Saturday 12th March. Long journey from Auckland through Sydney for a couple of hours and then the 6 hour flight to Bali. We flew business class and on the flight from Sydney to Denpaser we were only 6. Well entertained, well fed and particularly "watered" however Virgin Australia need to up their game if they think that was "Business Class". Short ride from the Airport to the Hotel, this seems to be Hotel/Resort Road as they are all here. Went a walk around and it is a big resort, three restaurants and a couple of bars. Lesley booked her massage for tomorrow. Then early night as both tired. Plan to explore tomorrow.

Sunday 13th. Quiet day today, up fairly early so sat and caught up with the papers. Breakfast then on the terrace which was very good. Walk to find something for Bob to drink(Non Alcoholic) but as in most places it's either Diet Coke or Diet Coke. Lesley went to have her massage, which was absolutely wonderful, Bob went to explore the beach front both sides of the hotel. Just confirmed that Bali is very poor, dirty and run down once you leave the hotels. Laid by the pool a lazy afternoon. Out for dinner in the evening to Bumbu Bali an Indonesian restaurant recommended by Friends, Tommy & Kim, really great when you walk in all of the chef's sing out welcome to our restaurant and Then on your way out sing thank you. Food was hot, spicy and lots of nuts!!!

Monday 14th.  Up around 8am for breakfast, seems neither of us can get over the time change!! Decided we would go see one of the "shopping zones" so we went to Bali Collection. Big mistake it is a government sponsored shopping complex consisting of all of the "Brand Names" at prices that would match Oxford Street. We were not there 20 mins and back on the bus to the hotel. Decided we would walk Along the beach front and have lunch in one of the other hotels, yet another mistake. Despite all of the advertising the two we tried said unless you are staying here we cannot serve you. Ended up eating at a small beach shack, better value and better food!! Back to have a swim and we dropped in on the daily water aerobics class, so 30 exhausted minutes later we got our swim. Out for a few cocktails at the Holiday in Happy Hour BOGOF, then the "Queen of India" for dinner. Great curry. 

Tuesday 15th. Have arranged to meet Paul and Sharon Hageman, friends of Lesley's brother today. Up at 8am and it is hissing down!! So long lazy breakfast then did some laundry. Met up with Paul and Sharon at 1130. They very kindly took us off to Seminyak where we had lunch. We had lunch at  Merah Putih which was great Indonesian Fusion food. They dropped us off by the Flea Market in Seminyak, had a walk around it, far better deal for local products, arts and crafts then back to the hotel in a taxi.  Out in the evening to a small local restaurant , Jukung Kuning, where we have eaten a couple of times, food is great and you are not charged resort prices.

Wednesday 16th March. Lazy day today breakfast at 8.30 then laid by the pool all morning, read our books, swam, then lunch at the pool bar. Quiet afternoon and then took a walk along the beach front and had a superb Tapas at Nudi Beach Bar at the holiday, see photo.

Thursday 17th March, St Patrick's Day. Originally planned to go to an Irish Bar for a few Guinness and lunch. However most of the Irish Bars do not open until5pm so change of plan. Lazy morning, Bob wentandshopped got Local lunch, Chicken, French Stick and salad. Then took a hotel car to Uluwatu, on the way stopping at the Lowak Coffee place, then at the temple watched Kecak Ramayana& Fire Dance. Excellent great theatre and comedy from Hanoman the White Monkey. On our way back to the hotel stopped at Jimbaron for a seafood dinner.
 
Friday 18th March. Lesley decided she would have a Manicure and Pedicure, so after a late breakfast off she went. Amazing little place just opposite the hotel which cost around €10 so great value as well. Bob waited next door in a cafe and according to his bill, see photo, bought a BEAR for around €2;-). After that it was off for a spot of lunch at Jukung Kuning and the a few pressie's bought. Back to the hotel for a nap, weather is so humid it takes it out of you. Off to Bali Collection in the evening as they have a wide choice of restaurants and a free bus there and back. Ended up with Pizza which was great .

Saturday 19th March. Planned a lazy day today, so late breakfast and then laid by the pool all morning, lunch at poolside then another hour in the sun. Back to the room for a nap and then off out for Tapas and Happy Hour at Nudi Beach Club. Great Tapas, a few drinks, live music and a dance, what more can you ask for on holiday.

Sunday 20th, Originally planned to go on the ocean walk today but Bob has a bad chest, so off in search of a pharmacy at Bali Collection. Found but not got what we wanted, Bob bought a pair of Trainers instead, that will help the cough eh!!! Jumped back on the bus and they dropped us at another pharmacy where we got what we needed. Quick coffee and shopped for a bread and cheese tea this evening. No waiting to be picked up to be taken to Meads Sports Bar so Bob can watch the first F1 race of the season. Lunch and a few beers. Saw a beautiful Olive backed SunBird at Breakfast this morning, no camera, so will try to see it and get a photo tomorrow

Monday 21st. You will never guess what we did today lazy Breakfast, pool and lunch poolside. Lesley went for a massage late afternoon and then out to Bimbu Bali for dinner. We are certainly making up for the last six weeks, I think the hardest thing we have done this week is call for more drinks!!

Tuesday 22nd. Another tough day, lazy breakfast, Lesley had a massage, laid by the pool most of the day, reading, swimming, watching the world go by. Couple of Cocktails at Nudi Beach and then a wonderful dinner at Jukung Kuming, Lesley had Mahi Mahi and Bob whole White Snapper. Last full day 

Wednesday 23rd. Oops time to think about our homeward bound journey, Conrad let us have our room until 9pm as we fly out on Emirates at midnight tonight. So spend the day around the pool and then pack late afternoon, some time for Dinner at Mead's and then a 9 hour flight to Dubai. Coming towards the end of what has been a fantastic 8 weeks with such great memories.