Jillian's Travels

Bali, Part 2

Day 6, January 3

Today was our rest and relaxation day. After all of the non-stop activities in Singapore and then traveling to Bali, our bodies were feeling pretty beat up. We had a tradition Balinese breakfast that consisted of fried noodles, egg, fresh fruit and coffee. The noodles were more of what you would think of for dinner and not so much breakfast but that didn’t stop me from eating every bit of it.

The dining area is outside near the infinity pool which makes for a nice backdrop.

After breakfast we ventured to the back of the property to check out the massages they offer. We opted both for a 90 minute deep tissue massage. To start the massage, they wash your feet while you sip on some traditional tea with honey.

They then took us over to the huts where they do the massages. It is such a peaceful environment to be outside with the wind blowing, getting a massage. At one point it started raining and that was the best thing I could have asked for. It made it even more serene and relaxing.

After the massage you hop into a bath that they draw for you in the hut to wash off the oil. Finally once you are done, they give you another type of tea with honey to wind down. The whole experience was absolutely the best.

By that point, my friend Taryn had finally arrived from Milan, Italy so we met up with her at the place we ate across the street last night. We found out that the airline lost her bag so she had no change of clothes. So we decided to go grab some lunch and figure out what we were going to do the rest of the day. I had another chicken curry dish with coconut milk. It is becoming my go-to meal here in Bali.

Since Taryn didn’t have any clothes, we decided to take the whole day to just relax. We went to a little vendor store so she could get some toiletries to hold her over until her bag came.

Once back at the bungalow, it was pool time. We were out there for about 15 minutes before it started raining so we decided to head back in.

While Taryn was at the front lobby on the phone with the airline, my sister and I decided to wash some clothes in the sink. We both agreed that we will never take for granted having a washer and dryer ever again. The wringing out of the water was the most tedious part of the process. And since it is so humid here, it takes almost a full day to somewhat dry the clothes. But we got them washed! Also thank you for the travel size Woolite, Momma!

Then to wrap up the night we tried a different restaurant near us and it, so far, was the best food we’ve had since arriving in Bali. And to top it off, it was the cheapest we’ve had so far. I got a Balinese soup, side veggies and a mango drink all for $6 AND we had live entertainment.

Here are more photos of our beautiful bungalow.

Day 7, January 4

Today was our monkey day!! The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary was about a 5 minute walk from our place. So we decided to start the day off with visiting them. When you first get there you see all these monkeys running around in the street harassing people with food or water. Some were even going over to the Holy Offerings to the Gods that are set out each day and taking the candy and food. As we learned, they are very, very intelligent creators. We saw some of the monkeys jump on people and start unzipping backpacks. If they can smell food, they will attack until you give it to them.

At first we were so scared and on high alert. We walked around for a bit and then saw people buying bunches of bananas to get the monkey on your should and then feed them. I decide I had to do this or I’d regret it when we left. So I bought a small bunch of bananas and let the monkey sit on my should while he ate 2 bananas. I was tense the whole time and pulled it together for one photo so it made it look like I wasn’t scared. Then my sister decided she wanted to do it as well. Same thing with her, tense until I said “ok, go” and she pulled it together to fake a calm pose with the monkey.

After that excitement we walked around the rest of the sanctuary and check out a couple of temples. Then we moved on to the Ubud Palace down the street the opposite way. I love that our place is centrally located. We haven’t had to take any cabs (except the one from the airport).

After the Palace, we walked to some outdoor vendors and I bought a little meditation figurine and some elephant pants!! I was successful in negotiating a lower price that what was quoted.

Then it was time for my favorite part of the day, food! On the way to the monkey place we past a few restaurants that said they had a view of the rice fields so we decided to go back to one of those places.

I got a papaya juice that was AMAZING! I am determined to try all the different juices on this island before I leave. The view of the rice fields was unreal. Everything was so green and colorful. It was probably one of my top 5 experiences here because everything just clicked…the view, food, and juice.

We had worked up quite a sweat walking around all day and this was one of the days it did not rain so it was very, very hot and humid. That meant it was pool time. I tried to lay out for a little but I get so restless and have to go do something so I got in the pool. I still cannot believe our place has this pool with this view.

Lastly was dinner. We went to our favorite dinner spot and I got the dragon fruit juice and pumpkin soup. The soup was good but the dragon fruit was just ok. I think after having the papaya juice, the dragon fruit just wasn’t as flavorful. But it was still good and very pretty to look out.

Then it was off to bed because we had to wake up at 1:30am the next morning to set out for our trek to Mount Batur to see the sunrise.

Comments

1. 

   Leave a Reply

   Momma Payne
   January 6, 2017

   Beautiful! Embrace hot and sweaty. It is very cold here. Tomorrow’s high is supposed to be 32 degrees. I love all of the pictures.

   • 

     Leave a Reply

     Jillian
     January 6, 2017

     Stay warm! And glad you like the photos!! Many more to come. We love you!