The Gili Island we stayed on was beautiful, we stayed on Gili Air. I can't say I did very much but relax for the two days we spent there. One night I woke up to a flying cokcroach buzzing around the room, uck. I managed to skype the parentals, it was lovely to speak to you both. I feel like I haven't talked to any of you lately.
The journey from Gili Air back to Bali was interesting. Much the same as last time, we set off at 8.30am and didn't get to Bali until 6pm! One guy tried to get us to ride in his rickety donkey pulling cart for a distance of about 300m. We had to wait an hour at the ferry terminal until we could get on to the ferry that was meant to leave at 12noon. It didn't leave until after 1pm. I couldn't get a seat anywhere so my spot for the next 6 hours was on the disgusting floor with my backpack as a pillow. I had a Balinese man sat next to me the whole time and he must have spoked well over 30 cigarettes. Thanks Mr! We had some characters selling food on the ferry. One man sounded so jolly shouting 'Pineaaaaple' and another sounded like he was saying 'ass,ass,ass cream'. But they really don't leave you alone because they see you as walking money signs. It's getting a little tiring saying no now.
Once we got off the ferry, we made the split decision to go straight to Ubud. One hour later and we were there, wandering the streets looking for accommodation. We aren't having much luck with bathrooms...... the bathroom we had in Ubud had ants crawling everywhere. I can deal with ants but we moved to a town called Sanur next and the bathroom smelt like a sewer. How we slept that night I do not know. We spent the day at the beach to escape the smell!
Back to Ubud. I liked Ubud but we decided not to do any tours/trips to temples or monkey sancturys. Instead, we hit the markets for some shopping! If Bali was my last stop of the whole year, I would buy lots to bring home. I got a few bits and pieces but the stalls are very repetative, the same bag 500 times over. One thing I did notice though is Bali loves penises (insert your own word for them here)! They are everywhere - bottle openers and keyrings are the main offenders. We were baffled! It has something to do with worshipping the male genitalia (I googled it, lol). It is the oddest sight.
After Sanur we jumped in a local shuttle bus back to Kuta. These shuttle buses are cheap but have one slight flaw, the back door is always kept open. I was sat next to this door and had to hold on to my possessions for dear life so them or myself would not fall out of the bus! Fun times. We have found cheap and cheerful accommodation in Kuta, paying the equivilant of 4pounds per night per person. For this price we have a fan, two beds and cold water. Oh and I forgot to mention the music playing until stupid o clock in the morning. Kuta is the Bali holiday destination for Australians, much like Spain is for English people. It's pretty tacky here but it's all good fun (and close to the airport).
You may or may not find the next piece of information interesting but I've turned in to Dad.....I can't hack the sun and the heat so I sit myself in the shade. I've realised in 8 months I am actually turning in to my parents. God help me.
Gili Air
Gili Air sunset
My view on the ferry
Lovina
Sailing ceremony
Balinese dancers
Do you think he looks fed up?
