We were met by two drivers sent from our Villa, one for people and one for baggage. They were cheerful despite the rain, and we were soon on our way. My first experience with Bali traffic was a bit overwhelming, although as it turns out, the traffic on Sunday evening was nothing compared to what we experienced on day 2.
It took about 40 minutes to get to Villa Theresa, in Canggu. It is a stunning place, and is better in person than what it looks like on the internet. We were handed cool towels and a lovely fresh juice drink to welcome us to the Villa. Made (the manager) gave us a quick tour of all three sleeping villas (each a separate structure to ensure privacy) and selections were made and luggage bundled off to the correct room. In what seems like minutes, they had prepared a lovely light dinner for us of assorted sates and fresh veggies. And, we all had our first Bintangs...a very drinkable beer well suited to this climate. Even I, a confirmed non-beer drinker, enjoyed it! Then, off to bed for a peaceful and quiet slumber. Some photos of the Villa....
The next morning, we awoke to a bit of overcast day, but still quite nice. Ketut (the driver) came back and took us to change money and do a bit of shopping at one of the large markets in Seminyak, Carrefour. The money changing was an experience...I exchanged $300 US (3 skinny bills) and received a HUGE pile of 50,000 rupiahs. I left the store with 2750000 rupiah...a millionaire. LOL! Wow. At Carrefour, we purchased cell phones (to keep in touch with each other while here), SIM cards and minutes (grand total $29 US), and other supplies. Sarah and I each got dresses, Eric got sandals, sunscreen, expensive US face cream, lots of snacks, etc, and we spent a grand total of about $75. Your money definitely goes a long way here for most things.
We returned to the Villa for swimming, while several of us went to the Canggu Club (a private swimming and fitness club) for a work out to justify all the delicious food we are eating. It was a decent, although not spectacular, fitness center. Our return drive from here, at the height of rush hour, was truly mind boggling for traffic. The roads here are quite narrow, with few traffic controls (stop signs and traffic lights are far and few between). Imagine motor scooters 5-6 abreast on each side of the road, mix in a few large trucks and some cars and vans, and you get an idea. Toss in the ocassional dog or cow and you get an even better idea. I wish I had my video camera along, and will remember to bring it the next time we are out on the roads.
Upon our return from the workout, dinner was ready for us. We had a Babi Gulang feast...consisting of a whole roasted suckling pig, a soup made from green bananas (delicious!), a green bean dish unlike any I've ever had, and rice. While a photo can show you what it looked like, unfortunately it cannot show you it's amazing taste. It was stuffed with a variety of Balinese spices..I'm not sure what most of them even were. Trust me, this was an experience.
So far, so good on Bali. I love this place...worth the effort to get here.
No comments:
Post a Comment