oct 15th - 31st
15th October
Another early morning - this is great the body is still on Darwin time and we're not wasting half the morning, Dawn and Jeff will love it when we join them later in the week as they are early risers.
We enjoyed our regular breakfast before getting prime position by the pool. Not long after we were joined by some Aussies from Melbourne who had enjoyed 1 too many Jam Jars last night (rice wine cocktails!!). They we're really nice and we got chatting to them whilst enjoying floating around in the pool on the lilo that Mike had bought especially for Bec in Darwin - it even comes complete with a cup holder for the customary cocktail!!
The morning slipped by and it was lunch time so we hit the pub for a few beers and lunch before doing a bit of shopping for Mike. That was hard work, it seems that the store owners have had a good day today because they were not prepared to part with anything for a reasonable price. Four shops later he had finally purchased 4 shirts and he had his going home hat on.
Mike went back to the hotel whilst Bec hit the Seminyak shopping district hoping to find a nice dress to wear in Melbourne in a few weeks. No such luck she came home empty handed and with sore feet from heaps of walking!!
We then had a lazy arvo and some drinks out on our veranda before showering and going out to dinner at Poco Loco. We enjoyed a nice meal complete with bonus tricks from the barman - he had card games and match stick tricks, he could have kept going for hours!! We met an Aussie Guy with a Canadian Woman who were also being amused by him.
16th October
Had a bit of a sleep in this morning - the old body must be acclimatizing!! Had breakie before hitting the pool for most of the day.
It was lovely to have a day of reading and relaxing and it really recharged the batteries.
The day soon slipped by and it was time to shower and go out for tea. Tonight we're trying Kopi Pot, which is also managed by Poppies so the food is sure to be good. It was but the atmosphere wasn't anywhere near that of Poppies because it was close to the road and hustle and bustle. We still enjoyed a nice meal together before heading out for some shopping and another massage.
17th October
Today's our last day in Kuta and we're really looking forward to getting away from the craziness of it all and relaxing up in Tulamben with Dawn and Jeff so we've decided that another day by the pool is in order.
We did leave for lunch today though and had a little brush with fame!! As most of you probably know Bec's a bit addicted to Home and Away, well the new doctor that hooked up with Rachel is up here and we saw him at lunch at the corner bar!! Very exciting.
For our last night we couldn't resist the curries at Poppies so off we went again to Poppies 1 to enjoy another feast. It was lovely there as always and we had a great time. We've got the other Aussies back at the hotel onto it and they love it as well.
We then hit the streets for a bit more shopping and to get temporary tattoos to freak Mum and Dad out as they still don't know Mike has his eyebrow pierced!! Mike got Bec initials and Bec got Mike initials both on the inside of our wrists - Mikes is wonky so we don't think they'll fall for it.
As we were walking down Poppies 2 we spotted 3 people that we'd met at our caravan park in Darwin - what a spin out of all the people we could have run into!
We then enjoyed another massage near the hotel before falling into bed.
18th October
Awoke early as today has finally arrived and we're off to Mum and Dad’s - we got so much stuff to pack so we've given ourselves a few hours.
After breakie we got straight onto it and it was all finished very quickly so Mike watched some foxtel whilst Bec hit the day spa to have her nails repainted and a quick massage, oh this is the life!!
We then said goodbye to our Aussie mates before getting a lovely surprise, Mum had come to pick us up and met us in the lobby!! Dads working today doing some dive guiding so Mum came up with the driver. It’s great to see her after almost 10 months, she's looking fantastic and we've all got so much to tell each other.
We hit the shops to stock up on western food before starting the trek home - its only 2.5 hours now thanks to the highway extension. The drive home seemed very brief as we had so much catching up to do but we also didn't want Dad to miss out on too much so we saved some stories for home.
By the time we got to Tulamben it was past 4 and not long after we got home Dad arrived back from the office - The Bali Sea!! It was so great to see him and we spent a few hours catching up after what seemed like forever. They're both so well and love their life in Bali - it’s a pretty hard one at that, lots of diving and enjoying themselves!!
7pm rolled around and we were to be the honorary guests at Made's (Marde) webbrrr! Went we arrived Made was so pleased to see us and had set aside a special table for the 4 of us. That was great as we had a lot of catching up to do and as we were both tired the thought of socializing with 20+ new faces was a bit much - maybe another night!! We enjoyed a fantastic feast before retiring back to our room for a much needed sleep, hopefully Bec gets a good night sleep tonight as recently she's been having dreams about crocodiles chasing her etc. and no she hasn't been drinking arak before bed!!
19th October
We awoke this morning to the house girl sweeping the yard and got up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast - Mum put on a great spread and it was nice just to have a lazy morning together.
We then to Kubu for a snorkel to ease our way into it after not diving since last July. The water was warm and there was plenty to see so it was a great way to acclimatize ourselves.
Lunch time was calling and after a week of toasted or hot lunches we were pleased to enjoy just a nice simple cold roll back at the ranch.
The men then had an arvo rest whilst the girls enjoyed a dip in the pool and more catching up.
Soon it was time for the sun to set so we poured a roadie and walked the 80 meters to the water and enjoyed a bevies watching the jukungs return from a days fishing. It was really still down by the water and the tide was very low so it made for a very peaceful evening.
The men then had some running around to do so Mum diligently put on tea whilst Bec updated the diary - they days seem to just been combining so it’s important to keep on top of it whilst we're here.
20th October
We all enjoyed a relaxing one this morning involving breakfast and reading and then we hati hati (slowly slowly) got ready for the first dive of the trip. Today Mike and Jeff are going diving together to easy Mike's way into it after over a 12 month break.
We pack up the VW or vwee as the locals would say and headed to a dive site named G Spot after Jeff. Some of his photography students named the site but didn't realize its Jeff with a J and not Geoff - oh well the thought was there and its quite a catchy name. Mike did really well and enjoyed the dive which took him to depths of 18 meters. He saw many critters such as leaf fish, lion fish, Wally Squat Lobsters, Harlequin Ghost Pipe Fish, Manta Shrimps, Orangutan Crabs and much more. Whilst the boys were under the girls cooled off with a swim and chatted to some of the local kids, they had baby shovel nose sharks which has sadly been taken from their mothers stomach as she was caught, killed and sold.
It was then well and truly time for lunch (3.30) so we cleaned off and went to Scuba Seraya for a lovely lunch overlooking the ocean.
The afternoon involved more relaxing and cooling off in the pool before going down to Paradise to meet some friends of Mum and Dads who had been here diving for a few weeks and are going home tomorrow. They were all really nice and we enjoyed a few drinks with them before going to Joe's for dinner.
Another early morning - this is great the body is still on Darwin time and we're not wasting half the morning, Dawn and Jeff will love it when we join them later in the week as they are early risers.
We enjoyed our regular breakfast before getting prime position by the pool. Not long after we were joined by some Aussies from Melbourne who had enjoyed 1 too many Jam Jars last night (rice wine cocktails!!). They we're really nice and we got chatting to them whilst enjoying floating around in the pool on the lilo that Mike had bought especially for Bec in Darwin - it even comes complete with a cup holder for the customary cocktail!!
The morning slipped by and it was lunch time so we hit the pub for a few beers and lunch before doing a bit of shopping for Mike. That was hard work, it seems that the store owners have had a good day today because they were not prepared to part with anything for a reasonable price. Four shops later he had finally purchased 4 shirts and he had his going home hat on.
Mike went back to the hotel whilst Bec hit the Seminyak shopping district hoping to find a nice dress to wear in Melbourne in a few weeks. No such luck she came home empty handed and with sore feet from heaps of walking!!
We then had a lazy arvo and some drinks out on our veranda before showering and going out to dinner at Poco Loco. We enjoyed a nice meal complete with bonus tricks from the barman - he had card games and match stick tricks, he could have kept going for hours!! We met an Aussie Guy with a Canadian Woman who were also being amused by him.
16th October
Had a bit of a sleep in this morning - the old body must be acclimatizing!! Had breakie before hitting the pool for most of the day.
It was lovely to have a day of reading and relaxing and it really recharged the batteries.
The day soon slipped by and it was time to shower and go out for tea. Tonight we're trying Kopi Pot, which is also managed by Poppies so the food is sure to be good. It was but the atmosphere wasn't anywhere near that of Poppies because it was close to the road and hustle and bustle. We still enjoyed a nice meal together before heading out for some shopping and another massage.
17th October
Today's our last day in Kuta and we're really looking forward to getting away from the craziness of it all and relaxing up in Tulamben with Dawn and Jeff so we've decided that another day by the pool is in order.
We did leave for lunch today though and had a little brush with fame!! As most of you probably know Bec's a bit addicted to Home and Away, well the new doctor that hooked up with Rachel is up here and we saw him at lunch at the corner bar!! Very exciting.
For our last night we couldn't resist the curries at Poppies so off we went again to Poppies 1 to enjoy another feast. It was lovely there as always and we had a great time. We've got the other Aussies back at the hotel onto it and they love it as well.
We then hit the streets for a bit more shopping and to get temporary tattoos to freak Mum and Dad out as they still don't know Mike has his eyebrow pierced!! Mike got Bec initials and Bec got Mike initials both on the inside of our wrists - Mikes is wonky so we don't think they'll fall for it.
As we were walking down Poppies 2 we spotted 3 people that we'd met at our caravan park in Darwin - what a spin out of all the people we could have run into!
We then enjoyed another massage near the hotel before falling into bed.
18th October
Awoke early as today has finally arrived and we're off to Mum and Dad’s - we got so much stuff to pack so we've given ourselves a few hours.
After breakie we got straight onto it and it was all finished very quickly so Mike watched some foxtel whilst Bec hit the day spa to have her nails repainted and a quick massage, oh this is the life!!
We then said goodbye to our Aussie mates before getting a lovely surprise, Mum had come to pick us up and met us in the lobby!! Dads working today doing some dive guiding so Mum came up with the driver. It’s great to see her after almost 10 months, she's looking fantastic and we've all got so much to tell each other.
We hit the shops to stock up on western food before starting the trek home - its only 2.5 hours now thanks to the highway extension. The drive home seemed very brief as we had so much catching up to do but we also didn't want Dad to miss out on too much so we saved some stories for home.
By the time we got to Tulamben it was past 4 and not long after we got home Dad arrived back from the office - The Bali Sea!! It was so great to see him and we spent a few hours catching up after what seemed like forever. They're both so well and love their life in Bali - it’s a pretty hard one at that, lots of diving and enjoying themselves!!
7pm rolled around and we were to be the honorary guests at Made's (Marde) webbrrr! Went we arrived Made was so pleased to see us and had set aside a special table for the 4 of us. That was great as we had a lot of catching up to do and as we were both tired the thought of socializing with 20+ new faces was a bit much - maybe another night!! We enjoyed a fantastic feast before retiring back to our room for a much needed sleep, hopefully Bec gets a good night sleep tonight as recently she's been having dreams about crocodiles chasing her etc. and no she hasn't been drinking arak before bed!!
19th October
We awoke this morning to the house girl sweeping the yard and got up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast - Mum put on a great spread and it was nice just to have a lazy morning together.
We then to Kubu for a snorkel to ease our way into it after not diving since last July. The water was warm and there was plenty to see so it was a great way to acclimatize ourselves.
Lunch time was calling and after a week of toasted or hot lunches we were pleased to enjoy just a nice simple cold roll back at the ranch.
The men then had an arvo rest whilst the girls enjoyed a dip in the pool and more catching up.
Soon it was time for the sun to set so we poured a roadie and walked the 80 meters to the water and enjoyed a bevies watching the jukungs return from a days fishing. It was really still down by the water and the tide was very low so it made for a very peaceful evening.
The men then had some running around to do so Mum diligently put on tea whilst Bec updated the diary - they days seem to just been combining so it’s important to keep on top of it whilst we're here.
20th October
We all enjoyed a relaxing one this morning involving breakfast and reading and then we hati hati (slowly slowly) got ready for the first dive of the trip. Today Mike and Jeff are going diving together to easy Mike's way into it after over a 12 month break.
We pack up the VW or vwee as the locals would say and headed to a dive site named G Spot after Jeff. Some of his photography students named the site but didn't realize its Jeff with a J and not Geoff - oh well the thought was there and its quite a catchy name. Mike did really well and enjoyed the dive which took him to depths of 18 meters. He saw many critters such as leaf fish, lion fish, Wally Squat Lobsters, Harlequin Ghost Pipe Fish, Manta Shrimps, Orangutan Crabs and much more. Whilst the boys were under the girls cooled off with a swim and chatted to some of the local kids, they had baby shovel nose sharks which has sadly been taken from their mothers stomach as she was caught, killed and sold.
It was then well and truly time for lunch (3.30) so we cleaned off and went to Scuba Seraya for a lovely lunch overlooking the ocean.
The afternoon involved more relaxing and cooling off in the pool before going down to Paradise to meet some friends of Mum and Dads who had been here diving for a few weeks and are going home tomorrow. They were all really nice and we enjoyed a few drinks with them before going to Joe's for dinner.
21st October
Today we will all go diving at Kubu so after the customary relaxing morning we packed up the gear and headed down to the dive site. Mum dove in the Vwee with us and the dive gear whilst Dad came down on the vesper as there wasn't enough room for him.
Soon the wet suits were on, the dive was planned and we hit the water - what a relief to cool down a bit! The dive took us to 17.5 meters and there was a lot to be seen. Bec's first dive went relatively ok but as she was underweight and still didn't quite have a full handle on her buoyancy she spent some of the diving bobbing around - Buddy Mike however did notice and once he gave her one of his weights things did improve a little. On the whole a good first dive together.
Life's really hard so it was then time to go back to the house were the local massage lady Nungar met us and gave Bec a massage - she was having withdrawals after not having one for a day or so!
A few beverages were enjoyed at home before we ventured out to dinner at our favourite restaurant in town, Wayans Warung! We all enjoyed a fantastic meal after a long day and we were home and in bed by 9.30.
22nd October
After a little sleep in Mike found that he wasn't feeling the best today - bummer he spent the whole day in bed:(
Bec enjoyed the day with Mum and Dad and went to the Drop Off for a lovely snorkel followed by some more catching up with the locals. They have such a fantastic memory here that people we met years ok still remember us by name and all want to get a piece of you.
It was then back to the house for a dip in the pool, some reading and updating the diary before an experience of a lifetime! Bec went for a ride with Dad on the Vesper. Bec normally hates motorbikes but as she had somewhere to put her feel and a little handle to hold onto she was as happy as larry cruising the streets with Dad. Dad kept having to tell the locals that she was his Daughter In Law otherwise god knows what they would have thought, probably that she was his much younger Madu (mistress!!).
Nungar then dropped in for a massage followed by a relaxing night at the ranch. Poor Mike still wasn't feeling well so Bec, Mum and Dad enjoyed dinner before retiring themselves - the heat seems to be having a tiring effect on us as we're struggling to stay awake past 9.30!!
23rd October - Happy Birthday Tom!!
Mike awoke feeling a lot better today which is great because he's the worst patient in the world - just wants to be left alone!
We decided that as he was well but not 100% for diving we'd visit Amplapura to get some shopping and electronics before going to Turtiganga to visit the Water Palace.
We've been to the Water Palace on other visits to Bali and it truly is an amazing place full of beautiful gardens set in the mountains and around ponds and water features. When we arrived there was a couple having their wedding photos there - what a great spot for it. We enjoyed lunch at their revamped restaurant before checking out their rooms and then hitting the fresh water swimming pool. The water was icy cold (due to it being fresh) so only Mike, Mum and Dad took the plunge whilst Bec enjoyed watching the local boys do bommies etc and took photos.
We then went to Amed to visit Mum and Dad’s friends, Isabelle and Michelle. They are a Dutch couple who they've met through diving that also live up here and have just a baby girl 5 weeks ago. Her name is Iluh and she is beautiful (or chantic as the locals would say). We both enjoyed a cuddle over afternoon before it was time to head back to Tulamben for the evening.
When we arrived home we cooled off in the pool before some visitors arrived, Made and Wayan. As always Made had plenty to say and we were very content listening to his stories and Balinese lessons. Made speaks very good English so he is great to learn Bahasa off of.
As Mike was feeling a lot better this evening we were able to enjoy his culinary delights accompanied by a few beverages. We did intend on having a bit of a photo night but the night slipped away from us and before we knew it we were all yawning and ready for bed - maybe tomorrow night.
24th October
Once the morning breakfast and book reading had been completed we packed our dive gear and headed for a local divesite known as the Coral Garden as it is like a garden of scattered corals.
After donning our gear we hit the water and snorkeled out and descended on the bottom we found a new feature of the coral garden a mock up airplane frame that has been made by the local community to attract more coral and fish species to the area - very unusual but its working really well and two large Cod have set up house inside the 'Cockpit'.
Another enjoyable dive in which we saw many of the usual fish and coral species. On our ascent we were treated to another of the Coral Gardens inhabitants - three black tipped reef sharks! Bec couldn’t quite see them as they were swimming in the distance so Mike pulled her along in the water so she could see them! Surprisingly she wasn’t at all scared and edged forward for a closer look.
After our dive we headed to Wayans Cafe in town for lunch then headed home for a relaxing afternoon in the pool followed by a lovely home cooked meal and then we spent some time showing Mum and Dad the photos from our trip before Dad fell asleep!
25th October
After the normal morning ritual of breakfast outside on the patio with Mum and Dad we packed up and headed off for a dive at a dive site called Emerald after the now bankrupt hotel that sits on the headland above the dive site. On the way to the dive site we dropped Bec off at the resort our friends own so she could sit by the pool and read her book.
Had a really nice dive and saw lots of things including colorful soft corals, garden eels, anemone fish (Nemo), lionfish, shrimps, and last but not least three black tipped reef sharks again! But luckily this time Mike had borrowed a digital camera from his dad and was able to movie film the sharks as they swam around him!
A very nice dive site and in Mikes opinion probably one of the best in the area!
After lunch and a peaceful afternoon we got out our traditional Balinese sarongs and got dressed for the religious ceremony that was taking place in a temple not far from Mum and Dad's to celebrate the full moon. The Balinese calendar is different from the western worlds and this ceremony happens only Bi Annually so we were very lucky to be here at the right time to experience it!
It is amazing to see all of the local people dressed in their ceremony clothing and bringing offerings to be placed at the temple for the gods they worship! It is a very colorful celebration with lots of brightly colored clothing, offerings, traditional music from a live band and lots of praying!
Dad and Mike took their cameras and took some photos of the people the band and the general goings on of the afternoon before we left and headed down the track back to the car.
It was quite late by the time we got home so a simple meal and a few drinks were enjoyed before hitting the hay.
26th October
Mum's not feeling the best today so diving won't be on the cards so we have decided to hit the pool for a relaxing day filled with Sun and reading.
For lunch we went to Wayan's Cafe and spent most of our time talking to a mimicking parrot - everything you say it copies even right down to the tone and pitch in your voice, quite amazing.
We then worked further on the tans before Mum and Dad came and met us and we visited Made and his family. We've all known Made for many years and he would have to be one of the loveliest Balinese people you could meet. He is a very gentle and happy man and loves nothing more than for us to visit with his family and extend his hospitality.
We finished up quite late there and Mum still wasn't 100% so we had a quick easy tea and an early night.
27th October - Happy Birthday Aunty Cheryl!!
Today we've decided to visit a water fall about an hour from Tulamben so off we all set in the Vwee! Four “whities” driving in a orange convertible sure gets some looks around here so we spent the hour driving whilst waving to saying hello to all the local village people.
Soon after we arrived at the track and began the trek up the mountain we met a young man called Gadae who remembered Mum and Dad from there last visit here over a year ago. He was simply delightful and spent the walk showing us many plants, fruit, veggies and herbs that were growing in the forest. It was amazing to see how much was growing out there. We all went for a dip under the force of the waterfall and poor Dad cut his foot which made the walk down a little uncomfortable for him.
We then went to a lovely German resort for lunch called Alamanda and enjoyed a lovely meal.
The afternoon was spent relaxing around the house before going to Tauch Terminal (another German resort in Tulamben) for traditional Balianese dancing and dinner. The dancing was fantastic, so much expression even in their faces and eyes. Another great day/night in a place we love.
28th October
Poor Bec's woken up sick this morning - she jinxed herself by saying the other day that she's surprised we've been 2 weeks and that she hasn't felt unwell. Because of this she opted to stay in the air con and rest whilst Mike, Mum and Dad hired a friend Wayan's Jukung and went to a dive site past Kubu.
They had a very enjoyable dive, plenty to be seen as usual for the fantastic diving up here.
We then all had a quite arvo and evening and prepared ourselves for a little mini break that we are having tomorrow.
29th October
Today we're off to Amed for a little mini break at a friend of Mum and Dad's hotel. We've hired a car so that we don't get sunburnt in the Vwee and set off about 9.
First we went to the Japanese Ship Wreck and Mike, Mum and Dad went for a snorkel whilst Bec (still not feeling 100%) read her book at the local cafe.
It was then off to Hidden Paradise for lunch and a catch up Audi, the manager for this hotel that was the first in the area when Mum and Dad first started coming here many years ago. We had an enjoyable lunch and it was now late enough to check into the hotel so we headed off up the road.
The hotel is amazing. Very small with only about 6 rooms but nice and exclusive. We relaxed and hit the pool for the arvo and enjoyed a game of Marco Polo - Bec won naturally but then again she did cheat a bit!!
Pre dinner drinks and nibbles followed on our balcony whilst watching the sun set before we ventured to the hotel restaurant for a fantastic meal and a few drinks.
30th October
After an enjoyable early breakfast we all spent the rest of the morning enjoying the hotel facilities and after checking out we headed home with some detours through the amazing mountains.
The afternoon was spent around the pool before 4.30 when Wayan came and picked us up for our sun set cruise in his jukung. We took some drinks and nibbles along for the tour and had such a great couple of hours meandering up and down the coast line as we watch the sun slowly set behind Mt Agung. What a way to spend our last afternoon up in Tulamben!!
Tonight is our last night with Mum and Dad so we splashed out and went to a lovely resort nearby called Mimpi. We had a lovely meal together.
31st October
After waking early and finishing out last few bits of packing we said good bye to Dad first as he had to go to the office (the ocean!) as he is guiding some customers for the next week or so. It wasn't and as hard this time as we will all be together in Perth for Xmas which is only about 7 weeks away - last time we said goodbye it was for 10 months!! Soon after our driver arrived and we now had to say goodbye to Mum before hitting the road to Kuta.
Stopped at Amlapura for Mike to get an air horn for the bus before arriving in Kuta and checking into our hotel.
We then went out for lunch and some final shopping bits and bobs before enjoying a massage and a swim in the pool.
That evening Mum and Dad's friend Wayan Okka came to our hotel to meet us and we got to know him over a few beers. He is a very sweet man and we enjoyed his company. He followed Mike's pace with the beers and when he left a few hours later he was a bit shaky on his feet! About 15 mins later Dad called to ask how much he'd had to drink because he'd called Dad to let him know how much he'd enjoyed our company and sounded a little drunk!!
We then went to one of our favorite restaurants Poppies where we enjoyed a lovely meal before Mike saved the day when a Canadian woman fainted and started having a fit. Bec reckons he should be an ambulance officer because he's always so good in emergencies where as she just freezes.
Today we will all go diving at Kubu so after the customary relaxing morning we packed up the gear and headed down to the dive site. Mum dove in the Vwee with us and the dive gear whilst Dad came down on the vesper as there wasn't enough room for him.
Soon the wet suits were on, the dive was planned and we hit the water - what a relief to cool down a bit! The dive took us to 17.5 meters and there was a lot to be seen. Bec's first dive went relatively ok but as she was underweight and still didn't quite have a full handle on her buoyancy she spent some of the diving bobbing around - Buddy Mike however did notice and once he gave her one of his weights things did improve a little. On the whole a good first dive together.
Life's really hard so it was then time to go back to the house were the local massage lady Nungar met us and gave Bec a massage - she was having withdrawals after not having one for a day or so!
A few beverages were enjoyed at home before we ventured out to dinner at our favourite restaurant in town, Wayans Warung! We all enjoyed a fantastic meal after a long day and we were home and in bed by 9.30.
22nd October
After a little sleep in Mike found that he wasn't feeling the best today - bummer he spent the whole day in bed:(
Bec enjoyed the day with Mum and Dad and went to the Drop Off for a lovely snorkel followed by some more catching up with the locals. They have such a fantastic memory here that people we met years ok still remember us by name and all want to get a piece of you.
It was then back to the house for a dip in the pool, some reading and updating the diary before an experience of a lifetime! Bec went for a ride with Dad on the Vesper. Bec normally hates motorbikes but as she had somewhere to put her feel and a little handle to hold onto she was as happy as larry cruising the streets with Dad. Dad kept having to tell the locals that she was his Daughter In Law otherwise god knows what they would have thought, probably that she was his much younger Madu (mistress!!).
Nungar then dropped in for a massage followed by a relaxing night at the ranch. Poor Mike still wasn't feeling well so Bec, Mum and Dad enjoyed dinner before retiring themselves - the heat seems to be having a tiring effect on us as we're struggling to stay awake past 9.30!!
23rd October - Happy Birthday Tom!!
Mike awoke feeling a lot better today which is great because he's the worst patient in the world - just wants to be left alone!
We decided that as he was well but not 100% for diving we'd visit Amplapura to get some shopping and electronics before going to Turtiganga to visit the Water Palace.
We've been to the Water Palace on other visits to Bali and it truly is an amazing place full of beautiful gardens set in the mountains and around ponds and water features. When we arrived there was a couple having their wedding photos there - what a great spot for it. We enjoyed lunch at their revamped restaurant before checking out their rooms and then hitting the fresh water swimming pool. The water was icy cold (due to it being fresh) so only Mike, Mum and Dad took the plunge whilst Bec enjoyed watching the local boys do bommies etc and took photos.
We then went to Amed to visit Mum and Dad’s friends, Isabelle and Michelle. They are a Dutch couple who they've met through diving that also live up here and have just a baby girl 5 weeks ago. Her name is Iluh and she is beautiful (or chantic as the locals would say). We both enjoyed a cuddle over afternoon before it was time to head back to Tulamben for the evening.
When we arrived home we cooled off in the pool before some visitors arrived, Made and Wayan. As always Made had plenty to say and we were very content listening to his stories and Balinese lessons. Made speaks very good English so he is great to learn Bahasa off of.
As Mike was feeling a lot better this evening we were able to enjoy his culinary delights accompanied by a few beverages. We did intend on having a bit of a photo night but the night slipped away from us and before we knew it we were all yawning and ready for bed - maybe tomorrow night.
24th October
Once the morning breakfast and book reading had been completed we packed our dive gear and headed for a local divesite known as the Coral Garden as it is like a garden of scattered corals.
After donning our gear we hit the water and snorkeled out and descended on the bottom we found a new feature of the coral garden a mock up airplane frame that has been made by the local community to attract more coral and fish species to the area - very unusual but its working really well and two large Cod have set up house inside the 'Cockpit'.
Another enjoyable dive in which we saw many of the usual fish and coral species. On our ascent we were treated to another of the Coral Gardens inhabitants - three black tipped reef sharks! Bec couldn’t quite see them as they were swimming in the distance so Mike pulled her along in the water so she could see them! Surprisingly she wasn’t at all scared and edged forward for a closer look.
After our dive we headed to Wayans Cafe in town for lunch then headed home for a relaxing afternoon in the pool followed by a lovely home cooked meal and then we spent some time showing Mum and Dad the photos from our trip before Dad fell asleep!
25th October
After the normal morning ritual of breakfast outside on the patio with Mum and Dad we packed up and headed off for a dive at a dive site called Emerald after the now bankrupt hotel that sits on the headland above the dive site. On the way to the dive site we dropped Bec off at the resort our friends own so she could sit by the pool and read her book.
Had a really nice dive and saw lots of things including colorful soft corals, garden eels, anemone fish (Nemo), lionfish, shrimps, and last but not least three black tipped reef sharks again! But luckily this time Mike had borrowed a digital camera from his dad and was able to movie film the sharks as they swam around him!
A very nice dive site and in Mikes opinion probably one of the best in the area!
After lunch and a peaceful afternoon we got out our traditional Balinese sarongs and got dressed for the religious ceremony that was taking place in a temple not far from Mum and Dad's to celebrate the full moon. The Balinese calendar is different from the western worlds and this ceremony happens only Bi Annually so we were very lucky to be here at the right time to experience it!
It is amazing to see all of the local people dressed in their ceremony clothing and bringing offerings to be placed at the temple for the gods they worship! It is a very colorful celebration with lots of brightly colored clothing, offerings, traditional music from a live band and lots of praying!
Dad and Mike took their cameras and took some photos of the people the band and the general goings on of the afternoon before we left and headed down the track back to the car.
It was quite late by the time we got home so a simple meal and a few drinks were enjoyed before hitting the hay.
26th October
Mum's not feeling the best today so diving won't be on the cards so we have decided to hit the pool for a relaxing day filled with Sun and reading.
For lunch we went to Wayan's Cafe and spent most of our time talking to a mimicking parrot - everything you say it copies even right down to the tone and pitch in your voice, quite amazing.
We then worked further on the tans before Mum and Dad came and met us and we visited Made and his family. We've all known Made for many years and he would have to be one of the loveliest Balinese people you could meet. He is a very gentle and happy man and loves nothing more than for us to visit with his family and extend his hospitality.
We finished up quite late there and Mum still wasn't 100% so we had a quick easy tea and an early night.
27th October - Happy Birthday Aunty Cheryl!!
Today we've decided to visit a water fall about an hour from Tulamben so off we all set in the Vwee! Four “whities” driving in a orange convertible sure gets some looks around here so we spent the hour driving whilst waving to saying hello to all the local village people.
Soon after we arrived at the track and began the trek up the mountain we met a young man called Gadae who remembered Mum and Dad from there last visit here over a year ago. He was simply delightful and spent the walk showing us many plants, fruit, veggies and herbs that were growing in the forest. It was amazing to see how much was growing out there. We all went for a dip under the force of the waterfall and poor Dad cut his foot which made the walk down a little uncomfortable for him.
We then went to a lovely German resort for lunch called Alamanda and enjoyed a lovely meal.
The afternoon was spent relaxing around the house before going to Tauch Terminal (another German resort in Tulamben) for traditional Balianese dancing and dinner. The dancing was fantastic, so much expression even in their faces and eyes. Another great day/night in a place we love.
28th October
Poor Bec's woken up sick this morning - she jinxed herself by saying the other day that she's surprised we've been 2 weeks and that she hasn't felt unwell. Because of this she opted to stay in the air con and rest whilst Mike, Mum and Dad hired a friend Wayan's Jukung and went to a dive site past Kubu.
They had a very enjoyable dive, plenty to be seen as usual for the fantastic diving up here.
We then all had a quite arvo and evening and prepared ourselves for a little mini break that we are having tomorrow.
29th October
Today we're off to Amed for a little mini break at a friend of Mum and Dad's hotel. We've hired a car so that we don't get sunburnt in the Vwee and set off about 9.
First we went to the Japanese Ship Wreck and Mike, Mum and Dad went for a snorkel whilst Bec (still not feeling 100%) read her book at the local cafe.
It was then off to Hidden Paradise for lunch and a catch up Audi, the manager for this hotel that was the first in the area when Mum and Dad first started coming here many years ago. We had an enjoyable lunch and it was now late enough to check into the hotel so we headed off up the road.
The hotel is amazing. Very small with only about 6 rooms but nice and exclusive. We relaxed and hit the pool for the arvo and enjoyed a game of Marco Polo - Bec won naturally but then again she did cheat a bit!!
Pre dinner drinks and nibbles followed on our balcony whilst watching the sun set before we ventured to the hotel restaurant for a fantastic meal and a few drinks.
30th October
After an enjoyable early breakfast we all spent the rest of the morning enjoying the hotel facilities and after checking out we headed home with some detours through the amazing mountains.
The afternoon was spent around the pool before 4.30 when Wayan came and picked us up for our sun set cruise in his jukung. We took some drinks and nibbles along for the tour and had such a great couple of hours meandering up and down the coast line as we watch the sun slowly set behind Mt Agung. What a way to spend our last afternoon up in Tulamben!!
Tonight is our last night with Mum and Dad so we splashed out and went to a lovely resort nearby called Mimpi. We had a lovely meal together.
31st October
After waking early and finishing out last few bits of packing we said good bye to Dad first as he had to go to the office (the ocean!) as he is guiding some customers for the next week or so. It wasn't and as hard this time as we will all be together in Perth for Xmas which is only about 7 weeks away - last time we said goodbye it was for 10 months!! Soon after our driver arrived and we now had to say goodbye to Mum before hitting the road to Kuta.
Stopped at Amlapura for Mike to get an air horn for the bus before arriving in Kuta and checking into our hotel.
We then went out for lunch and some final shopping bits and bobs before enjoying a massage and a swim in the pool.
That evening Mum and Dad's friend Wayan Okka came to our hotel to meet us and we got to know him over a few beers. He is a very sweet man and we enjoyed his company. He followed Mike's pace with the beers and when he left a few hours later he was a bit shaky on his feet! About 15 mins later Dad called to ask how much he'd had to drink because he'd called Dad to let him know how much he'd enjoyed our company and sounded a little drunk!!
We then went to one of our favorite restaurants Poppies where we enjoyed a lovely meal before Mike saved the day when a Canadian woman fainted and started having a fit. Bec reckons he should be an ambulance officer because he's always so good in emergencies where as she just freezes.