Despite the first couple chill days in Ubud, we don’t sit around long. The next couple days were spent with a daytrip (car w/driver) out to Gitgit twin waterfall (there’s a ton of flowing water and waterfalls in that area) and a couple temples. Sara already got those pics up. After that, it was a LONG walking day out to see some famous rice terraces. Generally is was a nice walk through the countryside – passing beautiful rice fields on the way – but perhaps a bit too long of a walk in the heat.
Yesterday and today were perhaps the more prototypical Bali days – spent at a beach resort. This is where my Marriott status comes in handy – upgraded to a studio room which has a ladder directly out to the lagoon. I’d say pool – but the resort is surrounded by a number of fresh, and salt water lagoons. They left us an amazing basket of fruit to try – had a mangosteen and purple dragon fruit last night. WOW. I need to find more dragon fruit in my life! (mangosteen was pretty yummy too). They also left a star fruit – which Sara and I love (we had them the first time in Costa Rica) – and have saved that for last. Depending on ripeness – they vary from super tart to slightly sweet-tart. I have a feeling this one is on the sweeter side.
Anyhow, all this is to say, the past coupe days – and next 6 are all about the beach. Tomorrow we transfer to Gili Meno – a super small island – and have a beachfront villa with nobody else around. Side note: Andrew has been excited about this place from the initial planning! But, I can’t promise updates – no internet at the next property. I’m guessing there will be cell service. If not, any updates will come sporadically as we find internet on the island.
Now pics (more to come):
And bullet points:
- Bali is beautiful but I find it a bit too busy for my liking.
- The income disparity between the locals and tourists is obvious.
- Last night one of the young (21 yr old) waiters was basically begging – not for a tip – but for a good review on yelp so that his management would keep him around full time (right now his hours depend on how busy the resort is). His dream? To work on a cruise ship – one of the Bali careers that is seen as lucrative.
- In Ubud, a older gentleman was trying to sell me a wooden box for only $1 US A beautiful wooden box, and at that price a good value – but didn’t need a wooden box. It makes me feel guilty – of course I can’t give everyone in Bali $1 – and he wasn’t looking for charity! But it’s a good reminder to support local business when possible.
- The Balinese have been super friendly. Amazing people.