Suitcase & Sandshoes: Bali with the Cuddy's and Stewart's may 29-June 15

So here we are in Bali for Greg and my 9th trip, and this time we are with Heather and Garry Stewart, on their 4th trip, and our Bali virgins, Mick and Sonya Cuddy.

First , the flight and let's just say we have flown Jetstar and Garuda on different trips, this time we came with Virgin. I'm impressed to say the least! Not a big plane by any standards, seating for 170 souls and only 135 on this flight. We lucked out and got exit seats so we had plenty of room, included was 23kg of checked in luggage and free drinks and a meal!! Yep a FULL service airline with reasonably cheap fares. I think we paid $500 return which is comparative to Jetstars normal low price fares (not the birthday specials) but by far superior and your holiday does start when you leave your house! Don't think I'll do a long haul with Jetstar again. Oh and pleasant friendly crew to boot. The other definite plus is that the flight left in the morning, 11.35am, and your body is much more receptive to flying. However, to have in flight entertainment, you must have a laptop or iPad and download their app BEFORE takeoff.

Anyway on with the trip. We landed on time if not a touch early, into the new airport, which is enormous, first on the queue for visas then much the same for immigration. The longest wait was for our luggage, then through customs nothing to declare, screening and all but out in 20 mins from landing. We got propped after screening due to 2, 2 litre casks of wine in our bags (breakfast juice???) which we were 'holding' for the other guests, they were let through and we were let off with a warning. Into taksi's paid for thru the taksi desk out the front, price has gone up considerably since our last trip 2 years ago. It's now 150.000rp for 1 cab to our hotel, last time it was about 60,000rp.

Onto the hotel, Adi Dharma a favourite for us as its in true Balinese style, a warm greeting by the ever friendly staff and whisked away to our rooms (105, 112, 212) not too shabby for $65 per night.

I'm The current exchange rate is around 10,000rp for $1aus we changed some at 10.050 and were more than happy last time we were getting about 8,000.

A couple of cleansing ales at the pool bar then off to dinner to a place recommended by the people in the room across from us, Totemo, is in a lane of Benasari it has an eclectic menu of Mexican, Italian, western and Balinese. Nice food, cold Bintang and great prices ($2 Aus for small Bintang, $3 for large - the more you drink the more you save!).

Starters of bruschetta, nachos & lumpia shared then main meals, Greg's Nasi Goreng and my Mia Goreng were just what we needed. There were a couple of banana pancakes ordered and at the end a bill of 800,000 including tip, so not $30 per couple and all well fed and watered. Back to the Adi and a couple more bintangs at the pool, a quick dip for me, massages booked for tomorrow and then into a nice comfy bed and off to sleep.

Ahhhhh bliss..........we're back in Bali!

Day 1 not too sunny so after breakfast we decided to do all the stuff like visit the tailor for clothes, the leather shop for coats, wallets and jackets, and Bintang supermarket for supplies. A short break in the middle to stop for a beer and get out of the rain. After a 10km walk we were back at the hotel and ready for a beer and our massages which were booked the night before. A swim then time to get ready for dinner.

We hit Poppies tonight this was our present to Sonya and Mick for their 50th birthdays this year, and we had a great night.

Day 2. More tailors, this time for me and David, and 'Crazy Donny' for covers for our outdoor furniture and cushions for the lounge.

Then it was back to the hotel to lay by the pool and swim. Watched the footy.....not a good result from where i stand, then hit SAMs bar on the beach for drinks, sunset and buying off the beach girls.