Bali, Day 4: From France to Belgium

Today's weather: Another breezy day, but nice and sunny

Today's exchange rate: IDR 9300 to 9400 per Aussie $

Mum and I were awake early again, just after 6:00. We stayed in bed for a while, keeping ourselves occupied with TripAdvisor; it's part of our morning routine. I soon got up to get dressed and busied myself with stuffing everything into my suitcase. I just couldn't be bothered packing it all properly as I knew when we got to our next hotel, it'd just all come out again. We headed over to breakfast at 8:00, but not before I had a little cuddle with the Pearl's bunny. I think he was waiting for his breakfast too. We took our seats, and took a moment to appreciate the view from our table, as this was our last morning to enjoy it.

The view at breakfast

We were soon joined by an Australian couple and chatted about the places we've eaten and shopped, different hotels we've stayed at etc. The beauty of staying at such a small hotel is getting to know the familiar faces. It's a good chance to meet and talk to other people. Being in Bali seems to have a way to creating an immediate bond between people. Another Australian couple (that recommended Cafe Jadi to us) also joined us and we all happily chatted away.

At about 9:00, Mum and I left breakfast to go for a walk. There were quite a few shops along Double 6 where we wanted to buy things. A lot of the stalls along the East end of Double 6 are closed, apparently to make way for a new hotel. We made our way towards Jalan Legian and were disappointed to see that the shops we wanted to go in, weren't open yet along with quite a few others. We continued walking along Double 6 and turned right on Jalan Legian. We had already looked along this way so there wasn't much of interest. We turned down Little Padma Street and was disappointed to see that along here a lot of the shops were also not open yet. This is when Mum declared that any shop that was open, we would look in. A shoe shop not far along caught my eye so in we went. At first look, nothing was really grabbing my attention, but then... I saw some GORGEOUS shoes. There were bright, colourful ballet-type flats, but with a flair. I tried some on and they were perfect. I felt like Cinderella, without the Prince. I asked how much they were and was surprised to hear they were only IDR 100,000. What a bargain!! I could have bartered for these but I already felt that it was a good price. The shoes came in all different colours and patterns and I noticed that some also came in sizes 41, 42 and 43. We were going to get some for my sister but weren't sure if she'd like them and of course no WiFi was available to message her and ask. Sorry Sam!

Shoes, shoes, shoes

My new shoes!

Mum was getting a bit frustrated that none of the shoes she liked were available in her size, even though she has little feet. She found some black ones with white spots that she loved, but alas, her size was not there. She did, however managed to find some black sandals that she liked and even better, her size was available! So Mum was happy once more, although I think not being able to get those spotty shoes in her size really hit her hard. The shop is called Nizar and is about 100 metres down Little Padma Street, on the right, when coming down from Jalan Legian.

We left feeling quite happy with our recent purchases. We continued along Little Padma Street, looking here and there. We were somewhat pulled into a market stall by a guy who said "Oh, they not real leather, these ones real leather, you buy these." He was quite a young Balinese man and introduced himself to me as "Ready. Ready to be your boyfriend." That's one I've heard before, but he was not my French Prince Charming.

We then crossed over the road and cut through the Baleka Resort. It's quite a nice hotel is a fantastic location and quite a nice pool. It has 2 street entrances; one on Little Padma Street and the other on Jalan Werkudara. We went all the way through to Jalan Werkudara to make a loop back to the hotel. Along the way, we spotted the oh-so popular pith helmets. Mum was more than willing to try one on for a quick snap. This ones for you Trip Advisor's! You know who you are. We also had a short stop over at a market stall where Mum bought a dress for IDR 100,000. We stopped on the corner at Cafe 66 for a quick ice tea before continuing on our way.

All that's missing is a thafari thuit

Mum's market dress

On our walk back up Jalan Legian, Mum decided that she just simply MUST have some more scarves. Some women are cat ladies, some are bag or shoe ladies. Mum is a scarf lady. Well actually, if I'm going to be completely honest with you, she's actually a cat, bag, shoe AND scarf lady. This time, I remembered to take a photo of the sign for all you other scarf ladies.

 

Scarf shop

More scarves for Mum

 

While we were walking in this direction, I suggested we go back down to Villa Coco and ask again if we could see one of their 2 bedroom pool villa's as this is what I've booked for my girl's trip in November. The receptionist was happy to take us down. We were shown 2 villa's, both of which were fantastic, but one (pictured) had a much nicer lounge area, so I made a request for that one. Seeing the villa in person has made me SO excited for my trip in November. I don't think I could have chosen better accommodation for my friends and I.

Villa Coco

As we made our way back to Double 6, Mum wanted to have a look in a little shop on the corner that we had been eyeing off for the last couple of days, but hadn't gotten around to looking in. It is a very small shop, but it had some really nice items. Beautiful tops and dresses that are perfect for throwing on over bathers, and gorgeous bags, wallets, jewellery and shoes. I picked myself out 2 dresses and 1 pair of shoes. It's a set price shop, but the prices are very reasonable. The shop is called Love Life Live and it's located at number 88 Jalan Double 6.

Inside Love Life Live

Outside Love Life Live

Shoes from Love Life Live: IDR 150,000

Dresses from Love Life Live: IDR 150,000 each

Mum also bought a dress from here to wear over bathers. I've actually been wearing one of the dresses and the shoes all afternoon and they are both so comfortable.

We continued along Double 6 back to the shops that were closed earlier. Yesterday we had discovered a shop called Magica that has rows and rows of cute bracelets and necklaces. We went in, and although I failed to buy anything, Mum got quite a few items. She was happy that the bracelets were a bit smaller than average market bracelets as she has quite small wrists. The bracelets were more expensive than I thought they were going to be, ranging from IDR 80,000 to 120,000 but Mum got them anyway. I popped next door into another jewellery store while she was paying, where I had eyed off a few pieces the day before. The jewellery here is quite simple, but the kind of thing I love. I decided on 4 pieces, and lucky for me, 2 of them were 50% off. I paid IDR 513,000 for all 4. This shop is called Anjali and is quite a small place that's easy to miss. Unfortunately the business card doesn't have the address on it.

Bracelets at Magica

Mum's Magica purchases

Anjali jewellery

By the time we had finished here, it was about 11:30 and our check-out at the Pearl was at 12:00. We didn't expect to be out that long, but time just gets away from you sometimes. We made our way back to the hotel to make sure we had everything together. The girls arrived at the room to clean at about 11:45 so we did kind of feel like we were being pushed out the door. They took our luggage to reception and we followed after having a quick check through the room to make sure we had everything. Mum settled the bill, and then it was time for lunch before heading to Sanur.

We decided to have lunch at a warung down the road that people at the hotel said was really good. It's called Warung Murah, at number 99 Jalan Double 6. The times we have walked past it, particularly around dinner time, it has been quite busy. We took our seats and ordered ice teas to start with. These came out quickly and were served in beer mugs. We had to ask for more sugar syrup as both our teas were quite bitter, and what did the sugar syrup come out in, but a shot glass.

We ordered our meals; Nasi Goreng for Mum and Mie Goreng for me, and sat back to enjoy watching the world go by. Our food didn't take long to arrive, and it was good. Great portion sizes and very yummy. Our bill came to a whole IDR 60,000. Our cheapest meal yet, and it was a good one.

Mum's Nasi Goreng

My Mie Goreng

Sign from Double 6

Our food went down a treat. We made our way back to the Pearl where a taxi was ordered for us to go to Sanur. The taxi driver was great; quite chatty with very good English. The ride to Sanur took about half an hour and cost IDR 80,000. Driving along, you could see the traffic thinning out. I breathed a sigh of relief. As great as staying in Legian was, coming to Sanur always feels like coming home. We were soon driving through the familiar streets and pulling into the long driveway of the Tamukami.

The driveway to the Tamukami

Tamukami Hotel

View from the lobby

Walking into the Tamukami, we knew we had chosen well. It's a boutique hotel with only 18 rooms and is tucked back from the main street of Sanur, so the noise gets left behind. The gardens are beautiful, and although the hotel is a little built up (2 storey building) it still has a sense of space.

When we checked in, the receptionist took the opportunity to confirm that Mum is gluten intolerant and that she brought her own bread as she said she would. We were then ushered downstairs to the restaurant area to enjoy our welcome drink; a yummy orange mocktail. The owner, from Belgium, approached us and introduced himself. He seems like a friendly man and it seems that he and his wife really like to interact with their guests.

Welcome drink

We finished off our Welcome Drink and were invited to go to our room. When we walked in, our luggage was there and waiting. We were left to get settled in the room, which was beautifully spacious with a large bathroom with 2 showers; one over the bathtub and one seperate, a balcony and a beautiful view over the pool. We were both very impressed by the room.

Just as I was getting comfortable, there was another knock at the door. It was one of the receptionist coming to bring a special food voucher for Mum. I had e-mailed the hotel back in January to inform them that during our stay with them, Mum would be celebrating her birthday. They offered to provide a birthday cake for her on the day. As nice as this gesture was, upon informing them of her gluten intolerance they instead offered one complimentary 3-course dinner for her. It was very generous of them and we're looking forward to enjoying the meal tomorrow night. Mum and I have both commented on how on top of things the staff at the Tamukami seem to be. There is obviously very good communication between them all.

Mum and I both got changed and decided to head down to the pool. The Tamukami has got a great pool area. Surrounded by beautiful trees, there's a good balance of shade and sun. The pool itself looks like a beautiful lagoon and is just oh-so inviting. I settled down on one of the pool lounges and admired the beautiful view.

After a quick dip in the pool, I started to feel a bit peckish so went to order Mum and I some drinks and fries to nibble on. One thing the Tamukami has that the Pearl was missing is service around the pool. It really makes you feel like you're on holiday when someone delivers you a drink and food when you can't be bothered moving.

Mum enjoyed another swim after our snack, it soon it was 3:30 which meant it was time to get dressed and ready for the afternoon. Mum and I both needed to change more money after our little shopping spree this morning and a money changer, where the rate was IDR 9400 per Aussie $, is conveniently located right next door to the Tamukami. We got our money and then headed to The Duckz Nutz. I had organised to meet a few people from TripAdvisor here and was looking forward to putting some faces to names. Our old friends Fatman and Bobbin also decided to join us along with a young couple from Perth. It was quickly established that this young couple are actually good friends of my brother. What a small world it is!

We enjoyed some cocktails and beers, laughs and stories with our new friends for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, not everyone that was expected was in any kind of state to join us, or that's what I heard from Fatman; here's looking at you, bosslady. It's always great to make new friends in Bali and hear other peoples experiences and plans for their holiday.

Cocktails at The Duckz Nutz

Fatman and Bobbin. I cannot show you their faces out of fear of their real identities being revealed

On our way back from The Duckz Nutz, we quickly stopped in at Koa spa to book ourselves in for facials. This is a fairly new spa located right next to La Taverna. One of our new friends from TripAdvisor recommended it to us; thanks MC! Mum also then decided to turn around and walk down to the new Art Cafe to make a booking for dinner. It's quite a popular place so we weren't sure if a reservation would be needed or not. Well, in the end it wasn't but no harm done. We had dinner here at 7:00. The Art Cafe has just recently opened up here, directly across from the Besakih from their old location in South Sanur. Mum had tried it last month with friends and really enjoyed it. The new location is fantastic, but I'm sure it will be missed from South Sanur.

Street sign

Art Cafe from the street

The Art Cafe has a great menu with many different options, from steak to seafood to Indonesian and Chinese dishes. It was really hard to choose. I eventually settled on having stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and creamy mushroom sauce and Mum had tarragon chicken with spinach and potatoes. The service here was great and the waiters were very friendly. Our meals arrived quickly and were beautifully presented. They also tasted amazing. We couldn't believe that the restaurant has such reasonable prices

Stuffed chicken breast

Tarragon chicken

We really, really enjoyed our dinner and we are definitely going to return during our stay. I decided that I must have dessert and try their famous Chocolate Molten Cake. Mum also ordered Creme Brulee. The cake took a while to come out as it's freshly made but it was worth the wait. Mum's Creme Brulee was massive; she couldn't finish it all; and my Chocolate Molten Cake was- dare I say it- better than the Pearl's. Oh my, my mouth is drooling just thinking about it. It was soft and warm and just oozed when I pushed my spoon into it. Absolutely incredible. If Mum had allowed it, I would have licked my plate clean.

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Molten Cake

Look at that ooze!!

We paid the bill of about $25 and were on our way. I was on such a high after that dessert and easily could have eaten another one. It was simply amazing and definitely a good way to end another day in Bali.

 

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