March 24: Ubud to Lovina

Another lovely day in Bali. We had enough time to pack our bags, another quick western breakfast, and out of Ubud we go. As enjoyable as the last 2 days have been, we're not sad to see Ubud in our rear-view mirror. It was beautiful, great people, cultural experiences, fantastic food, and the occasional cockfight. But I think the word has spread. It's just gotten too big I'm afraid. After two days, I think I've been propositioned for taxi rides no less than 500 times. Relentless. Additionally, we're finding most of these shops to be selling exactly the same stuff, probably made somewhere in China. No lie---in one shop, one of the aborigonal masks actually said "Jamaica" on the forehead. Whoops, I think that one went into the wrong box!!! Not complaining, but I think perhaps if our hotel was about 3 more stars, we could've fallen in love with the place. As it was, it was enjoyable. Sadly, it's not a place I'm dying to return. Interesting how our feelings changed, as upon arrival we loved the place. Feelings seemed to be mutual across our international group.

We hopped onto the bus, heading into the mountains. We stopped at two different Hindu temples, one in a jungle-type setting, the other built on a lake. Photos will hopefully do justice. They were ornate and beautiful. The cooler temps were welcomed, as I think this is the first time since the Tapei Airport that I haven't looked like I just went through a car-wash with my clothes on.

Next stop was our stomping grounds for the next 2 days: Lovina. We're now on the very north coast of Bali, which was about a 2 hour drive from central Ubud (the airport is on the very southern coast). I guess it takes about 3 hours to drive the island, south to north (about the size of Oahu). Lovina is a much smaller beach town, with a few tourist shops, a couple dive shops, and a black sand beach just in case we haven't sweat enough... I already love the hotel, as we pulled up to an open-air lobby, swimming pool behind, and beach about 10 feet further. No peeing frog fountains, but instead a dolphin shooting a nice stream of water out its snout. Yes, the sea is about 20 yards from the pool, and we have an ocean view. Much better digs, as we also don't need a gas-mask to enter the bathroom.

The group enjoyed a nice lunch (I had the coconut braised beef), and we organized our activities for the next few days. Lovina is much more laid-back, far less people, and relax we did. A few hours by the pool, a nice king prawn dinner (for both of us), and off to bed.

I currently have ZERO idea what day of the week it is. I've officially arrived to my vacation. How sweet it is.

G'night!