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...

Bali Day's 2 and 3

Day 2 and 3 in Bali were most relaxing!  They started off with a sunrise and a delicious breakfast.  I enjoyed chocolate milk and my favorite vacation pastry; a chocolate filled crousant with Nutella.  I did have something healthy; fruit and yogurt.  I did try out the noodles and they were good, but dinner food for breakfast isn't really my thing.

Most of our days have been spent relaxing by the pool.  It is incredible here.  The view of the ocean from the pool is fabulous.  One day we did water aerobics Bali style, which was really fun.  I really don't know the last time I was so relaxed as I have been here.  This resort is so beautiful and everyone is so friendly!

We walked around town and bought a few island dresses, because it's just way too hot to wear anything else.  People carry everything on scooters including way too many people.  They also carry things on their heads. 

I had the very best massage I've ever had and guess how much it was?  Five American Dollars!  It was an entire hour and incredible.  You can get massages everywhere for cheap here and we are having them pretty much every day.

We have had some amazing food here and every day we have had happy hour drinks.  My favorite dinner was this place pictured below.  Can't remember the name, but it was fun and delicious.