Goodbye Bali

I am starting to write my final blog post for our girl's week in Bali while I wait in the Hana Salon. Always on the search for a bargain Ruaela and I found this place yesterday, and I had four treatments done! I told Jero the wonderful lady who did my brows, hair creme bath and haircut that I would come back today to get my hair dyed as I want to look my best for Bernie's wedding.

So as I wait in the chair for my few strands of white to become dark brown again, I review what I need to do before I go to the airport, I have ordered a driver through the hotel, the girls left an hour ago with their driver, the two rides have cost me $30, not too bad, at least that is organized. I count my money I have enough for a mani and a pedi so I get that done too so I can look glam for the wedding.

After I am all finished at the salon I go back to my room for a little rest, I have really enjoyed having this huge airconditioned room, with the king sized bed, and have spent a lot of time reading and playing word games here. I didn't feel like braving the world outside my room! After a little nap and a chat via skype to Eric, I walked down to the beach, it was really a case of it's now or never.

I had been told that it was a cesspit, but thought I should get a firsthand look at it myself, it turned out it was a brief 7 minute walk from the hotel, I wish I'd known this earlier. Once I got through the ornate walls there were colouful deckchairs close to the shady trees as far as the eye could see. The hawkers here also sold surf lessons,  alcohol and food, I had already planned to go back to yesterday's warung to get more cumi cumi so wasn't tempted. I strolled along the shoreline close to the waters edge, what surprised me that this area was completely empty and quite clean. After walking for half an hour I walked back up to the warung, I hadn't seen the strip yet, but thought that since I had no money it was pointless.

The lady at the warung recognized me and remembered that I didn't want rice, with our limited communication she told me she loved my top and asked me where I'd bought it, I had bought
it at New To You in Kuranda so just said Australia.  All I wanted was a pile of squid, tahu, tempe, urap and sambal she deftly wrapped it in waxed paper and a banana leaf, I was on my way licketty split.

There wasn't anywhere cool to eat it and I didn't want to sit by the pool if I wasn't cool and wet, so I went back to my room like a recluse and ate it off a little saucer with a teaspoon.  Eating done, I  lay down again and talked to hubby for an hour and reminded him (very gently) that I'd left the house clean and was hoping not to come back to a sink full of dishes. I could hear the sink filling and dishes rattling around in the water - the gentle art of persuasion.

After my long soak I rapidly dressed and went down to meet my preordered driver, I was told he was 30 mins away ( after I had waited for 20 mins). I had a few anxious moments and we established that I only had the money that I had been quoted thr attendant said he'd order another driver.

Once in the car the driver asked me how much I'd paid the attendant when I told him he laughed and said he only got $5 per trip and the attendants were well known for taking a cut!! Anyway it was all good and after a 20 minute drive during which  we exchanged our passion for food, I  was at the airport ready to wing it back to Oz, bye Bali see you next year!