Alex Boucher's blog

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Last Entry - Day 166. 30th June 2002

21.11 pm - Singapore Airport.

 

ALEX: "They think its all over.." Woke up after a nice sleep, then went for an amazing free buffet breakfast. Every possible food was available, I had eggs (scrambled) 2 different sausages (there were 4 to choose from) and crispy bacon. Megs had pancakes, croissant and porridge. Had a slight scare when we recieved 2 different messages about our flight home, thinking we'd missed it - but it was fine, our airport transfer turned up at noon. So we watched a movie in the room, admired the view from the balcony and then took the transfer to Denpasar.

MEGS: Back to check in again, then a 2 hour wait for the flight (not Qantas). Flight was ok, no TV or music, finally arrived at Singapore 5.15, then had to wait and find out if we could get a connecting flight home tonight. We do, so the flight back leaves at 10.45 pm, so we'll land at 5ish in the morning. Weather in London is rain. Singapore Airport is large, no Kahlua Especial to buy, so we changed our 470,000 rp into 90 Singapore dollars; bought gin and vodka. Phoned Bj, Alex's parents and Charlie to let them know we are still alive! Its 9.30 pm now, so I'll sit here and think about the awesome things we've seen and done and try not to get too depressed that its all over. Until journey number 2 that is.

ALEX: When we get home, the hardest thing over finding a job or place to live is describing the last 165 days. It was more than a holiday or a trip, it was a lesson, an experience, an accomplishment, and a real eye-opener. It opened my eyes to the power and beauty of nature, the creativity of man and the strength of a relationship. There's so much in this world to see and do, although I'd gladly visit all the places I've been again, its only a small concession to have made this amazing journal. I think Slim Dusty said it best when he sang, "Travellin' still....Always will".

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir:Day 165 (Nusa Dua) 29th June 2002

ALEX: Well, all good things must come to an end. But maybe not just yet...Woke up with a slightly bad head, went to Kopi Pot for breakfast. Took a while, but well worth it. Sat by the pool one last ime then checked out of the hotel. Checked in at Denpasar airport, had a wander around the terminal, and then it was time to get on the plane.

MEGS: But it didn’t take off at 3, some problems of the technical type, with the wings. We still hadn’t left at 4, by 5.30 we were off the plane – had a slice of pizza and drinks, then waited until 7.30 by which time we were told the flight was cancelled. So everyone was shipped over to Nusa Dua to the Sheraton Hotel and Hilton. Which is where we are now. Its the biggest, plushest hotel I’ve ever seen, with flower girls throwing petals over you as you enter the lobby! Lots of waiting – its 10.30 pm and we still don’t know what flight we are on tomorrow!?

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir:Day 164 (Kuta) 28th June 2002

MEGS: Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. Sorted out the rest of shopping list. Lunch at the Hard Rock Deli, one final look at the beach. Back to sunbathe at the Dewi Sri, then to the Hard Rock Cafe for happy hour G&T’s and a look at all the very cool memorabilia.

ALEX: Headed down to Poppies for our booked table and final meal. Beautiful surroundings, plants, mini-waterfalls and frogs croaking every now and then. Megs had the curry, I had seafood. We even had our own ice bucket on a stand for the wine! A slice of apple pie to finish and we left our last restaurant of the trip. One more thing to do. Buy more presents, this time some paper lanterns. The haggling got frantic with a girl whose face never stopped scowling! It started at 170,000 for ten, but we tried 100,000 for twenty. After letting us walk away twice, she relented. Score! The slight pang of guilt was only momentary. A final drink at the Dewi Sri bar as the house band played “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. We requested “Wonderwall” but instead they did “Wonderful Tonight”. What the? And that was our last day of the holiday of a lifetime (Part 1). All that’s left is the journey home back to Merry Olde England.

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 163 (Kuta) 27th June 2002

ALEX: Had a nice room service breakfast and then hit the shops big time. We bought 2 pairs of trainers, some tops watches, a Paul Frank pitcher set, huge towelling rug, more cd’s and other presents. Done by midday too. Sat by the pool for a couple of hours and then went up to the room to watch a movie, in bad quality though..

MEGS: Went to Nero, I had chicken curry, really lush, not watery shite! Alex had pork wirth sauce, tempura and a long awaited honey puff ice cream pudding! Staff very friendly, food divine! Then hit the shops for yet more cd’s.

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 162 (Kuta) 26th June 2002

ALEX: Got the staff to stretch their legs this morning, ordered breakfast to the hut. Chilled for a bit then headed into the village to watch a massive funeral ceremony held by the locals. This basically involves a huge monument on a grid-like bamboo structure, which is lifted on to about 50 men’s shoulders, who proceed to run it up and down the streets. Impressive stuff to watch. Spent the last few hours on Nusa Lembongan sunbathing, kayaking and snorkelling then ferried back to Bali mainland, with many Japanese tourists being seasick on the trip.

MEGS: They all know us now at Dewi Sri! Got more millions of Bali currency then off to the WigWam for G&T’s. Then to a lovely side street restaurant called Ketupat. Really chilled, beautiful food, I had veg curry with tofu. Alex had crab meat in banana skins with chilli. Then off around the shops, got a bargain deal with some music cd’s 8,500 discount per cd. Apperently no-one is meant to do deals? Bought some mini Bali Moons then back to the room to prepare for big shopping spree tomorrow!

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir:Day 161 (Nusa Lembongan) 25th June 2002

MEGS: Up very early again, blue skies! Had breakfast at the hut, then nabbed a sun lounger before the daytrippers arrive. The sun stayed out, so we took advantage, went on a banana boat, Alex did some kayaking. Had lunch then more sunbathing. I’m a bit red.

ALEX: More G&T’s and card games whilst trying to forget how many days are left. Good to have some sun today. Ate at the resort this eve, but they didn’t do themselves any favours. My meal was served and Megs was told hers was unavailable. So I ate mine while Megs watched, and she ate hers while I watched. Very annoying and not much sympathy from the staff. They got the bill wrong too, charged us too much. “Sorry boss” the waiter said, as he took away my still quarter-full glass of coke, leaving the empty can. Oh well.

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 160 (Nusa Lembongan) 24th June 2002

MEGS: Strange chanting started at 7.00am. Weird. So got up and went for breakfast and the heavens opened. Clouds remained so went on the village tour, consisting of local stores, souvenir shops, a woman weaving blankets. Also visited an underground house, mad little underground caves built by some old skinny guy who actually thought his family would live in it when completed...

ALEX: Back for a tasty lunch, no choice but to read books while we endure the grey weather. Sat on the beach, watched a Japanese woman and her son panic and call for help despite wearing lifejackets, water rings and being about 5 feet from the beach – the mind boggles. Watched all the daytrippers leave, then played cards and sipped G&T’s. Headed to an eatery with a great view and ate noodles. Please sun, come out tomorrow!

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 159 (Nusa Lembongan) 23rd June 2002

MEGS: Up at 7, to be picked up at 7.45. Taken to the harbour and waited a while before the boat cast off. Boarded the boat whilst 3 guitarists and 2 balinese dancers did their thang. Boat journey took about an hour, arrived at a small pontoon, then transferred to a glass bottom boat which took us to the shore. The Hai Tide Huts resort is very plush, all paid for, with banana boats, canoes, etc. Our room wasn’t ready so did some kayaking, Alex snorkelled/bathed in the non sun. Ate a welcome basket of fruit!

ALEX The wooden thatched hut we stay in is beautiful, large comfy bed, air con and chill-out space underneath. The bathrooms are amazing too, big airy rooms with free shower products. A big buffet of food is the highlight. Got to get used to the wristbands we have to keep on whilst we are here. Bit overcast but managed to snorkel and get on a kayak. Took advantage of happy hour with Bali Moon cocktails, then an expensive gin & tonic then snapper for dinner. Happy with all this indulgence before we head home. Room service?

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 158 (Kuta) 22nd June 2002

MEGS: Woken up at 6.30 by Vayatar, asking if an 11.00 pick up was ok. Hm. So we returned to Le Madre for breakfast; a traditional black rice pudding with banana – very tasty, owner still making us smile while we ate! Back to hotel for 10ish, where reception tell us Vayatar are already here to collect us? So we headed back on the scenic drive to Kuta. Lunch at Dunkin Donuts then sorted our transfer to Nusa Lembongan for tomorrow. Some shopping, then sunbathed for the afternoon. We also got given a huge family room as there were no standard doubles left (we normally get given a twin) so we have 2 of everything!

ALEX: Watched Spain lose to Korea, then got ready for another night out in Kuta. First, went to Kori – groovy place, with nice tunes and tasty drinks, and mirrored decor. We’ll be eating there. Found Mum and Michaela’s presents and bartered hard. 2 for 70,000. Not bad. On to Hard Rock Cafe for huge platter meal, 2 for 1 drinks and a dessert too gooey for words. Felt very stuffed. 2nd last port of call (not counting Singapore) tomorrow. Not long now.

The 8 Year Old Travel Memoir: Day 157 (Lovina) 21st June 2002

MEGS: Up at 5.30 am, picked up by a small motorcycle. He took Alex first, then came back for me. Bit scary in the dark. Dropped off at the beach where he mumbled something about picking up an engine. Loads of other people there too. Our driver arrives with an engine on a pole which is attached to his boat. Then we set off, along with a beach full of the other boats. The sea was still and black like ink, and the sun gradually rose as we saw our first dolphins (they are quire shy) and every 10 minutes they would appear above the surf from any direction. Stayed touring the area for another 2 hours, then returned to the beach. Went for breakfast at a place called Le Madre –excellent scrambled egg, bread and bacon. The owner was brilliant – didn’t really know what he was on about half the time, but he laughed at himself was which was amusing! Back to hotel to sunbathe and played large chess.

ALEX: Headed back into town, to the Poco Bar for a good vantage point ready for the England match. Got very full and smoky, we lost too. A brisk walk back, quick shower then returned to central bit to sink some beers and watch American Pie 2. Very funny, despite the waiter hanging around wanting us to order stuff continuously. Had our last meal in Lovina at Kakatua again, ok I s’pose. Got rather depressed, but proud at the same time when I realised we have one week to go.