Early early start today. Booked the breakfast with ourangutangs at Bali zoo today. Pick up is 0700, but be ready by 0645. Sure enough, van is here at 0645. Pack bags, water bottles, etc. and away we go. Arrive very early at the zoo, almost the first group into the zoo. Sat at our table and told we are next to where the ouranguatngs will be on show. Nice. Breakast served and not too bad. Go back as many times as you like, and the noodles were great. Eventually the ourangutangs arrived, followed by the elephants. We went to the elephants as we were told that we had to wait for our turn for the ourangutangs. they had lots of other animals out on display so we got a good look at lots of interesting breeds. ... read more

Lazy day today. Breakfast feast of fruit and home made pancakes then a swim. Decided today would be shopping then hopefully sunset at the beach. Chris C decided to stay at the villa while the rest eventually headed into town to wander the streets. The only one who knew why they wanted was Charlie. He was after some souvenirs for his school friends and wasn't stopping until they were bought. Stopped at the first souvenir stall, they had what he wanted and some bargaining had him down from 100000 to 40000 rupiah in no time. Wanted to look at other places so said no thanks, next second it was 30000. Wandered off anyway to look at others.street very busy with taksi's and motorbikes. And also very hot and humid today. After a while we decided to ... read more

Hears rain during the night but not much else. Woken up to the sounds of Pippa chatting. Thought she would sleep for ages but obviously not. Then heard our house maid, Ketut arrive so time to get up for breakfast that she is cooking for us. Luxury........ Walked out of our room and the day bed cushions were stacked on our balcony. The guard must have stacked them during the night before the rain came. Certainly didn't hear him at all, other than noticing the garden lights had been turned off. All great and breakfast is lovely - all sitting around the table being fed very nicely. This breakfast was included and if we want more we have to pay - tough decision but guess what - payment done..... Arranged a car and decided to head ... read more

Early wake up call - 0415. We have an 0500 car booked for an 0810 flight. Last night we got a notice that there was an emergency fix required to a pipe associated with the hot water. Down between 0100 and 0400. Huh, at 0430 the water was still a tinge above tepid. Ok awake now. Meet the driver before 0500 Nd away we go. Traffic is very good at this time and we see Bangkok waking up. Interesting. Arrive at the airport in plenty of time. Express check in and our own security and customs counters - another perk. Into the lounge and we have about 1.75 hours to kill. Food and drinks then waiting, waiting. Wander down to the gate. Lots of people in wheelchairs so they get priority boarding then we get on. ... read more

Up early as we have a day trip to the River Kwai booked. Breakfast and ou tot he lobby by 0700. Good effort. Meet our guide, Nikki. A 4 ft Dynamo. We get into the Hi Ace bus and away we go. Through the city streets which are busy as all get out. At 0710 even... She says that for this coming into town, they have to leav at 0500 in some cases. Worse them the Monash car park...... Finally out of the traffic and through the outer suburbs. The old town in different from thone in Europe. TheSe are more like slums rather then walled cities..... Eventually into the real outer limits where the industry happens. Lots of car yards, bus repair and building places and other associated industries.mhard to believe that any of them ... read more