Bali Day 5-6

Bali Day 5, Christmas Eve day:

Cruised around Legian by day... gotta love the people trying to get you to come into their shops to buy something thinking you are Australian, "Hey Mate, got cheap piss!" or "Cheers mate, come have a look, mate".

One night in the Kuta/Legian was enough to realize that it was time for a change of scenery once again and we caught the bus to Padang Bai, our final stop in Bali. The bus was full of characters, this guy Monte who has CFS but swims long distance to raise money for charities, Matt, a Canadian guy who lived 8 years in Thailand and gave us tips on where we should go, a yoga teacher from Seattle. The bus was pretty basic with no A/C or reclining benches and 4-5 hours driving anywhere in Bali is plenty of time to be thankful that you make it to your next destination alive. I don't know if I have mentioned this already, but drivers in SE Asia are nuuuuuts. Also you have to love a family of 4 smashing down the road on one scooter or parents with helmets and their 3-year-old on the same bike without a helmet.

We got to Padang Bai alive, and instantly took a liking to the charming little beach town. Our Hostel again was a soft toss away from the beach. It was a really nice spot to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas. We dropped our stuff and grabbed a bite to eat at a place a few doors down, advertising that they have the "best fish in town." Naturally, we ordered fish and watched the woman cook it across the road on this tiny coal barbecue as we sipped on our pineapple smoothies.

After lunch we explored town, checking out the Blue Lagoon Beach and the main drag. As UhOhKNiGhTtIMe rolled around, the fireworks came out to stay. Kids and adults alike shot off fireworks, laughing as they nearly blew off their hands and shot bottle rockets at their friends. We managed to avoid getting hit by any fireworks en route to a dinner, that featured a hilarious menu/sayings all over the wall and live music. The town had a really fun atmosphere and we continued our Christmas Eve celebration at the Kinky Reggae Bar around the corner. An ode to Bob Marley, the KRB was run by what seemed like a group of friends in their young 20's who had it more for themselves than for anyone else. They had a Christmas gift giveaway and Rachel won the 2nd prize, a Kinky Reggae Bar special drink. We had a few drinks, listened to quite good renditions of Bob Marley songs (sung by the owners/workers, the backup singer was behind the bar serving drinks and would pull the mic out for his part... it was awesome).

Bali Day 6:

Merry Christmas! We spent our last day in Bali relaxing and snorkeling in Padang Bai.We were also very happy to be able to skype with family. We hired Komang to take us out on a snorkeling trip and relax in his boat out on the crystal clear water. The fish and coral were spectacular, and a good way to prepare for our Thailand snorkels. On the way back from snorkeling there was a crucial moment in the trip. I decided that I needed to prove that I was back, that I could eat anything and my stomach would again be fine. A rickshaw with a food warmer with a mystery soup was just the perfect opportunity to prove myself. I bought up a bowl of the soup and dove in. Not only was it delish, but I WAS BACK! Just before we were set to go eat Christmas dinner, the rains came and it was absolutely dumping. It cleared up just long enough for us to walk down to the last restaurant on the beach front, the Topi Inn, where we feasted on a delicious seafood platter and a nice cast of supporting dishes. The food was bomb diggity.

On the way out to get a few drinks, Rachel took a little fall trying to jump over a puddle and slipping on the wet mud. She banged her knee pretty good, so we took her back to the hotel and after playing doctor, decided to stay in for the night.