Wednesday

Up reasonably early again this morning. Still adjusting to Bali time zone. Breakfast at the hotel is very good. Damn that girl can make a mean omelet. Feet are still a little sore from yesterday's bargain hunting so after getting some tour stuff sorted in the lobby, it's off to the pool for a little RNR. Lots of different countries represented at poolside. Many Euros (mostly German. Some Danes, some French) at the pool. A few Aussies and quite a few Japanese. Took my transport Canada Flight Training manual along for some light reading. The sun can be pretty intense for a lily white Canuck so lots of sunscreen and periodic dips in the pool are mandatory.

Feeling hungry, but not wanting to pay hotel prices so we decided to walk into town for lunch. Went to the first restaurant we saw. Wilting Canuck syndrome make sure of that. At Lotus restaurant, we both had Indo and it was great. I ordered the beef satay and they brought a little bbq grill (still cooking) to the table.

Walked to the local supermarket (Tragia) to get an ice cream and have a look.
Turns out they've got an extensive wood carving inventory there. Didn't pick anything up but probably will next week.

"Found" a driver outside and arranged transport to Ulu Watu then to Jimbaran beach then home for 150k Rp (around $15). Headed out to Ulu Watu for the temple, monkey, Kecak dance combo. The temple sits atop jagged cliffs with monster pounding surf below. A popular suicide spot I am told. Looks like it should work on the first try every time. There are lots of maqaque monkeys here. You have to watch your hats, bags and sunnies since the little buggers will grab them and run off. This temple has been here and in constant use since the 1300's. It is the only Eastern facing major temple in Bali.

Merry snapped about 10X 3^8 monkey photos here. They are pretty irresistible, especially the little ones. Gout our tickets for the dance early and went to the stands to get a good seat. The dance area is about 5 meters from he edge of the cliff. Amazing costumes, singers and dancers combined with cliff top view of surf and sunset make it an experience I'll not forget any time soon. A "chorus" of 70 male singers with a unique Balinese style. As much loud fast chanting as it is singing. The very quick syncopated "CHECK CHECK CHECK" chanting/singing was very cool. Sort of an ancient Balinese rap with one guy keeping time and another "calling" or leading the pack. Oh forgot to mention that this is sacred ground so I had to wear a sarong and a yellow sash. Also, no Shelilas allowed during "that time of the month". I'm guessing they go by the honor system on that one. Got out of there as soon as the dance ended to beat the crowds. Found our trusty driver and we're off to Jimbaran Bay for dinner.

There are many small seafood restaurants right where the fishermen come in with the fresh catch of the day. Our driver had a "friend" at one of them and he took us straight there. Table on the beach about 20 m from the break. The waves sound like claps of thunder from this close and then suddenly all its quiet again. You order your seafood by weight. Prices are per 100 grams. We had lobster, squid and crab. Picked out the 2 meanest crabs and ate them. Yum! The lobster was grilled and tasted awesome. Not really a bargain but still an excellent meal in a fantastic setting. We finished with some fresh fruit for dessert and then back in the van to head for home.

Oh, I forgot to mention the "beach band". There were 3 guitars,, drums and a stand up bass. Pretty sketchy musicians but their reqertoire made up for it. I nearly peed my pants laughing when they busted out "Country Roads" by John Denver. Got back to the hotel around 10pm. Merry was asleep in less than a second and me about the same. It was a long day but it was fantastic!