So we're in Bali!

We arrived last saturday, after leaving the tour in Singapore. The journey seemed to fly by, managed to squeeze in a quick film and a nap on the plane and then we touched down.

We arrived at 9.30pm, so everything was dark and we couldnt really see what the area was like but decided the touristy area of Kuta would be our first stop.

We found the cheapest hoel and bedded down for the night. The place was filthy and I felt so low. I think it was a mixture of the fact we were suddenly on our own, afer being in such a close-knit group, and the fact the hotel was a s***hole.

The following morning the boys decided they wanted to head inland to Ubud, but Lauren and I wanted to stay on the coast. This was the first time the group had gone their seperate ways! Lauren and I changed hotels, but stayed in Kuta an extra night, and booked up a bus to go to Padang Bai. From Padang Bai our plan was to go across to Lombk and then to Gili Islands.

On arrival in Padangbai we were greeted by not very much at all....the place was dead!Our Bali Lonely Planet book said it was a buzzing stop-off where backpackers went before Lombok, but you couldnt get further from the truth if you tried! Still...we trekked up a hill and alng a little path to the blue lagoon beach. It was idillic, the water was so blue and the sand so white. We were virtually the only ones there so it was nice to chill out. We went out for dinner and were the only ones in the restaurant, it was all a bit eerie! Spent the night in a 'homestay', i think this is basically just that a family have a spare room in their house and rent it out to tourists! It was very cheap, but the fan went round so slowly it did nothing. Think i went a bit delirious in the night, as i had the weirdest dreams!

Our plans to go to Gili changed the following morning, when we were told that there were no ATM'S on the island, so we would have to travel half an hour to get to one, as the one in Padangbai wasn't working.... we were also told our stop off point in Lombok would be even quieter than Padangbai! At this point we decided to head back to Kuta early!

On returning to Kuta it seemed to have picked up a bit. There were more people abou which was just what we wanted! Booked up a 3 day surfing lesson package to start the following day. We found a really night hotel right on the main backpacker street. Our room is set in a little garden, and w have a swimming pool directly outside our door! This time we paid for air-con! Our plan was to saty here just for a few days but we have ended up staying here the whole time. The staff are very friendly...its like a little extended family, just like what we had whilst we were on tour.

The boys arrived back with us on thursday, it turned out they had headed to Gili on the same day we had planned too. Its a shame we didnt stick to our original plans! Jon joined us on our last day surfing and enjoyed it so much he booked up an extra day. The bright pink rash vest really suited him! haha.

So since the boys have returned we have just been chilling out!! Kuta beach isn't so spectacular, but its good to sit and watch all the amazing surfers out in the water. The beach is lined by people trying to rent you surf and body boards, and you can't get away from the men selling jewellery and ice-creams!It gets tyring after a while, and even the trick of pretending your asleep doesn't work as they actually give you a shake to wake you!

Jon and I had a handstand competition yesterday when the tide had gone out and attracted a bit of an audience! Also, two huge dead sea turtles had been washed up on to the beach. The shore was covered in lots of dead fish, we were all a bit suspicious but the locals all said it was probably fisherman using dynamite out at sea to catch fish.

Last night was our first night out in Bali. We all ate dinner together, first time since being back, and it was really lovely. Being apart even for such a short amount of time makes you realise how much you miss each other. I guess we're a like a little family! 

We went to a bar called Bounty that was a huge ship! Jon, Andy and I spent our time up on stage doing karaoke, it was classic. It absolutely chucked it down, even though we know its the rainy season we really didnt expect it to rain like it did!Luckily we didnt get caught in it!

Today, Andy and I lazed on the beach whilst Jon and Lauren had another surfing lesson. It was a very hot day....again, so we left for lunch. A huge chicken steak,ships and veg cost less than a pound! I then dragged andy off shopping. We were wondering the many stalls for about 2 hours....even though they pretty much sell the same thing at everyone. I definately won't be running short on board-shorts from now on!

Tomorrow is our last full day here. We will spend it doing exacly the same as what we have been doing...and thats not a lot! I've bought yet another big bag so that I can fill it up with all the goodies i've been buying.....but the thought of packing really doesn't bare thinking about!

We arrive in Perth 1am on tuesday, and our very kindly being picked up by friends we made on our Vietnam tour. We all can't wait to see them, and have abit of home-comforts!

I've finally caught up on my journal now, it feels like a bit of a relief! Hope i havn't rushed through them so much that they don't make sense and that I don't bore you.....or make you too jealous for that matter!!!

Lots of Love xxxx