Salamat Pagi Bali

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Good morning from Bali

125,000 miles, 25hrs travelling - Bali beckoned and we arrived safe and sound during the early hours of Sunday morning (4th Feb). The heat (over 30c all day and not much cooler at night) plus the loss of 8hrs in time has taken us a few days to adjust. The beatiful and fascinating island is worth the effort. We spent the first 3 days enjoying the peacful hotel garden, pools and beach.
On Monday eve we dined on the beach eating grilled Red Snapper & Mahi Mahi with candlelight and live music.
After seeing sunrise (Tuesday) we put on our 'intrepid explorers' hats and ventured further afield. Its quite difficult to get anywhere by public transport- no railway sytem, very little in the way of local buses- lots of local minibuses that stop every yard or hawkers offering to give you "transport".
Wednesday we hired a guide & driver who took us into the mountains and countryside - miles and miles of shanty town type buildings making wood carvings, paintings , statues etc - but seemingly nobody to buy it. We think they must all be purchased by the container load and exported round the world. We watched a performance of 'The Barong' at Batu Balan, the story of the fight between good and evil, a cross between Panto & Opera and lastly visited the colourful markets in Ubud.
Most people travel around on motor bikes, the roads constantly sounding of beeps as they pass each other or from the local taxi vans touting for business.
It certainy has been a fascinating introduction to this part of the world .........
Keep in touch.
Mike and Jenny

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Photos

Garden stutue
Welcome to Bali

Hotel garden
Peaceful retreat

sunrise
Sunrise

dancer
Balinese Dancer

Comments

[Grahame]

Long journey
Hi there Batstsone, gald you arrived safely and are having a great time. You must have taken the long route if it was 125,000 miles, I think you went around the world about 5 times first, didnt you notice seeing the same thing over and over again.

[Daphne]

Jealous!
We are all very envious of you both as we have had two horrible days getting into work in snowy conditions. As I look out of the window at Avonmouth it is dark, grey and cold. We will raise a glass to you tonight at our "Christmas" do. Have a marvellous time and we look forward to reading your blog and looking at your lovely pictures. Best wishes, Daphne

[Mike Monk]

Far Eastern promise
Hi World Travellers, Great to read all is well and that Bali is so interesting. Enjoy as we pound the wet streets in preperation for the big day on the 22nd April!!