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Published: February 23rd 2009
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Pool at my hotel
Padangbai Beach Bungalow I arrived here yesterday by motor bike. The one hour trip took over 2 hours. Time is very relative here. From Ubud to here, they said it was very close, only maybe one hour. From here to Ubud they say, "OH! Very far!" Go figure.
Two ladies next to me are from Belgium. Evelyn was the first I met. She stopped through here for one day on her way to Lombok, came back and has been here for over 2 weeks enjoying the place and getting certified in diving. Later, I met her mate Fanny.
They told me there is a virus in Padangbai according to some of the locals. Once you visit, you catch the virus and then you always want to stay or come back. They have the stay version at the moment. I can certainly see that. So peaceful and quiet compared to other places. Also, small and cozy, nice beach just North of town, only one vendor there yesterday and not very pesky so it was OK.
I watched a lady carry a marlin down the street on a board on top of her head. She stopped at the restaurant at the end and
took it down. TWO guys picked it up and made a sling so they could weigh it before paying her. You don't get fresher fish that that.
When I think of ordering fish in Colorado and they tell me it's fresh flown in, I know it's probably pretty good. Compared to watching calamari fishermen in the day bringing their catch to the restaurant and me having it for dinner, I'm pretty spoiled with "fresh fish".
I got lost once on my ride yesterday. Lost is a relative term as I was driving through gorgeous rice paddy's and saw a collection point that reminded me of mini-graineries in Kansas. Once I stopped and had a feeling I was heading in the wrong direction. It was a turn-off to a temple or tourist attraction so I slowed and pulled to the side of the road wondering how to get help. No sooner than I stopped and I heard a voice over my shoulder. A man stopped behind me and asked me if I needed help. Within moments, he directed me in the direction I had come and gave me names of places to look for on the way.
Next
I rode through a downpour! I saw it ahead of me so pulled over and put on my poncho. Once I rode into it, I slowed because of the rivers of runoff on the road and smiled as I really enjoyed the experience. My helmet had a shield keeping my eyes clear. Locals had pulled off under the overhanging shelter of local businesses and smiled as I drove by. My body went from cooking to a slight chill which felt great!
When I arrive here, I found the little strip of land adjoining the beach where the hotels were. I parked my bike in front of a place I had read about that has bungalows with outdoor garden bathrooms. It was expensive at Rp. 175,000 per night with airconditioning. I knew there were cheaper places to stay so I thanked them and went looking. The next couple places were very basic and probably fine at Rp. 70,000 a night. I wandered back to Padangbai Beach Bungalows for one more look as I hadn't seen the bungalows the first time. They were full, the same price and one would be available today for two nights. AND, they take a credit
Beach in front of my hotel
Long walk to get here, about 50 yards card.
Last night was the most comfortable bed I have had here! Very nice. Today, I'll look at the bungalow. They had someone look yesterday who would like to rent for a week so I told them I'd be OK wherever I was. I'll know shortly.
One nice accidental discovery yesterday: GREAT coffee! One of the bungalow places I looked at has a restaurant. Keti's Restaurant is up a flight of stairs with a view of the ocean and cooling afternoon breezes. I ordered an iced coffee and the first taste was a "wow". They had trouble understanding me at first when I asked what kind of coffee beans they use. Then, I saw a coffee poster in the corner of the restaurant. Their beans are from the Butterfly Globe/Kopi Bali company I'll visit on the 3rd.
Now, I need another coffee so I'm off to that place.
Ciao for now...be careful not to catch the virus from looking at the pictures!
Larry
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