Seasick Sarah

After a nice lazy day by the pool in 90 degrees of heat on the Tuesday, we decided to jump in a taxi and head to Kuta which is the main tourist destination in the south of the island and once a Mecca for surfers. We did not know too much about this place except it's reputation for great sun sets and the place where the terrorist bombs went off in 2002 at the Sari Club and Paddys bar. A 1/2 hour journey and we had arrived - the place was chaotic, lots of bars and restaurants but nothing that really caught the eye. Security here was pretty unbelievable with guards outside every restaurant and bar. We headed to the beach in search of an amazing coastline but to be honest we were a little underwhelmed. We sat ourselves at a bar on the beach front and watched as the sun started to set and it became clear as to why it was worth the journey. Here it is.......






We settled down with a few delicious cocktails and food and that was that. Home bound just as the rain started. I could not help thinking about the chaos that must have ensued following the attacks in 2002, even more so than in New York. Bali simply does not have the infrastructure to cope and the stories on the Internet combined with visiting the actual place really brings it home as to what must have gone on that night. There is now a permanent memorial at the site of the bomb which is held in significance by both the Balinese, Australians and other affected countries.

The following day we were up early for an 0730 pick up at the hotel for a trip on a catamaran to Lembongan Island. An hour transfer by bus saw us arrive at the port, through security and onto the catamaran. Now this was a new experience for us both - a beautiful day, red hot and the boat was fairly modern with 22 people on board. A quick drink on deck and we were off. At this time the water was very calm we took seats up on deck where we could get good views. The captain then informed us that it would take two hours to reach the island ( one more than we we thought). As we got further out the waves got bigger and the catamaran started to move up and down more and more. It got to the point that every wave gave the sensation of going over the crest of a hill in a car where your stomach drops. At this point Sarah went very quiet. Then suddenly from nowhere, a big fat girl ran up to the side of the boat and started spewing for Bali - not very gratious at all as she flashed her big white knickers in the process. After 5 minutes Sarah admitted she felt sick and we headed to the back of the boat.

There were many sick looking people and the worst (of which Sarah was one) were asked to lie down while the Balinese crew performed anti-sickness massage exercises on them. "Christ" i thought to myself "this will be the last time we do a catamaran trip"!

Two hours slowly passed and we arrived. Snorkelling was first up and it was FANTASTIC - we saw angel fish and other bright coloured aquatic creatures and for over an hour we were bobbing round in the sea. Unfortunately we could not take photos but it was a great experience nevertheless. A quick lunch and bit of sun bathing and we decided to get the big boat home to avoid the outbound trauma. A great decision - half the time to return, a live band on board and beer - what more could you wish for! The picture below is of me onboard the Bali Hali supping a Bintang while listening to the Balinese interpretation of 'Living next door to Alice' by Smokey. "Alice, Alice, who the ?!&@ is Alice?






So back we made it back safe and sound and headed for tranquillity of the local restaurant for dinner. The next two days we would be based at the hotel for more R&R and enjoying afternoon tea by the pool before packing up and heading to the hills of Ubud on the 21/05. This is were you will read our next blog.



P.S. We got this photo off Facebook of Lizzie and Plunky taking the dance floor by storm at our wedding - we love it!




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Location:Bali - Indonesia 18th & 19th May 2011