05-NOV - Tue - End of chapter 3 – Our Balinese seaside adventure – The highlights

Our seaside stay in the areas of Seminyak, Legian and Kerobokan has come to an end. What are our highlights? Where to begin and where to stop? In summary we can say Bali is an amazing experience, where the real Bali can still be encounter, despite it disappearing quickly. We have seen rice paddies just by taking a different turn, meters from the main road, and we have seen rice paddies that were dried up and being filled in, ready for the next resort, shop or other construction. This trip is the memory of a lifetime! Because of our hiring of a scooter and just going places and stopping where-ever we felt like stopping; because of our trying to keep up with the locals, zooming through traffic, learning the local crazy road rules; because of having the guts to just venture into areas off the beaten track and being rewarded with breathtaking sights of family compounds, temples or finding eateries we never expected; because of our stopping at the local market and just venturing into the stalls, well aware that few would speak English but still walking off with a bag full of food and a smile on everyone’s faces; because of the unexpected and very pleasant visit by la mamma, allowing us to share with her all that we discovered; because of the crazy diversion to Lombok and the contrast we experienced; especially because we had the courage to take the bull by the horns and took on the opportunity to invest in a new business venture, with the added experience of doing business in a developing country; and finally because we have spent 24/7 together, not killed each other and now know each other like the back of our palms, laughing at the multiple times we come up with the exact same thought at the exact same time. Apart from this, culturally our highlights have been visiting the cliff temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu, regrettably flooded by tourists but never-the-less breathtakingly beautiful and well worth a visit. Also, seeing the most miniscule to the most intricate and fabulous family temples, as one zooms the side alley ways, never stops to make us marvel. They are intricate and beautiful stone temples, cut out of black volcanic rock, some with the most ornate thatched rooves topped by little golden crowns, decorated with the most pretty yellow, white and chequered black and white umbrellas, and full of offerings with incense burning, just magical! We were also lucky enough of being here for Galungan and Kuningan, two very important days on the religious calendar of the Balinese, when all Gods descend on Earth. The streets decorated with the most amazing bamboo poles, curving onto the centre of the streets, with the most intricate ornaments and flags hanging from it. Sudden processions of Balinese all dressed in white, carrying offerings and assembling in front of the village or suburban temple, blocking off entire streets, sitting on the pavement whilst the priests are inside, music and chanting to be heard. An amazing spectacle for us, an obvious important occasion for the Balinese. Culinary highlights have most definitely been visits to local warungs with their traditional Balinese dishes, Warung Cobek and Nook, both with views over rice paddies being the top of the list. For a vegetarian experience and nice trip away from the hustle and bustle, a visit to Green Ginger in Canggu is well worth the trip or Thai Corner for a cheap meal. If one seeks more refined dining, Gado Gado overlooking the ocean and the beach of Seminyak is still a great destination, together with Ginger Moon on Jalan Laksmana or the Moroccan inspired Khaima next door. Of course there are many more to explore, and keep exploring we will. For a day in the sun, one cannot pass the experience at a beach club or day bed on the black sand. Seminyak beach being the best, as it is less crowded than its Legian and Kuta counterparts. Cocoon Beach Club, Potatoe Head Beach Club and Mozaic with their minimum spends have become too expensive for a daily re-occurrence. Ku De Ta and W Hotel reign supreme for a day in luxury under the sun. When it comes to shopping, Bali is full of little boutiques that wait to be discovered, with locally made, quality fashion and one will never grow tired of strolling the streets. The best areas would have to be Jalan Raya Seminyak/Jalan Legian, Jalan Laksmana and to some extent Jalan Petitenget. Of course a visit to Discovery Shopping Mall and Beachwalk, both in Kuta (yes, you heard right!!!) are a welcomed distraction and perfect destination to avoid the midday sun. Bali is and remains a destination for every taste, from the budget destination to the pure bliss of five-star pampering, one can find it all! It is completely up to you what you want to make out of your Balinese experience!