#SHE STAYED LUXE IN BALI

Wednesday 7am Phuket, Tuesday 7pm NYC
We shed tears leaving Phuket, however, knowing that we were headed to another place was awesome!  This time, we made sure we were super prepared, like packing at least 2 outfits in out backpacks, just in case our luggage was lost again.  Definitely learned our lesson.

Of course, nothing goes perfectly.  Our flight to leave was a little delayed, but still landed in time in Malaysia for our transfer.  We made sure, we had our good shoes on ready to have to run again like we did in Dubai (-_-).  On this flight, we managed to sit next to an Australian woman who, basically scared the shit out of us as well as, put more nervousness in us than needed.

She asked us where we were going in Bali, and great places to party while there.  But then, she started to talk about how to watch out for ourselves:
1.  She stated that we should make sure we keep everything close to us.  To watch our purses and pockets very closely, to prevent anyone planting anything on us, like drugs.  Apparently, there is a thing where police or military personnel on duty, would plant drugs on people, set them up to be caught, and basically have them take the blame for carrying and "trying to sell drugs".  It's more like they are using people as their mule, or a way to confiscate and sell the drugs themselves, but need the cover-up.  Some real shady business going on.  Just corrupt.  Drugs, over a certain limit, which is a small limit, is punishable by death, according to what we were informed about.

2.  She further explained to not tell anyone it was our 1st time to Bali.  She stated to basically say, "this is out 3rd time".  I found it funny because, our tour guide who was retrieving us from the airport, booked through my agency, sent me an e-mail with detailed instructions about how we exit the airport.  A portion said the same thing this Australian woman was saying to us!  I was like "what's really going on in Bali?"  Why is there this hysteria?  The e-mail also stated, there will be many drivers outside the airport, do not stop to talk to them. Boy were they telling the truth.  It was a bit much.  Some even followed us, even though they were informed we had a ride already.  I started to get nervous because of course, I have a friend whose friendly (-_-), and was surely chatting it up more than I wanted her to.  In NYC, we just keep walking.  She just felt this need to keep saying over and over with a smile, "no, we have a ride"..

It kinda took me back to growing up in the hood, late 80's early 90's.  I just kept saying in my head, "I'm too tired to exert the same energy I do at home in NYC.  Constantly watching my back and front.".  Well I had no choice, because the warnings continued.

Wednesday 6pm Bali, Tuesday 5am NYC
We drive through the busy nighttime traffic in Denspasar, which to me, was just overwhelming.  There are rarely any stoplights or stop signs, so it's every man for themselves.  There are many motor bikes to get around, as it's the most affordable way to travel.  I just prayed for a safe arrival to the hotel, as we had a 30 minute ride to it.

Let me tell you, pulling up to this hotel was something out of a movie for us girls from the Bronx.  Security is super tight at our hotel, The Double Six .  Our vehicle is searched for bombs prior to entry and our tour guide is questioned and shows our itinerary.  We get looked at as well, in the back seat.

Let me just state that, when my travel agency assisted with my booking, I barely paid attention to the hotel itself.  I barely read reviews, because in my Google search, it comes up as a 5 start hotel.  Boy, was it!  We arrive in sweat shirt hoodies, stretch pants, I have my scarf on my head, and my Converse sneakers.  The staff is dressed to the damn nines! OK!  The front desk clerks are in fitted black dresses and heels, while the men are in paperboy 1920's themed uniforms, greeting everyone in this off white, super clean, illuminated, tiled floor lobby.  We didn't fit in at all, at that moment that is, LOL.

The night manager greeted us as our luggage was checked in and taken upstairs to our room.  She briefed us on all amenities, location of restaurants, and gave us a tour of the hotel.  She was talking, but we were still in such shock at how chic this place was. She guides us upstairs to our room through these mirrored automatic doors (again something you see on tv), and opens our room door.  Let me first say our room, had a hallway :-).  That right off the back, was my selling point. I didn't care for anything else.  The same tiled floor we saw in the lobby, was also in the room.  I was scared to wear my shoes inside.  The bathroom tub, once we saw it we ensured ourselves, we shall make use of it before we leave! UGH!!

We were then informed that we have a butler.  A BUTLER!  Who wishes they get one in their own home nowadays? And he walked in, with hand towels and drinks for us on hot ice.  I wasted no time finishing off mine!

We took our time to get acquanted with our room, setting up our phones for wifi, searched the tv for something to watch, and began to look at the in room menu to order room service.  Although we heard music outside playing, and we were jammin, again, like old ladies, we decided to stay in and just relax in the plush bed and food.

Thursday 8am Bali, Wednesday 7pm NYC

We were informed that breakfast included with our stay.  We were expecting a fancy, buffet breakfast.  We were so wrong!  This breakfast menu was so lit, I had to ask "so, we get to have whatever we want from here?"  Our waitress confirmed that yes, you can, and even more.  I went to town!  Ordered juice, tea with brown sugar, and a staple with my breakfast while we stayed was their starter, a Watermelon salad.  Simple bowl, which was covered a little with Pomegranate.  DELICIOUS!  I decided this day, because I was familiar with it back home, to go for their version of Pollo Ranchero. OF COURSE IT WAS DELICIOUS! Then a girl popped up behind us with a tray of pastries.  I didn't really need it but, I surely did grab me a mini croissant. Our table, was covered, do you hear me! UGH!

We made a pact, we would try something different each day we were here. I discovered later, they had Avocado!  In the recent months prior to this trip, I have fallen in love with just a few slices of Avocado, with almost any meal.  Pollo Ranchero came with like, and mush Avocado topping, not quite Guacamole, but close.  I wanted my side Avocado.  For the remainder of the trip, I indulged.  We would each so much at breakfast, that we wouldn't need food until either dinner or at least a late lunch, followed by a snack.

Our tour guide was waiting for us in the lobby, so we met with her.  We organized activities we wanted to do while in Bali, but at the same time, guess what she talked to us about?  The same thing, the woman on the plane that warned us about.  I just kept saying, "what the hell is going on out here?!"  This time, it was coming from someone who lives here and is Balinese.  I started getting nervous again.  We were reminded to watch our purses and pockets, if anyone asks, no this is not our first time to Bali, and not to talk to many people.  Basically, watch your back.  Overwhelmed.  

With that, we decided to trek outside the hotel to see what was in the area.  Of course, as soon as we get out, we are surrounded by taxi drivers, where one continues to follow us as we walk to the convenience store, because my friend, is friendly LOL.  Smiling and holding a convo with a person that we just told, we did not need a taxi.  I just kept on walking because, I don't trust no one at this point. We purchase some juice and try to walk back to the hotel as fast as possible.  The humidity slowed us down a little.

Since we had hours before our first activity for that day, we decided to check out the pool and the beach.  Although there is a small road that separates the hotel from designated beach area for hotel guests, it was super close!  The view was breathtaking.  It just looked like sand went so far out before you reached the water.  It was huge, compared to other beaches I have been to. The waves were crashing hard, but that didn't stop us from going in.  We said we were not going to get our hair wet, but that's hard to do when the waves are coming over your head.  The swim was worth it!  Water was warmer than we expected and, where we swam, we were the only ones in that area :)

The hotel has a designated area for its guests, which beach towels, umbrellas, chairs provided.  No need to carry any towels from the pool to the beach, as well as, from the room to the pool.  The pool itself, extends the length of the hotel, with security in that area as well!  They are watching, but not watching, if you get what I'm saying.  So swimming in the pool was still relaxing.

We paid for a full body massage and body scrub session, that was taking place at Nadia's Spa.  We thought we had an awesome deal through the hotel however, once we saw not only the price comparison, but, the additional hour, we said hell yea.  The experience was awesome!  The women who massaged us, were really strong, it felt like.  Got a lot of our kinks out.  We rinsed ourselves in a tub that was stone and tiled, filled with real flowers.  I had to grab a few to make sure I wasn't imagining the large amount of real flowers, whichever they were, in this tub! My skin was not only soft, but well moisturized.  They ended with giving us small tea glasses of ginger and lemon tea, made from scratch.  THE BEST!!  I love tea!  Again like grannies, we went back and ordered food and went to bed LOL.

Friday 9am Bali, Thursday 8pm NYC

Today, we finally set out on a full day filled with multiple stops throughout Denpasar and Ubud (the city) areas of Bali, but first, I had to indulge.

Man ol man, the traffic on the road made me nervous again.  It was worse in the daytime!  Our first stop was the Barong and Kris Dance.  This dance included traditional Balinese dancing, musical instruments, while telling the story about the fight between Barong (a good spirit) and Randa (a bad spirit).  

Although they are not speaking in English, we still understood what was going on, with the use of the English pamphlets guiding us through the acts, as well as laughing at parts that were truly funny.  I loved watching their orchestra play on the traditional instruments, and my face part was the women who came out to dance.  The movements were so subtle, that you had to have a keen eye to notice the eye and shoulder movements that were part of the dance.  Pretty dope.

After the show, we proceeded to drive to our next stop, the Nadisuari Batik Factory in Ubud.  Here, all paintings and garments are made by hand with traditional sewing machines and painting styles that take days to months to make!  Watching the women at work, it made you realize, we have it easy!  Also know, price wise, their items, because they are handmade, do not come cheap, but are still reasonably priced.  Made me realize as well, I need to really get my sewing skills in order!  The gift shop layout is clean, with all hand made items for purchase, from Balinese sarongs down to hand carved wooden statues and even very nice affordable ties for men.  I ended up purchasing some handmade house slippers for my mom and a few key chains.

Along the route to our next stop, we were informed that each little village area we were passing in Ubud, each specialized in some type of specialized craftsmanship.  One village specialized in handmade stone statues.  Turns out, a lot of orders come from Australia and the USA, for those who live overseas and want genuine hand work.  Another village specialized in woodwork, and our stop, specialized in silver and gold: jewelry, plate settings, statues, anything you can make.  Once we arrived at Nadia's Silver Collection, we were told if we purchase any jewelry, to negotiate, as this village is known for negotiation.  We went on a mini tour watching the men and women hand make jewelry and even the bells worn for the traditional Balinese dance   I negotiated for a nice silver ring, 95% silver, 5% copper to make it sturdy, with a yellow citrine stone, for $50.   I have yet to wear it since I have returned to NYC lol.  I will eventually.  My friend purchased 2 silver and gold thumb rings that she obsessed over.  We negotiated like real New Yorkers do!

Our 2nd to last stop was to the Luwak Coffee Plantation.  Now, our guide kept asking us how much we liked coffee, over and over.  I didn't get her excitement until she stated, that it is the most expensive cup of coffee in the world, as the bean comes from an animal called a Luwak.  My face still confused, I ask, "well how does that happen?"  In short, the Luwak "cat" defecates the coffee cherries that it has eaten, which comes out as a bean.  The bean is then extracted from the feces.  Gross as it sounds, the man roasting the beans, had us smelling good roasted beans!  The cost for one cup? $50usd and in some other places, close to $100usd.  No thanks.  Not that thirsty LOL.  However, because it was a plantation, they had other coffees and teas that we could taste test, and even purchase to take home.  I tell you, I tasted almost everything they gave us to sample and all in all, they all were good!  Even the coffee! I came home with Mangosteen and Rosella Tea.

Our 3rd stop, with a gorgeous mountain view, was lunch at Rondji Restaurant.  Our tour guide informed us that we would be eating crispy duck for lunch.  Can I say my stomach, turned a little.  The last time I had duck, I did not like the texture of it.  I couldn't understand then, who pays so much money for something where the texture is not the best!  Well today, I was shown, its all about how it is cooked.  With a tasty vegetable soup with a hint of spice to start, followed by this crispy duck,  this meal was the BOMB!  It tasted like chicken.  My first few bites, I picked at it lightly, nervous about the texture.  I was proven wrong! I downed it so quickly!  My friend and I were both shocked!  A must stop by and try, with breathtaking views.

Our final stop was the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.  Before we even walked in, the monkeys were climbing the ticket booth! LOL.  It made us nervous.  There are a list of rules you must read before paying to enter into the forest.  Basically, you are owned by the monkey's if they land on you, and there is nothing you can do about it.  

These monkeys are sacred animals, so any harm done to them, will get you in big trouble.  If they land on you, you have to basically wait until they are ready to get off of you.  But the one rule that stood out to me was one that said to "not make eye contact with the monkey".  They see it as you are challenging them to a fight and take it as a threat.  Do you know how hard that is, especially when you are there to observe them?  I promise, I made it my best effort to not make eye contact with them whenever they looked my way.

The Sanctuary is actually built around a temple that was there prior to the sanctuary.  

Perfect place for a sacred animal and sanctuary to be.  You get to see these beautiful trees, an enormous temple that was built, and feed the monkey's as you pass by.  You even see some drinking water from water bottles that they stole from people's backpacks.  The funniest thing to see.  The walkways are covered in greenery with vines, and humidity with heat making it feel like your in a Bikram Yoga class LOL.  Very moist!  The experience within itself was amazing.  Leaving the sanctuary, we saw a baby monkey who managed to sit on this woman's lap, and attempted to try and take her purse.  Again, like the rules say, your basically owned until they are ready to move so, unfortunately, this woman had to continuously protect her purse, and her hair being pulled LOL.

We finally head back to our hotel.  On our way, through one of the villages, we passed a rice terrace.  I have constantly seen pictures of these terraces and was curious to see these beauties in person.

 Boy oh boy!  Nature and just natural greenery is beautiful.  What I liked most about it, the silence.  Just peaceful.  I must say, I was disappointed in my tour guide because I knew what we paid for, but she gave us an excuse as to why we wouldn't make it to the rice terraces where most tourists go.  However, because I am who I am, I spotted with my keen eye, one :-).  I made them pull right on over to the side of the road so we can take in the view, which is all I really wanted.  BEAUTIFUL!

We topped off our day with drinks at the bar at the hotel :-), then bed LOL, in true granny fashion.

Saturday 9am Bali, Friday 8pm NYC

It's our last full day in Bali.  So today, we went on a water excursion, on another island, Lembongan Island.  With this excursion, we had a 45 minutes boat ride from the mainland, to the island, where we would be putting our items in a locker at one of the local hotels.  This excursion included food and light alcoholic beverages.  The 1st activity was kayaking. Joke is, 2 brown girls from the Bronx struggled with this activity.  It was quite funny and tiring.  It also didn't help that the weather to start, was rain, with some sun coming through, so we rowed ourselves in the clear water, in the rain LOL.  A little hard to see.

The next activity was our Banana boat ride.  We had to clutch for dear life while the speedboat pulled us through the water.  But the joke is, we had to take a boat, to get to the banana boat. LOL.  

From there, we hopped back on the main boat where we would wait for our turn to do the "Marine Walk".  Your basically walking on the bottom of the ocean in huge oxygen helmet.  Once you climb down to the bottom, you walk over to a section that has ropes for you to grab and hold on to.  The photographer gives you bottle filled with fish food.  As he is taking your picture, your squirting the fish food out, and before you know it, your surrounded by so many fish, that it does, shortly, become a little overwhelming.

 But you have to stay calm, because also at the same time, you are trying to unplug your ears, as they keep popping, and continue to breathe through your nose, to prevent the helmet from fogging up.  Man, I tell you, so many different things going on at the same time!  If you are claustrophobic, this excursion is not for you, as the helmet will be a bit of a challenge.  I was happy when it was over.  Once done, we hopped on the boat to bring us back to the island mainland, where we got a chance to view the photos taken of us.  I wasn't too pleased as our tour guide, selected for me without me agreeing, so I walked away pretty pissed, at the above photo.  He later took us on a quick tour of the island, where we ended up at a top peak, to oversee the island, where I snapped a dope photo.  BEAUTIFUL!  The people who lived on it were as well.

Our boat ride back was a little rocky, again, a storm was leaving the area.  Getting back to the room was awesome and sadly, reality set in, because it was officially our last night.  So we organized as much as possible, showered, and headed out to see what was outside of the hotel nearby, as we were grannies most nights.  To our surprise, the bars across from our hotel were not only super affordable, but offered everything that we were used to in the USA.  We were so pissed LOL.  How cheap drinks were, and how good the food was.   My friend was super siked about this bar on the beach, having hookah.  We just just sat on these large bean bags on the beach, stared at the stars with music in the back ground.  Waves crashing in front of us, just an awesome ending.

Day of departure, the hotel offers an area where guests with flights leaving after check out, can go to and wait.  It's called the "Owner's Louge".  Within the lounge, it is almost as if you are still in your room, minus the bed, but a plus, for the free unlimited beverages and snacks offered!   We surely did go hard on wine! WHEW! With our drunken selves, we realized, we needed real food to sober us up.  So we headed back to the same bar we were at the night before.  I had an awesome steak, for only $13 bucks I believe, possibly less.  THE BOMB!  We returned to the lounge to shower and get ourselves dressed in our travel gear for our 24 hour flight return home.  THE LONGEST FLIGHTS EVAR!  But the trip is sooooooooo worth it!

Next stop, Trinidad for Carnival 2017!

If your interested in visiting Asia or any other parts of the world, and want to get booked (payment plan options available), along with further information, e-mail me at ChristinaCtravels@gmail.com

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