plowing by ox…

WE JUST HAD TWO SMALL EARTHQUAKES…..we left the room, but things seem fine now….is laurie here in ubud???

Karen had made an appointment for the four of us to tour the world famous John Hardy Jewelry factory at 11:30 followed by lunch at 1PM with some of the factory staff….
JH is an Australian who came to bali many years ago and sells his products worldwide…in usa you get them in places like neiman marcus and nordstroms…
They are very well designed and all made by hand….most of the products are in sterling silver, but they have gold as well….

We hired a car for several hours to drive us there….upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely lady who was to be our guide….there is a lot of updating being done around the factory so we found ourselves climbing over dirt and rocks to get from one place to another but that was fine as all the buildings are quite attractive…..there are about 750 people working there….we toured the design, initial production, refining, polishing, and all steps of the process areas….from wax to plaster to molten silver to rough finishing to polishing….it was very interesting….we ended up in the newly constructed show room which is all made from bamboo and is a towering building in the shape of a combo sale and tent and must be 4 stories high….

The girls looked at the sale items and the full priced items and selected a couple of things…then lunch we ready…

A huge table had been set under a shelter for maybe 40-50 people….evidently the factory serves lunch daily to the entire staff…..we were seated with much of the management….btw john hardy no longer owns the company, having sold last year, but remains as a consultant…. Immediately Robert _____ introduced himself to us….he is in the PR department and strangely enough comes from Portland maine….next to Karen was John who lives in oxted, surrey, England where our English friends live….there were others to whom we spoke during the luncheon…..there was one other couple also eating with the group from ID…….the lunch was complimentary along with the factory tour….we had lemon juice, rice, spring chickens, veggies and coconut cake for dessert…..the conversations were lively and andy really captivated the guys at our end of the table….after lunch we returned to the sales pavilion to retrieve our purchases….our driver was waiting for us…..we had been there almost 3 hours…..we had the driver take us to monkey forest rd for some shopping along with an atm stop and a 7/11 stop or two….he met us about an hour later by the ubud palace…..back to the hotel….use of the car was 400,000 including tip for 6 hours….

Beth and andy went up the road to a spa and ended up someplace near monkey forest rd… $8 an hour each for massage…..karen and I hit the pool….

We arranged for a res at Terazo Restaurant (American owned) not far from the palace…Robert had suggested it to us…..FANTASTIC….Italian/Indonesian food….i had pot stickers filled with cheese and mushrooms with a delicious sauce followed by chicken snitzel (sp) with spinach mash pots and intense roasted tomatoes…..i had apple crumble with Indonesian apples with vanilla ice cream for dessert…I had two bintang beers and water…....karen had a glass of Riesling, crab cakes, panko encrusted tuna with bok chow and mushrooms followed by mango sorbet……andy had a thai crispy fish salad, followed by fish cooked in banana leaves with Indonesian paste sauce and lemon mouse (mousse) for dessert…..Beth had gazpacho, bintang, lemon chicken saltimbocca followed by coconut panacotta (sp)…..

The food was better than excellent and our waitress put us with noisy us…..and nikki and david were not even with us…..

The rest. called for the hotel car for us and we were home by 10:30….

Putu called this evening and we arranged for him to pick us up at 9AM….we will be spending the day with him in east bali….

Andy and Beth are so much fun….we are having a great time….we make fun of andy at every turn but he thrives on it…..how do I say ‘center of attention’………

rhkkmk

May 26, 2008 some how I got the dates wrong….international date line I guess??



May 27, 2008 Tuesday


Andy was to wake us up at 7AM, but his mind was on his running…..we actually were awake about 6…..breakfast on our balcony at about 8:15….

Putu was waiting for us when we arrived at registration…it was so nice to see him again…andy and beth had already used him for two days before we arrived….
His contact info is available on fodors….

We set out in his new Suzuki suv for a day of touring….we only drove down our road a short way and the temple there was beginning to prepare for their semi-annual feast and ceremony lasting for the next two days….we spent quite a while there looking at the preparations….we just missed the slaughter of the pig….we did see the blood however….they locals were all very friendly….there must have been 150 people there….there is also a school there and the kids were dashing about in their uniforms…all very traditional….putu explained quite a bit about it all….after perhaps one hour we got on our way…..we were heading towards the east of bali and stopped at the palace of justice which I had thought beth and andy would appreciate….the paintings on the ceilings of the open air buildings are fabulous….the small museum is also interesting….the buildings themselves are quite nice set amongst lots of water….

Andy bought a shirt from a vendor lady….about 6-8 ladies surrounded our car as we arrived and left….$5 for a decent batik shirt….

From there we headed along a series of narrow lanes which eventually lead over some high hills…..we saw tons of local people going about their daily routine of mostly farming related activities…..rice, corn, tobacco, cocoa, coffee, teak, snake skin fruits, and many other products….many things were drying along the roadside on grass mats….

We saw spectacular rice terraces of every form and shape….there was some rain so the green was exceptional….we passed an area where there were many vans….putu explained that in this area far below there was white water rafting….

Eventually we arrived at a weaving center in a house….K and I had been there before….first we watched some spinning and weaving in the basement room….Ikat is the type of weaving going on in this room….the colors are all natural and the designs traditional….all quite lovely….both k and beth bought scarves in the shop----batik on silk…

Following our visit to the weaving shop we continued up the hill, running into more and more fog…..it was past lunch time and we needed something…..we went to a place putu had taken us before…it has a fabulous view down to the ocean…..no view today—fog….and rain….

The next stop was for two sites….we saw a whole group of people way out in a field thrashing rice….they were all in a circle and had a very systematic way of proceeding….we climbed through a finished rice patty to get there and at one time I fell flat on my face trying to climb, with help over and embankment……we took tons of pics until my battery ran out and from there we went next door…..at this location under a shed they were hand working lava to make into bali style monuments….it was quite interesting….some small hand tools were used but so were manual tools and an electric circular saw with a water attachment….

We had a slow but decent lunch----fried rice with egg for 4 of us and chicken for andy….ok but nothing special….also in the restaurant was a group of Australians we had met at the weaving shop so we had some fun talking with them….

After lunch we continued along the very narrow road and then turned into another which again took us into some very lush rice areas with great views out over the fields….the fog had abated and so had the rain….we stopped at one tiny village where they make some of the lovely bali baskets…..two women were in fact weaving together some on the steps….immediately a group of small kids appeared….i bought some candy from the shop there and we had fun taking pictures and handing it out….karen purchased one basket and so did beth….they are very cheap and very nice, both with tops that fit snugly…we continued our drive and putu warned us that we would be besieged by kids selling baskets….and we were…..we looked but did not buy….we drove a bit further and the kids were running along beside the car waving baskets….one 6-7 year old kept pace with the car…we stopped and the rest caught up….they all were showing baskets in my open window….ages were from about 5 to 30…..we ended up buying a couple….the kids had the sad face routine down perfectly if we chose not to buy from them….

We continued our drive until we hit a main road---that would be a two lane road---one each way…..we were heading back to the temple near to the hotel so as to see the procession about 5PM……we made it and stood out in the rain to watch….it was fun and interesting….the rain came and went….we actually watched the procession in two different locations---first at the spring temple where the purification of the god was done and finally back at the main temple where the sacred things were brought for tomorrows main festival and services….

Back to the hotel which was only about 2 blocks….made res for a car for 8:15 and for 8:30 res at the sister rest. to where we ate last nite----Cinta on monkey forest rd right across from café wayan…..grilling is their specialty…..k and I had steaks (Australian beef), andy had ribs and beth had satay….we shared samosas and crab cakes for starters….we had delicious desserts: brownie Sunday, banana cake with mango fool and rhubarb tart…..806,000 rp….delicious with some beers and water and wine for K….

Called for the hotel car for a ride back….

SIMPLY A FANTASTIC DAY….WE LAUGHED FROM MORNING TO NITE….




May 28, 2008




We got up a bit late….andy said it is the most sleep he has had for years…..

Putu was scheduled to arrive about 11….it was to be a day of shopping…..the girls had prepared a list of places they wanted to visit or articles that they wanted to look at and would let putu choose the place….probably the most interesting shop we visited was the Threads of Life shop which is located on a very interesting side street in ubud….they have limited designer clothing, fabulous textiles, jewelry and other bali items….high quality and medium prices…..we also visited a shop about two doors nearer to town with nice clothing….robes mostly…
We also visited the kite company, a wonderful shop for straw/leather purses/bags….a place for carol---hand beaded bags and decorative items….visited the ubud 4 seasons hotel and shop…..shop is very nice but hotel was too austere for us, but is of course very lovely---way toooooo NY……

We laughed how it took us so long to do these stops….there is more to be done on Friday…

We finished the day by going to the township where the egrets/herons fly back each nite about 5PM…..putu took us to a little house where you sit on the front porch and have a drink with a huge rice paddy in front…..the birds swoop up the paddy and land on the many tall trees in the area where they spend the nite….btw, they return to the same tree where they were born….

It was late when we finished this so we had putu take us to pick up more laundry and then drop us off at Terazo for dinner as we all wanted pasta…..putu then took all our packages to the hotel for us…

Andy and I had a mushroom and wide pasta dish in cream sauce….karen had chicken and peppers on fettuccini and beth had tortellini with red sauce….we sharred two appetizers: duck salad and Vietnam spring rolls….

Of course we all had desserts: lemon mousse, sorbets and panacotta….delicious meal!!

The hotel sent a car to take us home…

rhkkmk

May 29, 2008



Putu is such a fantastic driver and guide, and might I add bali friend…. We look forward to tomorrow when we will use him again….

Today was set up as our day of rest and to hang out at the pool and around the hotel….well that worked for me but not really for the other three…..they had decided to take a 7AM rice field walk…..when we got up about 6:15 it was already raining but they decided to go anyways….the walk was scheduled for 2 hours but ended up being over 3….it was conducted by a local guy who owns the guesthouse right next to the Threads of Life shop in ubud…. That shop is worth some time for high quality items, all made by women…..

The guide was more than chatty but they enjoyed the walk and at least part of the explanation…..he fed them some breakfast after the walk….. they returned to shanti about 10:30…..i had had my breakfast by then but they ordered another for themselves…they all agreed that the walk was fun and beautiful despite the rain and the chatter….

Next stop was the pool where we stayed until about 4PM…..we ordered pizza which was delivered and hit the spot…

About 5 we will head into town so the girls can do yet some more shopping, and andy and I can do internet, including hopefully posting this....


success!!

Gpanda

One wonders whether I should snipe on this thread or on my trip report. The solution is clear, Both!

For lunch today at the pool, we ordered pizza. Our instructions from "the girls" (both Beth and Karen are more than 25 years old and one evolved beyond the Neanderthal would not refer to them as "girls&quot were to get veggie pizzas, i.e., no meat. Bob ordered a Hawaiin pizza with pineapple and ham. Did he really not know that ham is a meat? What does the food pyramid in Needham look like? Endless fodder for panda ridicule.

Kathie

Bob and Karen, so glad you loved Lombok and Qunci Villas!

It sounds like Bali was as wonderful as always.

BillT

Bob- I'm looking at the pictures for Alam Shanti- do the rooms have screens on the windows??? If not I would think you will have a bug problem.

JohnFitz

Enjoying very much.Glad you found pearls . I may have mentioned the Novotel Coralia Hotel at Kuta Beach where I have stayed twice and loved it - might have been a better option for lunch but did not like your references to street violence in that part of Lombok .A bit concerning . I recall there has been a lot of religious sectarian trouble over recent years between Christian and Moslem who once lived in harmony .

tengohambre

The detailed report is terrific but............

Where are the photo links? If there are no photos then the ongoing trip report is plainly incomplete.

Have a great time.
Tengo

Smeagol

Love love LOVING your report. It makes me want to go but i have decided on Malyasia now.
Keep it coming (glad to see Muffin and I got a mention)

rhkkmk

nikki---malaysia is more expensive we found, but not outrageous....if you need a hotel for a nite at the K/L airport the pan pacific is fantastic (UTMS---up to muffin standards)---they have special rates for many airlines on their web site which might help...K/L is worth a couple of days...

we've been told that 4 seasons has stolen much of datai's business so D might have really good rates just now???

rhkkmk

finally free wi-fi.....


robert---alam shanti has no openings for our room for the whole month of august--is that when you are coming...

bill---no screens, we had no bug problem, but in all of bali we have founds tons of ants and other crawlies

CFW

Am savoring this report. Our next trip, next year, is Bali, and can't wait. Sounds like Putu has been great and taken you to lots of interesting off-the-beaten track places. Alam Shanti also sounds and looks delightful. Can't wait to see your pics.

Gpanda

WARNING. I'm logging out and Bob is likely to fill the ether with further drivel.