PART II, RHK'S IN ASIA
 

THIS STARTS PART II OF MY REPORT

May 13, 2008



Things changed a bit after I stopped writing last nite and we found a way to visit the petronas towers this AM…..we put in a wake-up call for 6:45AM…we had signed up for the free shuttle bus from the hotel to petronas at 7:45….the window for the tickets to the bridge between the two buildings opens at 8:30 daily…tickets are free but only about 20 people in each of two groups is allowed to go up every 15 minutes and you are allowed abo
ut 10 minutes up there…

We had bought a quick breakfast to eat in the room….showers and off we went….we met a nice English couple who are on an around the world trip for 4 months, with only two weeks left to go…..this made us feel like pikers with only 8 weeks of a trip….they were very pleasant and we got into the same group….we were dropped off at one of the main doors for the towers….a guard pointed out the area for tickets….there were already 200 people there before 8AM when we arrived….at 8:30 the desk opened on time…the line moved at a decent pace, but before we got to the head of the line a guy came by giving out tickets for the 9:15 entrance so we got 4 of those…they post the time on the wall by the desk telling you what time is currently being handed out…..you can request later in the day if you wish…

After getting the tickets you move by group into a smaller display area where there is an historical movie about the towers and some other interesting displays….they call your group about 15 minutes ahead of time and you go into a small theater where there is a 3D movie about the towers---they give out those special glasses to wear to make it 3D…

Then you head for the two elevators….one group of twenty at a time….the bridge is between the 41st and 42nd floors….the elevator takes 43 seconds to go up 41 floors…very smooth… once you arrive you are given about 10-15 minutes on the bridge itself…a guide goes with you to answer questions and in our case she took pictures of anyone who needed assistance….the bridge is quite a feat….it is the only bridge of its kind in the world---linking two 88 story buildings at the 41st floor….it is all built so that it moves with the weather when necessary….

Took a taxi back to the hotel…..went over to the travel agency to pay for our car and driver (1479 R/$448.)…this covered driving from K/L to Maleka, then Maleka to Kuantan, and finally Kuantan to K/L airport hotel…..expensive but it works for us…convenience and comfort….

Ordered some lunch from the hotel dining room to eat in our room---delicious grilled chicken sandwiches with fries….

Another shower for me and check out…..the car was there before the 1PM time we had ordered it….Raman is to be our driver for the entire time….he is friendly and very chatty….he has 3 cell phones to keep his toy inventory high….we make good time to Maleka---about 2 hours…

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but we are very very impressed with the malay roads---modern, well paved and even have trimmed shrubs along the side….also malays are very English speaking….among the best we have experienced overseas…the country really seems to be on the move….building everywhere….lots of new houses and house complexes…

We find the Renaissance hotel easily in M…..its a high rise so it really sticks out….its a bit older in style but perfectly ample---about $87 per nite including breakfast/taxes from the Marriott site…the room is a twin, quite simple as is the bath….

We decided to walk down into the town….its about a 15 min walk….the shops along the way are not of much interest….quite a few empty store fronts….the sidewalks are sometimes broken…a deep open drainage pit runs between the side walk and the street…soon we come upon the beginning of the older buildings…most are two story shop house types….then we see the river for the first time….they are attempting to rejuvenate the river area….we came to the main square and watched the people for a while and also the trishaw bikes with their wildly flowered decorations….the river gets wider and the sea is close by….we explore a bit….lots needs to be done but the area is interesting….we will explore more tomorrow….


We stop by one restaurant and a fat woman comes up to me and says we could be brother/sister….haha….true…we promise to return the next nite for dinner…

Karen had read about Harper’s on the river so we wanted to go there….what a great choice…no a/c but very strong ceiling fans….a very hip sort of place…we are shown to a table by an open window overlooking the river with a fan directly over head….perfect….the kitchen does not open till 6:30 but we can have drinks until then…good tiger beer for me and some Australian chard for K….we both selected a tasting menu for dinner (50R)….there was a small American filet served over spinach with apple puree on top, a piece of Japanese style salmon, a chick pea/hard boiled egg/goat cheese moulded dish, a grilled lamb rib with a chili reduction sauce, two asian spoons each with a scallop and chili oil sauce and tiny sprouts, and finally a small dime sized cylinder of babaganoush rolled in a pickled zucchini strip…..very modern medditterean fare….absolutely delicious….each portion was of course tiny….we had a cheese cake for dessert….it looked like ice cream served in a swirl with mint on top and graham cracker crumbs on the bottom….oh yes it was served in a cocktail glass…

The manage spent quite a bit of time talking to us….he was born in M but has spent time working in phuket and Singapore….he said we are only the 2nd Americans he has run into in M in several months….he was a very interesting guy….

Just as we were to leave an Australian guy and his adult daughter sat down next to us…we had a very nice chat… we originally began talking because she was looking out into the water to see the strange animal whom we had earlier observed….in the river there are alligator type animals…she described them as agota dragons….we saw one grab a large bird off the rocks on the other side of the river and he brought it over to our side for dinner…

We walked around a bit after dinner…we checked out hereen house where I had originally booked our rooms….glad we passed on it….tooooo rural for our taste, but very authentic….

Hired a trishaw, two actually, to ride us back to the hotel…K’s had bright lites, flowers and blaring music…. Mine was peddled by a 57 year old man and was lighted and decorated with tons and tons of plastic flowers….he worked hard to peddle me….10R each….fun…


Great day….





May 14, 2008



Up about 8:30 and down for the buffet breakfast….it was quite good, with all the usual suspects including two types of dim sum….

Decided we would spend much of the day using the tourist bus system….they have two different routes which cover most of the city….one is a british red double decker….we secured the front seats on the upper level….this route gives a great view of one part of the city including the oldest parts…we get off and tour the replica of the Portuguese brig which brought many of the original settlers here….it is a new ship with a/c and nice displays of on board life…next door is a further museum of shipping….melaka has been occupied by a succession of the dutch, portugese and finally the british until the 1960’s when Malaysia became a unified country…

After the museum and a craft center across the street we walked around the corner, pass some military displays (PT size boat and some guns, etc.) to a small malay restaurant where we had a tasty lunch of fried rice and fried egg….i had my first smoothie (strawberry)…yum, yum…

After lunch we walked through a discount mall where Karen found a number of items including a talbots T, a Claire murray sweater and several other items…we looked at the huge “ride”, but thankfully it was down for a ½ hour for maintenance…it is a huge pole which stands many many stories high….there is an inner tube sort of structure which surrounds it….the tube is a/c’d and glass enclosed….the tube is lifted to the top of the pole where it then rotates before returning the the ground….i suspect the tube must hold 30-40 people…21 R each….thank god it was down…

From there we headed to the bus stop for the other bus route…..this is the longer route….we did it for way over an hour, passing many sites including Portuguese square and the Chinese cemetery….bus dropped us off about a block from the hotel….we visited the Chinese temple which is right next to the hotel and a couple of local shops….


Had a nice swim in the large pool on the 9th floor….decided to have dinner in the hotel….talked to our family at home…the hotel was having an Indian buffet for dinner tonight so after looking it over we decided to have it….very good with lots of choices…52 R each---very cheap…


Bed early…





May 15, 2008



Up about 8:30, down for breakfast….

At 11 we took the hotel shuttle down into town….climbed the hill in the historic district where some of the ruins and museums are located….saw the ruins of the old Portuguese church, walked over to the recreated sultan’s palace….hot as hell by the way….toured the garden in front of the palace originally it would have been for the ladies of the court….went in side of the palace, really a large wooden building with thai type gabled/peaked rooflines….it is a/c which helped us at the moment….the displays were nice but all new using a diorama design…

From there we walked to the near by Carrefour in hopes of fining a quick lunch….ate in a malay type semi-fast food restaurant….so so, to give it a good rating… finally caught a taxi to Jonker Street, site of many Chinese businesses and antique shops and boutiques, all housed in older buildings…..a real quaint area….we purchased a couple of oriental decorative arts for our house….K tried on beaded shoes, but at $90 she was not in love with them and thought them a bit narrow….hand sewn beads and all leather except for the sole…

Found a taxi back to the hotel….oh, that a/c….tried to download pics to the computer to burn onto a DVD, but…..

Decided to take the 6PM boat cruise in the river….hotel drove us to the northern boat ramp for our one way excursion---the boat would leave us near town where we had dinner res at Harpers again….the cruise was 5 R each, usually 10 for a round trip…25 minute ride…the riverside is being improved and in maybe 5 years it will be quite nice…lots of the buildings are quite run down….some in ruins….

On the walk to the restaurant we ran into our trishaw driver from a few nites ago…..we made a 8PM pickup at the restaurant….

Harpers serves American beef and Norwegian fish, so we had a hankering for a filet, so that was our reason for returning….we met the young manager upon arrival….he invited up upstairs to visit their new bar which just opened today….unlike the restaurant it has both a/c and an outside deck….live music from 9PM…..K had some chard and I had beer….we then went downstairs to our reserved table in the corner with two open windows overlooking the river with a fan directly above our heads….we started with 2 tapas plates (mushroom lasagna with potatoes instead of pasta and chick peas with hard boiled egg and goat cheese)….then we had two maybe 6-7 oz filets, medium rare (rare actually)…they are served with apple puree (sauce) on top and spinach with garlic underneath…..we also ordered a tapas mushrooms….quite good….K had a glass of merlot and I had cold water….

The driver came for us at 8 but we asked him to return at 8:45 as our main course had just come….he returned and we had a nice ride back to the hotel, each of us having a trishaw…lots of traffic on our return trip….

Ice cream in the hotel restaurant on the main floor….we also discovered that the hotel has a fabulous Italian rest. and a Chinese one also tucked away on the 2nd floor…

Off to bed about 11:15….



May 16, 2008


Up about 8:30 again and down for breakfast…. The matre d’ is quite a charming man and greets us at each meal….he has been with the hotel for 26 years…

Up to the room for last minute packing…..tried and retried to download pics to a DVD….complete failure….at least I am unable to open the DVD to see if it took, even though it says it did….

About noon we went down to the Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor…..we had a good dim sum lunch with several choices for about $18…..way cheaper than Thailand or usa….our driver called to say he would be a few minutes late which was fine with us…

We left the hotel about 45 minutes after our plan but the doorman gave our driver a new route heading toward Kuantan which saved us about 2 ½ to 3 hours driving time….we drove from the west coast to the east coast through very interesting landscape….many trees of various sorts: millions of palms (palm oil), mango trees, precious wood trees, pineapples, rubber, coco, star fruit, durian, papaya and others I now forget…..the central part of the country is sparsely populated….there were some “mountains”, but mostly it was rolling hills….much of this area was formerly rubber trees but has largely been replaces with palms and other things…


Our driver talked much of the way….he told us that his friends say he can talk for over 5 hours straight….he is lots of fun and very knowledgeable about a number of topics….he makes the drives quite fun….

His nick name is ‘highway ramhan’….unlike andy he could stand up to my constant ribbing….

We arrived at the Hyatt Regency Kuantan about 5PM…..the hotel is directly located on the beach slightly out of the center of this town….there is an open air lobby and several pods of rooms, not unlike the bali hyatt which some of you are familiar with….there are two salt water pools and a couple of kids pools…several restaurants and bars….one interesting bar is just on the edge of the beach….it is a medium sized heavy wooden boat, which has been converted to a bar, which was in fact the escape boat of a group of Vietnamese “boat people” who came ashore on this beach in May, 1980….

Our room is a bit tired, but it is one of the cheaper ones…..the hotel is full as it is school vacation this next week….it is adequate, but nothing special….we have had such lovely hotels thus far that this and the maleka hotels seem ordinary….

Next to the hotel is a sort of honkey tonk area with a KFC and mcdonalds as a couple of outdoor restaurants….we choose one for our dinner after our walk around to check things out…..it was suggested by a couple from the UK whom we met… we had fried shrimp and garlic---a huge platter, sizzling beef with gravy, veggie fried rice and a platter of veggies which had been lightly woked….good but not fabulous…



Off to bed by about 11…..simon cowl is on the tv at the moment….

May 17, 2008 Saturday




Up about 8:30 again….breakfast takeout from the hotel bakery…about 10 we gathered up our considerable laundry and took it out to the little shopping area at the end of the hotel drive…..many monkeys along the drive….one had a plastic bag which he ripped open and pulled out a whole loaf of oatmeal looking bread….i suspect he stole it our of someone’s car parked in the area….

The two huge bags of laundry were about 47 R or $16---laundered and ironed…they will be ready in the late afternoon…

Karen went out to the beach for a couple of hours and I played yet again with trying to burn a DVD of our pictures….no luck….now I have used all the discs I brought with me….i decided I could manage to read a book without a problem so I did that for a while…Karen came up to the room and we decided to return to the beach and sit under the palm roofed shelter where she had been all morning….. we grew hungry so decided to try the beach side grill restaurant which is built into the sea wall…we decided on sandwiches---karen had quesadilla and I had a club sandwich….both quite delicious….the food is not all that great here which is a disappointment…

We read for a while in the room….then we went out to pick up the laundry…perfect….all nicely pressed…..

Next was swimming in the pool…..the ocean is way too rough for us to swim in with a huge undertow as well…nice swim until cocktail time…

Dedided to try the Italian restaurant for dinner…..we both choose a fusilli with chicken and garlic…..you have had better made by a 3 year old…when one of the supervisors asked how our dinner was k gave him a lecture on cooking…. For a hyatt this reminds us more of a motel six located on the ocean….staff is disorganized and unresponsive….

Back to the room and talked with both our children and to gpanda…btw, the sim card we bought here works fabulously….calls locally are almost free and overseas are about $2 for 10-15 minutes….

Internet connect is still outrageous on the order of $6 for 1 hour, so I have opted not to do that…..especially when local cafes are either free or $1 for an hour or so…

CNN and BBC are keeping us up to date on world events like the cyclone and china disasters....


not much meat to our reports this time i am afraid, but maybe it will give some people ideas...

thanks for separating the posts. loving all the detail.....your writing skills have improved, lol!

Aloha!

Bob
Loving the updates. It is giving me ideas for our trip to Malaysia (assuming the flight prices come down again)
Best regards to K
N

Hi Bob,
Spent 2 days in Malacca a couple of summers ago & went down the River on a cruise with our guide bidding adieu in over 50 languages. He was very informative.

Had a great sati dinner for 50 cents per stick in the back of our hotel the Equatorial. Also enjoyed the chicken rice balls on Jonker Street.

How many managers did he speak to during this section? It's unbelievable. Maybe one of them could help with the DVD of his photos.

Hi Bob - as you know, Malaysia is on our list - enjoying your report...

Great to see you two posting once again. Sounds like a relaxing vacation!
Carol

Life once again has meaning ! It was getting too quiet here

Sounds like you are having a great time !

Glad you are enjoying Malaysia. It's been a while since I last stayed at the Hyatt at Kuantan. We were in a suite in the Regency club, top floor on the corner overlooking the beach (for US$125 a night!) I'm guessing prices have gone up LOL.

It's good to see you posting again.

Hey Bob,

If you see any other hotel in Kuantan - especially the city - that looks good, please let me know. I have to be there soon myself.

Glad you're having such a good time

Mbkk---did not see anything else...sure there are some mid level places but the swiss garden (north of town)....told by taxi driver there was not much,...go to hyatt and stay in club---all done over...just sell more coffee

May 18, 2008


Up again about 8:30… called for res on the 10AM shuttle to the “mega mall”…waited over ½ hour and it never came so I complained to the asst. mgr…..she got things moving and we were taken by car….evidently one had never been scheduled as they had no reservations…???

Mall is a typical mid-level “local” mall with all the usual local suspects…nothing upscale at all….think target outlet at best….but they do have starbucks….we went there and had a late breakfast and did internet for an hour and ½ or so…posted my fodors update, etc…

Left my photo sticks for transfer to a DVD as I had been unable to do it….10R for about 750 pics…

Went to mcdonalds for a quick lunch….did the trick, but nothing more…walked around the mall for a while…K bought one pair of shoes….we also picked up a medium sized rice bag to leave some stuff at the airport hotel….10 R….

Taxi back to hotel….hotel only has a one way service---odd…12 R

Karen out to pool/beach for afternoon and I reviewed the DVD that I had done….perfect…
I went out to the beach and swam in the pool until the sun went down….this is school vacation week so there are tons of families here this week…..water squirters were the main toy today as well as tons of kites on the windy beach….lovely afternoon…

Decided to have the buffet for dinner….food was ok, but service was so bad that it was almost non-existent….i decided to complain after I walked up to the bar and asked for a glass of ice…I was told to sit down and one would be brought to me….it never appeared….that was the straw that broke the camels’ back….lets put it simply this way….the dinner was free….oh andy will have fun with this, but may miss it as he will be on his way to bali when I post this….

I’ve asked for the GM to contact me tomorrow….this simply is unlike any hyatt we have ever experienced before….the hua hin hyatt is like paradise in comparison….

Our driver will come for us tomorrow at 1 for the trip to the K/L airport hotel—Pan Pacific….










May 19, 2008


Went down for the buffet breakfast….good but not fabulous….

Out to the pool for the rest of the AM….after an hour or so the GM came by and introduced himself based on my request to see him the night before….he was very friendly and we laid out for him our concerns….he is Dutch and explained much of the problems with dealing with asian owners and asian staff in a traditional country….we understood but explained to him that we are veteran asia travelers and know that this is not the case everywhere…..i gave him the list I had made up of the things that bothered us…..he was very pleased that we had gone to the trouble of doing it….shut up andy!!! He then asked us to visit the regency club with him which has undergone a complete re-do…..it was quite nice….but this does not make up for the cooking issues and the staff indifference issues….enough AO….

So by the end of the tour it was time to pack up as our car was coming for us… we were sent off by the general manager and his assistant, which was a bit over the top….

The ride to the K/L airport was about 4 ½ hours…..we went through some lovely countryside, again heavily forested…..at one point rahman said that those areas contain wild elephants and even tigers….not sure??

We chose the Pan Pacific Hotel at the K/L airport for our nite’s stay…it seems to be the only one there of 4 or 5 stars….it is very lovely with a nice pool and good restaurants and lovely rooms….$135. on Agoda….the air asia terminal, called the low cost terminal, is, however, about a 25 minute ride (40R)….You can walk or take a golf cart to the regular airlines….we had the dinner buffet in the hotel (75R) which was quite excellent and had lots of choices….we are branching out a bit as in the past we have avoided buffets….

In the afternoon we had a very nice swim before dinner…

We made a 7AM wakeup call for our 10:55 air asia flight to bali….







May 20, 2008 Tuesday




I was up before the wake-up call…..had a muffin in the room for breakfast and down to check out…

A taxi was dropping someone off so we grabbed it and were on our way to the airport….easy, no-frills check in at our air asia station….easy security….
Again we had paid the small fee for special boarding…this is a must….we were second in line….we had the front seats with no-one in between us…flight left right on time….all new air buses for the craft….comfortable….smooth flight and arrived in bali about 30 minutes early….this time we pulled into a gate….long walk to immigration, but unlike the last time we were here there was no line at all and we walked right through after paying our $25 each for a visa on arrival….fantastic….last time it took us over 1.5 hours….bags came out quickly…..atm’s just as you enter the baggage claim area upon arrival….1,000,000= $100….

Stopped at the taxi stand on the right as you leave customs, just outside the door….85,000 rp to our hotel ($8.50)….its about a 30 minute drive to the Puri Santrian Hotel where we will stay for 2 nites…..this is the original boutique hotel in sanur---maybe 25 years old….it is well kept up and a nice combo of bali and western….we have a beach wing room…we are just next to one of the pools which is not far from the beach….immediately we were into our suits and out into the pool…..we sat around until we were about the only ones left just above the beach….it was so beautiful and relaxing with a great breeze….HEAVEN….

No safes in the room so we opened one at the front desk which is a bit of a pain….
One hours’ free internet per day…..we took advantage of this and made a new res for the pan pacific the day we leave bali on our way back to bkk…..special rate for air asia travelers through 12/31/08 of about $105….look on hotels website for air asia rate….

It was so refreshing along the water that we decided to walk part of the way into town…..there is a brick side walk …. From there we headed out to the main street and stopped at a shop we had been in several years ago….all black and white….women’s mostly….women’s blouses are less than $10 and very attractive….we’ll be back with the pandas….

Decided on the village Italian restaurant where we had eaten before….but now it is a totally new place and on the other side of the street…..EXCELLENT!!!

Prices are like they used to be in BKK…..beers $1.20; brushetta $4.; rolled beef with ham and cheese $6.50; beef filet with mustard green pepper corn sauce and cauliflower au gratin….. glass of wine $4….delicious real Italian desserts….whole bill $33….


Taxi back to the hotel---20,000 rp--$2.

May 21, 2008

live---

a very easy day...nice breakfast here...day to be spent around the hotel....stayed out all day at the pool...for lunch we had smoothies about 2:30---ok i had two...

talked to some folks from CO who also arrived yesterday...

our english neighbors are very nice and we enjoy talking to them while out on our front porch...

may walk down boardwalk for some "local dinner" tonight...

this hotel is very very nice....it is compact but offers a lot in a little space....the pools are very nice and so are the surrounding areas...lots of bali features and looks....good value for money also and right in the town, which we really like...

PLUS ITS SO CHEAP HERE....

karen wants people to know that this would be a great places for honeymooners, couples, families and seniors...its a mixed bag of people at the moment...

off to Lombok in the morning...

if we don't like it it will be kathie's fault...haha

Yeah, that would be a great honeymoon. Bob staying at your hotel. What could be more romantic? Head lice?

That was funny Andy - you make a great pair!

I'm glad you're enjoying Bali - it really is magical! I'll be eager to hear about your experience at Qunci Villas.

I'm sure the Hyatt GM was delighted with your list. He sits in his office and hopes for a list of complaints about his hotel. What else does he have to do?

I've just received an urgent e-mail from the GM's of the hotels we're sharing with Bob. Our room is free if they don't have to meet him.

We leave in about an hour and will be in transit for 36 hours. Someone else will have to keep Bob in line. Let common sense be your guide.

Bob LOVING the trip report keep it coming
Andy LOVING the sarky comments V funny keep them coming.....

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?

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

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??

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

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

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.

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….

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’………

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…

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!!

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") 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.

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

It sounds like Bali was as wonderful as always.

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.

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 .

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

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)

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???

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

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.

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