The Arrival

After the many months of planning, pondering on what to take and what not to take (1 pair of long jeans or none? how many singlets? etc.), meticulously planning our departure (what to switch off at home? who to ask to water the garden? etc.), finally the long awaited morning of Monday 9th September arrived! Everything went as planned: last switching off of appliances at home and off to the airport for our flight! 3 ½ hours later, we arrived at 1730 to a most beautiful, balmy 28 degrees, traffic infested Bali! 30 minute drive and here we are, our home for the next 2 months! Beautiful apartment in Kerobokan, with our own outdoor kitchen and garden, the building has a swimming pool and little restaurant. Quick set-up of our new home: bleaching of bathroom area, spraying of insect repellant throughout, re-assemble the fan we brought from home (not using the air-con during these 2 months! doing our bit for the environment but especially for our health!), unpack the wok, turn on the burners, light the citronella and lemongrass incense sticks, heat our home cooked meal, open two beautifully chilled Bintangs, et voila’: we’re settled and ready to go, enjoying our first evening in Bali! Our adventure begins! Tip # 1 : for what-ever reason, who knows how or why, change your hard cash at Bali airport, as you get a fantastic exchange rate! Example, we got 10,100 Rupiah for every 1 Australian Dollar! You’re lucky to get 8500 in Australia…