Continuing Travels in Bali

The continued visit in Ubud Bali.  Ari left very early on Sunday, and I decided to take a day of rest as I have been traveling, diving and touring for like 3 weeks now.  That evening we returned to La Cinta for some of the best pork spare ribs and said goodbye to the Cowen family who were leaving to return to their home.

On Monday, Eddie our driver met us again to tour toward the western part of Bali.  Our first stop was a wonderful well kept Temple,Mengwi,  between 2 rivers , then we proceeded to the mountains to the north and the northern sea of Bali.  Beverly and I enjoyed the hot springs at Banjar while Harris looked after our clothes ( we did wear suits as per photos!) We went thru the clove growing region and stopped at a fruit stand and bought a duriean, which is just coming on the market at $100,000 rupies about $10 US  The lovely lady at the stand opened it up for us even though I had brought rubber gloves to do the task.  The skin of this is the smelliest perhaps in the entire world, whoever opened this first fruit had to be very hungry!!!!.  We tasted it there at the fruit stand and brought the rest back to the hotel and had it with toast and wine.  The rest went into the Harlan’s refrig only to be told by the hotel staff that it had to be removed from the room, so we told them we had our taste and they could have the rest, they were very grateful, so were Harris and Beverly!!!!!

Tuesday was spent shopping and in the evening we ate chili crab at the Batan Warui and then enjoyed a Brong performance .  This is one of the dances about their beliefs of good and evil.

 Wednesday , Eddie is back to  drive us to the Southern area and we found the most beautiful fountain that I have been looking for ever since I built my new home at the resort 10 years ago.  You must come to Pirate’s Point soon and enjoy it with me. 

Thursday, back to the fountain factory to complete details and while there a street vendor came by selling Sesame Balls which are one of my favorite sweets.  They were fantastic and we all enjoyed them.  Back to Ubud where we spent the remainder of the afternoon at the City Market.  Dinner this evening at the Pundi-Pundi Restaurant next to the rice field and lotus pond.  Great food.

Gladys and Bev enjoy a dip!

Friday, spent much of the day dealing with the shipping agent being sure all of the details were accurate for getting the fountain to Little Cayman.  Went downtown Ubud to the Oka Restaurant for one of the area lunch treats (Roasted Pig --baby Guling).  It was great and the lunch for the three of us including 2 huge beers was USD 15.  A little more City Market shopping and back to the hotel for a short rest before having dinner at the Restaurant Bibiania which had been highly recommended by an Australian tourist staying in the room near me at the hotel.  The meal was perfect for all three of us and we highly recommend the restaurant. 

Saturday,  found a new place for breakfast just a short walk from the hotel,  Kakiang Bakery.  A few pennies less than the hotel and excellent pastries.  Contrary to what happens so often, they Looked AND Tasted Good.

After breakfast, walked a block down the street and made arrangements to attend an Indonesian Cooking Class Mon morning at 7 am.  Visited with the chef and discussed several dishes that I would like for him to prepare for us.  Had dinner again at the Bibiania Restaurant and although the service was a little slow, all of the meals were excellent.

Sunday,  back to the Kakiang Bakery for breakfast.  Enjoyed eggs Benedict on smoked salmon, ham and cheese croissant with lettuce and tomato, mango tart, cinnamon roll and a couple of cups of cappuccino.  Back to the City Market for some last minute shopping and then to the SPA for a little relaxing pleasure.

Dinner tonight at the Café Lotus for another Ubud specialty -- Smoked Duck. Bev and Harris are celebrating their 52^nd wedding anniversary tonight.