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Published: February 22nd 2014
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Finally arrived more or less on time (Airasia again) after, it has to be said, the worst turbulence I've ever encountered. Fairly short-lived (as we were descending through the clouds), but the worst sudden drops ever - oxygen masks just waiting to appear from above, children laughing, adults aaaaahing, the Muslim lady next to me reciting the Koran and Sam retching into a paper bag. No reassuring message fro the pilot saying that it was well within the capabilities of the aircraft, but he did 'inshallah' in his announcements quite a lot. Evidently Allah was listening.
Very quick paying for our VOA, and then a horrendous 1 1/2 hour Disney pre-show without the entertainment queue for immigration. Again, worst ever - an evening of superlatives. I had forgotten to research the taxi system at the airport, but we'd met a young couple who said that there is a huge scrum and no system, and best to go and approach the guy at the very end of the queue and negotiate with him, and he'll do a U-turn, very happy not to have to wait his turn. All very well if you can find the queue. We couldn't. No signage to
indicate where it might be, and lots of touts aggressively following us. All had sort-of uniforms and pseudo ID. As we clearly were in the wrong place and very tired we gave in and asked how much - 150,000rph - said absolutely no way - prompted much smirking and scoffing amongst the mini-crowd of drivers - 100,000 max (more than the metered fare, probably), we said, so he grudgingly agreed. Expected to be taken to the rank, but his unmarked car was actually in the short-stay, so not a legal one. It's not very far to the hotel from the airport, but hey, £2.50 each is good enough, especially as I'd read that some taxis won't drive down our road, Poppies 1, as it's really narrow and busy, and he brought us right to the door.
La Walon Hotel - was slightly worried as Tripadvisor says only 71% would recommend, and it wasn't a great start as the reception guy seemed not to have a record of our booking, and even when I handed over our copy there was a long period of silence where he frowned at it and his computer, before handing over a key. All the
other staff here are super-smiley and the room is the best yet - 4th floor, enormous and not scuzzy bathroom, fantastic breakfast, nice pool filled with small shrieking Aussies. But badbadbad internet - piddly signal up here - why can't they put a router on each floor? - and you have to log in each tedious time. WE are going to stay an extra night - went onto agoda and booked it from my phone, and the notification came through immediately. Room booked in Ubud too - going on Monday - transport organised - £3 each for minibus shuttle with pickup from here. Sorted!
So last night we went out around 11 for a wander, me hoping I'd remember well enough from 4 years ago and forgetting to take a map with us. The main street was hopping, with live music all over, dancing, fantastic! Walked along, down Poppies 2 and then I couldn't remember, but by turning left all the time we got back. Surfing Ronald seemed to be missing from outside McDonalds but maybe we were too tired to spot him. This morning I went bikini shopping as I lost half of my only one in Phnom
Penh - easy to replace here - very big sizes easy to come by! Went to the beach, which it has to be said is not very inspiring, although fairly clear of rubbish and the sea is warm and cleanish. Much bothering by vendors - bracelets, bows and arrows (?), you name it. Then the storm clouds rolled in, expected as it's rainy season, but a bummer all the same. No probs - time to have our toes done, last done 2 weeks ago in Saigon - many, many places will do them for £2.50, with flowers painted on too. Sam and I are very happy with the results. Tried the pool here after lunch, but it started to more than spit with rain, and so gave up - felt a bit of a doozer sitting out even though under the parasol and not cold. Hitting the town tonight. Maybe throw a few rusty dance moves!
Kuta has a reputation for being a tackyish, full of boozy holidaymakers type of Asian Benidorm, but I have to say I really love it. Wearying with the constant attention of the shopowners, but great for a few days and we are in
the middle of it but quiet in the room at night - perfect! And Bali is undeniably beautiful - ornate architecture everywhere, fabulous greenery and flowers, and a kind of heartwarming serenity among the chaos.
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Gill
non-member comment
im not jealous
Hi Rachel, Really enjoying your travel blogs. Each evening with a cuppa in hand, I fire up my tablet and become in thawed with your adventures. The different cultures, scenery, blue skies and tasty dishes almost makes me forget the constant heavy down pours and winter chills. When will you both be back on UK soil? Keep up the blogs in between soaking up the rays and looking forward to photo's and popcorn night Happy memorable travels Gill