So we left Ubud and went to the bali Hyatt - think they thought we had turned up in the wrong place as it wasnt quite our scene. Thankfully we met up with Stu's family and they vouched for our security. Still had to have our bags and vehicle checked.

Had a lovely couple of days lounging by the pool, eating the buffet breakfast and buying dvds for 50p (yes i am sure they are totally legal!)

We thought we could all do with some exercise so we headed to the Kintamini mountain region and picked up some bikes. We then cycled DOWNHILL for 16km - which was harder than it sounds as we had to hold the breaks on the whole way. We cycled past lots of kids who wanted us to try and hi five them while cycling, went through a village and saw a 98 year old weaving, saw coffe beans and lots of types of rice. We ended at the taro elephant park for a lovely lunch and our elephant ride. It was good fun alothough a little scary especially when we went in the water!

We befriended a local drive/guide called Wayan Gede who was excellent and so we did a tour with him. We went to see the barong dance (which was rather pantomime like!), the batuan temple, the irst hindu and buddhust temple (the elephant cave), then went to ubud to see the monkeys again. Stu's dad got attacked by one who wanted the banana in his plastic bag! We visited a few more temples and ended at tanah Lot for sunsat which was superb.

Stu and I also bought a set of plates and a bathroom sink - now we need a house! So now we are carrying everything including a sink!

Stu and I did a tour of Denpasar - which for a capital has very little except the independance monument which was very good and a bargain at 10p.

Robin and Alison came up with a lousy excuse to stay in Bali for a few more days and they shipped the "kids" off to Singapore.

We have arrived safely although preferred Bali to the city. Heather has already found a mcdonalds and so has decided our dinner. Stu and I are manically trying to book hostels and buses during chinese year which starts on Thusday!

Love from the country which has too many stone carvings for all the people to buy - they already have one per family and are still making them!

mel and stu x