Nusa Lembongan

There are a group of three small islands just off Bali, the Nusa islands.  When I planned this trip I just did not want to go to just one area in Bali but all the other places we want to visit are super far away (well with Sebastian anyways).  In looking at alternatives I started reading about these islands.  Most people I know who have visited (okay two people) said they are beautiful but we would be bored after a day or two so I was a bit nervous I booked five days.  Not anymore, I love love love this island.  Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island, you could go around it on a scooter in two hours and see everything.  There are no cars, some small pick up trucks to take people around but most use scooters or golf carts.  We have only explored a little bit, Mushroom Bay (where we are staying), Tamarind beach and secret beach (not so much a secret) and I love it.  Really I could have stayed here the entire time.  The place we are staying is super cute, the staff very friendly, the breakfast delicious, perfect pool for Sebastian and about quarter of the price we paid in Sanur (and that still is not much).

 Sebastian getting ready for his first speed boat.

 Our pool

 Mushroom Bay

 Tamarind Beach

 And food we loved!  Much more to come on this place!

Sanur, Bali

Truth be told I was not crazy about coming to Sanur. We loved the other spots we have been to in Bali and I had heard this area was a bit commercial.  But it is only a half hour journey from the airport and I thought it might be better for Sebastian.  Well we loved it and it did turn out perfect for him.  Our hut was right on a beach board walk that went at least 2km to the left of us and a further 5km to the right.  Sebastian loved walking up and down it everyday, and there were plenty of food places to choose from.  Everywhere we have been to in Bali has been great and we have not really touched the surface as it is such a big place.  The people are amazing, the culture, the architecture and the landscape, a very special place.  Also it was great to be in Sanur as we got to catch up with some of the Ecua fam who now work here (the family is spreading).

 Garth is now the Headmaster of Bali Island School and Jackie a councilor there.  I taught their son Finn four years ago but think he barely remembered me!

 We had a lovely time in and around Sanur and have just set off for our next adventure on Nusa Lembongan, a near by island.

Culture Day, Bali

Today was the second morning we were up and out the door at the crack of dawn (I believe we have Sebastian to thank for this).  We hired a taxi driver to take us to a few places that we wanted to see.  He was a wonderful tour guide and suggested a few extra places that we really enjoyed.  The people here are just so crazy nice, Bali has such a nice vibe and we are so happy to be back.

 This was actually last night at a temple close to us.  We caught the tail end of a ceremony, everyone was all smiles

 Our first stop was this beautiful temple.  As we were up bright and early we were the first ones there and had it all too ourselves. 

 We had to sneak Sebastian in as in Bali babies are considered dirty until 4 months and are not allowed in.

 We then went to Elephant cave, another temple with a small cave.  Never really learnt what the elephant bit was all about.

 The entrance to the cave.

 Next we were off to Ubud, we love the rice paddies but it was a bit hot at this point to explore with Sebastian.

 Instead we had lunch at one our favourites from our trip two years ago.  Back at the hotel by 1pm, it is just amazing how much you can do in a day when you are up with the birds.

Tegenungan Waterfall

We woke up this morning and decided to go on an adventure.  With a little google search I found this nearby waterfall and off we went.  I thought it would be rubbish as really just found looking on google maps, but I could not have been more wrong.

A super lovely morning.

And some random photos of us back in Sanur.

 

A Lesson Learnt

First and most importantly we love Sanur and are having a lovely time.  However, I would be lying if I did not say our first couple of days were tainted by a foreign exchange experience at Phuket airport.  After arguing with my bank over the last two days I have learnt just how dodgy changing money at an airport is.  I always teach my students the importance of understanding exchange rates and how easy it is to lose money and even make money. I actually find myself wishing I was teaching right now to use our experience as a teaching moment.  Here is the brief scenario, as it just gets me mad to think about it.  
At the departures we changed our money at our bank's, SCB, foreign exchange counter.  Now I do know rates are worse at the airport but really as never changing loads I did not think it would ever make a significant difference.  However, I was wrong.  It does not make too much difference when it is a strong currency.  For instance, if 1 pound equals 40 Baht, unless you are changing loads and loads if the airport gives you 1 pound to 39 Baht it is not that big of a deal.  BUT, when you travel to a currency that deals in millions it makes a massive deal.  So in this case the airport offered a rate of 0.00371 for IDR, when the actual rate on that day was 0.0026.  Now it is not a currency I deal in, so I had no idea that 0.00371 was not the rate and just trusted my bank.  But when we arrived in Bali we saw the actual exchange rate and how much money we lost.  We changed just over 1000 dollars and they gave us the equivalent of 600 dollars.  The bank took 400 dollars.  This is crazy!! If we had just waited to we had gotten here we would have almost fifty percent more money. The real issue is of course I budgeted on us getting the correct amount.  I have spent two days arguing with my bank, they assure me every bank does this.  That this is their policy.  Basically, making tonnes of money off people that would never think to check the rates closely or assume 0.00371 and 0.0026 are close when it is a huge huge difference when dealing with millions.  A lesson learnt for me and I hope I can help others to realise how crucial it is to check these rates before changing money.
Okay, that is my rant and I am hoping it makes me feel better!
Besides that once again Bali has not disappointed, we just love it!  We are staying in Sanur, a place we have not been before and I will write more about it another day. 

Time to let it go, money gone and really what is important is I am here with my beautiful family in paradise. A