today was our last day that we were to be staying in ubud. that day we went to a forest/temple that was just FULL of monkeys. i mean like every 3 feet you would see at least 2 or 3 monkeys and if you had any food at all they would steal it in like 5 seconds. then we went to a waterfall were there was like 100,000,000,000,000 of these rock towers ranging from pebbles to boulders stacked on top of each other.  After hiking down plenty of steps-we got to swim right in the bottom of a huge waterfall!  What was interesting was that the waterfall actually funneled into a river, so as you got further from the falls, the current narrowing into the river actually got even stronger!

After our swim, Mom and Dad went art shopping at this gallery that was filled with tons of Hindu statues and even a mini temple-(the same gallery where we bought the painting with the Balinese women carrying  baskets on their heads 5 years ago) Ja and Be had a blast playing chess (and even drew quite the crowd of onlookers) on an awesome old set while Mom and Dad found another great painting.  We wound up the day driving to our new hotel in Nusa Dua- and when we arrived we didn’t just get welcome drinks but a fire dancing show.   For dinner, we ate at a fancy restaurant on the beach (well Be and Ja snuck off to a cool beach hut to get some much needed electronic time) while the grown-ups enjoyed the rest of their meal)…

and some old pics from the monkey forest…

 

 

 

Day 4 in Bali was our resort day- a nice break from crazy traffic of the Bali’s roads.   The day was without adventure – as we started by exploring the many many pools that snaked all the way around the resort- even leading us to cool encounters with some huge turkey like birds…Breakfast buffet may have even trumped the ones in Langkali and Phuket- as they had everything..made to order noodle soup, amazing chicken Shaomai, indian curries, fresh made to order juices, incredible yogurt parfaits and even some western flavors..it was big enough to warrant a map of the buffet.

Rest of the day included time on the beautiful beach, a kayaking wave riding adventure for Jay and No and Be and Dad (final score- Jay and No- 2 flips, Be and Dad 0 flips), time at the spa for Na and Mom and a cool bike ride to the beach market for Dad, Na and Jay.  Night time brought about some local food at a pirate themed restaurant (and really good Bintang radlerfor Dad and No) and a far away view of a crazy musicial firework show.  Then we got to explore the really low tides- finding squids, starfish, minnows and a lot of seaweed.

Na and No’s impressions of Day 3  and 4 in Bali….

Day 3 – 4  We wonder if the Balinese people would think that our squirrels were as interesting as their monkeys. (They’re not!)  The Sacred Monkey Forest seems mystical (unless a monkey encroaches on your personal space! Which luckily, none did!) The forest is dense with tall trees and long vines (for the monkeys! No Tarzan jokes!) Paths wind through this monkey playground, giving us a great view of monkey families playing, grooming, nurturing their young, and entertaining their visitors.  But off to chase waterfalls! This one had a pool where Jay and Bee cooled off. Just past the spray a double rainbow arches against the rock cliff. Such a pretty spot!

Na: I know, there were a few (1,263 steps back up…well, not quite that many!), but it was worth it!

We loved the stop at the art gallery. Vibrant local art in a beautiful setting. Also enjoyed seeing the young guys who watched in seeming fascination as Jay and Bee played chess. Close game! Jay gave his sincere compliments to his challenger for a super game. Loved hearing that!

Now to Bali’s west coast to the resorts. At the one we had reserved, as we sat in a cozy lounge area to check in, we were served cold glasses of herbed water and warm towels to help fade away any cares. Yeah, who has cares in Bali?! Na: I couldn’t take my eyes off the huge white orchids cascading from an enormous sliver urn. Just beyond the lobby, a performance was starting. Fire batons and Balinese dancing. What a greeting! And what a place! The pools, the food, dining on the beach, drinking from a coconut, or just drinking! Love those tropical beverages!

Fun moments included a girls’ day ate the spa, No’s kayak trip that didn’t go in circles, a bike ride for Na and Jay, without running over kids who were searching for ice cream, going on a pool tour with Bee, watching Jay and Bee the diverse flavors on the breakfast buffet, stepping out to the tidal pools at low tide, splashing around in the Indian Ocean, and so much more!