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

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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!