I’m in love with Bali. It’s truly one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited, and the people here could not be any nicer. I’m a little behind on posting, so I’ve compiled our first few days in one post and will share additional pictures from our cooking class, trip to Padang Padang beach (where they filmed Eat, Pray, Love), dinner at Jimbaran Bay, and elephant ride soon.
Food
Eight Degrees South – great Mediterranean food Suku – tasty Asian cuisine with nightly Balinese dance performances Azure – our poolside go-to for lunch East – a casual dining spot at the Conrad Sakala – a phenomenal food experience – a trust “must” in Bali Lakeview Cafe – delicious Asian buffet with breathtaking views 2Day Cafe – as close to a warung (local restaurant) as we’ve tried – great veggies ______________________________Experiences
Relaxing at the gorgeous Conrad Bali lagoon pool and beach Eating miso soup and drinking freshly squeezed mango juice for breakfast Practicing outdoor yoga and exploring Nusa Dua by foot Watching the awe-inspiring Devdan Show (think Cirque du Soleil + So You Think You Can Dance?) Trying fresh Luwak coffee (read this to find out how it’s made) Exploring the Balinese coffee plantation, Santi Witnessing a perfect rainbow between Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur (sleeping volcano) Trying lots of fresh fruit (except the stinky durian fruit – see Sasha eating it below) Enjoying the cultural Barong and Kris Dance performance Our favorite so far – praying in Bali’s holiest water at Tirta Empul
Morning view from our room
Where you’ll find us (every second day – 50% culture, 50% tan!)
Temple style watch guard points
I’m never leaving
Miso and mango for breakfast
Onsite temple
Practicing my yoga moves (outside of the 7:30 Sunrise Yoga class)
My poolside Summer Salad and Sasha’s hamburger – is there anything better?
At the Kris and Barong Performance
Evil and Pure Spirits are fighting (can’t you tell?)
Amazing costumes in play at the performance
Two of the main performers
Waiting to pray in the holy springs at Tirta Empul
Lots of people and things to be praying for
Sasha looks darn good in a sarong (I’m totally biased)
Trying teas and coffees at Santi Plantation
The freshly picked coffee beans and spices at Santi
In front of Mt. Batur
A gorgeous rainbow outside of Lakeview
Sasha being brave and trying durian
Me being less brave and trying mangosteen
Durians look as unappealing as they smell (and taste!)
My only picture at Devdan before getting scolded for taking pictures!
