Bali....paradise....finally

Sydney to Bali

Relaxation at the W

I have been waiting for Bali for weeks. Well, even longer considering I haven't had a vacation in almost a year. Anyway, I missed my flight yesterday. It's a long, convoluted story that involves the trials and tribulations of international relocation.  In short, I opened a bank account before leaving the US, then went to the bank the day I arrived in OZ to get it all in order. That was 5 weeks ago and I have yet to see a bank card. ARGH!!!!!! Because I don't yet have a bank card, I can't get a local credit card. Without a local credit card (and my 457 Visa), I can't get a local cell phone. Without the local cell phone, the cab company can't call me to collect me...so they decided to ignore my request and not pick me up for my 5 am call. Once I finally got a cab and made it to the airport, the flight was closed. NOOOOOO!


I quickly rebooked on a flight for the next day, and made the best of my day in Sydney. It was gorgeous - 80 degrees. I had my own photo safari, walking all along Woolloomooloo Wharf and across a trail that opened onto Sydney Harbour. Spectactular views. After being up at 4 am, I was tired. A quick nap and dinner at Sydney's secret best Vietnamese restaurant (which happens to be in my 'hood), and then I was back to sleep until my wake up call today at 7 am! (Thanks Mom for texting to ensure I was awake.)


After heading out of a Sydney that was raining sheets of rain, I had a 6-hour sleep on my flight to Bali. I wasn't feeling all too well, and the sleep did me good. After landing, I went through the legit taxi line only to then get assigned a pretty random dude. He kept stopping the car, getting out but leaving it running, saying he needed to check for the police. Ummmmm......sir, is there an issue? We kept going, but I was scared! Plus, driving here is more like the game of Frogger. No real sense for lines on the street, motorbikes and scooters EVERYWHERE. Anyway, we found the W Bali Resort & Spa, and everything was fine in the world again.


The room is really lovely, and I had a delicious dinner as I watched Indian Ocean waves crash on the shoreline. I had a delicious sashimi, and then miso glazed black cod. And a margarita! I was craving one and haven't found any in Sydney.

Christian arrived tonight - yay! We had a drink overlooking the ocean, as hotel workers quietly came out and set out new gifts for the Gods. Bali is the Island of the Gods, and everywhere you look there are both large and small offerings made - flowers, coffee, water, incense, you name it. And beautiful wood carvings draped in cloths and flowers, all made for the offerings to the Gods.

The people are so friendly and accommodating here. Just lovely. Tomorrow is beach time and then dinner with friends Christy & Todd. Next day, early wake up for the fish market and tours involving rice paddies and temples. I can't wait.

a gorgeous wall in the W's lobby....each square is filled with a glass bell or candles

xo