12 in the bus , pay in advance please, $ just over $10 a head for 8 hours in an air con bus for a day exploring the south end of Bali. Well optimistic their promises were, as our adventure started with a surprise - the first agreed destination had been bypassed and da da here we are in Nusa Dua, ready to tackle a morning of water sports. Hoping for cleaner wAter this side of the island we added to the mayhem of water craft criss crossing the beach. Ducking for parasailors, sweeping around sewerage on jet skis and maoevuring around dive boats looked easy. Cannot understand why australia has such strict boating laws!!!

Our snorkellimg was disappointing as the water was very murky and the fish were only swimming in the murky depths. Josh and brad, like father like son, are waterboys znd they duck dived down to stir the fish up so us floaters could catch a glimpse. Alysha and Kylie trumped over their fears regardless of hearing all joshs shark tales while we waited on the beach It was great having a swim, so few trips to asia, so few swims for me i love the tepid water and if you keep one eye peeled you can successfully avoid the flotsam and jetsom

Lunch was the next adventure. The driver taking us to a lovely, so he said, seafo
restaurant. Much to the dismay of the waitress who opened the bus doors to welcome us, we drove off once we checked out the menu. A seafood restaurant was not a good choice, for a bus load of non seafood eaters, vegetarians and fast food connoisseurs. After a frantic phone call, and another 40 minute drive we arrived at a high point in Bali, the cultural centre. We ate at the panoramic restaurant that had fabulous views north. The food once again was delicious but by 2 pm really the lotus flower napkins looked delicious.

Next stop ILLawatu. Monkey temple and views of the beach cliff and surfers. Another group of nervous girls (and mums), screamed as the monkeys fought and snarled at each other. The littleones looked so cute but these monkeys are aggressive. The driver said no hats, sunglasses or earrings to tempt the monkeys, so I stumbled short sightedly thru the temple ruins. A Purchased bag of peanuts resulted in our group being extremely popular with the rabbid monkey population. Shame I thought when one monkey ripped the bag of nuts from Matthews hand. Up to that point Matthew had run back and forward hysterically thru our group with monkeys chasing him for food. Are we having fun yet???!!!

Tired and hot we arrived back to the hotel passing up the opportunity for really cheap shopping. A swim and cocktails were calling. Brad and I got a day bed position overlooking the beach for Happy hour. Cocktails cost the same as a meal so we pace ourself. Sorry Ross , piña coladAs are mighty fine here - missing you :))

Tomorrow maybe waterbomb pack, boots made and some kuta shopping. good night from us in Bali.