Tuesday, 23rd September

On Friday (19/9/09) Catala & us hired a car and driver to take us to Mataram again to pick up our passports with our Visa extensions and all was in order so was delighted about that. One less thing we had to worry about here in Bali. We did a few other things while in Mataram, including going to the supermarket which was pretty well stocked but did find European things rather expensive so didn't get a lot. Bought some fresh chicken but no other meat as Dave felt it didn't look that good. Came back via the tourist resort of Senggigi which was quite a scenic drive.

Left Teluk Kombal at 6.30am Saturday and for the first 3-4 hours had a stiff 25 knot southerly which enabled us to get along at between 7-8 knots but then the wind died once we got into the lee of Bali. The local fishing boats were out in force in the morning and it was quite a sight to behold with all the colourful home made sails. They do most of their fishing at night so there are always lights everywhere. At 6pm we dropped anchor along the coast, 17 miles from Lovina Beach. Had a bit of a roly night and then came on up to Lovina Beach (on north coast of Bali) Sunday morning arriving at 12.30pm.

Lovina Beach is certainly a nice little place but can't stand the hassling that goes on with shops, stall holders etc. all touting for your business and wanting to sell you something. You can just never go looking which I find very frustrating and I certainly don't like the bargaining process. Would like to just look around and see what there is but doubt whether I will because of the hassles involved. The rich tourists determine the price that you pay for everything and there are two prices - one for the locals and one for the tourists!

Sunday night we had dinner ashore with Catala and Gitano - it is awhile since we had caught up with Chris & Linda on Gitano so we had a great catch up.

Yesterday, just after 2pm 15 of us were picked up in two vehicles and taken to a local Headmaster's family home, half an hour away, along with some local university tourism students and we were shown how the Balinese prepare and cook their food which we were then served and it really was a lovely meal. Also were taken up some steps on the property to the family temple (Hindu) and had it all explained to us. Before we could eat, a bit of food had to be offered to all the Gods (water, earth, rice, balance etc.) and this is done once every day before eating. It is in fact an outdoors temple with the statues of the Gods around the area and two areas with a covered stand. As we left the temple area there were chooks running around and I pick that they eat the food that was left for the Gods!! We got back here at about 6.30pm after a pretty hair raising drive, I thought our driver had far too many close shaves. One does not like the idea of driving around here yourself on the busy roads as it is a mad house!!

Today we are having a maintenance day and tomorrow Catala and us are looking at hiring a car and driver and going to Ubud which from all reports is just beautiful and we may stay the night down there. Saturday evening our friends, Norman & Mary from Wellington fly in so we will hire a car and driver for the day and pick them up at the airport and then come on back up here.