Bali Days 9, 10, 11 and HOME

Sunday I woke not feeling well.  I actually puked on my way to breakfast over the banister, while the people below me were enjoying their breakfast.  I couldn't help it.  I think it was because I was really hungry and I took my pills on an empty stomach.  I felt much better after that, but it was kind of annoying.  I ate a simple breakfast and walked out with a delicious piece of whole wheat bread that I took so that I'd have something with me if I needed it at church.  We took a taxi not too far from our resort to the local Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.  It was actually kind of hard to find in the strip mall we got dropped off at, but I just followed a guy in a white shirt to the building that had wood letters L, D, S above the door. I played the little keyboard since they didn't have anyone to play. The titles of the hymns were in Balinese so I had to just play the first few notes to know what song I was playing.  There were about 70 people there, mostly visitors.  They said they had only had that many people one other time, but there was a group of 26 visiting from Utah.  We also met some people from New Zealand.  It was a very lovely service and the spirit was very strong.  They only had one deacon passing the sacrament because they only had one tray for the water and the bread.  It was actually pretty neat and gave me more time to think about the Savior and all that I have been blessed with.

After church I ate my delicious bread!  I actually didn't feel very well all day.  I layed out and listened to the ocean and my book.  We had a lovely dinner at a Japanese restaurant in the hotel.  It was fun, but after I ate, I had the worst pain most of the night that I'd had in a few weeks.  Thankfully I was able to go to a pharmacy and get some steroids earlier in the day, which seem to help some of my pain.

Monday I was feeling much better.  As we were heading down to the pool we went into the spiritual sanctuary to return some dvd's.  Pam and her family were in there dressing in the traditional Balinese clothing, so of course we had to do the same.  It was pretty fun.  Would have had some better pictures if I had on some makeup and not my bathing suit.  During this time we had a crazy rainstorm and then the sun came out so we could spend the rest of the day in the pool and clamming the beach for shells.

That evening we enjoyed our last meal on the beach during sunset.  It has been such a wonderful time spending some much time with Pam and her family.  They are such fun and we've made some incredible memories. 

Because we were originally suppose to leave Tuesday morning, but then ended up leaving Tuesday night, we had to get a different hotel because the one we were staying in was booked.  This one didn't disappoint.  The best thing was it had 3 beds.  We thought it was pretty funny, but totally awesome!  I really loved the rooftop pool that I didn't get a picture of.  I heard from someone in Bali that they don't have tall buildings because no building should be taller than their temples.  I recall being told that no hotel has more than 6 floors.   The bathtubs in all of our rooms are so cool.

Since we had a late flight mom and I got a pedicure, we did a little street shopping where we bought some beautiful sarongs and had our last Asian meal for I hope a while.  We spent most of our day in the departure lounge which was kind of boring.

Our flight from Bali was comfortable because we were in the front seats.  We met a sweet lady from Australia who had just finished treatment for Breast Cancer.  Her boyfriend was the one who actually found the lump.  Her story was crazy, but she had a great attitude and a beautiful smile. I wish I would have gotten her information so I could have followed her on social media.

Since we had a 5 hour layover in Sydney we thought we could go out and tour, but non of us slept from Bali and were super tired when we got to Sydney.  There are couches all over which was great, because I put on my eye sleeper coverup thing, my head phones in my ears and fell asleep for 2 hours.  It wasn't long enough but it was sleep.

Our flight from Sydney was worse than from Bali.  The bad thing was both flights didn't have movies for us to watch because they were broken.  The flight from Bali didn't even give us soda or food.  At least we had that from Sydney.  I think I maybe only slept an hour or so.  Lets just say I don't ever want to fly from Bali to the US again.  It was crazy long.  What was even worse is about 3 hours from landing in LA I got sick as in was in the bathroom a lot.  It was even worse when I got to LA and spent my hour or so layover occupied in the handicap stall.  GRRR.  I seriously prayed I'd get home without having an accident.  Thankfully it worked, because the imodium didn't.

When I got home I wasn't sure what to do first, eat, sleep or take a shower.  I was deliriously so tired and so not feeling well.  I quickly fell asleep on the couch until I had to spend the next 2 1/2 days closer to the bathroom.  I did everything not to get travelers diarrhea, but I guess it didn't work.  And it doesn't help that I don't have a sigmoid colon.  I know, TMI, but it's real folks.  Thankfully my friend brought me some electrolytes and my other friend called me in a prescription for an antibiotic, since my Dr's office wanted me to come down to give them a specimen.  Really; the couch was even to far from the bathroom.  Did they think I could actually drive down to poop in a cup for them.  I didn't even bother to respond to their stupidity and took it into my own hands.

Thankfully by yesterday I felt much better and was able to work.  I slept pretty much 2 1/2 days and today mom actually called my friend to come check on me since I slept through her 40 calls (my phone was on vibrate) and it was 11 and I was still sleeping.  Oh the joys of Jetlag!

This was such an incredible vacation.  One I will never do again, but so grateful I was able to visit two more continents.  What a beautiful world Heavenly Father has created for us to enjoy. 

Bali Day 8

Today we left Ubud to go to the South West side of the island.  But not before mom, Pam and I had a 2 hour spa treatment at our resort  that was out of this world amazing.  They first treated us with a warm tea.  Then we had an hour massage, a sugar and coconut scrub and then a polish.  Kind of sounds like a car.  We washed this all off in the most amazing flower bath I've ever had.  I'm not sure why we don't bath in flowers and banana leaves more often.  After our treatments we had some delicious hibiscus tea and some really yummy cookies.  I think mom would say this was the best Mother's Day gift she's ever had.

On our way to Denspar we stopped at a wood carving place where we learned to make something like this it takes about 9 weeks or was it 9 months or was it 3 or 6 months; I can't remember. 

We also stopped at a fabric making factory.  Which was totally hot and cool.  I don't see how these people work when it's so hot. 

And my favorite part of today was this breathtaking waterfall.  If I felt better I totally would have walked down to the falls.  I've always ted to swim under falls.  We had lunch with this beautiful view as our backdrop.

We are staying at the Intercontinental which is suppose to be the best resort on the island.  It is pretty amazing, but I still really like the first place we stayed.  Our stay includes High Tea every afternoon and Happy Hour from 4-7.  Their happy hour includes drinks and appetizers, which we pretty much treat as a dinner.  We are able to go to the club and the sanctuary for drinks anytime, which is great.  For dinner tonight I actually ordered room service; steamed broccoli and tomato soup from the kids menu.  It was so yummy and hit the spot since I haven't felt too good today.

Bali Day 7

Today was one of my favorite days in Bali.  Pam and her family went on a bike tour, while we went to a Balinese cooking class.  They picked us up and others and took us to a market where they explained the different ingredients that are typically used in Balinese cooking.  There were a total of 9 of us in the class.  Everyone was so nice.  There was a girl from Brazil, a couple from Canada and Germany and a guy from London.

The class was held at a families home.  We were greeted with a lovely very light frozen lemonade.  I loved it because it wasn't very sweet and I still don't really have my sweet tooth back, except for sour patch kids.  We then made these offering things that are every where and made from banana leaves.

To make one bottle of coconut oil which is seen in the middle of this table, it takes 15 coconut.  They use every part of the coconut including the husks because they don't have charcoal. 
We made several dishes and had fun doing so.  Seriously this was such a fun time and everything was so fresh and delicious.  I especially loved the mushroom soup that had a hint of lime in it.  The curry was delicious as well.  In the end the gave us a recipe book and maybe when I see Pam we will have to have a day of Balinese cooking.  I'll have to post the mushroom soup later, because I loved it and so did my stomach.  I've learned that I can't eat but a few bites of food or I will get sick.  

All of the dishes were fantastic.  I really liked the curry and the green bean salad. 

This afternoon we took a taxi to a store that we wanted to visit where I bought a darling dress.  We also walked down the Monkey street visiting shops and at the end saw more monkeys.

My feet were tired from walking so I had a $7 foot massage that was out of this world amazing.

For dinner we stayed in because we weren't really hungry, but dad did go back to the French Bakery and got us another chocolate and caramel tart.

I've been listening to this fabulous book called, Walk On Earth  A Stranger.  If you are looking for a great Summer read this is it.

Bali Day 6

Today I checked off visit a Monkey Forest from my bucket list.  This was just down the street from our resort.  It was a little scary when the monkeys would try to take what was in your hands.  There were tons of them from newborn to grandpas.  It was pretty funny when a monkey and its cohorts found a bag of corn on a scooter and like nothing, stripped those in no time.  Next time I need to shuck some corn I'll have to find a monkey.

Pam, mom and I then walked down the streets enjoying the shops and some coconut ice cream.  We also passed a few temples and we went to The Market that wasn't so great because it smelled, but I did buy a cute Balinese purse that I should have paid less for, but the people wouldn't budge.  It is made with some kind of wood/grass.  Probably not something I'll use every day, but it is different. 

We also walked and walked and walked to find an organic restaurant among the rice patties.  By the time we got there I was pretty sure I was going to die from dehydration and heat stroke.  It was worth it, more so when we walked down hill which took us minutes compared to walking uphill in the heat.  It was crazy to think there were actually businesses on this dirt road among the rice patties.  Cars weren't able to get here, so I guess we could have rented a scooter and piled on like the locals, but I'm a little scared of things with 2 wheels.  I will say that when we got back down the hill we did pay a taxi to take us back to our resort where we quickly changed into our bathing suits and joined the kids and guys in the pool.

This evening we went to dinner at a traditional Balinese restaurant, where we sat on a raised floor, like without chairs.  Mom and dad weren't so hip on the idea.  Old age I guess; ha ha.  I am kind of tired of Asian food and to be honest, I'm not a super fan of Asian food.  So I ordered a pretty yummy pasta dish.  I actually haven't felt really good since I've been here.  It comes and goes, but I'm not really eating much and when I do eat mom and I usually split a meal.  I will definitely not be gaining any weight on this trip.

We also watched a Balinese Ballet/Dance during our dinner.  It was interesting.   I didn't really follow it, but it was ok.  The music and costumes were cool.

Bali Day 5

Today was one of my favorite days.  We left Nusa Dua and this fabulous resort for Ubud.

We drove about an 1 1/2 hours north through rice fields and greenery.  On our way we stopped to have Acai bowls at this fun place.

We then headed one of the most famous temples in Bali, Pura Tana Lot Temple.  Did you know there are more than 10,000 temples on Bali probably more because people have them in their homes.  This is probably the most beautiful thing I've seen in Bali.  Pictures never do things like this justice, but I'll try.  It was super hot and humid.  We were totally sweating, so let's not judge the hair folks.

By the time we got to our hotel it was about starting to rain.  This place is totally different than Nusa Dua.  It's like we are in the middle of the jungle, even though we are totally in the middle of rice patties. Even our hotel looks and feels better.  It is gorgeous in a different way and huge.

We did venture out into the rain and found an Indian restaurant that was actually really good.  My tummy wasn't super happy about it, but it was delicious.  We also found an amazing french bakery...