Bali - An Unexpected Journey
Travel opportunities can present themselves unexpectedly. The chance to visit the south Pacific island paradise of Bali started with a query from my friend Kelly on whether I was interested and available for 2 weeks in March. Heck ya! And I would be celebrating a birthday while there--how lucky can a gal get!
We began this adventure with a unique experience. I have always wondered the story behind the people who ride those little airport carts around the terminal. Usually they are the elderly or physically-challenged. Occasionally it is someone young, able and looking a little smug--a V.I.P maybe? Well, we got to be a bit of the latter. After clearing security at YVR on departure day, we immediately saw a duty-free store with a selection of BC wines. Having had it suggested to us that it might be an idea to pick up a bottle to bring with us, Bali being known for expensive wine and limited selection, we decided to each buy and carry on a bottle. All good until meeting up with the other four women in our group (more on them later). They too tried to buy wine but were told it wouldn't be allowed through to our second flight. So Kelly immediately checked with the Air China personnel and it was confirmed--no go! As the flight was close to boarding, Agent "Bill" kindly offered to "drive" us back to the store for a refund...so off we go! What fun to be a VIP for a few minutes
The flight was EXCRUCIATINGLY long (13 hours to Taipei, 3 hour layover, 5 1/2 hours to Denpasar, Bali). With this kind of effort to get to a destination, I almost wished we had a month away. Ah well, I will probably be missing my bed in a few weeks. The best part of the flight was the very cool downward spiral the plane executed over one of the islands next to Bali, before heading straight into Denpasar. The plane got down pretty low over a beach that was breathtaking--white sand beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs. I was loving it already!
Our travel partners are 4 women who know each other in different ways- the organizer Peggy and her sister Pam, Peggy's cousin Margo, and Peggy's good friend Dayleen. Most of the women were in their sixties (that made Kelly and I the "young 'uns"). There is definitely a good vibe amongst all and I am looking forward to getting to know them.
It took an hour to get to the resort. My first impressions of the island were of lush green space, interesting outdoor art and unexpected traffic.
The Tiing Gading Bungalows lie just south of the main village area of Ubud. The resort consists of 6 two-story cabins, each with a large deck. Ours faced the distant outline of a volcanic peak and incredible sunsets. On our first night we had a fabulous meal cooked for us and we met our hosts Alan (an older Dutch man) and his Javanese wife Siti.
Needless to say, I slept deeply that first night...dreaming of a whole island singing "Happy Birthday" to me as I blew out the candles of a very large cake and tried to slice enough pieces to feed everyone!
