carole---book alam shanti now so as not to be disappointed....one fodorite has already been booked out....you want the 'gangga room' that we had, if not the yanna ? room downstairs from it---the two best rooms---$125++ per nite at this time of year....simply fantastic...pictures to follow...no deposit required...

Bob
Just checked out Alam Shanti on the web it looks GORGEOUS and what a bargain!! if that had four seasons above the door (and it looks as nice as a 4S) would be at least triple the price....
can wait to see your photos.
Muffin is off in Portugal playing Golf so i am booking trips whilst he is away so he can't say no!!!!

nikki---book lots of flights...

it is not the same as the ritz or 4 seasons...it is nicer in almost everyway....

finding it is the only thing i can hold over andy's head...

hope to write more tomorrow....been doing skype with all the grandchildren today....

this tandjung sari hotel in sanur is also very nice, but not as nice as the alam shanti....

i need reinforcements to deal with andy....can anyone be here by tomorrow???

Bob - sounds like you are having a great trip. Am anxiously awaiting the end of school and the start of our trip. We are looking forward to see you in BKK and then having a chance to join the SR gtg with Terry. See you soon. Good luck with Andy :-P! Maybe we'll get to meet him at some point also.

Jcasale - despite what Bob says andy is a real hoot. We went out for Dinner with the four of them in BKK and we had a brilliant night (i seem to remember we got "looks" for being noisy.

Hi Bob,

Sounds like you are staying at some awesome resorts in Bali! Will you send some photos when you get a chance? Where you are residing and eating these days seems like heaven-on-earth, thanks to other Fodorites' recommendations to you!

Glad that you and Karen and Andy and Beth are having a great time together...I can just about feel all the hooting and hollering and laughter coming from that part of the world where you guys are! The four of you are so lucky to get to travel together over the years!

Say hi to Karen, Gpanda and Beth for us...and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Oh, and thanks for making preliminary introductions to me and Jenni, whom we'll see in Siem Reap this July.

Terryr

Bob,
It does indeed sound like you are having a ball. The rest of us have to live vicariously......

And, you are right about the Alam Shanti. I emailed them and their large rooms are already sold out for August. I am looking at the Alam Jiwa, another one of their properties.

Have a great time.
Tengo

Yesterday was a nearly perfect beach day. We finally got Bob's medications adjusted properly. Of course, the efeects wore down and at dinner, he pulled the old "there's a foreign object in my dessert" trick. The manager was called over (big surprise) and informed of the situation. He graciously decided to believe Bob's ridiculous story and Bob's dessert was free and we got 10% off the total cost.

Let's hope the medication holds when we meet Bob in a few weeks ;-)! I love reading all of the good natured ribbing on this board. Even though I haven't met anyone yet face to face I feel as if I have some new friends. And of course I have some new places to add to the "bucket list" - Bali sounds fabulous!

now i have antibiotic pills added today so i should be fine by the time we meet up....not sure of my mental state however after over a week with the panda....mr only, mrs is a sweetie....

as my kids told us: "YOU DO NOT MEET UP WITH PEOPLE FROM THE INTERNET....AXE MURDERERS....

this having been said we have made such good friends....gpanda, craig, carol, HI, lcuy, ken, pook, gal, patricia, etc. etc.....

May 29, 2008 Thursday



So we were to meet the girls about 7:15 at the restaurant, Casa Luna…..it is written up in all the guidebooks, etc, but unfortunately that is where the fame ends…..it is attractive enough and quite busy…I suspect this is based on its fame….andy and the ladies dinners were ok, but mine was not able to be eaten….the taste was ok, but my grilled chicken was not able to be cut with either a regular dinner knife or with a steak knife…I sent it back and ordered chicken satay, which they did not bring for 30-40 minutes….this was unbelievable….the others were long finished their meals….others came, ate and left before my re-order was delivered….the waitress made a big deal about not charging me for the sent back dish----duh!!! The second dish should have been free imo, too….btw, it was the worst satay I have had thus far---just barely cooked and also a bit tough….GIVE THIS PLACE A SKIP, in all of our opinions…

Andy has said that I need to be less factual in my report and make it more personal so I think he might be right for once, so lets see how it goes….

The hotel car came for us and off to bed ending a really lovely day….relax, eat, relax, internet finally, dinner, and finally bed….

Again I have to say something about Alam Shanti….it is part of a three property network of small hotels, plus the café wayan…..the properties are all beautifully appointed and comfortable….iop’s this is the “true bali”, or at least it feels that way….when my pics are available you can see for yourselves….already our room, gangga, is fully booked for the month of august….
The gardens and public areas are simply lovely….the reception is a small area with a few tables and chairs and a simple desk---totally open air….cars pull right up to this area---15 feet….the whole hotel is set way back from the road with the new spa out front….you enter through a very narrow driveway and several gates….
From reception there are walkways, all bordered with lovely tropical gardens and plants, statuary, bali gates, etc….there are only 4 housing buildings, each with 2 rooms—up and down….our rooms were the furthest from reception and just next to the medium sized swimming pool….gangga on top was our room and yamuna was pandas, down below….

Each room is huge consisting of several different areas: you enter a super large bedroom, maybe 70 sqm….it has a king and a double bed in it…..near the dbl is a huge open suitcase/dressing room storage area….off of this is an open air bathroom….our bathroom was actually four separate areas….first there was the flower surrounded and walled cold shower with a rough stone/mosaic floor….plants hung from the top of the wall, from the walls and from a small garden planted within….there was also statuary (small boy pissing---we never found out how to turn on the water for him)……the next area was a huge sink area---maybe double sinks, I can’t remember….each area had separate lighting btw…..next was a toilet areas….finally was the largest area which had a huge tub (2 plus people) and the main shower, hot and cold….the tub had a hand held shower handle…..so really 4 could clean up at once….one in cold shower (andy)….two in the bathtub and one in the main shower….good place for a GTG???
The main shower again had a rough stone/mosaic floor, making is non-slip and nice on your feel….all water worked very well, there was plenty of hot water at all times and the drainage was perfect….
While using the main shower your view was out over the rice paddies…..i watched a farmer plowing his paddy while showering the first AM…..

For anyone who has never taken an outdoor shower, there is nothing like it!!!!

The most lovely aspect of these two units is the huge and I mean huge balconies….they must be 50 feet or more long by perhaps 15 feet…..ours had an L shaped couch built-in with bolsters and heavy cushions in an attractive solid color canvas sort of fabric….they had a large table in front of them….there was a round wood dining table that could seat 6, but it was wonderful for 4 for breakfast each morning…. The décor is too much to even describe….there is an old looking chandelier which emits soft lighting---it reminds me of something in paris….the walls and flat surfaces are all decorated with wood panels, statues, painted wood, etc. etc…
We had breakfast delivered here each morning…..the breakfasts were huge and cooked to order…..we have decided that the fruits here are not as sweet and succulent as in Thailand however….
One warning….leave the lites on the balcony on all nite as the bats love to make dive bomb attacks through the porch and shit all over things….there are also bamboo curtains that can be lowered which might prevent that too, and also shield the porch from the sun, but we found the roof overhand did nicely with the sun….btw, the roofs are all thatch….

I failed to mention that the 2nd story room have a huge atrium ceiling made from thatch….there are painted/decorated beams overhead and small hi intensity lights to highlight the beams and roof line at nite….

I developed a little saying shortly after arrival that I kept repeating, and continue to repeat: “ HAVE I TOLD YOU…..HOW LUCKY WE ARE TO HAVE FOUND THIS HOTEL…”…..each time we laugh like children, because it is not only funny but so true!!! Cost $125++ per nite per room…..andy points out it should be double if not triple this amount…..book early to avoid disappointment….

The other rooms are quite nice also but do not have the stellar view of these two, but they only cost $95++ I think….

One of the best places we have ever stayed….its like a private estate in the country….think country house weekend outside London….only thing missing is the tiaras….






May 30, 2008


Breakfast was werved on the upper balcony at 8:30….sadly this was to be our last breakfast here….we will, and do, really miss the place already….

Putu was picking us up at 11 to make the hotel transfer to sanur down on the ocean….also on the agenda was a few more shopping stops….the ride between towns is 45 min to an hour but we managed to make it 4 hours…the ladies wanted to stop off at the ubud market one more time….last minute junk purchases…: couple pair of wooden salad tongs for about $3 each, set of 8 placemats and a runner for $19 (made from roots and fabric), dolls for the kids…success
Beth wanted to stop in Celuk, the silver town….she had the name of Prapen…putu knew it of course…..bingo….the building is magnificent on its own…. It is a sort of open air building most of wood with several rooms surrounding a central goldfish pond with ornaments and reeds growing within…..first we visited the workshop where production was going on, then on to the showroom with is huge with huge cases displaying the wares….all were silver or at least 98%.....prices were very reasonable…..k bought a couple of pairs of ear rings…..all hand made and very intricately fashioned….one has a stone the other an 18K gold dome in the middle of the silver….$11-20 each….plastic would cost more at home….


Putu then took us to another mask maker….this is an old guy, who sadly was not there….he was off at a temple for several days reworking some of their celebration costumes and masks….he is reported to be quite eccentric so we really looked forward to meeting him: I wayan tangguh is his name….open workshop….we did meet a son and grandson and his unique wife….lovely to be able to visit a home workshop…..andy and beth bought quite a lovely and colorful wall handing carved from wood….

Finally off to sanur for real…..putu took us to a fantastic beach side restaurant at the northern end of sanur beach---Toot Sie…..delicious lunch….lots of kites flying on the beach this day…..one really huge one….

From there we headed down the beach road to our new hotel the Tandjung Sari…..this is one of the older properties dating back to the 1960’s…..its quite lovely and right on the beach….our bungalow, which we are sharing is directly next to the small pool and about 150 feet from the beach….it is two story and a bit contemporary and a bit traditional….you enter a medium sized sitting room through 4 large swing out doors…there is a small dining table and 4 chairs, a full sofa with a coffee table in front and a couple of other chairs plus decorative items, plus a big, for aisa, fridge, and a circular stairway leading to the second story….
To the right and to the left are had carved doors, each leading to a bedroom suite….strangely andy is on the right and we are on the left….go figure….maybe there is hope for him????
Each of the identical rooms has a king canopy bed with mosquito netting….storage areas and a small desk….each has glass doors opening onto our private garden in the front with grass and plantings….behind a large permanent wardrobe, which is double sided is the large bathroom…..the corner tub with its own large window and garden outside would hold 4 I’m guessing…..there are built-in cabinets in the wardrobe on this side…there are huge double blue marble sinks…..next to the sinks is a unique circular shower area created by a circular plaster/stone wall with an opening away from the sinks for entrance….next to it is a toilet room---finally one with a fan….perfect for me with bali belly…..

On the upper level, up the circular staircase which is glass enclosed is a huge indoor, but open air, room with a sofa and some chairs and tables and an even larger roofed sun deck with full view of the ocean….great for cocktails, etc….and for cigars for andy…..the inner room has a thatched roof and the outer area sort of a plastic roof---maybe a bit tacky…
This building is called their “family bungalow” of which there is only one….its perfect for a family or for two couples….two friendly couples….i think we are paying $246 net per nite inclusive with breakfast….that is for the two rooms….

The property is older but very decently maintained…..it has the feel of a village….it too is set way back from the main road with a very stately dual carriage planted and decorated drive….

The food is quite good here and the price seems to be about standard for Indonesia…which is cheap by the way….

After checking in and giving putu a break for about an hour we drove through nusa dua, as none of us had been there before….andy and beth end their bali vacation with 2 days here at one of the large Sheraton chain hotels….K and I have always wanted to see it…..we had read nothing but negatives about nusa dua…..we found it quite pleasant but we did not visit any specific hotel…..its more international in feel than the rest of bali, which is fine, but it is necessary not to isolate yourselves there….as is so often said these hotels could be anyplace….

We had a short visit to the public beach which was decent….

Next putu took us to Jimbaran beach to the fishing village….this was huge fun….boats were coming and going from the beach….the boats are very colorful as are the people who work them and the local areas….the “harbor” area was full of gaily painted fishing boats….the boats rely on manual labor so there are many men on each boat as they cast off for their voyages….voyages last from a few hours to several days….its a very very hard life I should think…..
We walked directly from the beach to the fish market….this was really “dirty” and fish smelling….it was also great fun…..we saw all kinds of fresh fish including a huge shark which had been brought in….lots of great face pictures….

We had decided to skip sundown and to stay at the beach….it was very cloudy anyways so this proved to be a good idea…..

Putu drove us to his favorite fish place on jimbaran beach….its called Menega café….the grills are fired by the inside of the coconut shell which make for a huge smoky atmosphere…..you have to stand amongst the heavy smoke and select your fish, prawns etc for dinner….each is weighed, cooked and brought to your table on the beach….there are nice wooden tables and chairs on the beach and they are candle lit…..there must be 40 restaurants all crowded together on this beach for fresh fish…..we ordered 2 snappers and ½ kilo of prawns…
We then were assigned a table…beth and I had quite a problem with the smoke, but it was worth it for the experience….

While enjoying our beers on the beach and waiting for the fish, putu happened to mention that it was this restaurant where the double bombing had been done a couple of years ago….lesson in how to feel safe…

Our food arrived….the fish and prawns were delicious and andy ordered one crab for himself as well….rice was served in a huge wicker basket and there were some veggies too….A DELICIOUS DINNER…. A unique experience….highly recommended….
I think the dinner for 5 with drinks was about $50…..fruit was served for dessert…

Putu drove the smoky smelling us back to the hotel….our clothes stunk of smoke even days later….

Off to bed, a tired bunch….

Putu: his name is putu arnawa…he lives near ubud….he is getting married this summer, maybe??? His cost is about 350,000 for 10 hours…his site is: www.balifriend.net
His e mail is: [email protected]
Andy says he is the best guide he has ever had….he is bright, well spoken, funny and “with it”….he knows lots of American slang, has traveled to America and elsewhere…he is university trained….his dad is in the tourist industry….he has a brand new suv….craig introduced him to us several years ago and I have been pleased to suggest him to each person who intended to visit bali….change does not throw him for a loop like many guides….he seems to like it…he is totally flexible….he is one guide who you do not need to think in terms of percentages when offering a tip….you want to empty your wallet for him….he is a unique combo of traditional and modern…..

May 31, 2008


Andy ordered coffee delivered to the room for the 3 of them….when I got up we then went for a late breakfast after fooling for quite a while with the computer….everyone getting caught up to date and we talking on skype with our family in New England….

The breakfast was fresh cooked and delicious….andy and I took laundry out to the main road….incredibly cheap again… the ladies spent the day on the beach under umbrellas, but managed both to get quite red….andy swam and I just layed low trying not to think about bali belly---no pain just annoyance and pre-planning necessary….the ladies ordered lunch delivered on the beach and andy and I sat at a table beachside and had lunch…during lunch we spoke with a dutch couple ---strangely he works for EMC headquartered near to our homes….

At 5 we all returned to the bungalow and went up on the upper level and enjoyed beers and nuts and watched the world go by….a really nice down day!!!

After dark we headed out for our 7:15 res at the village reastaurant, the Italian place we had eaten after our initial arrival in bali…..we shopped for a few minutes at the lovely attached shop as we had done before….

We had fun at dinner…..k and I had caparcchio (sp) of beef followed by swordfish and cheese tortellini’s with white sauce and walnuts oil—beth had red sauce raviolis and andy had the same as me….delicious desserts, but mine had a small piece of metal in my last bite…

We walked back to the hotel which was very near, stopping to pick up our laundry on the way….

We did more skype with our family and nearly drove andy and beth off the wall….early to bed again...

I had more stomach problems during the nite which lead to anti-biotics this AM, which seem to be doing the trick….


so i think we are now up to date and at 2PM its time to join the others for lunch by the beach...

bye for now...

bob

Great report, bob. Makes me want to go back just to check out the fabulous food and great hotels. Glad to hear Putu is thinking of getting married. I believe he has had the same girl friend for years???

Bob's prose is not as atrocious as usual. While the facts are mostly correct, he does provide a decent contemporaeous report.

One note, Karen split the crab with me. I ordered the food at the Jimbarran Beach restaurant and was criticized that I did not get enough for five. Of course, there was plenty, but did anyone apologize? I think not.

8 years to be exact craig....

you would love alam shanti...ubud is growing leaps and bounds, which is not a good thing...toooo much american being spoken there on the streets to suit me....sanur is better

june 1, 2008


up a bit late today as i had been up in the nite a few times with my "condition"....over for a late breakfast....it is so nice eating breakfast by the beach....the service is very good here and they seem to know me....

for instance they now automatically bring me a chair without arms....my butt does not fit correctly in an asian butt chair...

the ladies went directly to the beach....andy and i returned to the bungalow....i did my trip report updates finally....andy went to smoke....

we met for a late lunch out near the beach.....andy and i sat around for a while after lunch just relaxing and eventually watching a kids bali dance lesson which is sponsored twice a week by the foundation that this hotel's owners have set up to rekindle some of bali's heritage and keep it passing from one generation to another....

i eventually returned to the bungalow and went up on the upper deck and read for the rest of the afternoon, and even snoozed a bit....everyone returned from their activities and we had drinks upstairs and watched night come upon us...

earlier andy had run into an austrailian guy whom we had become friendly with in ubud....he and his wife came to see alam shanti....they often come to bali for holidays...
andy invited them to meet us this evening at an indonesian restaurant that they had suggested to us earlier....

so about 7 we all met there....the restaurant is called Apa Kabar on the beach road in sanur....they will send a car for you and pick you up...tel: 282153....the food was good but not fabulous...each couple ordered a dinner for two...large amount of food....we had a mixed indonesian tray and andy had the mixed seafood tray....

we had lots of laughs and found out quite a bit about life in australia...

denis and lorraine are their names...we tried to convert them to fodors...we will see....they are widely travelled...

rest. took us back to the hotel...

time for bed now....

Enjoying your report. It's been almost 10 years since were in Bali and it's interesting to hear of the changes. The hotel in Ubud sounds lovely.
We stayed in a $7 a night guest house when we were there. Actually, it was quite "posh" for us at the time and even had a full, western style bathroom. Good thing too because I also had a touch of Bali Belly as you did (sorry to hear about that).
So nice that you 4 are having a great time together and it sounds like both boys are behaving themselves. ;-)

I've been putting a mild toxin is his food. Do you think he's catching on? The more he sleeps the better for us. We split in two days, so I'm going to reduce the dosage. No reason to be mean.

Yesterday, Bob went out of his way to make friends with Tina, a shopkeeper with a store just off the beach at our hotel. Of couse, when Karen decided not to buy anything, Tina was quite persistent in her entreaties. It was quite amusing to watch and classic Bob.

sitting at K/L AIRPORT ON WAY BACK TO bkk on air asia...flt yesterday was early leaving bali and 30 min early to k/l...we love air asia...cabin is comfortable too...

Finally had time to read your Bali section Bob. Wondreful to have you there "on the ground' doing great reporting; a nice change from Nick Robertson and Christiana Amanpur (both of whom I admire) .
Thanks for helping me relive my Bali trip thru you. I too thought Prapen was an architectural gem of a jewelry showroom and I think of it every time I wear a piece I bought there.

now in pattays for 4 nites....will try to post the updates i have waiting in word in the next day or so....

tick tick tick.... we're waiting...

i need to get to wi-fi...not as easy as you might think...don't have it here...

maybe i will go to starbucks in the next day or so

Has anyone else realized that he will be in Asia for two months and this becomes more like a blog than a trip report?

At least we've eliminated the cross-posting that was so bedeviling. Only pandas will post under gpanda.

May 31, 2008 Saturday


Easy day.. we got up around 7AM…coffee delivered to our room….we all went over to the dining room for breakfast…..the woman in charge of the dining room is a real sweetheart….she is so friendly and even makes fun of andy…..she loves hanging around our table….

Karen says the biggest decision of the day is which chair to sit in on the beach….

The ladies sat the whole day on the beach under their huge umbrella, and still got toasted a bit…
Andy and I hung back, me on the computer---free wi-fi and andy drifting in and out smoking his cigars and reading….

The girls had lunch delivered on the beach and andy and I took it on the boardwalk adjacent to the beach in the shade…

At nite we walked down to the Village Restaurant…about a 5 minute walk…nice Italian dinner….on the way back from dinner, we picked up our laundry which andy had taken in the AM to a local shop….$2.70 for a huge pile of laundry…

Bed after a day of doing nothing…







June 1, 2008



The ladies decided it would be another lazy day…they started the day with a walk north along the brick beachside walkway….this followed their coffee being delivered again to the room….

The ladies spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon sitting on the beach….in fact they did not leave the beach until about 4PM…

Andy and I hung out all day: computer, cigars for andy, read…..etc….just a lay back day…

The OZ couple whom we first met in ubud when they were touring our hotel complex, and whom andy ran into here in sanur joined us for dinner at their favorite sanur restaurant: Apa Kabar on danau tamblingan 190….it is an Indonesian restaurant….they also supply transportation upon request: 0361-282153… the restaurant is an open air place with a large bar near to the street…..we all chose standard one plate combos for two…andy and beth had the seafood and the rest of us had a mixed indonesian plate….they were quite good….the ladies also had lorraine teach the how to mix an arak attack, a local drink: arak is a local rice wine, which you mix with sprite, lime juice and ice….sort of like a wine spritzer….they loved it….we had some spring rolls with our drinks….denis and I had bintang beers and andy had some sweet drink….some had ice cream for dessert….
We had lots of laughs during the dinner as lorraine, who can out talk both andy and I, and denis are real OZ characters….they are about out ages—mid-60’s….

Ride back to the hotel and we fell into bed, exhausted from a day of doing nothing….





June 2, 2008


Coffee delivered to the room as usual…. Instead of a beach day, the ladies decided that this would be a shopping day in sanur… breakfast in the restaurant….btw, this is not a buffet but rather a la carte from the breakfast menu: eggs, toast, Danish, croissants (the best in asia), tea/coffee, chocolate milk for andy, fresh squeezed juices, pancakes, fruits,bacon, etc….

Andy remained at the hotel, playing poker on our computer, while the 3 of us took a taxi to the other end of sanur to begin some shopping…..first stop is the fantastic all black and white shop called Pisces….K had purchased things here on our last trip and they stood up very well so she wanted to return….beth loved the place as she wears lots of black…every item is a combo of black and white or black and white itself…pants, tops, and accessories…both women tried on most everything in the shop and made a few purchases….i heard Karen tell beth that unlike most black items, these items hold their color fast….

From there we went to a shop next door where we had had things made before…basically it is a robe and sarong shop, but they also do custom work if you have two days….don’t have the name, sorry…but it is right to the left of pisces….

From there we took a taxi along the beach road to a shop that lorraine had told the girls about called animale….they were having a big sale….each woman bought a few items there as well….great selections of clothing, shoes and jewelry….

From there we walked to A-Krea, a gift/home accessory shop….they had been in the one in ubud and wanted to return here….they both bought slippers here and we bought a nice leather business card holder as a gift….

Back to the hotel for a beachside lunch…..delicious….

Andy and I left the hotel and went for haircuts…..the hotel suggest Chic as the place for us and in fact called to warn them that we were coming….andy was placed in the hair washing room and I was taken by the owner to her chair for my haircut….i also agreed to my first manicure and pedicure, complete with nail polish….now I am a metrosexual…haha…
The assistant cut andy’s hair and then the boss tweaked it a bit….
So at one time I had three people working on me: head and one on each hand….later I was moved to another chair for my feet where both assistants did my toes….

Great haircut and wonderful nails….price 175,000 rp ($18.)…plus 50,000 for each assistant….

Cocktails were taken on our rooftop balcony…..dinner followed at a table by the pool/beachside…..great final dinner with the 4 of us….there was a stiff breeze and we ate by candle lite….they provided flashlites to see the menu….an all Indonesian meal….
Andy and Karen had the nitely special, a slow cooked pork dish……I had a chicken and noodle dish and beth had delicious chicken and noodle soup (I had had it the day before for lunch)…we all had the baby coconut baked dessert, sort of a pudding….

So basically our time together was finished except for breakfast the next day….this is a friendship made through fodors that has now lead to almost two weeks together in a far off land…..we had so much fun….we talked fodors sometimes, but more than not we just made fun of andy and he made fun of the world….he has outrageous behavior which endears him to everyone, well almost everyone… we look forward to a time when we might do something similar in the future…
Btw, the speedos were there but barely visable---that is to say not that often…the cigars however were in view most days….







June 3, 2008



We were up about the regular time and coffee was delivered…we had the morning to pack up and get ready to move on as the car was not coming for us until noon….
Tandjung Sari in retrospect was a perfect choice for all of us….the property is old (1960’s) but is well maintained….our bungalow, the family bungalow, was as close to the beach as one can get…andy and beth really liked this for its real beach feel….between us and the beach was the pool, the dining room, the library and a huge sala for relaxing….everything was very convenient….we all would return here in a heartbeat….the food was decent, some of it even delicious…the breakfasts were excellent and the staff more than accommodating….i prefer a chair without arms, so everytime, after the first time, that I went to sit down to a meal the staff were there with a chair especially for me….not sure but maybe they were bringing a reinforced chair??

We were ready to go when the car arrived….i had arranged the car to take us to the airport first and then continue on to nusa dua to drop andy off at the westin… 300rp total…

Checkin at the airport was very easy as were all our dealings with air asia….our flight to Kuala Lumpur was about 3 hours…..we left early and we arrived about 30 minutes early….air asia flights arrive in Kuala Lumpur’s special “low cost airport”….this is a simple airport with no direct airplane access, rather you walk down a stairway and then along walkways which are covered from the sun….the airport is simple, but has all major services which one needs….bags come out quickly….if they can do things simply and efficiently why can’t the major airlines….we look forward to our next flights with them…the planes are mostly new airbuses….3X3 with all leather seats….all food, water, etc. are for sale…you are not allowed to bring food or drink onto the plane…the staff cleans the bathrooms during the flight…
They allow you to purchase express boarding for a couple dollars….this allows you to enter the plane before anyone else…you get to choose seats that you want…they also offer inexpensive trip insurance…..all of this is offered easily on the internet…

Upon arrival in K/L we took a taxi to the pan pacific airport hotel….it has been voted the best airport hotel….it is quite nice…..we went for a swim in their nice outdoor pool….for dinner, we chose the hotels’ Indian restaurant….we were the only people in the restaurant…there is an open kitchen so we watched our food being prepared .

We had nan, murgh chicken marsala, rice, a delicious mixed veggie dish in coconut milk with nuts (vegetable korma), our favorite pureed spinach with cheese dish, and kulfi ice cream for dessert….

Bed with full tummies and boring CNN election coverage…

June 4, 2008



We got up and lazed around our room for a while….i wrote some of this report and Karen packed some more as we had left a bag at this hotel while we went to bali….we had decided on a late breakfast and to skip lunch…

The breakfast buffet was good but not fabulous (55 R each)…

We took a hotel car to the low cost airport, about a 20 minute ride….the main K/L airport is reached directly through a golf cart ride….60 R…..

Quick check in with no line at all….150 R for overweight luggage….they are very strict about this….there is 15 minutes of free wi-fi per passenger at this terminal…

The flight took off exactly on time….its a 2 hour and 5 minute flight to Bangkok….we love the new airport in bkk and find it very easy to use….immigration was busy but moved along quite fast…..we did have to wait about 30 minutes for our luggage however…

Taxi from the airport was under 300 B and took 35 minutes to the Marriott resort and spa…

After checking in we jumped right into another taxi and headed to the jeweler at the nana hotel to see how our projects were coming and to add a couple more using some Lombok pearls that we had purchased, plus a couple of other things…
From there we headed to karen’s seamstress to check on a few things as well….
From there it was off to harmonique on soi 34, new road for dinner…..we had a mixed appetizer platter, chicken cashew, pomelo salad, beers, rice, fried morning glories and lemon chicken….as usual it was very delicious….we sat with a couple for florida, who also have been in bkk quite often…cost was in the mid-$30’s in contrast to prior years bills being low $20’s….

Taxi back to the hotel and crash…. We are only here for one nite and tomorrow we leave at noon for pattaya to visit our friends there….







June 5, 2008



Up late and more packing and consolidating as we plan to leave some parcels at the hotel for a couple of weeks while we go south….delicious leisurely buffet breakfast….

Showers and hang out for a bit as we need to go out front for the bank---found out they no longer have a currency exchange….
After that attempt we wait for jack, at monet il sarto, our tailor to arrive about 10:30++….i check on my shirt projects and Karen orders a pair of wool slacks…
Back into the hotel and check out and head to the airport where our pattaya friends were picking us up….we were meeting at starbucks on the level between arrivals and departures…..i did change my cash there on that level….btw, that starbucks does not have wi-fi which annoyed me….

Into the car and off to pattaya….about a one hour drive….

We are spending the next 4 nites at our friend gal and cherry’s villa at ‘view talay villas’ in jontien beach….cherry, as in “one of thailand’s very best guides”…. Our unit is just lovely…there are two full bedrooms and baths, plus a large livingroom and a large kitchen and dining area….in the garden there is a nice pool….the unit is completely walled off making it very private…

We plan to meet gal for dinner about 8…..cherry had to stay in bkk until tomorrow….

Gal picked us up about 8:30 and we headed over to pattaya city center…..he wanted to show us the new mall on 2nd street which is called The Avenue…..there are tons of restaurants there and lots of shops catering to both east and western tastes…. There is a villa supermarket there as well…
Karen picked an Italian place, called Pizza Pizza…I had a delicious pizza and they had pasta dishes….it looks like one step above a fast food place but actually was a nice restaurant with custom cooked dishes…1500B with 3 beers and one glass of wine, plus 3 desserts….

Back to the villa after dinner and bed….




June 6, 2008 Friday


A really good nite’s sleep…. We ate a lite breakfast of pastry that we had purchased at a convenience shop as we had driven into jontien…..

I did some internet on the office computer of the villa complex…..then we both read for a while… talked to our family at home and also to our daughter from her hospital room in boston where she had an operation yesterday…..

About 11:15 we had the complex tuk tuk take us to the main road by the beach where I hired a songran (sp---pick-up truck taxi with benches in the back) to drive us back to the Avenue…..we had a number of things we wanted to do…. First however was some lunch…we went to au bon pain, a boston institution, and each had a delicious sandwich….i had santa fe chicken and Karen had beef and peppers….both were outstanding….next was a hair cut for Karen….we went to a really nice shops which was bustling with activity….first a leisurely hair washing, then a very serious looking man with a pony tail started cutting her hair….he was passionate about doing it (doesn’t often see gray hair she thinks)….he cut and he tweaked, and he cut some more….he sprayed things on, and he cut some more and this went on and on….he was fantastic…he hardly ever spoke but paid strict attention to the look of the cut…finally they were finished and it was a bit of a “rock star” look with bits and bobs sticking up….she liked it and so do i…350 B plus generous tips….next we left a stick from my camera to be downloaded to a DVD including “righting” all pics turned….about 1200 pics---200 B….it took about 2 hours to do…I also toped up our phone with 600 B more….we went to villa supermarket and bought some breakfast items: bread and jam, plus some mangos….
We looked at all the shops….karen bought a bunch of hair pins and hair clips for the grandkids and one daughter….how can you spend $40 on this type of plastic stuff??

I bargained with a songran again to take us back to the villa—100B, he started at over 250 B….

Guess we will swim for a while in our pool and hang out until dinner time….

We called for the tuk tuk to take us to the main road to get a songran….i again bargained and agreed on 100 B to take us up the beach to the Pan Pan Italian Restaurant…on the way we were held up for an official convoy of some VIP…..lots of flashing lites and many many police cars and motorcycles…..

PP is a nice simple restaurant offering good food at a moderate price…we shared an order of bruschetta. K ordered the nitely special of grilled sea bass and I had angle hair with red sauce…..they have a fantastic dessert choice…..i had walnut torte and K had an apricott cake….wine, beer and water…..an excellent meal…

Hit the ATM across the street from the restaurant, using an account card from our investment company…..it worked fine…songran back to the hotel…




June 7, 2008 Saturday



Up at a decent hour for a lazy morning….we had purchased some dark breads and jam for our breakfast….quite nice to have a simple small breakfast…..believe it or not, one does get tired of eating so much all the time….along that line I must say that I am missing the 2-3 veggies that I have each dinner at home….

We sat around the rest of the AM, reading, K doing some of her personal laundry, internet in the main reception building and a swim in our pool….

Our friend Gal picked us up about 1…..we headed into town for some lunch….we ended up at Fuji at the Central Market Mall….the sushi was delicious…..

We returned to the hotel….i read for a while and then took a nap….

Gal came by about 6….we sat around for a while because Cherry was attending a meeting at a local hotel in connection with the arrival of several US Navy ships…. The company she works with some times has the concession for tours, etc. for all US Navy visits to Thailand….
We met up with Cherry at Pizza Pizza for dinner…. One advantage, or disadvantage, of being unique is that people remember me…. The manager came right over and welcomed us back….shut up Andy!!!

We had a delicious dinner: capriccio of beef and a baked cheese and spinach dish for starters for us….tomato and mozzarella salad and melon and proschutto (sp) for them…
Karen and I split two dishes: eggplant parm and lasagna and they had seafood pizza and spaghetti and meatballs….. all were very good…..for dessert we went across the mall to a shop called New Zealand Natural for ice cream…..

Cherry had to be on the ship by 8 AM so we said our good nites to her….Gal drove us back to the villa…

We watched TV for a while and Karen crashed while I stayed up to see the Hillary Clinton’s self-centered concession speech….YEA!!! one down one to go….oh, I forgot this is a travel forum….






June 8, 2008



Up a bit late today…..we had purchased pastry at au bon pain the nite before so we had that as breakfast, plus K at ½ mango we had purchased a few days ago….1/2 was rotten...

i just noticed that andy was still signed in here for the above posts, but they are mine...

he would never be able to write something so detailed and complete...and comprehensive...haha

we continue to miss them however...

Detailed and complete-tedious and long-winded. Take your pick.

We missed them at some of our meals in Singapore. The staff did not.

Bob - enjoying your report, especially the political commentary (travel forum or not) with my morning coffee. You are missing a major heat wave here in New England - temps in the mid 90's and very humid...

craig--we have it here too but it is the norm....we have actually adjusted to it and do not mind as much if we do not have to walk tooo far in the sun

Living vicariously through you (gasp) Bob!

My previous plans for next year fell apart, I e-mailed Alam Shanti and they were booked for the days I was considering in April!!! Because of them I was willing to give Bali another try.

Back to the drawing board.

Femi-the Alam Shanti has two sister hotels, the Alam Indah and the Alam Jiwa. Both are very close to the AS. Perhaps you should check on availability there.

Bob how much was your luggage over? i am looking to book a KUL to Langkawi flight, saves me a fair bit they are SOOO cheap but want to try and estimate how much it will costs me per kilo!!!

Thanks Andy.

Femi, I bookmarked the website for those hotels: www.alamindahbali.com

nikki, we were over 10 kilo on one flight and it was $50, still making the flight a real cheap one...

another time it was less at $27...i think it was 45,000 rp per kilo..

don't cut back on muffin's make-up or he will be in a snit....or his speedos either....

Speedos do not weigh much. Plus, Muffin can always where one on the plane.

i REALLY cannot see Muffin in Speedos he a Vilbrequin kind of guy.......
A - how's the post holiday blues?

PHB's are brutal. No sleep, depressed appetite, generally lethargic. It's the typical reaction. Why do pandas have to work? It seems so unfair.