Ubud

Ubud is a centre for arts and crafts, it has many courses available on a daily basis from fruit carving, painting and yoga to woodcarving and silversmithing.

Having previously completed a course in silver smithing in the uk I was particularly interested in this course. Ed didn't take much convincing either, it was also number 2 on trip advisor on things to do in ubud. We turned up at local house and were happy to see only two other tourists on the course.

You could either make a pendant or ring, Ed and I both decided on pendants.
Ed wanted to make a pendant for my 30th birthday and I wanted to make it for my mums birthday present. So we both set out drawing our designs which is easier said then done, Ed had a few attempts at drawing hearts.

Once our drawings were complete we set about cutting them out with a small hand saw. I think I broke about 10 blades in total, it's harder than it looks and knowing what I know now my next design would be a lot simpler. Ed was the star student and I now own a very pretty pendant that I can cherish forever. Check out the photos.

Ed and I had been discussing hiring a motor bike for a few days and actually seeing a bit of Bali instead of being forced into daily tours which cost a fortune. The bike would cost a small amount compared to all the tours so we decided that this was our only option.

We had been told about a waterfall north of Ubud which didn't have the mass of tourist like the others so we decided this should be our first adventure. The roads were quiet and Ed took to riding the bike very well, his sense of direction is fantastic, where as I on the other hand didn't have a clue. Apart from a few pot holes and the occasional wrong turn we finally managed to find the waterfall. Our informants had been spot on with their information, we were the only tourist there with a few local kids, who all stopped to say hello to us. We had to stumble down some very steep steps which seemed to go on forever. The humidity had increased by this time so we knew we where getting close. We came round the corner and were faced with a breath taking waterfall. Swallows flew in and out of the trees and close to the waters surface. We stayed there for an hour before making the long steep journey back up to the top..... I reckon this is why there are no tourist!! To many steps for them to climb! It was hard going all the way to the top but the view at the bottom made it all worth while.

The next two days we spent going to see a couple of volcanos and lakes, on our last day we were pulled over by the police and asked to show our documents. Ed produced his driving licence, to which they informed us that it didn't count as it wasn't a European card.

The night before we had been told that the police stop all tourist looking to fine them, some people had been unluckily and had to pay over £30.00, we were told by our friend not to pay anything above £2.00 . So before we set off I told Ed to put the money in his pocket so we didn't have to get the purse out if we were stopped....... Well we were stopped and they tried to get us to pay £70.00 so Ed stood his ground and said no we only have £2.00 that's it, after some negotiation Ed's bargaining skills worked and we only had to pay £2.00. The police in Bali are said to be corrupt... Who knows for sure however we only paid 2.00 instead of 70.00 it definitely makes you wonder?!

Ed's 32nd birthday came and went, with a few bintangs and a chocolate cake to celebrate, not to mention a phone call back to England.

Ed received an email from his friend Rob who he knew from when he grew up, Rob was in Bali with his wife travelling round. They were heading up to Ubud for a few days and wondered if we wanted to meet up. It was nice to meet them, we went out for dinner on a couple of nights and had a few beers....... I was also treated to a glass of wine! I had to resist the urge to drink it to quickly, my first glass in 4 months wine has never tasted so good.

Our time in Indonesia has come to an end, I'm currently writing this whilst I'm sat on the flight to Singapore. We have spent an amazing 4 months in Indonesia, it has been an unforgettable experience, we have met some wonderful friends, tasted some delicious food and have seen some truly unforgettable places.