Bali is redeeming itself...

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Hi all,

Geenas turn to type (my brain is in vege-out mode so my grammer and spelling wont be that great either!)

Just a quick update today...

So as you can tell, Adam and I weren't overly impressed with Kuta beach, however I am sure it was a little warped by the camera being stolen and the fact that we have been a little spoilt living on Bondi Beach for the past 4 years!

We got a 'Bemo' (old-school minivan) for about US$5 each to take us the 1 1/2 drive inland to Ubud - and what a nice surprise! It is a great town, that is still growing as a new tourist spot - so isnt overly tourist-y yet. The streets are in better condition and the shops are actually cute small 'boutique' looking shops - a few even have doors! Its kind of like the 'Akaroa' of Indonesia with lots of arts and crafts around the place. The hawkers arent anywhere near as bad and the locals here say "hello" and it isn't followed with "you buy mister" or "you want massage" or "kiaora bro" (when they find out you are a kiwi), I think they are genuinely pleased to have tourists in their town.

It did take us about 45 minutes to walk from where the Bemo dropped us off, in the muggy heat with our backpacks ,into the centre of the town, before we found a nice little guesthouse for about US$12 a night including breakfast! No swimming pool but a cold shower did the trick!
We then checked out their huge markets (much to Adams disgust) - our Mums would have been in heaven! I was really good and only bought one bracelet for about 50 cents :-)
We then had a nice dinner and I had my second beer (yep - well when its only US$1.50 I cant really justify spending US$6.50 on a pina colada when we are on a budget!).

Today we hired a scooter and explored the town a bit - we visted the Monkey temple/forest which was awesome, the monkeys totally ran the place!

Anyway, off to Lovina tomorrow - a beach at the top of Bali. Another 2 1/2 hour trip in a Bemo awaits but it sounds worth it - I think it is quite a small beach great for just vegen out. We are planning on spending a couple of days here before crossing over to Java to explore volcanoes.

Until next update...

p.s. We bought a new camera, same as our last one (just newer model) for a good price at 'Discovery' mall in Kuta beach, will be hanging onto this one very tightly!!!

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Photos

Hindu offerings in Kuta beach
Just after a downpour of rain

Baby monkey in Ubud
Awwww.....so cute :-)

Comments

[Kate]

Baby monkey in Ubud
It is soooooo cute!!!! :) :D :)