So home and unpacked it's true to say we have had the most fantastic time exploring Bali and experiencing a little of the so many things it has to offer.
First mistake we made though was arriving home mid afternoon and even though we said we wouldn't, showering and getting straight into bed. Despite setting an alarm for a couple of hours later, we ignored it and had our evenings sleep. Mistake! By 2am we were both wide awake and hungry! We were expecting to have a bite to eat and then fall straight back asleep- as if! Balinese time had obviously set in and our body's natural alarm clock could only think it was morning time. It was just a shame that the butler didn't know where we lived! Anyway, the same mistake will not be made again- tonight we will go to bed at the correct UK time!!
So on reflection....our highs and lows (obviously not in that order!)
Lows
It has to be the illnesses and ailments we had whilst over there! A dodgy stomach for Chris on and off and a three hour episode of food poisoning for Helen. On the plus side- less money spent on food and fewer pounds gained. In fact for Chris a two pound loss!! A broken tooth for Helen (at least £200 trip to dentist next week) and a bad shoulder for Chris. Not too bad- no trips to see the Balinese medics!
The travelling. Despite the excitement of the adventure ahead and thought of home, the travelling there and back was a bit of a pain. Our reserved seats were granted so at least we were where we wanted to be. However, 27 hours travelling is a bit much! Made all the worse by one guy on the outward flight being a little odd- funny sounds, ridiculous snoring, sudden laughing-perhaps too much of the strong stuff. Also, the second outward flight being so cold!!! And of course, little sleep for Chris! On the way back, the first two flights being sat next to a man who snored profusely, coughed when he wasn't snoring, took my seatbelt, had my leg room and armrest and generally wasn't the best person to sit next to (and no- it wasn't Chris!) probably added to it. Oh and the taxi man making us go to departures to be collected- not the best to see happy faces eagerly awaiting their holiday when you feel shattered and just want to get the M62 journey done with!
The fact we never walked on a beach, never got to experience day time Ubud, our poor bartering skills, however it is always good to leave something for next time.
And now the highs...
Two full weeks together, in such different hotels and places that provided so many contrasts and memories.
Seeing so many different sides of Bali in such a short time; the natural beauty of the lakes, rice terraces and mountains, the cultural side of the palaces, temples and dances, the day to day life seen on every street corner, the gorgeous food seeing from fields to kitchen to plate and finally to our stomachs.
Gaining so much insight in to the traditions, rituals and beliefs just by talking to our guide Arri, witnessing the things we were told about actually happening, seeing what we thought were stereotypical images to be a true reflection on Balinese life.
The welcoming nature of everyone we met throughout our travels, yes they all asked the same questions, is this your first visit to Bali, how long are you here, where have you been, where do you live, do you like Bali. But it is the responses we got back that made the conversations so genuine, the welcome to Bali we got every time we said it was our first visit was always so heartfelt and the pride that shone out when we said we loved Bali showed to us how much the Balinese love Bali too.
So that's it! Goodbye beautiful Bali and thank you for lots of beautiful, happy, memories we will hold to these for the rest of our lives.
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