Not a Trip Report Trip Report?

[Pushka]

Next morning it was off to T3. Security is so much better at Heathrow these days as so little preparation is required. But as each airport operates differently these days it's confusing as to which one requires laptops in, or out, and if you choose the wrong option you get barked at. Anyway.

We went into the tiny CX F lounge. We weren't able to get window seats over looking the tarmac but they looked great. We then decided a meal was in order as we were both hungry. It was the breakfast menu.



We both chose this dish. And it was a winner. The brioche.



On the way we passed a familiar bird.

 

[Pushka]

The long flight to HK started at 12.30pm so it was a bit tricky knowing when to sleep. Lunch was served quickly, and it was enjoyable. Ooops. No menu shots. But the soup was excellent.


Chicken dish I think.


And of course.



I've also been enjoying the light cheese platters and have found that at last, I like Blue Vein cheese!

Watched a couple of movies, snuggled into the CX fabulously soft quilt, and went to sleep.

 

[Pushka]

Ok. We landed in Hong Kong and were able to avail ourselves of the fabulous Pier. It was deserted and I actually felt a bit awkward . We were taken on a guided tour - we'd been here before years ago and were stuck there with a delayed flight so we knew the drill. I decided to have a splendid shower and was offered a quiet room plus any massage I wanted. But - I'm not a massage kinda gal! I politely declined but the shower was wonderful. We then had a bite to eat, another Gin and then it was time to leave for Bali.

These flights passed quite quickly compared with the trip over. I was feeling much better by now. We arrived into Bali on time. Our gate was right next to the immigration hall. Anyone travelling to Bali knows how miraculous this is. We then had the challenge of dealing with the EVisa.

Bali requires a VOA which can also be applied for pre travel (EVOA) so that the Egates can be used and entry is fast. Or VOA which requires queuing at a desk to pay the money then joining the immigration queue which is where VOA plus kids have to line up. We had an EVOA for our first entry that lasts for 30 days for single entry. Well, apparently our exit from Bali wasn't noted in the system and our first EVOA was blocking us applying for the second one to return. So we had to line up. Fortunately a short queue but on explanation we had to go to a second desk as this is a known issue. but we didnt have to queue there. We then looked longingly at the EGATES knowing we couldnt use them - BUT the line up there was worse! They too had failed today. Oh well, nothing lost then.

Luggage was fairly fast and we then located our driver who had sorted us out on our first trip. Eventually. With Bali you walk along a row of drivers holding your name. Couldnt find him. We had to Whatsapp. Turned out that instead of standing still, he was walking along the other side up and down. So if course, we kept missing him as we walked up and down. We politely suggested next time he was meeting someone there that he stands still!

This time we are staying in Sanur. MrP meeds wind this time. He was in luck. It was blowing a gale and pretty bad. We arrived around 5pm amd straight to the foil school to find out they hadnt booked him in for the next day. OK. a rest day. we had 6 days here anyway.

The resort is called Prama Sanur Beach. On the beachfront and water activity central. It's ok. It's a bit run down but they are doing renovations. There's a nice front beach bar. We'd just caught the first week of school holidays.




Pool is excellent but of course there's the usual grab to get pool loungers first thing in the morning. After the first miss we decided we had to likewise play the game.



We enjoyed plenty of these.



Alcohol - the spirit kind and wine, is insanely expensive in Bali.

 

[Pushka]

Our plan was to get rid of jet lag in Bali and for MrP to learn how to kite foil. Well, the two weren't exactly compatible. I whiled away the day by the pool and walking around in the insanity of the local Sanur traffic trying to find a laundry.

I did find a laundry. There were several. I picked one randomly and left the clothes then planned to return the next day. It was 3 kilos and all up -90,000 IDR. Less than $9. Bargain. I'd taken a photo of the shop but not the address. . I got lost trying to find it again. It was hot. Traffic was chaotic. Pavements non existent. And I was trying to work out how to tell MrP I'd lost his favourite pants. I'm walking around showing locals the picture. They honed in the sign that said Massage. Yes. We know massage place. It's just down there. Pointing to a place not remotely like the one in the photo. No I said, I want this place, pointing to the photo. Why? they asked. Because my clothes are there. The locals moved on leaving the crazy female tourist alone. Trouble is I kept walking past the same group of locals. Crazy lady.

I was about to give up and start all over again from the hotel. And five minutes away - I passed by it. Now, I'd promised the lady when I came back I'd also have a massage. She took one look at my broiled face, handed me the bag of laundry, took the money and let me leave without it.

The Laundry - it looked so good and way better than when I do it. . And I didn't have to confess to Mr P.

 

[Pushka]

Random shots of the resort at nighttime. It always looked so much better at night time.








These two were taken at the next resort and which was more upmarket. They did have several roosters so heaven help nearby guests at 5am.



And on low tide this pontoon was completely beached. Not the least bit attractive.




And the cultural night. We have seen several so decided to return to the bar a little further from the activity. We just took these as we left.

 

[Pushka]

One night at the bar we heard this amazing voice singing a Celine Dion song and then Lady Gaga hit Shallow at the beach stage. She was superb. It was so good we walked to the beach to hear her but she had finished. It turned out she was a guest from Amsterdam and her partner had provided the duet with her. The security guy pointed her out and so we congratulated her on her wonderful voice and that we'd left the bar to hear her. The bands and vocalists at this resort have been, well, politely, very difficult to listen to. So we don't.

 

[Pushka]

Our favourite resort in Bali remains the Intercontinental at Jimbaran Bay and so we decided to make the trek to visit there one evening for sunset.

As always, it's a wonderful place with the best beach.

Preparing for a special dinner. Not us













Drinks.

 

[Pushka]

The squirrels were encouraged to feed at breakfast time. I'd seen them and moved closer to take photos. They are very tame. But the people at the tables near them hadn't realised they were there and were concerned at what I was photographing. Finally the penny dropped.









I was waiting to see the wedding happen at this venue. Except they did some drone photos, took some photos then took it all down . They had been doing a photography session for their promotion over the days we were there and this was part of it.

 

[Pushka]

By the third day we had receovered from jet lag - we snapped back into the time zone really quickly and probably aided by the fact we got up at 7.30am even though we could have slept on, and were in the sunshine all day. The best recovery I've experienced.

We left Bali after the week and exiting was so much easier this time. We didn't have lounge access and spent the time in one of the really nice little airport lounges. And our flight was on Jetstar direct to Adelaide with just over 5 hours. We left on time. Other than the huge toilet queues - seriously some people were into the loo so many times, it was very uneventful. I think this daytime flight is being scrapped though which is a great shame.

A surprisingly clear view of Agung or Batur.



And the Jetstar Neo. Perfectly acceptable for this flight. Our luggage was the last out so customs took around 40 minutes. But we went straight through. Asked which country did we spend most time in. Ummm. Good question. We had decided on Portugal as we deemed it safer.



And within a week we had booked a return trip to Bali for November. Just one destination. Europe is done for the next 18 months so we won't be catching up with son for a bit. It will be a sweet DSC trip and requalify us as WP until May 2026 and will cover our trip to Japan next year.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Thanks for the "Not a Trip Report" TR @Pushka
Glad you are feeling better and you will certainly enjoy some "rinse and repeat" in Bali 🏖