Hopefully tomorrow will be better. One day lost surfing to detoxing.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
September 27, 2011/ Unexpected plans
It was a long night with body self detoxing. I'll spare you the hard details but it was unpleasant and made sleeping also unrewarding. Matthew called and canceled our reef snorkeling trip for that day. We laid in bed churning over what it could have been bringing us to this state. Finally at 1:15pm, we headed to the pool to let the cleaning staff really work for their money today. Our bodies sore from just laying around, we tried multiple times to get comfortable. 7 up provided for some relief, but still at 4:30 pm we are still hurting. We think it was something as simple and stupid as the ice in our drinks being made of local water. Hoping our room will be ready soon, we plan on watching movies, writing wedding thank you cards, and getting some food in us. We are leaning towards room services soup and crackers.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better. One day lost surfing to detoxing.
Hopefully tomorrow will be better. One day lost surfing to detoxing.
Monday, September 26, 2011
September 26, 2011 / Visiting Temples and a waterfall
Next we visited a Lonely Planet top pick temple, Pura Luhur Batukau. It is set in the nature of the juggle and it was not hard to see how easy it could be to find God here. The third stop was to a waterfall where we stood at the base and were heavily misted with water. This was the coolest waterfall I have seen next to the half frozen one I saw in Iceland in 2009.
Our final stop was at a temple, called Ulun danu Bratan, which usually is surrounded by water, but to the dryness, it was not surrounded by anything but a valley of dirt. This would be interesting temple grounds, with its larger than life painted statues and one statue made of rice, but rather it was plagued with throngs of loud tourists oblivious to the sacredness of the place.
Madi made the long trip back to our hotel in Nusa Dua, where we were checking back into the marriott for the rest of the week.
After settling into our room, we made reservations for a volcano trek and a snorkeling cruise this week, making sure to leave time for surfing and the beach.
We went to a local chain store for some local souvenirs and foods to take home and then finished with a lovely dinner where Matt had wok fried crab.
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September 25, 2011 / A day in Ubud and a Foot in the Mud
Matt and I started off on a walking tour listed out in our Lonely Planet guide book. We walked through a jungle ridge called Campuan ridge that took is through multiple little villages on the out skirts of Ubud. Our trek continued through rice patties where I lost my footing and ended up with a foot full of mud. Actually it was clay and I was caked in it. We walked more through villages and back to our hotel estimating a total of 5 miles. We were going to link together the first walking tour with a second but after getting lost in rice fields due to unknown roads, we decided against it. Instead after lunch in a Japanese garden, we relaxed by the hotel pool with a drink and taking a refreshing dip or two.
Next we cleaned up and headed out for the rest of the day for some souvenir shopping, a massage at a fancy spa, and then a special traditional dance. The dance, called Kecak and Fire dance, had no instruments for music, but rather had 50+ men chanting and clapping their hands as music. It provided for a very rhythmic and spiritual atmosphere. The last dance of the nighty included a man dancing on flaming coconut shells add he imitated a horse.
After the show we went to a to recommended restaurant in our guide book, a Cuban restaurant, where we both had baby back ribs in a guava barbeque sauce. They were fall off the bone delicious. Three live salsa music and our private two top table on a terrace provided for a fun and romantic dinner.
I also called home today to wish my baby brother Josh a happy 18th birthday, which was a treat for me probably more than him.
Next we cleaned up and headed out for the rest of the day for some souvenir shopping, a massage at a fancy spa, and then a special traditional dance. The dance, called Kecak and Fire dance, had no instruments for music, but rather had 50+ men chanting and clapping their hands as music. It provided for a very rhythmic and spiritual atmosphere. The last dance of the nighty included a man dancing on flaming coconut shells add he imitated a horse.
After the show we went to a to recommended restaurant in our guide book, a Cuban restaurant, where we both had baby back ribs in a guava barbeque sauce. They were fall off the bone delicious. Three live salsa music and our private two top table on a terrace provided for a fun and romantic dinner.
I also called home today to wish my baby brother Josh a happy 18th birthday, which was a treat for me probably more than him.
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Sunday, September 25, 2011
September 24, 2011 / Detour
Nothing went as planned today. After a filling breakfast we waited at the front of the hotel for an hour for a tour guide that never showed up. We were meant to be headed towards Komodo Island for the weekend for swimming, boating, trekking, snorkeling, and watching the komodo dragons in their natural habitat. This was the only tour we booked in advance of our trip. When the hotel called, they said the tour group said they didn't have our reservation. Matthew called back and spoke to the man he had corresponded with via email. The man said there were problems with their boat and he had emailed Matthew the night before. We had no such email. After some deliberation, we canceled the trip and decided not to go a day later, but rather not go at all, especially as they couldn't guarantee the boat would be fixed the next day.
The marriott hotel was booked full for the weekend. Plan C: Head north to a city that is known as the cultural center of Bali, Ubud.
I spent 30 minutes finding a decently priced hotel in that area and even called the Expedia reservation hotline, who couldn't understand how it was Saturday for me and not Friday. So we were on our own. With some internet google magic and trickery, I found a well priced place in the center of the village with decent reviews. Only one room left, it was fate.
After an hour and a half drive there, we were warmly greeted with mixed juice and rice wine along with a perfumed cold towel. The hotel is made of multiple little houses with a couple to few rooms built in each. It is set in the jungle on the edge of a small valley. its serenity and beauty cannot be captured in words.
We went for a lunch where our drinks were served in a pineapple and in a papaya. The decoration was slightly ridiculous but completely fun as we overlooked the jungle valley below from our table.
After a siesta, we walked and walked more exploring the area and weaving in and out of markets. The bargaining for market goods is almost silly. I saw some hand painted keychains and asked for a discount in the asking price. She offered again 400% my asking price, I came back and she dropped a couple bucks, at which I walked away. To my back she continued to yell lower and lower prices until she finally hit my asking price. But a day late and a dollar short, I wasnt buying from her.
We wondered around looking at little shops, or warungs, and then attended a traditional dance. The dance was of the story of the Legong, a tale of a king who takes a maiden captive and starts a war in which he dies. The costumes were unreal and gorgeous. This was performed by a famous dance group well known internationally.
Next was a late dinner with live reggae. Both band and meal were a bit bland and over done, but the deal on shots was great. Buy 1 get 5 free! Of course the one shot cost was marked up quite a bit. But we tried a round.
We got a beer for the road and walked back a ways to the hotel for a midnights bedtime. Another day awaited.
The marriott hotel was booked full for the weekend. Plan C: Head north to a city that is known as the cultural center of Bali, Ubud.
I spent 30 minutes finding a decently priced hotel in that area and even called the Expedia reservation hotline, who couldn't understand how it was Saturday for me and not Friday. So we were on our own. With some internet google magic and trickery, I found a well priced place in the center of the village with decent reviews. Only one room left, it was fate.
After an hour and a half drive there, we were warmly greeted with mixed juice and rice wine along with a perfumed cold towel. The hotel is made of multiple little houses with a couple to few rooms built in each. It is set in the jungle on the edge of a small valley. its serenity and beauty cannot be captured in words.
We went for a lunch where our drinks were served in a pineapple and in a papaya. The decoration was slightly ridiculous but completely fun as we overlooked the jungle valley below from our table.
After a siesta, we walked and walked more exploring the area and weaving in and out of markets. The bargaining for market goods is almost silly. I saw some hand painted keychains and asked for a discount in the asking price. She offered again 400% my asking price, I came back and she dropped a couple bucks, at which I walked away. To my back she continued to yell lower and lower prices until she finally hit my asking price. But a day late and a dollar short, I wasnt buying from her.
We wondered around looking at little shops, or warungs, and then attended a traditional dance. The dance was of the story of the Legong, a tale of a king who takes a maiden captive and starts a war in which he dies. The costumes were unreal and gorgeous. This was performed by a famous dance group well known internationally.
Next was a late dinner with live reggae. Both band and meal were a bit bland and over done, but the deal on shots was great. Buy 1 get 5 free! Of course the one shot cost was marked up quite a bit. But we tried a round.
We got a beer for the road and walked back a ways to the hotel for a midnights bedtime. Another day awaited.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011
September 23, 2011 / Journey to Kintamani Volcano and Tanah Lot temple tour
What do you call 3 to 5 people on a motor scooter in Bali? A Bali mini van. the scooters are every where. We booked a tour to visit some key points of interest in east Bali. Although we expected a tour bus, it ended up being just us two and Madi, our driver from yesterday, in his comfortable leather SUV.
The first stop was the traditional Barong dance in Batubulan. Despite running late and missing half of the performance due to a traffic jam caused by a funeral, it was still entertaining to see the costumes and hear the accompanying music.
Next we enjoyed villages of artisans in Celuk where hand made gold and silver jewelry are made. Mas was a small village where the most beautiful and outrageously priced wood carvings are done. Tables to chairs to decorations and even a giant crucifix, which was odd to see in this part of the world. the village of Batuan is where painters live and work. The art was beautiful and we purchased a traditional painting depicting the cultural nature of Bali. Each little village has its own trade which everyone in the village learns and does for a living.
The waterfall in Tegenungan village was far away from view but the view was still breathtaking.
Next we walked through a spice garden which was like walking into Oz. They gave us tastings of their homemade cocoa, teas, and coffee - including the most expensive coffee in the world taking and cleaned from a specific animals dung. It was all delicious and I had to buy some Ginger Coffee for myself. While enjoying our drinks, they also offered but we nicely declined a cigarette from their homemade tobacco. You could see the archaic coffee making process too. The view of rice fields and a villa in the distance was lovely. Zack - This waterfall photo is for you.
Next we had a buffet lunch at Kintamani Hill while enjoying the picturesque view of a volcano and its crater lake. Although cloudy, it is images I'll never forget.
Next we visited beautiful architected rice terraces in Tegallalang and then the monkey forest in Ubud where the monkeys were menaces. One monkey climbed up a man's shorts and pulled a bag of small bananas out of his pocket and then quickly scampered away.
Mengwi village hosts the Taman Ayun royal family temple where we walked around the moat surrounded temple. Although run down, the beautiful stone carvings painted a imaginative picture of what it may have looked like in its hay day.
Finally we enjoyed what little sunset there was in the cloudy sky at the famous Tanah Lot temple, which juts out from
It was a jam packed cultural day but worth the $70!
Of course we continued back to Nusa Dua, where we call 'home', and had $10 massages followed by a relaxing dinner.
We are off today (Saturday) to Komodo Island for the weekend for trekking, snorkeling, and adventuring. Its a one hour flight to the island on a prop plan and then we will spend tonight sleeping on a boat. I'm (going to be) ON A BOAT!
The first stop was the traditional Barong dance in Batubulan. Despite running late and missing half of the performance due to a traffic jam caused by a funeral, it was still entertaining to see the costumes and hear the accompanying music.
Next we enjoyed villages of artisans in Celuk where hand made gold and silver jewelry are made. Mas was a small village where the most beautiful and outrageously priced wood carvings are done. Tables to chairs to decorations and even a giant crucifix, which was odd to see in this part of the world. the village of Batuan is where painters live and work. The art was beautiful and we purchased a traditional painting depicting the cultural nature of Bali. Each little village has its own trade which everyone in the village learns and does for a living.
The waterfall in Tegenungan village was far away from view but the view was still breathtaking.
Next we walked through a spice garden which was like walking into Oz. They gave us tastings of their homemade cocoa, teas, and coffee - including the most expensive coffee in the world taking and cleaned from a specific animals dung. It was all delicious and I had to buy some Ginger Coffee for myself. While enjoying our drinks, they also offered but we nicely declined a cigarette from their homemade tobacco. You could see the archaic coffee making process too. The view of rice fields and a villa in the distance was lovely. Zack - This waterfall photo is for you.
Next we had a buffet lunch at Kintamani Hill while enjoying the picturesque view of a volcano and its crater lake. Although cloudy, it is images I'll never forget.
Next we visited beautiful architected rice terraces in Tegallalang and then the monkey forest in Ubud where the monkeys were menaces. One monkey climbed up a man's shorts and pulled a bag of small bananas out of his pocket and then quickly scampered away.
Mengwi village hosts the Taman Ayun royal family temple where we walked around the moat surrounded temple. Although run down, the beautiful stone carvings painted a imaginative picture of what it may have looked like in its hay day.
Finally we enjoyed what little sunset there was in the cloudy sky at the famous Tanah Lot temple, which juts out from
It was a jam packed cultural day but worth the $70!
Of course we continued back to Nusa Dua, where we call 'home', and had $10 massages followed by a relaxing dinner.
We are off today (Saturday) to Komodo Island for the weekend for trekking, snorkeling, and adventuring. Its a one hour flight to the island on a prop plan and then we will spend tonight sleeping on a boat. I'm (going to be) ON A BOAT!
September 22, 2011 / Bouncing Around
I'm so proud that I slept in until 6am! We planed out points of interest for the day and then had a delicious breakfast by the serene hotel pool. We rented a car with a driver for the day to save some money on transport and take us around. Madi, our driver, is a young, friendly, Hindu man who is very conscious of our comfort and hospitality towards us. And unlike some drivers, he isn't overly talkative either. We started at the Bali Orchid Garden in Sanur, a 40 minute drive from our five star hotel.
I haven't mentioned but our hotel is new and has one of the coolest pools I've ever seen, which runs like a river through the middle of the hotel complex. The decorations are stunning yet not over done. Just simple and elegant. Each night there are two men playing traditional instruments in the lobby that look like xylophones.
As I usually do, I digress...
The orchids garden was beautiful. We were greeted by a guide who have us a glass of tropical juice and a cool towel and then toured the grounds. We took many pictures which I look forward to seeing on a computer later and posting.
Next we drive to the Bali capital, Denspar. We did a 3 mile walking tour outlined in our travel book which provided us to see two Hindu temples, the outside of an old palace, two markets selling textiles and another selling fruits, flowers, spices and chicken parts. Yes, chicken hearts, chicken feet, and chicken wings. We also visited a central park with a memorial commemorating the fight against the dutch invasion in 1906.
Next our driver took us where we could hitch a glass bottom boat out first to see coral and fish and then onward to a turtle sanctuary and conservatory. The turtles were amazing and we got to hold two and take pictures with them. They had ones only a week old and another as old as 70 years. Not only did they have turtles, but they also had porcupines, bats, and toucans. We also got to hold a sea eagle, a snake, and an iguana. Our final tourist stop of the day was in a small fishing village called Benoa. We visited a Chinese Buddhist temple, saw a mosque, and visited a traditional dance school with a beautiful stage. A local man took it upon himself to offer to walk around with us and give us tourist tidbits, but we were able to dodge his request for a tip in return. Luckily the Balinese do not push for tips verbally but rather hover which is much easier to dodge when tips are uncalled for.
We returned back to Nusa Dua for an evening massage. We had one hour aromatherapy massages for $10 each. And they did wonders on our still aching muscles from surfing. We walked down the street from dinner and had shrimp and lobster dishes along with some tasty tropical fruit mixed drinks. We also had on the house, Arak, a strong rice spirit that is 100% proof. Even when served with some lemonade it makes my mouth pucker. Post a drink or two more, we crashed and were asleep by 10pm.
I haven't mentioned but our hotel is new and has one of the coolest pools I've ever seen, which runs like a river through the middle of the hotel complex. The decorations are stunning yet not over done. Just simple and elegant. Each night there are two men playing traditional instruments in the lobby that look like xylophones.
As I usually do, I digress...
The orchids garden was beautiful. We were greeted by a guide who have us a glass of tropical juice and a cool towel and then toured the grounds. We took many pictures which I look forward to seeing on a computer later and posting.
Next we drive to the Bali capital, Denspar. We did a 3 mile walking tour outlined in our travel book which provided us to see two Hindu temples, the outside of an old palace, two markets selling textiles and another selling fruits, flowers, spices and chicken parts. Yes, chicken hearts, chicken feet, and chicken wings. We also visited a central park with a memorial commemorating the fight against the dutch invasion in 1906.
Next our driver took us where we could hitch a glass bottom boat out first to see coral and fish and then onward to a turtle sanctuary and conservatory. The turtles were amazing and we got to hold two and take pictures with them. They had ones only a week old and another as old as 70 years. Not only did they have turtles, but they also had porcupines, bats, and toucans. We also got to hold a sea eagle, a snake, and an iguana. Our final tourist stop of the day was in a small fishing village called Benoa. We visited a Chinese Buddhist temple, saw a mosque, and visited a traditional dance school with a beautiful stage. A local man took it upon himself to offer to walk around with us and give us tourist tidbits, but we were able to dodge his request for a tip in return. Luckily the Balinese do not push for tips verbally but rather hover which is much easier to dodge when tips are uncalled for.
We returned back to Nusa Dua for an evening massage. We had one hour aromatherapy massages for $10 each. And they did wonders on our still aching muscles from surfing. We walked down the street from dinner and had shrimp and lobster dishes along with some tasty tropical fruit mixed drinks. We also had on the house, Arak, a strong rice spirit that is 100% proof. Even when served with some lemonade it makes my mouth pucker. Post a drink or two more, we crashed and were asleep by 10pm.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
September 21, 2011 / Surf's Up!
Although I still woke up at 430 am from jet lag, we started the day ambitiously headed towards Kuta beach. Our 8 am surf lesson awaited us. 3 students to one instructor proved helpful compared to the lessons I had previous taken in Australia in 2009. We started out practicing basic balance in the pool at the hard rock cafe hotel and then moved to the Indian ocean. when arriving on the beach, our jaws dropped at the size of the waves this morning. This was going to be interesting, to say the least. The instructor was great - hands down great. Two hours in the water, with a small break mixed in, was just as physically tolling as I remembered it too be, if not more on this day. You only needed to go out 30 to 40 feet into waist deep water to catch a wave. Matt, with his mountain goat like balance, was a natural. He took to it quickly. I still need practice but did catch my fair share of waves and could see myself making progress. The tide and waves were so strong that getting even the minimal distance out was exhausting. During our break, an older woman was having her son take her picture with us. Is this what its like to be cool? :) As I warned Matt, after two hours we were done surfing for the day. We mingled at the surf shop while they prepared a CD of 212 photos of us surfing. Mostly wiping out actually.
We continued our day at Kuta beach with a filing lunch and drinks. Yes, drinks at 11am :) Following lunch we relaxed for hours on the beach. Relaxing and reading. The hawkers in Kuta are beyond annoying. Trying to over charge and sell anything possible. Although it its impressive to see the fruit sellers carrying large baskets of pineapples, bananas, and mango balanced on their heads. How are those skinny necks so strong!?
We wandered around Kuta, dodging a time share scheme, popping into a few shops, and then finding a Chinese Buddhist temple. The temple was simple yet ornate. Despite the loud hustle and bustle just feet outside the metal gate, there was peace and tranquility in each corner. After returning to our hotel and cleaning up, we headed for a beer at happy hour and then to dinner. At dinner, I received a short lived rose for filing out a comment survey. I would later regret this in the morning when I had to dodge a phone call from another time share. once again the daily activities and jet lag had me conquered and I crashed by 9pm.
We continued our day at Kuta beach with a filing lunch and drinks. Yes, drinks at 11am :) Following lunch we relaxed for hours on the beach. Relaxing and reading. The hawkers in Kuta are beyond annoying. Trying to over charge and sell anything possible. Although it its impressive to see the fruit sellers carrying large baskets of pineapples, bananas, and mango balanced on their heads. How are those skinny necks so strong!?
We wandered around Kuta, dodging a time share scheme, popping into a few shops, and then finding a Chinese Buddhist temple. The temple was simple yet ornate. Despite the loud hustle and bustle just feet outside the metal gate, there was peace and tranquility in each corner. After returning to our hotel and cleaning up, we headed for a beer at happy hour and then to dinner. At dinner, I received a short lived rose for filing out a comment survey. I would later regret this in the morning when I had to dodge a phone call from another time share. once again the daily activities and jet lag had me conquered and I crashed by 9pm.
September 20, 2011 / First Full Day in Bail
Today was our first full day in Bali. I woke up at 430am, plagued by jet lag. Of course Matthew has no internal clock so is not phased by the time difference. We started the day by visiting a temple built in the 11th century called Ulu Watu. Its known for its grey monkey residents, who I may add are adorable and I'm disappointed one didn't try to sit on my head or shoulder as they are known to do. Still they provided for some great pictures, as did the scenery of cliffs and the turning Indian ocean.
Our taxi driver who took us to the temple waited an hour for us to tour without extra cost. He was worried we wouldn't find transport any other way if he didn't stay.
Next we headed to Kuta where we booked a surf lesson for the next day and had an hour massage for $11. It was fantastic too!
After returning to our hotel in Nusa Dua, we laid by the pool reading and then had some drinks at happy hour. Rough times. We enjoyed a dinner with live music, comprised of 70s American rock, and then tried to watch a movie. I passed out from sheer exhaustion 10 minutes in. Matt at least enjoyed the film.
Our taxi driver who took us to the temple waited an hour for us to tour without extra cost. He was worried we wouldn't find transport any other way if he didn't stay.
Next we headed to Kuta where we booked a surf lesson for the next day and had an hour massage for $11. It was fantastic too!
After returning to our hotel in Nusa Dua, we laid by the pool reading and then had some drinks at happy hour. Rough times. We enjoyed a dinner with live music, comprised of 70s American rock, and then tried to watch a movie. I passed out from sheer exhaustion 10 minutes in. Matt at least enjoyed the film.
Finally Landed
After 24 hours of air travel only, which doesn't count the layovers, we made it to denpasar bali. Man, we are tired and our bodies aren't sure which day it is. But our adventures begin. We have no phone and limited internet while siting at meals. After settling in at the brand new and impressive courtyard marriott, we walked a couple of miles down the near beach and enjoyed the low tide. We walked around a park with a joined island head where the water crashes against rock cliffs. The nature is beautiful and there is so much sensory touches to absorb. The excursions also are endless. This will only get more interesting.
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