Day 13 - Discovering Ubud, Bali

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I slept really well, after a very frazzled day, but it feels like it was worth the hassle! The bed is huge! I think the biggest I’ve ever slept in!

My day started with the shower. I’m well out of my comfort zone here! Not with getting a shower, obviously!… ha ha… it’s the size of the shower head…. Again, huge! I’m starting to think that size matters in Bali! It’s one of those that make you feel like you’re in the rain. I can see the nice side to that effect, but as a person that does not get her hair wet in the shower, it’s got its problems for me. Therefore, my shower today, was a physical work out, continually bending my head and neck backwards to avoid the ‘rainfall’ on my head!!

I went down to find where the breakfast is offered. So far, every time I blink, someone comes running! Wow, I am feeling very pampered, which is so not what I’m used to! I opted for, ‘The Farmer’s Bowl’, for breakfast, which I enjoyed. It was a simple bowl of potatoes, tomatoes and broccoli with a fried egg on top with bread and butter. There was so much more on offer, but a lot of it involved a lot of sugar, too much for me first thing in a morning!

After breakfast, I sat round the poolside with a coffee to see what I’m going to see while I’m here. My list of things I want to see within walking distance are: Ubud Palace, Saraswati temple and the museum. So today I am on foot, wandering the area, but not aimlessly.

I organised a private tour for tomorrow to ensure I can get around all the places, mainly because I don’t have a lot of time here.

I set off, oh… the buildings are incredible! I wandered off the main road, weaving through the little side streets. It’s beautiful, and jaw dropping!

I decided to stop for an iced coffee, and plan my walk on the map. It is so easy to just wander, but I’m conscious of my time constraints in this beautiful area.

Eewww. The iced coffee looked so good, but it was loaded with sugar. I’m wondering… is it something they like, or they think that tourists like… hmmm… I’m not sure. Note to self: ask for no sugar next time!

I started walking again, this time heading for The Ubud Royal Palace, also known by its Indonesian name Puri Saren Agung. It was an important building in the 1800s, when the top Balinese artists were flocking to Ubud to show off their skills. I was lucky enough to catch 2 artists doing their paintings whilst I was there. This is not a large palace, more of a mini palace, and you could walk through the whole thing in 15 minutes. As a tourist, you can access limited parts of the palace, but it was worth the short walk to see it. But to be honest, all of the buildings, large and small, all have amazing stone carvings, otherwise what could be called, ancient reliefs, everywhere!

Then I continued my walk to the beautiful Taman Saraswati temple. Everyone is expected to acknowledge the culture, and wear a customary sarong and sash around the waist, a short, kimono style top, and a headpiece, to enjoy the visit. The temple boasts classical Balinese architecture, and is surrounded by blooming lotuses in its ponds, which are lined with water fountains. Further round the grounds I came across the line of sandstone bas reliefs that honour the Hindu goddess Saraswati. I found an iPhone on the grassy area. I handed it in at the desk. I really can’t imagine how upset I would be if I lost mine, and no one handed it in! I do hope the person goes back to find it!

On my walk back I walked through the market. There were so many stalls, and spas. All offering the same wares and services. I do enjoy the vibe of a market!

It’s very hot, and humid. I was walking through the market lined streets, drinking my water, whilst looking and feeling like a wet dish cloth! When I was with Ella, we discussed getting a pedicure, because quite frankly, I need one! So, I’m going to take the opportunity to have rest in the shade of a spa, and finally enjoy a pedicure. The lady, and her little dog were lovely, we chatted along about kids, and grandkids whilst getting the job done. I’m very pleased to get my feet sorted!

It’s nearly 2pm now, I’m heading back to Ubud Village, my hotel, I think a restful afternoon by the pool would be good.

Well, that didn’t happen straight away, as I got detained by cake and coffee! How can you not? I saw a banoffee tart in the fridge window. I simply couldn’t walk past it! Ha ha. Yes, it was worth the stop!

I have wandered quite a distance from my hotel, so it’s quite a long walk back. I have internet on my phone, so I can find my way back easily using the map on my phone. I do make it a rule, every country I go to, I but a SIM card as soon as possible. For me, it enables me to feel safe!

The sky has gone quite overcast in the last half an hour. When o got to the hotel, I sat by the pool for a while, but didn’t go in. It’s warm, 26 degrees, but the sun is not out.

At 4 - 5pm, there is a complimentary, English afternoon tea’, on the roof top terrace. As the weather is overcast, and I’ve dry one my walking for the day, I will pop up and see what that’s about! Hmm… nice little extra! All nibbles, but very pleasant.

I’ve not had any lunch, but with the banoffee tart, and now the nibbles, I’m not hungry. Maybe I’ll eat later. I have said before, I don’t have as much of an appetite when the weather is this hot! Which, to be fair, isn’t a bad thing! I could do to drop a few pounds again!!!

I went to my room to have a bag empty, money catch up, phone charge, and a little rest before getting a shower and popping back out into the town. I’m thinking about what to have for dinner, but I really haven’t got an appetite, so I had a walk around, looked in some of the shops, but decided to head back to the hotel to get myself sorted for tomorrow.
It’s now 8:30pm.

I’ve got a seven o’lock breakfast start before going out on a private tour in the morning. I get picked up at 8am. So I will catch you all up on that tomorrow.

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Comments

[Julie w]

Oh Les it looks beautiful, I would love it there. What’s it like for mosquitoes hun.😘

[Lesley2912]

Mosquitoes
They’re definitely here, but I’m well prepared with 40 deet repellant!