Harris Hotel Tuban

... Roddie is still stalking me – and rode behind the bemo the 10kms from Toyapakeh to Sampalan.

On arriving in Sampalan, I gave in and let Roddie lead me to a homestay – one which belonged to his ‘uncle’. It looked OK except for the 2 monstrous dead cockroaches on the floor! He also gave me his motor cycle (scooter) to hire for the two days that I was there.

I was glad for the bike as there really wasn’t ...

... surfing and backpacker hotels, we have really hit top drawer here with our accommodations thanks to our friends Deb and Scott from Calgary. We are staying in their two bedroom villa at Bloo Lagoon, Padang Bai, complete with pool, pool side restaurant and a gorgeous view over the Indian Ocean.

Padang Bai is a small fishing village and we have eaten a good many delicious seafood lunches and dinners really inexpensively. The snorkeling here is fantastic right off the beach. We have ...

... Queen's Tandoor is no exception. It started back with the entrees and snacks and continues with the mains. Mutter Paneer is a dish for non-vegetarians as well. Cottage cheese cooked with peas in masala, so delicate! Likewise with the Malai Kofta, vegetable balls in a soft creamy sauce. Malkai Jalfrazi are corn, peas, tomatoes and onion all combined in a thick, rich masala. And then there are the dahl dishes. If all those with cholesterol ...

... m leaving to go live in Klungkung after this weekend with my trip to Kuala Lumpar. This would also be my last day at Ubud School Number 5. I was actually extremely sad to go. I brought the books that I had gotten for my favorite kids to distribute in secret. I only got a few books, for the kids who would really appreciate them and actually use them. The looks of gratitude on their faces when they received such presents that only cost a few dollars was completely priceless. I ...

... hilly region of Gianyar, these days it has grown into a very large village and is marketed as Bali's artistic and cultural centre. There are hundreds of craft shops selling local and imported handicrafts as well as some nice restaurants too. The market is excellent and is worthy of an hour or so, if you're into shopping! It is here in Ubud that the once powerful Balinese Royal Family reside. You are able to take a tour around the palace, with the exception of the royal ...

... on Hindu new years everything is super closed and everyone stays in there homes, i had it explained to me that on this day the bad gods come down to earth and look for somewhere to stay thus all movement is stopped and even the electricity is cut, so if your staying in a simple hotel room such as myself your bored out of your mind, thus i decided to take off tomorrow to the gilis islands which are supposed to be ...

... on the other hand ran around the house all day smiling and laughing. The mother had mentioned that she was lazy and liked to sleep until 10:00, much like me. It made the little girl SO happy to get this ball and she carried it around with her everywhere until we left. Lisa said this was about the best birthday present she could've got. Lisa was in the mood for a beer, so we spent most of the day on our porch enjoying cold Bali Hais. We ended up having four 620 ...

... and immediately I rented a motorcycle and left the following day to Ubud, approximately 45km north from Kuta. I was happy to leave Kuta because it was the most touristy place in all of Bali and to me foreigners seem to outnumber local people. It took me almost 2 hours to arrive to my destination because I got lost several times since the roads aren't clearly marked like back home. Nevertheless, I arrived in Ubud in the evening and I was lucky to find a room since almost every ...

... the best day today getting up early once again and taking the best ( free) walk to the rice fields here in Ubud. It is designated trail, and I have to say , one of my favorite things that I have done so far. It took a couple hours, ( I think it was suppose to take only 1, but I got a little lost) but sometimes thats the best part! Getting lost, and not having anywhere that you have to be, is just fine. I was out there on this trail all by myself, with maybe an ...

... even worse, it's the same fried feast we had up at Mt Batur. At least the scenery is absolutely stunning as the restaurant overlooks beautiful rice terraces. And that concludes our tours with Norman in seeing the country of Bali. Tonight Ray is taking me to the Ritz Carlton in Jimbaryan for dinner for my birthday. The weather is still nice as we have not seen rain all day today but it is quite windy. As we are sitting ...