Good-bye Bali

Much to my dismay, I woke up really early this morning. I had a nice leisurely breakfast and went to finish puttering around in my room until I had my appointment.

I sat down to start having my hair taken out. Even though I had about 7 people working on my hair, I had one person to take it out. The braids were very tiny!!!! So I helped and between the 2 of us, it still took 1½ hours to get my hair out. I had my facial and that was nice. Then I had my hair cut. I was really apprehensive because I have had my hair cut in Korea and it’s been really screwed up, so I was unsure what the result would be. At the moment, I am happy with it. It’s not been dried properly because it is just too hot for that. I will have to wait till I get home.

Speaking of which, I don’t want to go home. Not because I don’t want to work, it’s because of the atmosphere here; it doesn’t smell and the air is fresh. Seoul is just stinky, even in winter. Plus, it’s cold. I have been really lucky; it’s just rained on my last day, for the most part. I loved my time in Bali. It’s been very different from my experience in Thailand. It started off right because they didn’t sent my bags to Cambodia this time. So I will head back to smelly Korea, tanned and a little more refreshed. I think I need one more jump in the pool though.

My Last Full Day in Bali

I had planned to sleep in a little on my vacation, but that plan was foiled by my mom who was concerned because I hadn’t checked-in in a couple of days. The phone calls home were expensive – totaling $80 CDN. OUCH!!!! Oh well, what can you do? She got me up in time for breakfast though.

So I had my breakie and I headed out to actually pick up my dad’s present. I had to pay cash to get a better price. I ended up doing a little more shopping and was finally finished. I ran into Ayla again and they were going to go surfing at a beach further away – Echo beach. So I tagged along with everyone. We ended up just watching while her and one of the Fabio’s went surfing. It was nice to sit, but I would have liked to have been out there practicing.

After they were done surfing, we headed back to Tanan Lot. I was glad I went with them because there were parts of that temple and surrounding area that I didn’t get pictures of. I also got my grandmother’s present, which I also hope survive the trip home. It’s made of bamboo.

We finally headed back to their hotel, Barong. Once there, I caught a taxi back to my hotel and stared at my stuff that I had to CRAM/SHOVE into my backpack. I put that off and had a nice shower and chilled on my bed, procrastinating. I began to slowly get things in order. I was going to meet Ayla and her friends out at Bounty, which was the night club we went to on Friday. Bur after packing I just couldn’t be bothered. I was too tired. So I chilled in bed, watched tv and too the beads and elastics out of my hair. I was going to the Spa Sunday morning to have my braids taken out and to have a facial.

Surf's Up

I was excited I was going to go surfing in the morning but ended up going surfing in the afternoon. This was a good thing because I went looking for my dad’s present as well as I finally bought some dvds, which are even cheaper here than in Korea. I got back to the hotel just in time to meet up with the MBA guy – this was the company I book my tours with. Ku-ming took me to the surf shop where I would have my lesson.

My instructor filled me in on the different waves, the tide and current and all that is surfing. He even made a bet I would get up on my first try. I got halfway up and it took my third try to have a good run. I even caught a few “green” waves, which are ones that have not broken yet. It was a lot of fun! I would recommend it to anyone.

I went shopping for things for my family and me after that. I even found the post office to pick up some stamps for my dad. When I finished that, I ran into Ayla and her friends, Alan and met two Fabio’s. All are from Brazil, studying English in Australia.

We went for dinner and then made plans to go out. I wore one of my new outfits for clubbing and I had on more clothes than most people – a skirt and a strapless shirt. There were people there wearing just shorts (the guys) and girls in bikini’s and stuff. There were people that had on jeans and sweatshirts and I can’t even fathom putting those articles of clothing on here. I headed back to my hotel about 3am.

Darling, Sweetie, Honey, What do you want?

I have never been referred to the above so many times in my life. It has been the most irritating thing on my vacation. Other than that, I've had a great time. On Thursday, Ayla and I toured all over. We went to see how they made Batik, which is a weaving technique. I bought this gorgeous painting/print outlined with gold accenting. Adding to the mix, it was a wicked hot day!! After that we head out to (I think) a woodcarving. They used various woods such as sandalwood and ebony. The carvings varied in sizes. The detail was quite incredible. After that pit stop, we headed to Celuk, which is a major jewellery making centre. I bought a necklace there and picture of my astrological sign made out of silver. I’m going to have it reset because the frame is awful.

Following these frequent pit stops, we went to Gunung Kawi, which is a temple. They had a ton of stairs to descend and once we finally got there, we saw what is meant to represent the mountains carved into a wall of rock. There were about 4 or 5 of these huge “mountains”. On our way down we were bombarded with people wanting us to buy their wares. So on the way up, Ayla and I had fun shopping - almost to the point of putting us off schedule. I bought a mask, some clothes and a coconut carving depicting butterflies. I just hope is survives the trip home.

When we had finally finished up there, we headed to Kitamani. This is the still an active volcano in Bali. It was beautiful. We happened to have a sun shower on the way up there. We ate lunch at this place overlooking the area of the volcano. It finished raining and we were lucky enough to see a rainbow that was very vivid and I took tons of pictures of it. As well with it raining on and off it caused clouds to rise up from the ground.

After visiting the lookout point for the volcano, we went to see some more rice terraces. These were steeper than the ones I had previously seen. As well, we visited the Elephant cave, Goa Goja. It was a really elaborate carving that was the mouth of a small “cave”. Then we walked down to see a waterfall. I got my fill of waterfalls this trip as opposed to my trips to Thailand where I didn’t see any.
That was our last stop of the day and we finally headed home. It was a long day of touring and I was ready to relax a little. I planned to meet up with Ayla for dinner. We went shopping some more because she needed shoes and I needed stuff for surfing for the next day.

Here, There, Everywhere

Well, over the last couple of days, I have been busy touring and the computer has been too slow for my liking - thus no post yesteray.

Yesterday, I went to many places on the tour track. I had my own personal tour guide, of course at a little bit extra $$. After a while, I was glad that I was on my own, cause then I got to do what I wanted.

We headed of to Mengwi, which is a temple that they still use and perform rituals everything 230-something days. It was so HOT by the time we got there, we kind of raced through. There were some cool sculptural works, one was made out of food and the other was made out of beans and corn and such. (A link via the title, will be added as soon as I get home).

After this we headed to Tanan Lot, which is a temple that is closely associated with the Majapahit p riest, Nirartha. All I know is, I was apart of the tourist trap that it is known to be. There were a bunch of school trips at the temple when I arrived. I kept getting stared at and thought they just were laughing at my hair (which is braided) and my sticking out like a sore thumb. Finally someone got up the courage to speak with my drive, Gede, and I found out that they wanted to take my picture. I have never had my picture taken so many times - even in Korea. I have a few pictures of my own of the students who were from various surrounding island. It was nice to be the center of attention.

After that, we headed to Nusa Dua, where I could partake is certain water sports. I decided after much deliberation and negotiation to try scuba diving. I have only ever done snorkeling, so I knew that this was going to be a bit of a stretch. I figured that if my father can do it, so can I.
Once out onto the boat though, I started to have second thoughts, but it was too late for that. I got suited up and then had to jump into the water. I am such a suck!!! I was nervous just doing that. Then my guide who was VERY patient got me all set to dive under. At which point, I started to panic/hyperventalate and had to go back to the surface and calm myself down. Back down we went and I was able to stay under this time. It was the coolest hour ever!!! Everything under the water is so vivid in colour - mainly lots of purples. I even saw to small sting rays and an orange star fish - which I think I have pics of, but they are being developed at the moment and I have to pick them up tomorrow. I can't wait!! I even got a shell from my dive and true to form, I left it on the table at the dive site. Oh well, at least I have the pictures.

After that, we were off to Ulu Watu, which is another temple. This temple is "one of the only nine directional temples, as well as a sea temple honouring the many gods in the waters right around the island" (Lonely Planet, p20). Gede told me to take of my sunglasses and earrings because the monkeys there are NOT afraid of you or of jumping on you. I saw a couple people experience that. I took lots of pictures from the cliff side - it was very beautiful. As we waited for the sun to set, we watched out for flying monkeys. Finally, the sun started to set, which I video taped in hopes to see the green flash. For those of you who don't know what that is. It's when the top of the sun hits the ocean and causes, literally, a green flash. I have only seen one in my life and that was in Barbados. It was still a gorgeous sunset. Nice to see one after being in Korea for so long - almost forgot what they look like. Will also mention that I can see stars again, they're still there - the billions of them.

After sunset, we made our way to a place for dinner. They had a buffet and dance/song package. The buffet was nice and the entertainment was good, espeically because they had a 6-year-old performer. He really stole the show!!! It was very cute. I also got to listen and play a tradition Balinese instrument that takes about 40 people to play, but this group did it with only 8. It was very impressive.

After a long day, I finally headed back to my hotel. I need some sleep, but first I had to change rooms. I am so happy I did. My room has a more interior location, which is much better for sleeping. I got up bright and early around 7am to get ready to go rafting.

It took about 2 hours to get to the rafting sight and to get going. Once we finally did, it was a blast!! It made me really miss camp and canoeing, which I always did solo. Made me think of home and the cottage. Anyways, I had to help some of my boat mates because they didn't remember what the "teacher" told them. So off we were and it was fairly relaxed rapids. We stopped halfway and took pics at a waterfall or rather in the waterfall. At least I tried to crawl in or onto the rocks and kept getting shoved off because the water was so strong. Back to the boats after many pictures. We had to watch out for LOW bridges, I swear I was going to take a knock in the head, but I was lucky. Then we went over a dam, which was like a good 4 or 5 foot drop. After we reached our end point, someone forgot to mention the ridiculous stairs we had to climb. We had lunch there and then headed home.

I met a girl, Ayla from Brazil. She is studying English in Australia. She has a friend here, but he just wants to sit around watching movies and such. So her and I are going to Ubud and surrounding area, plus the volcano tomorrow. Should be interesting, keep you all posted.

A Relaxing Day at the Spa

Since I am on vacation, I decided to treat myself. I spent a wonderful morning at the spa. I had a 1 hours massage followed by a body scrub. Then I had a rejuvinating bath with flowers petals. Mom, you jealous? Then for an 1 1/2, I sat in a chair and had my hair braided by up to seven people at one time. I have so much hair that they had trouble getting the clips to hold it, so I got to help a little and tied it up for them. Having my hair like this, in this heat makes it so much more bareable. I really do have to find a bandana or hat so I don't burn my scalp, cause that totally sucks!

I went for a leisurely lunch and hung out at a bar, watching traffic. The staff wore shirts that said "Helping Ugly People get Laid since 1862". Then I sat by the pool for a couple of hours, read my book and worked on my tan.

I decided to not be too lazy and went walking to check out the area. I have never been called "darling" or "sweetie" so much in my life. I behaved myself and didn't lose it once - I even impressed myself. I know that they are trying to make a living and I stand out like a sore thumb, but I would like to just walk around and check things out without being bombarded by pushy people.

Anyways, I am going to wander around tomorrow, I hope. I am trying to book some tours, but being by myself makes it a little more difficult. Oh well, what can you do. Keep you all posted.

Let the Adventure Begin

I have arrived safe and sound in Bali, to spend 9 wonderful days in the sun and surf. I ended up staying up all Friday night hanging with the Mok-dong crew - new and old. It was great to see everyone again. I miss living in a building with 10 foreigners.

I got up and off to the bus at 6am and arrived at Incheon an hour later. Got myself all checked in, bought travel insurance and headed into the terminal. Made a couple of obligatory phone calls to family at home to say bye and rub it in that I was going away.

My flight took off at 9am and landed in Singapore around 2:30. I slept most of the flight, which was find. The crew on that airline are very attentive, particularly one lady who made sure I had something to eat. Those of you who know me, know this is a difficult area for me. I waited around in Singapore for a couple of hours and finally boarded my flight to Bali. Even though this flight was shorter, it seemed to take forever.

I arrived just after 7pm and I had met a contact here through a friend in Korea. Her brother, Ade, lives in Bali and he came to pick me up at the airport. It was really nice not to worry about getting a taxi, negotiating and making sure I got to my hotel.

My hotel is nice and quiet large. It's night time so I haven't gotten the full impression of my surroundings yet. Tomorrow Ade and a friend of his are going to pick me up and we are going SHOPPING!!!! Should be fun and a little dangerous.

I will keep you all up-to-date on things here. Should be an interesting week. Ade seems to have some connections for para-sailing and other water sports. Should be fun!!!