Waking up this morning to the sound of our pool being automatically cleaned, it sounded as if we were next to a running stream. The plan today was to relax, enjoy the villa and go out for drinks and dinner to watch the sunset. The villa we are staying at the moment has sliding doors, so during the day we have them open creating an open plan living area. The concept is actually based on traditional outdoor living, as in Balinese homes. Here are a few photos of our villa; the first one is taken from the bedroom looking out to the pool.
The outdoor day bed or bale
The living room with doors shut.
As rest was the name of the game today we'd decided to have breakfast delivered to the villa, and I think this will be a common occurrence over the next few days. A feast in itself- we were pleased that we were not out for lunch today!
Mid afternoon, we went up to the pool bar for a change of scenery and a drink. This also gave an opportunity for the villa to be made up and the breakfast things cleared away. The hotel pool is nice and was relatively quiet, and as it was midday also very hot. Luckily we could jump in the pool to cool off as we waited for our drinks.
As the sun sets around six thirty we had an early start to the evening and set off for a taxi at five thirty. This would be our first attempt at going it alone, no shuttle buses, just us and the taxis and a fee to negotiate. As we'd not ventured into Seminyak before we had no idea where the restaurant was and how far - we just knew we weren't planning on walking. Yesterday as we left the hotel to walk the short distance to Sarong a member of staff asked if we wanted a taxi so I was hoping this would happen again. No such luck, the road our hotel is on is unmade and we had read much about it before we left from home, typically for us last night they road was being laid with tarmac so no cars were let down it. So it was a walk to the main road in the heat, in the sun, in the dust, over hot Tarmac and in daylight but dressed up for the evening you can all probably guess this evening wasn't starting off as planned. We managed to flag a taxi down and it was time to negotiate a price, I had no idea on a target price but the speed at which my offer was accepted leads me to believe I was taken for a ride in more ways than one.
As we arrived at Breeze we were led through the hotel down to the restaurant on the beachside, feeling slightly out of place as we were dressed up this quickly passed as other tables arrived also dressed to see the sunset and eat. Our waitress came over and introduced herself, Mini and she was, Mini by name mini by nature, she made Helen feel tall.
After Mini had introduced herself and found out our names we were referred to a Helen and Chris all evening. Well used to her customers needs, at a couple of points during the sunset she came to take photos as required.
The beach was busy full of people there to enjoy the sunset, including a bride and groom at one point. As you will see from the photos, the sunset was worth seeing and it was amazing to see the sun set so quickly and afterwards the beach empty almost as quickly.
We both chose food from the Indonesian section of the menu, having beef sate and Gado Gado to start, with Nasi Campur and seafood Laska for main courses.
The food was delicious, we have found a Balinese wine we like (two island Chardonnay) so a pleasant evening was had, so much so we have booked to return on our final night on Wednesday.
After the meal we had more chance to talk to Mini as things had quietened down. Her village was about four hours from the hotel so she only gets home on her days off. She was telling us how she wants to get married to her current boyfriend but can't yet as she is still supporting her sisters and brothers though school. Apparently it cost 20,000,000 rupiah for a years university fees (about £1300) and it is out of reach for many Balinese people. We both felt a real compassion for Mini- she was so, so lovely, treated us like friends and made us realise the importance of family values. Mini even said she would try to change her shift so she could see us on Wednesday and gave us a hug as we both left. We had both commented that Bali really is a welcoming place and very much unique in the way the people treat tourists. On some other holidays, despite us never speaking about it, we have often felt like an inconvenience to people who work in the tourist industry. We very much feel that Bali is a very special place and hope it stays this way.
As we left for our taxi ride home the hotel parking attendant flagged a taxi down for us using his red baton. When I asked the taxi driver how much and he said how much do you want to pay!! I knocked 10000 off my earlier price and it was still accepted so I guess I need to go lower next time!
So another good day was had- slightly lacking in traditional Bali life but made up for by the Bali hospitality we received! Let's hope the monkeys have learnt a thing or too from the Balinese tomorrow- otherwise, if the guidebooks and guides are right, it could be another unforgettable experience with monkeys snatching our belongings!
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