As we woke to the usual sound of the pool filling, the staff sweeping and the birds singing, today really was the last day. We were pleased that we had made the decision to pay extra to keep the villa on until 6pm and made the most of it. Awake and both feeling well, we opened all the sliding doors, including the bedroom ones and Chris slipped straight into the pool! Nothing like a quick dip to wake you up!
Just as we were waiting for breakfast we were most alarmed that we noticed, next to the sink in the little kitchen area (not for preparing food just a sink, fridge and glasses) that there were animal droppings! Worried that our breakfast was arriving in less than five minutes there was little we could do but thinking the worse- mice or even rats, we were surprised how these had suddenly appeared as they were not there when Chris looked after his swim. Scrubbing hands and using anti-bacterial gel, we were comforted that at least the breakfast was prepared elsewhere and always arrived in cling film etc. DING-DONG the doorbell went and the butler promptly arrived carrying the large tray. Before he was able to put it down I ushered him to the droppings and I said "rats?"! He laughed and said rat droppings "MUCH bigger!! They're just gecko dropping!!" Hmmmm, .not sure this made it much better but he promptly cleaned them away and I guess I was relieved to know they weren't rat droppings! I'm sure gecko droppings aren't that great either! However, we sat down to the last breakfast and made the most of the freshly squeezed fruit juices we had become accustomed to! I daren't think how many pieces of fruit go into each glass full of juice! Mmmmmm..lovely.
After that we both read (I managed to get my total of books up to three) and just enjoyed our pool and villa on our last day.
After packing late afternoon, we were ready to go to Reception by 5.50pm to start our long journey home and following a leisurely drink at the main pool, our transport had arrived early to take us to the airport. In the usual send off we had be come familiar with (doors being opened, bags packed in car for us, ladies bowing with their hands together, everyone thanking us for choosing their hotel and wishing us a good day) we set off knowing we had a good 27 hours travel ahead of us.
The journey to the airports seems to fly by and our guide (different guy) was keen to chat to us about our holiday. We can't possibly say which has been our favourite part of Bali as everywhere has been different so we promptly replied as much and he agreed. Aft discussing the cookery school with him he too was interested in the food we ate and explained Balinese food is often too spicy for tourists- I think he was quite pleased that we have enjoyed the traditional dishes! Although he did laugh when we had been fed teeth- his favourite part is the ear! Hmmmm.
He explained to us that his home village is in the North of Bali and that is where he considers home, despite residing in Denpasar. He still has an obligation for his village and his visits at home are often spent involved in ceremonies and maintaining the upkeep of the temples- when he can't make it home regularly, he sends back packs of cement etc for his share. The family home is obviously very important to the Balinese and remain in the family - when he leaves Denpasar due to retirement, that is where he will go.
Upon arrival at the airport we said goodbye and we started the mammoth security procedures to get out of Bali. In no time at all, we were boarding the plane and saying our goodbyes. Our first stop was to Singapore- albeit briefly but nevertheless a stop and opportunity to stretch our legs.
When we arrived at Doha airport it was easy to see that becoming familiar again with the changing time zones was going to be a challenge. Trying to decide whether we were taking notice of Bali time, English time or Qatar time- we gave it up as a bad job and decided to watch the sunrise in Qatar regardless!!
This is us 17 hours in to the journey only 10 to go before our own bed etc become a reality.
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