The Grand Balisani Suites in Kerobokan….
Genevieve can and has broken it down in a few short phrases:
1. “Let me tell you!”
2. “Yes please”
3. “Yay!!”
What do these not so cryptic phrases translate to in the game of Bali you might ask? Simply put, Bali is undeniably beautiful. Of course the bustles and traffic of main roadways and the constant chatter of motor bikes and cars alike mashing through the smallest alleyways and sniper streets can be considered too much for some. However, when arriving at a location no matter where it may be, this place is strictly bad ass. Like many south-east Asian cultures, the Balinese are that of utter friendliness and devotion. Tourism is the main economic booster no doubt, however, it’s easy to see that the Balinese live a very relaxed and happy islander lifestyle and want to share it with others.
So a little about the trek. 3 days ago Gen and I set out from San Francisco on a 13 hour flight to Taipei Taiwan. Being that Gen-Bub was extra prepared as her by-the-book style permits, we both took a couple prescription sleeping pills and were out like sauerkraut for a good 8 hour session. We both were a little skeptical about flying China Airlines for the first time but were pleasantly surprised by the service and general steez of the airline. Considering our first leg was 13 hours, it went by in a breeze. We landed in Taipei Taiwan just after 6 am and had a few hours to kill before our next leg. Luckily we found an awesome cafe that served up papaya and kiwi lasse type smoothies amongst traditional Chinese breakies like noodle soups and what not. We opted for a champion beef noodle soup that was exquisite. The second leg of the trip was plush as we had a newer China Airlines plane that reminded us of Virgin America back home. Moonlighting and on-demand entertainment whisked us away all the way to Denpasar after around 4.5 hours. Upon arrival we breezed through our 30-day visa buy and customs and were street side ready to rock the scene within a matter of 20 minutes. The Pascoe family friend and overall hookup, now our personal driver and guide to all elements of savagery Mr. Dewa Billy greeted us outside with a sign stating “Lucas & Gen”. Feeling like triple VIPs as in the old school movie we hopped into Dewa’s car and were off to our first destination. A 30 minute drive landed us on the door steps of the architecturally splendor known as the Grand Balisani Suites in Kerobokan. “Que Rico!” was all I could think after a Gong blasted entrance of newcomers and a welcome lychee lasse.
Zee Proof is in Zee Pudding no?
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After a relaxing first afternoon we decided to check out the local fair and traditional Balinese dancing at our very own hotel, which apparently is commonly set up for tourists across the many resorts in Bali. Such vibrant colors and sounds tickled our senses. Truly amazing.
Our following days consisted of a very long walk down endless beachfront resorts, cafes, and local fares, a couple overly long free transportation trips to Jimbaran, south of us to fulfill an opportunity to win a pretty epic prize from a travel network promotion we were solicited about on the beachfront. All skeptics aside, turns out not only that Gen and I won a 2 week trip to Goa India for 4 (accommodation-wise), but we also took the plunge with the travel network itself. It’s hard not to say that we didn’t get straight up sold, but at the same time for the types of excursions we’re planning, we bite like a ginorumous marlin bites at chum. When all was said and done we signed up for a 10 year package to trek the world as far as I’m concerned, which should be a treat indeed!
By the 3rd morning, we were hot to trot to our next location…. Nusa Dua. But not before a quick stop-off to swoop up some tailor-made floss kicks that I’ve been trying to cop for some time back home. Plus, we took advantage of a spa coupon for an hour massage for me and a oxygen facial for Gen-Bub. Ahhhhhh…. so plush, so nice. Dewa swooped us from mid Kuta and we ate lunch at a local spot he recommended, then we were off to Leg 2 of the trip… The Bali Tropic – Nusa Dua.
