Rhonda Bracey: At Random

Most days were spent lazing by the pool (under shade) or in the pool, having delicious fruit smoothies at the swim-up bar, reading, sleeping… We went out each night to a different restaurant — Queens of India (REALLY good curries!), Laguna Garden (very disappointing this year), and Bali Cardamon (see below), which was excellent. I love how the restaurants will send a car to pick you up and will drop you back at your accommodation for free.

Mum and I didn’t get to go shopping until Tuesday 17 September. We had a lovely young chap for our driver, and as I hadn’t seen Seminyak, Legian, or Kuta, we headed there first. Unfortunately, unless you’re staying in a resort or hotel with direct beach access, or are prepared to walk some distance, viewing the beaches from the car is impossible (same for Nusa Dua, Benoa peninsula beaches etc.).

However, we did stop at the Discovery shopping centre in Kuta and had a smoothie at a restaurant with a bit of a view of the beach from the outdoor area. (Click on a photo to view it in a larger size)

(For non Australians, some of the Ketut/Rhonda TV commercials are on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPFOUSApmDPg5DE-Wj1gR5M6TtH55_BN4)

We visited the Seminyak Square market area and the Kuta market area, where I bought two tops (AU$16 each), two pairs of sandals ($20 each), and a capacious handbag ($20). Next stop was the DFS Galleria shopping centre, where I bought two Max Factor long-lasting lipsticks ($9 each; and yes, they DO last a long time — about 24 hours!). Our final stop before heading back to the resort and a welcome swim in the pool was Bali Collection shopping centre in Nusa Dua. I bought a couple of gifts for my quilt retreat friends, and had the fish nibbling foot treatment!!!

What an experience that was! The first 30 seconds were REALLY weird as the fish started nibbling on the dead skin on my feet and lower legs, getting in between my toes etc. Fortunately, I didn’t freak out as the treatment was for 20 minutes ($10).

After a most refreshing dip in the pool, we headed out for a scrumptious dinner at Bali Cardamon. It was my last night in Bali 😦