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We arrived in Bali to much warmer and humid weather than Germany and Scandinavia.
As we were to be picked up and driven to our accommodation we had to look for a Balinese man holding a sign with Rod's name - there was a throng of drivers holding signs jostling to be noticed, it was awesome to be collected and driven to Spartacus Resort after our flights from Berlin.
We walked into a very inviting relaxed resort with only 10 rooms. Our rooms were spacious and colourful with scattered fresh frangipani flowers throughout. A quick unpack and we were out the door to explore the local culture. We walked to the Potato Bar on the beach and watched the sunset having a beverage or two. We ordered tapas for dinner. We had an early night as it had been a long day since we left Berlin.
Rod and Chris slept in, I went for a short walk (to the pool) and relaxed reading. Lunch was at a local coffee shop then a walk before a refreshing swim as the day was HOT.
I took Chris and Rod to dinner at Petintenget as a thank you for inviting me and organising my holiday. We all enjoyed a three course meal in a stunning 1930 open style restaurant. Champagne was expensive 1,250,000:oo Rupiah, we chose red which was cheaper. I enjoyed the night as we reflected some of our favourite memories and places we visited. A short walk back to the resort and to bed as Rod had organised a private driver for a 5 hour tour in the morning.
Breakfast at our resort then off to visit a silver shop as it was a must do for Chris. We saw jewelry being made then Chris quickly found the style of ring he had his heart set on - a big smile.
Then we were off to visit Candi Tebing Gungung Kawi (Temple & Royal Burial Site). We needed to wear a sarong to cover our legs, and then descended numerous steps into the valley passing through rice fields carved into the hillsides. The ruins of the Royal Burial Shrine had the King on one side of the valley and the Queen on the opposite side - water flowed between the two giving the site a tranquil feeling with the sound of running water.
As we had descended it was time to ascend, very humid and thirsty walking up the hundred of steps. We noticed women harvesting rice and bagging it. Interesting to see how the dammed water trickles / diverted to lower levels.
We met our driver then drove to the Holy Spring - Tirtha Empul Tampak Siring. Another sarong needed to be worn and another donation of money. An interesting layout of various open intricate temples and prayer courtyard. Adjacent were many many many market stalls where the stall sellers do not stop trying to sell you something, bartering is a necessity. We all bought a few things each then respite in our air-conditioned car for the long drive back to our resort.
A quick swim, a final quick pack of our luggage for our late checkout and another swim.
It was time to farewell our resort and head to the airport. One more "Bali" Starbucks mug for Rod then coffee and rolls.
We soon said farewell to our luggage then cleared customs. A late night boarding for our overnight flight to Sydney NSW Australia.
Written by Darryl
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