Mad about You - Day 15

Farewell Ferengistan - Banco de Gaia

We were off to Nusa Lembongan this pagi. We had brekky at the villa cooked for us by Putu who told us her families temple is on one of the small islands near Nusa Lembongan and she visits there often.

I was very excited about our stay on the island as I had only ever visited on day trips. It did indeed look like a place where you couldn't help but take a chill pill. Something that Rob really needed.

It was during breakfast that I decided to dash off and get the ring that kept popping into my mind, so Pam and I were quickly off out of the gate with 20 minutes to spare before our transport was due.

We picked up some lovely handkerchiefs which are beautiful quality from Uluwatu boutique for gifts too.

And the 'Rocky Fast Cruises' transfer bus was waiting in the driveway for us when we returned.

I took Rob's word for it that everything was on board and away we went with a wave and thank you to Putu and Made. I'm not sure I'd return to 88 after the sleeping problems in one of the bedrooms. 

Maybe if we only needed the 2 bedrooms I would but I'm not sure they'd reduce the price for just the 2 rooms. They do have a 2 bedroom villa in the same lane that I know quite well after the 'girls trip' last year but 88 is definitely the pick and roomier of the 2.

It took us about 45mins to get to Sanur after picking up another family from The Jayakarta, it's a great little shopping district around that area. 

Rob and I were sitting upfront with the driver and it was becoming obvious he had been sleep deprived. 

He told us he had a new baby that didn't like to sleep at night, aaaahhh that explains it. 

We made it our mission to keep him talking and awake. You drop into the 'Rocky' office to complete payment on the way.

The villa manager had made our booking at a reduced rate and it was even cheaper than he had said when I went to pay. Bonus, just 300,000rp for the round trip. 

Then our sleepy driver dropped us at the beach departure point in Sanur.

We all hung out and waited whilst they loaded the boat with the luggage and supplies for the island.

Jack had swung by Villa 88 the previous night and picked up my 'freight container' for safe keeping so I didn't have to lug it around on the island. 

I noticed there was a couple of boxes of wine earmarked for the Indiana. I had researched the islands restaurants (surprise,surprise :0) and the Indiana Kenanga was a definite on my hit list. It was nice to know they were keeping their wine supply well stocked.

It was a quick, thankfully uneventful trip across to the island and it's crystal clear waters.

There was a very friendly boisterous transport guy moving through the crowd checking out our arm stickers with our accommodation names marked on them and organising everyone. We were off to Island House. Ahhh take me away.

Yes that very clever lady is carrying a tree on her head that she unloaded from the boat.

These are the modes of transport on the island if you don't get around on a scooter.

We didn't realise how lucky we were at the time that this particular van had padding on the seats.

Many haven't, which makes for a rough ride for those of us that aren't very 'cheeky'.

Just a short 15 minute trip over very potholed roads and we were delivered to 

THIS.

I think we all released a collective sigh.

Island House is just idyllic, perched on a small cliff on the edge of Sandy Bay.

We were met and helped out of the van by Ketut who looked after us during our stay. Such a lovely guy whose family own all the land around these parts.

A large open air pavilion with a TV room and another bedroom upstairs, neither of which we used.

Downstairs - kitchen,dining,lounge area and at the far end was the bedroom Luke had.

There's the other 2 bedrooms and the infinity pool.

Rob and I snaffled this wonderful room with a view.

On arrival we organised massages and Rob was after a pedi too, time to rub off all those signs of the hard work he'd been doing.

Ketut was also going to take care of the arrangements for a couple of scooters and a boat for a day of snorkelling. Terima kasih Ketut.

There's the massage bale to the left of the house.

A swim, a massage, a drink or 2 and we were feeling right at home.

This was one of Luke's favorite spots to read, check his emails and make some calls.

In the background you can see his bedroom and the small 'hobbit' door in the wall, you can just make out that leads to the villa next door and a stone staircase that leads down to the beach and 'The Beach Club' restaurant. Where we enjoyed our first meal on the island.

Mark the 'main Manager' (can't for the life of me remember if he is the owner, I have a feeling he's not) who I had been corresponding with during the whole booking process and who takes care of all the villa's and 'The Beach Club'. Dropped by in the afternoon for a bit of a meet and greet. He booked us a table for that night.

When we made our way through the 'hobbit' door on our way to dinner we met Wayan, one of Ketut's brothers who was villa security. He rushed over to us from his reclining position on one of the pool lounges to introduce himself and to offer a guiding light for us down the rocky staircase.

 How wonderful to kick off your shoes and wander along the beach whilst the sun sets, to have a lovely dinner at a beachfront restaurant. 

Is it any wonder we just keep coming back to Bali for more?

Wayan was waiting for us at the top of the stairs with his torch to show us the way home again.

What a lovely young guy he is and we sat and chatted for a while before we toddled off to our Island beds.

Life was going to be way too easy here. I already didn't ever want to leave!