One of the owners of the business came to meet us at the beach where she had helmets for us (safety first!) and a light snack for the ride. It was time to get moving. We rode North along the beach, admiring the view and watching people taking selfies, where it got busier and busier. The path was packed with locals which is what happens on a Sunday. We managed to get past them all and we rode as far as the beach path goes which meets with a black sand beach. More locals were there enjoying the water and having some family time. This is one of the things I love about Sanur on a Sunday.
We turned our bikes around and headed back south, but took a backroad path to avoid some of the busyness but it wasn't long until we found it again. We weaved our way through the people, using our bells like new toys (said Putu). We kept on riding until we were right at the South end of the path. Once again, the beach here was packed with locals which was a beautiful sight. Their little beach warungs were opening, grilling corn cobs (I must try to get one of these beach I go!), little kids riding around, people wading into the shallow water. I could sit for hours and watch this.
We cracked open our snacks and had a look at what was in our little treasure chest. We had been packed a cold towel, a water bottle, some fruit and some Indonesian snacks. Delish. What a nice touch to add as well, especially for a ride at this time when we're bound to get a bit peckish before breakfast. Putu had planned on taking us to a bar in Sanur called the Manshed. Not to have a drink but to have a look at the old cars and motorbikes but mum and I are not old cars and bikes kind of people. I think it would be great if there had been a back-up plan in place at this time. During this ride, you are supposed to stop at a local restaurant, Sweet Magnolia, for breakfast but for some reason or another Putu didn't take us. Instead we got back on our bikes and rode back along the street. The ride lasted for a couple of hours but was in no way strenuous so you definitely don't have to be particularly fit to do it. Although mum and I, bring Sanur regulars, had already seen most of what we saw along the ride, I think it would be great for newbies to Sanur to get their bearings and see what is beyond their hotel. The bikes and helmets were in excellent condition and you are also able to hire the bikes on a daily basis. Some even have child seats on the back.
Sanur Cycle Tours have got a huge range of rides (see here) and it may have been more beneficial for mum and I to go on a different one so we could see something a bit different but you live and learn! We had a great ride nonetheless, Putu was lovely to ride along with, chatting and making jokes, making sure we both alright. I'd definitely do a ride again but would choose something like the Morning Tour so I could see a part of Sanur I haven't seen before.
When we got back to the hotel, we were well and truly ready for breakfast. We decided to just head next door to The Glass House. I've always wanted to give this restaurant a go, especially since it has recently been renovated. We took a seat outside but soon moved in after the noise from the street was just too much (I swear my hearing is more sensitive since being in Candi Dasa). I ordered an eggs benedict bagel and mum ordered a muesli stack with yogurt and fruit using her own gluten free muesli from home. I quite liked the feel of the restaurant and the menu had a nice range of options but when our meals came out literally 5 minutes after we ordered them, I was a bit concerned. There is no way that in 5 minutes, these people managed to toast a bagel, cook some bacon and poach 2 eggs plus put it all together on the plate. I do not believe for a second that my breakfast was freshly cooked. Mum was happy enough with her breakfast- it would be hard to get a fruit salad with muesli and yoghurt wrong- but was wasn't happy about paying $10 for it when she used her own muesli. You wouldn't even be happy about paying that in Australia. So no, we won't be going back.
We left feeling a bit ripped off but it was done. It was time to freshen up in the pool after our ride. I got my book, got a towel and a lounge (no hogs today!) and had a nice dip. I enjoyed the sun and the water for an hour or so before it was time for me to get dressed for an afternoon of shopping. Our guide Putu from our ride had organised one of his friends to pick up Mum, Hilary, Nadine and I and take us into Seminyak today. I had booked a table at a newish restaurant just near Seminyak Square called Sisterfields. I'd heard a lot about it and seen lots of photos of the place which looked really cook. Given we had some dietary requirements to cater for (coeliac and vegetarians), we thought this would be a great place to go. Lucky I had booked a table because the place was quite packed. We ordered drinks of fresh juices and decided on our meals. The menu had a big range of options from all-day breakfast to salads and burgers. There was really something for everyone. I decided on crispy soft shell crab hawker roll, mum had a corgette, mint, feta and falafel salad, Hilary ordered a chicken schnitzel sandwich with gluten free bread and Nadine got a pan seared fillet of fish plus we got some polenta fries to share. The service was fantastic and everything from our juice to fries to fish and salads were so yummy. What an awesome choice of restaurant for lunch. Everyone was so happy with their meals and the price was really reasonable.
After lunch, it was time to hit the shops. We explored the ones right next door to the restaurant before heading to Oberoi street. I bought some gorgeous rings from a shop called My Cup Of Love which was a shop of bits and pieces; cushion covers, jewellery, chinaware, mugs, bags and purses, and I got some coconut (my current obsessive) body scrub and moisturiser from a shop called Cocona. We stocked up on DVDs and wandered along the street. I'm proud to say I didn't do a huge amount of shopping, but what I did buy, I'm very happy with. I got a gorgeous maxi dress from one of my favourite shops Sophia & Indigo. I had gone in here in March and met the loveliest shop assistant and when I showed her a photo of us together from March, she laughed and thanked me profusely for coming back. She is just such a beautifully happy person. I also grabbed a very light linen beach towel that will be great for those summer beach days.
I looked in shops here and there not getting much before heading back to Seminyak Square to meet our driver. There was one more place we all wanted to go; Mimpi Mannis. It was a gorgeous shoe shop that just opened recently but was a bit too far along Oberoi Street to walk. We had all been eyeing their shoes off for months so were eager to get in there and buy some. The shop is tiny but jam packed full of goodies. So many pretty sandals to choose from, purses, clothes, sunglasses. Deciding which to get was difficult. I decided on 2 pairs of sandals and was so happy to find them quite soft, not like the usual Bali sandals that can be quite hard. The shoes are about $35 and so pretty!
After buying our shoes, it was time to head back to Sanur. We got back in great time and half an hour before I had a booking at my favourite Koa Spa. I had a quick dip to refresh before walking over. Koa has recently extended their spa to keep up with the demand as they were getting very popular. The area where the 3 massage cubicles use to be is now an area for manicures and pedicures. They have a new upstairs area for their massages. I was really looking forward to my massage as every one I had had previously was so good. I was directed into one of the new cubicles and was ready to get started. I'm very sad to say that I was left disappointed. The extension of the spa obviously means more staff and this one just did not have that touch. They've completely changed their hot stone massage and it was no where near as good as it use to be. They were a bit stingy with the stones; where they use to massage you with the stones and leave them on very specific parts of your body ie all along your spine, up your legs, in your hands and up your arms, they don't do that anymore. The number of times I had to ask the girl to take the stones off before I suffered from 2nd degree burns was ridiculous. I really hate it when a place you use to love so much lets you down. I don't know if I'll be returning now but I'll definitely be reviewing them so they can hopefully improve and get their standard back up to what it use to be.
I had a little while to relax before dinner. After freshening up, mum wanted to head to the beach for a drink. We went to Sand which is along the beach path. It is a really nice setting here but unfortunately my cider was not cold at all. Nevertheless, it was really nice and we decided to come here for breakfast in the morning.
We wandered along the street to one of my favourite restaurants; the Art Cafe. We were meeting some friends for dinner and I was, as always, really looking forward it having chocolate cake. The service here is always fantastic and the food never disappoints me. I stuck to my promise and got the beef rendang for my main. The flavours were absolutely beautiful but the meat was a bit chewy and not tender enough. Mona Lisa remains as my favourite beef rendang. Chocolate cakes were ordered around the table and they were as good as ever. Gooey goodness. Always beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. I was a happy girl.
By the time we got back to the hotel, it was 10:30 and time to hit the hay. Tomorrow is another beautiful day in Bali!
No comments:
Post a Comment