October 2011
Sunday 2nd.
Day 5
This was our water sports day. One free cooked breakfast came with the villa and we chose to take them up on the offer today as we had an early 8:00 pickup. The guys still had thier lamb omelets to reheat so they didn't miss out on the pleasures of La Luc too much.
Josh was feeling a little on the raggedy side this morning and had a few doses of the raspberry to try and keep the gribblies at bay but I feel it may be that the good old raspberry juice is more of a preventative than a cure...
JSM were right on time and the young smiling Ryan who was to be our host/guide/answer man for the day whisked us away to Nusa dua nice and early thank goodness ...no horrible traffic to contend with.
I had organised JSM via email back in Oz and the lovely, engaging, highly efficient Rhonda ( hailing from Canada and used to be a bit of a high profile business woman from all accounts) that owns JSM (Jet Set Marine ) with her Balinese husband answered my emails and queries quickly.
One of the things that drew me to them apart from the excellent reviews was that you get personalised service ie. your own boat to take you where you want to go and the freedom to choose a package of activities to suit you and your party which was very handy as Shell and I were interested in just the snorkeling and the guys were into snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, and the flying fish.
it dragged it's bum a bit and never did get up on the plane.
Ryan still managed to smile even though he had
sat on and broken a pair of much loved Oakley's a grateful customer had given him.
Norman was the smiling friendly Captain and Rhonda told us later that though it was her boat he treated it as it was his own. It was obvious.
In the pic above between Ryan and Norman is the forward hatch where -
"Avast! Me hearties, there be in the darkness, the ominous peacocking toilet lurking. Where I'm supposing many a land lubber has come undone !
Too many frightening, seafaring tales have been played out down there I'm reckoning . To be later retold, sending shivers down the spine and striking fear in the heart of all the wide eyed and retching listeners!
Josh unfortunately was suffering from "the belly" and had no other option but seek it out in the very bowels of our vessel. Whilst the Captain kept a foot on the door to keep it shut. A messy, messy business to be sure! My heart went out to him. Thank goodness he is adaptable.
It was a little overcast so the visibility wasn't so great and it just wasn't as fabulous as the first "Wow" time I had, back in '09 and had been chasing ever since. A trip Rob and I had to Gili T came very, very close though.
I was a little disappointed and didn't end up getting in at the 2nd site. Instead I busied myself with the cameras.
Daz... in my darkest hour you will be able to bring a smile to my face with that little 'Magic Puddin'' face guaranteed.
Josh and Shell getting ready to check it out
We were supposed to visit 3 snorkeling sites that day but only made it to Mangroves and Snorkeling point.
This spot was very near the Bali Hai and there was a pontoon with a large number of Japanese tourists close by. It made us very grateful for our personalised service / vessel.
Josh and Shell swam around a fair distance from the boat and Norman wanted them back and was politely calling "Mr.Josh....Miss Shell" for a while. One shrill "SHELL" from me had them popping their little heads up and I'm guessing, it rendered the area void of sea life for the next hour at least :0)
Josh and Shell swam around a fair distance from the boat and Norman wanted them back and was politely calling "Mr.Josh....Miss Shell" for a while. One shrill "SHELL" from me had them popping their little heads up and I'm guessing, it rendered the area void of sea life for the next hour at least :0)
Whether it was due to the time of year, currents or location this time snorkeling was the coldest water temperature I had experienced (in Bali and surrounds).
Stopped off for lunch at Mushroom Bay.
After lunch we headed back to JSM headquarters where the plan was for Shell and I to relax on the beach whilst the guys launched into all their adrenaline pumping activities.
It didn't work out that way as the tide was a long way out still so it was necessary to go to another beach for the power boat.
Shell and I didn't want to miss out on watching the guys so we go hurried into the powerboat whilst the guys took off on Jet ski's.
Picture this if you can the both of us being told 'Hurry, Hurry' whilst us tender foots picked our way out to the waiting boat over pokey, sharpie owies. Wearing these hugely puffy life vests that none of the other 10 Balinese guys had to wear , even the little 6 year old !!. Shell and I both had our moments when we balked at the idea but Ryan would not give in and claimed "The boss Lady would not be happy".
When I tried to explain to Ryan that I felt like the Marshmallow man in the Ghost Busters Movie. He said no no you remind me of Mrs. Puff from Sponge Bob. Thanks Dude way to go to make me feel better about the situation...sheesh :0)
Hehe (scarey but reminds me a little of me giving Darien driving lessons too).
and quick it all was.
I was a little concerned about the landing but they all set down as gentle as can be.
The flying fish turned out to be the favorite of the day. I was under the impression that you traveled as above but apparently it turns and you are face down to the water..they loved it.
Shell and I were whisked away back to JSM whilst they flew like fish...
We had a few laughs on the way back when one of the guys asked my name and got all carried away with the whole Romeo + Juliet thing (must have a thing for the puff :0)
Shell and I chilled and had some nacho's , squashes and conversation with Rhonda until the guys arrived and then we all headed home.
We were all going to head out for dinner but Josh was have severe stomach cramps so the Hari's stayed put and ordered in pizza for the night whilst we 3 got ourselves along to 'Metis' where the atmosphere, service and food were outstanding. I'd like to return for lunch some time so the huge expanse of water lilies can be properly seen and appreciated. I think we would of perhaps enjoyed it more if we weren't so tired after our big day and almost nodding off into our plates of deliciousness!
We didn't linger and chilled in the lovely lounge area whilst the restaurant ordered us a Bluebird .
Our return driver for the evening was yet again a lovely memorable guy who spoke 6 languages and was very cheerful apart from the fact that he and his Istri were yet to produce any anuk anuk. But as Luke said and he wholeheartedly agreed he was having a lot of fun trying!
The Hari's anniversary day tomorrow....the reason (excuse) we were all here!
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