Spring break started off a little slow. Kara was unfortunately sick- I think she picked up the cold that I had. So saturday we just relaxed at NTU and rested. Our flight was on Sunday evening and Kara was feeling somewhat better so we leisurely made our way to the airport. Our break started to look up when we decided to stop for dinner half way through our hour long MRT journey to the airport. We got off half way through at a stop called City Hall, which was in the middle of Raffles Place Mall. We went down to the food market and found a fabulous place called Senor Burritos. It was exactly what we were looking for, some delicious mexican food. We made it to our flight with plenty of time to spare and boarded our 2.5 hour flight to Bali. I sat next to one boy from England who has been teaching English to students in Taiwan for two years, and a Russian girl who was on a three week vacation to Bali. The flight went fairly quick because we all got along well and had plenty to talk about. There was no time change in Bali so we arrived around 11 pm. Luckily my friend from the fight was walking with us and warned us of scams that some of the locals do. When getting currency converted they will pull out bills when you are not looking. 1 US dollar equals about 8780 Indoneisan Rupiahs, so it gets very confusing because you are getting so many large bills. I made sure I counted my money exactly and it was correct. The other thing locals do is when you get to the baggage claim someone will be waiting with your bag, and then they expect a large tip for wheeling your bag. Yet again my flight friend was there to help us get a cab for a good rate. Our lovely hostel was called Echoland Bed and Breakfast. It was about an hour drive from the airport, and about 45 minutes from the most touristy area called Kuta. The hostel was so great, all of the people who worked there were extremely friendly and helpful. One man named Hendi took a liking to us and made sure everything was perfect. He let us stay in a regular room the first night free of charge because we arrived so late. The next day we moved into our dorm room, which had two triple bunk-beds. The only other person there when we arrived was Francie, a backpacker from Germany.
Triple bunk-beds
Outside Echoland Bed & Breakfast
Our pool in our HOSTEL
Hendi arranged for us to do a tour for a great deal, it would be about $21 US per person. Our first day it rained so we walked down to Echo beach and looked around. Echo beach is one of the last areas in Bali that has not become too commercial. There were five beachfront restaurants and about six small shops, and that was it. It was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and areas around the airport. Our hostel was located in the middle of rice fields, and pastures. When we walked down to the beach we passed cows and that was it. This area was actually one of the most peaceful and relaxing places I have ever been. Since it was raining Hendi assisted us in finding something fun to do-what else to do in the rain then shop? Hendi tried to teach us how to use the motorbikes that Echoland provided, since motorbikes are the primary source of transportation on the island. Kara and I decided we were a little too clumsy, and the other bikers were a little too crazy, so we got a taxi. We found ourselves at a souvenir mega store called Krisna. Surprisingly we were the only tourists there, and it was filled with locals. We realized later that all the vendors buy their things at Krisna and sell it for a higher price at their shops. I picked up some great souvenirs for under $20 US. I got a few bracelets, wooden sculptures, and lots of other fun Bali gifts. Kara and I got our gift shopping done in the first day for much cheaper than everyone else! When we returned to Echoland the sun was peeking out so we went down to the beach and watched some of the surfers. Echo beach is a very well known beach for experienced surfers, so we had fun watching all of the huge waves.
Street to Echo Beach
Echo Beach
With my new floppy hat from Krisna
Surfers!
For dinner we ate at a cute little restaurant called Sticky Fingers. It was amazingly good italian food in Bali!! Kara and I shared pasta with tomato basil sauce and a cheese calzone. It rivaled some of the best Italian food I've had! It was the perfect start to our beautiful vacation in Bali. Since there is so much to say I am going to break these posts up into parts to make it easier for me, so be on the lookout! Until next time...
xoxo
Leah
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