We had two layovers to before we hit Bali. First one was Moscow, Russia for about an hour, then a three hour layover in Singapore. Of course, we had to pick up a couple bottles of premium Russian vodkas duty free. Singapore's airport was beautiful -- immaculate, bright, full of high end stores, restaurants, butterfly garden, lounges, spas, workout facility, pool, movie theater, and even offered free tours of Singapore.
This was my first time traveling on Singapore Airlines and it was hands down the best flight airline I have ever traveled. Each seat had screens for movies, video games and music, 3 meals a day, snacks, free beverages, pillows, blankets, dental packets, socks, hot towels, and earphones. The stewards and stewardesses were all so incredibly beautiful inside and out, providing immaculate service to each person on the flight. The total flight time to arrive in Bali was just over 29 hours.
When we arrived in Bali, we started looking for our driver to the Villa. Walking from the baggage claim, there were tons of drivers offering their taxi service or holding up signs with your name on it. We immediately saw Kassia's name in bold print, so we found our guy! The roads were filled with cars and tons of scooters swerving in and around cars like it was nothing. Scooters are the primary mode of transportation. I asked the driver if scooters were easy to drive and he chuckled. He said, "If you have driven one before, yes, it's good to rent one here, but if you have never driven one, Bali is not the place to start as they move very fast." So no scooter rental...drats.
As we were on the way to the Villa, he asked if we wanted to stop and get lunch. That definitely sounded like a great idea. We first stopped by an ATM to pull out money. The Indonesian Rupiah is 13,043 to 1 USD. So taking out 1.5 Million Rupiah is $100.00 USD. We felt so rich with the Rupiah, which looked like play money! This is what 100,000 Rupiah looks like and we each had 1.5 Million worth! This bill is really about $7 USD, but let's not look at it that way - it's better to think that we have over a Million dollars - balleresses!
When we arrived in Bali, we started looking for our driver to the Villa. Walking from the baggage claim, there were tons of drivers offering their taxi service or holding up signs with your name on it. We immediately saw Kassia's name in bold print, so we found our guy! The roads were filled with cars and tons of scooters swerving in and around cars like it was nothing. Scooters are the primary mode of transportation. I asked the driver if scooters were easy to drive and he chuckled. He said, "If you have driven one before, yes, it's good to rent one here, but if you have never driven one, Bali is not the place to start as they move very fast." So no scooter rental...drats.
As we were on the way to the Villa, he asked if we wanted to stop and get lunch. That definitely sounded like a great idea. We first stopped by an ATM to pull out money. The Indonesian Rupiah is 13,043 to 1 USD. So taking out 1.5 Million Rupiah is $100.00 USD. We felt so rich with the Rupiah, which looked like play money! This is what 100,000 Rupiah looks like and we each had 1.5 Million worth! This bill is really about $7 USD, but let's not look at it that way - it's better to think that we have over a Million dollars - balleresses!
We pulled up to a local restaurant he recommended, iiga warung, which is known for their special BBQ ribs. He let us out and politely said he would wait in the car why we ate lunch inside. We asked him to come in and join us and he was hesitant at first -- was it because we looked so scary? A few minutes later, he agreed to join us. This was fantastic as we could chat with to him and get information on the island. BBQ ribs and rice were our meals -- basted in a sweet BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection where the meat melted off the bone.
We then headed to the Villa and there was a staff member there to help us with our luggage and give us an overview of the Villa. First, he gave us two lime drinks to cool off, which was the perfect way to quench our thirst in the heat. Next, he gave us a tour of the Villa and folder of restaurant menus that delivered to the Villa. The average meal price was about $3 to $4 USD. You can eat well three times a day for under $10.00. He offered a butler to come tomorrow and cook us breakfast in the morning too, so we could wake up to a traditional Balinese breakfast in the Villa. Here is the Villa were are staying at for a few days. It's very open area with the living, dining, and kitchen outside a covered patio that is connected to an infinity swimming pool. The bedrooms are inside with an inside and outside shower.
We then headed to the Villa and there was a staff member there to help us with our luggage and give us an overview of the Villa. First, he gave us two lime drinks to cool off, which was the perfect way to quench our thirst in the heat. Next, he gave us a tour of the Villa and folder of restaurant menus that delivered to the Villa. The average meal price was about $3 to $4 USD. You can eat well three times a day for under $10.00. He offered a butler to come tomorrow and cook us breakfast in the morning too, so we could wake up to a traditional Balinese breakfast in the Villa. Here is the Villa were are staying at for a few days. It's very open area with the living, dining, and kitchen outside a covered patio that is connected to an infinity swimming pool. The bedrooms are inside with an inside and outside shower.
Shortly after we settled in, the first thing we did was dive into the pool. Weather was hot and humid, this cooled us off immediately -- it was beautiful. Shortly after, we walked to the local market to get some snacks. On the walk, we saw homes selling goods in their backyard, chickens running around and dogs roaming the streets. Of course, I naturally wanted to pet and hug each one, but they can carry rabies, so no petting. The dogs are very docile, keep to themselves, love to walk the streets and find other dogs to meet up for play time.
We got to the market and didn't really know what to get. We kept it simple and bought some bottled soda, green tea, yogurt, cookies, chips, eggs and bananas. I checked out and it cost around $8.50 USD for my items. After I checked out, I saw a freezer with pints of Haagen Dazs and my eyes lit up. I asked Kassia if she would grab one and she did. As she was checking out, the pint of ice cream rang up as $15.00 USD! I decided that a pint of ice cream for $15 bucks wasn't worth it, so put it back. In Austin, it's about $6.00, so this was over double the cost. I guess Haagen Dazs is a rare or hard to get item on the island. As we were walking back, there were 4 small children sitting on the corner. Each one smiled and said, "Hellooooo!". We greeted them back. I turned around and saw 4 children following us and giggling. I said to Kassia, "Um, there are little ones following us and are going to try and sell us something." Kassia grins and says, "We do not look like the locals, so that's probably why." -- and yes, they kept following us. As we turned the corner, they decided to head back to their home. I was surprised how friendly and trusting they were to strangers.
I was pretty tired from the travel, so decided to relax on the bed and was out immediately. Woke up feeling refreshed around 6am the next morning and hopped into the outside shower. Taking a shower outside with the birds chirping and cool air was magical.
After the shower, I climbed up to the balcony and looked over the back yard. To my surprise, I found these beauties staring back at me. Mamas and babies enjoying the early morning sun rising. Shortly after, some chickens came to hang out with them.
Around 8am, I heard someone come into the outside kitchen and dining area. Within a few minutes, I could smell the aroma of breakfast. I peeked out and our amazing guy was cooking, blending and slicing away.
Poof! Breakfast is ready and we gobbled up everything at the table which shows you how delicious it was. Prepared was sliced melon, watermelon, and dragon fruit. The breakfast entree was an Indonesian rice dish with chicken. He even made us some watermelon juice and coffee. Not only did he make us breakfast, he cleaned all the dishes and our living space while we ate. I want to keep this guy forever.
Now time to head out and explore day 2. We do not have any set agenda, so will see what we can find or what finds us. Sampai Jumpa!
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