We are underway!  The trip here to San Francisco from Minneapolis was completely uneventful, which means it was good as air travel gets.  Despite my husband's concerns about the amount of luggage, it all fit just fine and we managed it at the airport with no problems.  The plane took off close to on time, and arrived almost to the minute as scheduled.  Can't ask for more than that.

We arrived to coolish San Francisco weather and a brisk wind.  It was clear though, and so we opted to drive along the coast from the airport, and enjoy the gorgeous views.  Being a very highly developed city with virtually no place left to build, it never changes much and the City looks a lot like it did when we left here 6 years ago.  Amazing.

We took a tour of one of our old neighborhoods and it felt as though we'd never left.  All the same. For nostalgia sake we had dinner at the place that was a block from our home and which we frequented often.  Waited on by one of the waiters who waited on us years ago, and we were warmly greeted by the owner as if we'd never left.  The essence of a good neighborhood restaurant.  We were joined for dinner by some good friends, and enjoyed the evening thoroughly.

The time difference caught up with us, though, and we were all in bed by 9.  Our hotel is nothing special, but it does have 2BR, and the price is right for this much space and the beds are comfortable.  It will do the trick for two nights.  Of course, the downside to going to bed early is that everyone was awake around 5:30  Ugh.  We are contemplating our options for the day...so many choice and so little time.

Arrgghhh...Last Minute Headaches....

In the scheme of things, I'm certain this will go down as a small thing, but it sure was a headache this afternoon.  We are taking a fairly large amount of cash with us to Bali, as credit cards are not widely accepted in that part of Indonesia.

I knew from my readings on the topic, that the easiest bills to exchange in Bali are US $100.  But, not just ANY $100 bill...that would be too easy.  Instead, the best exchange rate is given for uncirculated $100 bills of the 2006 series. Bills which are mangled or crumpled risk not being accepted at all, or receiving a lower exchange rate.

About a month ago, we contacted our bank and told them how many bills we would need.  No problem they said.  Yesterday, Andy went to pick them up and someone dropped the ball, as they had only 2/3 of what we needed in the required "uncirculated" currency.  They scoured through their remaining inventory of 100's and gave us more....but some of them were WAY too old (e.g., older than 2003 are not accepted.at.all), and others had markings and wrinkling.  No.  This is NOT what we wanted.  But, it was the best they had.

Not good enough.  Today, Andy and I visited 5 different banks in our area, carrying our slightly tattered and slightly too old hundred dollar bills with us.  The looks we received were amazing.  LOL!  We want "nice" money.  Will you please exchange hundreds with us?

This little experiment has gone a long ways toward identifying banks with a good attitude and worth considering if you need a new bank in the Twin Cities area.  My winners were (in order) of helpfulness:  Village Bank, 21st Century Bank, and TCF.  I'll leave the rejects unmentioned.  LOL!  Special kudos to Village Bank who went above and beyond the call, especially considering we have no account relationship with them, to satisfy our request. 

 By the end of our excursion, we have some pretty nice 100 dollar bills.  We hope they are good enough to pass muster.  And, if anyone is wondering where all the nice 100s are, I'd suggest you try an Indonesian Bank.

The Countdown Continues....

We are now 6 days from leaving, and I am beginning to feel as if all this really will happen.  We've been planning it so long that sometimes it seems more like something that is happening to someone else, and not me.  

The packing continues...and, in packing the medications the travel clinic recommended (primarily antibiotics in case of the dreaded Bali Belly...something a bit worse than the normal travel stomach), I discovered that we were missing the ones I was supposed to receive for Sarah.  Hmmmm...I picked these up nearly a month ago, and didn't even open the bag. Upon closer examination, it appears Sarah was to receive a liquid version of the drug, as opposed to the rest of us, who received tablets.  I called the pharmacy and discovered that they HAD forgotten to put Sarah's in the bag as it was in the refrigerator when we picked up the others.  That really caught my attention...refrigerated medication probably is not the best for a super hot climate like Singapore and Bali!  Moreover, the product had a shelf life of 10 days, and had long since expired.

After some messing around with the travel clinic and the pharmacy, we got a new version of the scrip, but this time in dry form to be mixed with sterile water ONLY if she actually needs it.  Phew!  Turns out she is about 10 pounds too light for the adult size dose, and too big for the smaller dose of the tablet.  I can't believe that this 10 pounds (which her twin brother has) makes that much of a difference, but who am I to argue with a doctor.

That small "crisis" out of the way, the packing is free to continue.  Bags are now about 3/4 full, with some last minute items still to be added.  I hope we have room for souveniers....I think we will.  I still may need to toss some items out at the last minute.  It's the two day stay in San Francisco which is throwing things off.  If it is typical SFO weather, it will be 50-60 degrees...more the long pants and long sleeve type climate.  Things we definitely will NOT need in Bali. 

We are also beginning to make our reservations for specific restuarants and activities...I have been reading a lot about Boneka at the St Regis for brunch, and I have concluded that it is a must do if at all possible.  So, reservations are now made.  Looking forward to this as it will also give us a chance to see Nusa Dua on the Bukit pennisula, an area we otherwise were not planning to visit.  You know you are probably in for a delightful dining experience when your confirmation email starts like this:

Warmest greetings from The St Regis Bali Resort

Thank you for choosing Boneka Restaurant as your dining destination.
Here below is the reservation confirmation for your kind perusal:


And, ends like this:

Have a captivating day ahead.

I'll have to use that more often..."have a captivating day!"

Welcome.....

Welcome to my blog....

This is my first attempt at blogging and I am sure mistakes will be made.  I created this blog primarily to document our trip to Singapore and Bali.  There are two families traveling from Minnesota to Singapore, to visit another family in Singapore.  Then, all three families will travel onward to Bali.  Ten people all together in our group.  I'm certain it will be the adventure of a lifetime.  My family consists of me (age: older than I care to be in calendar years, but much younger at heart), my husband, and my 12 year old boy/girl twins. 

The two Minnesota families will start by spending a couple of days in my favorite US city, San Francisco (where I lived for many years), and from there, flying on to Singapore via Singapore Airlines.  This is a 19.5 hour flight, with a one hour stop in Hong Kong for refueling....I cannot say that I am looking forward to that plane trip, although I am assured that the service we will experience is far superior to that of cattle class on US airlines.  We are beginning the packing process and my husband tells me that we are bringing FAR too much...and accuses me of packing small farm animals into the bags.  I am not.  Just the required clothing and assorted bug repellants, sunscreens, sandals and swimsuits for a trip of this length (26 days).  He is bringing one smallish carryon.  The other three are bringing three large bags, plus carryons.  :-)

We will spend three days in Singapore...hoping to see the zoo, the botanical gardens, and eat some amazing food.  And, of course, catching up with our friends, who moved from Minnesota in the fall of 2010.   I'm sure we will be jet lagged, but I am sure we will muster through somehow.

And, then on to Bali...where we have divided our time into three different private villas.  The first is Villa Teresa in Canggu:

It is on the beach, about 10-15 minutes from the famed Echo Beach House, which we definitely hope to sample.

For our second leg, we will travel to the much less visited North part of the island...we are looking forward to the peace and calm of this area, and sampling something of the "real" Bali.  We will be renting all three villas at the small resort of Agung Bali Nirwana:

Hoping we get the chance to snorkel at the reef you can see just off shore:

I am also hoping that my children get the chance to visit a local Balinese school...the resort talks about this possibility on their website.  I'll bet it's just a little different from their school.

Our final leg will be spent in the famed Ubud...one of the cultural and spiritual centers of Bali.  It is famous for it's arts and crafts, as well as restaurants and spas.  We hope to sample some of each of these, particularly the spas.  :-D  We will be staying at Villa Bukit Naga, which looks amazing:

 I hope to be able to update this blog during our trip...sort of a diary if you will...depending on the reliability of internet service.

Things to do in Bali

Cooking Schools:

http://www.casalunabali.com/cooking-school/ (Cooking school, Ubud)

http://www.paon-bali.com/ (Paon, Ubud)

http://www.bambooshootsbali.com/#!menu (Bamboo Shoots, Sanur)

http://www.lobongcooking.com/ (Lobong, Ubud)

http://www.baliasli.com.au/ (Bali Asli, Karangasem...north east Bali)

Drivers:

http://www.thebalidriver.com/price

http://www.baliexploretours.com/

http://balibestways.blogspot.com/p/packages-tours.html

http://balilocalguide.blogspot.com/

http://abaditransport.wordpress.com/price/

http://www.silatours.com/package-tour.html

http://balitraditionaltours.com/faq.php

http://www.yourbalidriver.com/
Bike and Hike Tours:

http://www.balibike.com/index.php (Bike tour, Ubud)

http://www.banyantreebiketours.com/ (Bike tour, Ubud)

http://www.c-bali.com/prices/1-day-package.html (Bike, Canoe...Kintamani)

http://www.balibintangtour.com/ (Bike, Kintamani)

http://www.balioffcourse.com/  (Walking tour...Ubud)

http://balicountryside.blogspot.com/ (Bike, etc tour, Ubud...hard to choose a fav, but this might be the one)

Other things to do:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297701-d2307698-Reviews-The_Thread_of_Life-Ubud_Bali.html (Fabric, weaving store in Ubud)

http://www.chezmoniquejewelry.com/class.php (Silver making class, Ubud)

http://www.balibestrate.com/dmoneychanger.php (Currrent Exchange rates, Bali)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297699-d626130-Reviews-Gitgit_Waterfall-Singaraja_Bali.html (Gitgit Waterfall....near Agung Bali Nirwana)

http://www.balisafarimarinepark.com/ (Safari and Marine Park, elephant rides here, near Ubud)


http://balitreetop.com/?goto=home&lang=en (Ropes course, in Botanical Garden, Bedugul)


http://www.baliadventuretours.com/index.php/elephant-safari-park/safari-park/about-safari-park.html (Elephant Safari, near Taro)

http://www.bali-bird-park.com/ (Bird park, Ubud...note: Reptile Park located in same area)


http://www.mybaliguide.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=showhtml&id=donsguide (On line shopping guide...prevailing prices...plus more things to do...excellent resource)

Spas in Bali

http://www.espacespabali.com/contact.html (Espace, Seminyak)

http://jaensspaubud.com/ (Jaens Ubud)

http://www.veronaspa.com/ (Verona, Ubud)

http://www.balibotanica.com/botanica_journeys.html (Bali Botanica, Ubud)

http://sangspaubud.com/ (Sang Spa, Ubud…most people prefer #2 Spa as there are three)

http://www.indoline.net/santika/ (Santika, Ubud)

http://www.jarimenari.com/emailus.php (Jari Menari, Seminyak)

http://www.kaymaspa.com/ (Kayma, Ubud)

http://www.thehavenbali.com/spa.php (The Haven, Seminyak)

http://www.veneziadayspa-ubud.com/spa_location.asp (Venezia, Ubud)

http://www.spabaligreen.com/en/home_e.html (Bali Green Spa, Kuta)

http://casa.balibunda.com/ (Mobile Spa, Canggu, )

http://quiinspa.blogspot.com/ (Quinn’s Spa, Kerobokan)

http://www.reflexologybali.com/en/index.php (Reflexology, Ubud)

http://www.thevillas.net/english/chill_treatments.htm (Chill, Seminyak)

http://www.bali-cool.com/ (Bali Cool, Seminyak)

http://www.imanbodywork.com/ (THE ONE!  Ubud…want to make an appointment here!)

http://www.muranospa.com/reservation.asp (Murano, Kuta)

http://www.tamanmerahspa.com/menu.php (Taman Merah Spa, Seminyak)

http://www.murnis.com/spa/index.htm (Tamarind Spa at Murnis, Ubud)

http://www.sedonaspa-ubud.com/spa-packages.asp   (Sedona Spa, Ubud)


http://www.reflexologybali.com/en/index.php (Reflexology Spa, Ubud)

Restaurants

http://www.balinesia.co.id/aboutus.asp   (Ultimo, Seminyak)

http://www.chandibali.com/visuals.php (Chandi, Seminyak)

http://www.mozaic-bali.com/  Mozaic, Ubud

http://www.nirvanarestbali.com/ (Nirvana, Seminyak)

http://www.clear-cafe-ubud.com/ (Clear Café, Ubud…organic)

http://www.mozzarella-resto.com/ (Mozzarella, Legian)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g311298-d2095517-r118442501-Green_Ginger-Canggu_Bali.html (Green Ginger, Canggu)

http://nomad-bali.com/ (Nomad, Ubud)

http://www.bridgesbali.com/index.html (Bridges, Ubud)

http://www.tacocasabali.com/ (Taco Casa Ubud)

http://www.bikubali.com/ (Biku, Seminyak…high tea!)

http://www.metisbali.com/  (Metis, Seminyak)

http://www.terazobali.com/Default.asp  (Terazo, Ubud)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smiling-Frog-Bali/155343247835355?sk=info (Smiling Frog, Legian)

http://www.charming-bali.com/ (CharMING, Sanur)

http://www.me-nu.us/(Menu, Seminyak)

http://www.pavonebali.com/  (Pavone, Legian)

http://www.whiteboxbali.com/index.html (White Box, Ubud, Bakery and sandwiches)

http://www.balihotelpearl.com/menu.asp (Pearl, Seminyak..in hotel of same name)

http://sites.google.com/site/sidebysidefarmorg/Home/location (Side by Side...organic farm and restaurant)

http://www.sardinebali.com/  (Sardine, Kerobokan)

http://www.mannekepis-bistro.com/index.php?id=home (Mannekepis, Seminyak)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297700-d1175710-r119672649-Alise_s_Restaurant-Sanur_Bali.html (Alise’s Restaurant, Sanur)

http://www.vivaibali.com/  (Vivai, Seminyak)

http://pocolocobali.com/main.php (Poco Loco, Legian)

http://tulipbali.com/?page=restaurant (Tulip, Seminyak)

http://www.riobali.com/ (Rio Bar and Grill, Seminyak)

Restaurant Boneka, St Regis, Nusa Dua….Brunch

Sari Organix , Ubud

http://www.echobeachhouse.com/ (Beach House, Canggu)

http://www.amadeabali.com/restaurant/ (Bistro Batu Kali, Seminyak)

http://www.ptthead.com/potato-head-beach-club/# (Potato Head, Seminyak...all the beautiful people hang here....)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297701-d2364236-r124460386-Melting_Wok_Warung-Ubud_Bali.html (Melting Wok Warung, Ubud...reviews make your mouth water....)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297701-d1075057-Reviews-Ibu_Oka-Ubud_Bali.html (Ibu Oka, Ubud...allegedly the best Babi Galing in Bali)