"Not all those who wander are lost.": February 2012

As my body finally adjusts to Aussie time, it's time to take off again! Am I complaining? Hell no! I'm off to Bali with my friends, Christian and Dev, to spend Christmas and New Years in the tropics. Nothing says the spirit of Christmas like these two opening their home to me while I get settled in Melbs and inviting me on a vacay during the holidays - so very appreciated! But we are all "orphaned" children here in Melbourne (don't take that literally, ma and pa), so being with friends is the next best thing! Christian's family is back in B.C. (as well) and Dev's family is in England. Now here is the rundown of our Balinese experience:

Departure - what departure? After waiting for a delayed flight for six hours, we are informed that the flight is cancelled. This is a scene in itself. I really don't get people at times; the cursing and yelling at flight attendants was just beyond stupid. One of most outrageous lines of the night came from a whiny early-20ish girl standing behind me: "What did I do to deserve this?" Seriously? I almost turned around and cuffed the brat over her head. Our thoughts on the cancellation can best be described by a mother who explained it to her young son: "The plane does not work. It cannot fly. It cannot get us there safely. They are going to get us a new one." This woman should have been on a loud speaker. We are put up in a hotel and then leave the next afternoon.

View from Ellie's Hotel on the rooftop.

Ellie's Hotel - a piece of paradise. We stayed just outside of Nusa Dusa at a small eight-room hotel managed by an English couple, David and Caroline. Unfortunately, they were called back to England but we are assured that their staff will take care of us. Take care of us they did! The staff were absolutely amazing. Made, Wayan, and everyone else: Thank you!

Jimbaron - our first meal in Bali is that of amazing, fresh seafood in Jimbaron. We were in absolute heaven. Funny enough, a local band was coming around to various tables playing music for coin and I'm not sure what gave it away that Christian and I were Canadian (and that we're in love Bryan Adams) but we were serenaded with Bryan Adams' "Heaven". The two of us girls swooned. They were definitely very good and the singer had this amazing raspy voice that would make anyone melt. A great start to our Balinese vacation!

Christmas - On Christmas Eve day, we head into the Bogan capital of Bali: Kuta. We have a day of shopping. We get suits tailored and then go on a Secret Santa mission (although it's not so secret when there are only three of you).

On Christmas morning, we get up and head to the rooftop to open our Balinese treasures. We decide to make Christmas day a beach day. We head to many of the well-known beaches including the now tourist/Eat, Pray, Love fan-destroyed, Padang-Padang. However, we did find absolute serenity at Greenbowl Beach which was recommened by Ellie's. It was 350 steps down and 350 steps back up but so completely worth it. Crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, a couple surfers, and only three other people hanging out in the cave/shade. After heat and sun exhaustion, we went to a well-known restaurant called Bumba Bali where we had an unreal, massive, four-course meal.

So while I truly enjoyed Christmas in the tropics, I definitely missed Christmas in the cold and snow. It's just too weird hearing and singing Christmas carols in 30+ degree heat.

On our way down to Greenbowl Beach

When we arrive at the bottom, this is what we see.

Bliss.

Christian and I splashing around at Greenbowl. Best beach in Bali.

Dressed up for Christmas dinner.

The third course at Bumba Bali.

At the top of Mount Batur.
We felt exactly how we looked in this photo.

Mount Batur - how does watching sunrise atop a volcano sound? Uhh, amazing. Ok, so now how about getting up at 1:00am and travelling for two and a half hours on winding roads? Not so amazing. But still a hike up a volcano and seeing the sunrise at 5:45am...amazing. Shit, too bad there was no visible sunrise.

After arriving at the base of Mount Batur at 4:00am, it was evident that there would be no sunrise; the fog was just too thick. But up we went with our guide to make the best of it. The hike itself wasn't too bad at all; I was surprised that I still had some gusto in me after the lack of cardio for the past six weeks. When we arrived at the top, we were served hot tea which was definitely needed! We sat patiently, all feeling rather nauseated however. Our bodies definitely took a toll with getting up in the middle of the night, altering our food consumption, and then exercising at four in the morning. The best way to describe how I felt then and for the rest of the day is: epic hangover.

While we did not see sunrise or the inside of the crater, we did encounter some wild monkeys! These weren't the thieving type monkeys at such places like the Uluwatu Monkey Temple but more so mooching monkeys. And perhaps a little bit possessive too. There was actually a stand-off between wild puppy and wild monkey over a piece of bread. The monkey won.

Contentment.

Puppy vs. Monkey

In one of the hot spots; it felt like a sauna here.

Descending down Mount Batur.

Sanur - on one of our last days, we took a trip up to Sanur which unintentionally turned out to be one of the best shopping days. We came across a fantastic artist in the market and Christian and I bothed purchased artistic, canvas masterpieces for approximately $25 each. My first piece of true artwork!

New Years Eve - Nothing says a rockin' new year like twenty questions and other words games. Why not throw some Domino's pizza, just one Bintang (beer), silk shirts, and a camera into the mix? Yup, that about sums how we brought in the new year. Oh and also with an insane amount of fireworks that made us feel like were in the middle of war field. One of the most incredible scenes I have ever experienced.

So that about sums up our Balinese holiday. Beaches, food, temples, shopping, and great company. I would definitely recommend visiting on the lone basis that Balinese people are so friendly and welcoming (reminded me of India!). The aforementioned are just added bonuses!

Below are some more photos of our time in Bali. Love, peace, and happiness!