After two weeks of luxury it was time to be backpackers again!! This proved a little difficult, as after arriving in Kuta airport we dropped off our bags and headed straight to the nearest Italian! This was followed by hiring surf boards and hitting the beach! It didn't end there, we treated ourselves to a drink at a really cool bar overlooking the sea and pie and chips on the way home! Although after two nights it was off to Ubud to work, for free accommodation!

We arrived in Ubud and after a long, hard slog dragging our backpacks through town and another cheeky little Italian (but at £5 for two meals you can't not) we were picked up and driven to hostel Rama Sita where we will be staying for the next two weeks, James re-designing a website and me, well no clue what I'd be doing, neither did the owners! The hostel was up in the hills over looking rice fields, and part of the owners parents house, the scenery was beautiful. We stayed in the 16 bed dorm room for two nights until we blagged a move to their private villa. Sounds luxurious however we spend hours cleaning and making it livable. We were delighted to have an outdoor kitchen and were able to cook meals and actually do a shop in a supermarket for the next few weeks!

We met with Luh and Suta at the hostel to find out what they had in store for us. Their understanding of how to run a hostel was limited and we had our work cut out. We spent the next two weeks, re-designing a menu including tasting sessions, trying some really crazy food, re-designing a website and logo, painting the logo on the wall, giving lessons on how to make western style food and how to clean! The language barrier was difficult on times, although we had lots of fun and loved Luh, Suta and their families company. They were pretty crazy, so we got on well :)

During our free time we cycled around the countryside, which was super hilly, resulting in me pushing the bike most of the time and James laughing. We chatted to locals, watched ceremony's which were really interesting, even cremations were a massive, colourful celebration, filling the streets, something I think we should adopt in the UK. Ubud town was beautiful, full of boutique shops, spas and restaurants, we spent hours trawling through the narrow alleyways and Balinese compounds, designed Hinduism.

Whilst at the hostel we met, Yvonne and Josh from Germany, Pete from England and Katarina from Poland. They were an interesting bunch, and despite our initial reservations we got on great, despite James and his usual sense of humour aggravating Katarina who was easily wound up! Very funny. One day the 6 of us hopped on our Mopeds and drove for several hours to a waterfall. We were able to jump into the lagoon and swim up and under the massive waterfall and walk behind, which was very powerful due to its height. An amazing experience although it was really cold! We stopped off at a local restaurant for my usual Nasi goreng (aka fried rice, veg and chicken satay). I did actually become quite fond of Balinese food! Finally Asian food I liked. We drove up and over a huge mountain, and froze and arrived in the dark and rain. Great day! We spent the evenings sat drinking whisky, beer and radlers, (lemon lager), eating snakes and being entertained by Josh who was very funny.

Although we was working, we managed to squeeze in a massage, which was the best! Unbelievable value for money, £5 for one hour massage, foot scrub, ginger tea and biscuits. Will never have massages for that price again. I also joined Josh in a yoga class, which was hilarious as I had no idea what to do and being surrounded by very serious regulars I looked a little silly, but I tried and failed! You can't go to Bali and not do yoga. James however stuck to his running not being very flexible :/

Before leaving it was back to the dorm for two night, and nearly the end of our working experience which we really enjoyed. We learnt lots about the Balinese culture and Hindu religion, which was fascinating, and so pretty due to using flowers as offering to their God. We met some lovely people, and got to spend time in amazing surroundings with a great family! And most of all it didn't feel like work at all. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Kuta for the last of cheap meals, drinks and surf before heading to the land down under. After a 2am flight we were heading to our next destination, Carins, Australia!

Much love
Roanna & James