Last night we walked into town to see the market, only to discover it closed at sundown, so we mostly saw shutting down stalls. A further trip is needed today! We had a wander through the backstreets, which are filled with shops selling paintings, clothing and jewellery. Spas also frequently feature and I was very tempted to try the 'doctor fish' foot treatment - but have so far resisted. Here you put your feet in a tank of fish and they nibble away all the dry skin for the 'ultimate' pedicure.
We had dinner at Casa Luna, the restaurant owned by the teacher at the cooking school. The ginger icecream was delicious and one I will be trying my best to recreate!
So today we went for a circular walk in Ubud Kaja through the paddy fields. They were absolutely beautiful. They are split level rice fields with amazing irrigation systems. It rained all night last night (poured!) and the water was still running exactly as and where it should. This form of tiered irrigation is called subuk irrigation, and the rice fields are run as cooperatives. More that 1200 subak associations oversee this supply of water and every farmer must belong to his local subuk. The farmers make enough for themselves, for offerings to the gods and a little to sell at market. The conditions in Bali means there are usually two, and sometimes three, crops a year. Help is also enlisted from the rice goddess Dewi Sri and throughout the paddies there are shrines and offerings.
The tranquil atmosphere was somewhat impacted by me shrieking and jumping a few feet in the air when I saw a snake. Of all things I am scared of snakes have to top the list. This turned out to be the first of three (visible) snakes. I dread to think how many more were lurking in the undergrowth. This led to loud chanting of 'stomp, stomp, stomp' when going through areas that looked particularly inviting to snakes... I'm half minded to write to the rough guide and tell them to add 'big black and small brown snakes' to their list of wildlife you may see on this walk. Yeeks. Still, we made it round safely and it was a beautiful trip.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Monday, 6 September 2010
Sleep, godesses and rice
Hmmm, holidays. How good is sleep? (Yes, this is coming from the girl who just had a three hour post lunch siesta). What can I say. It was recommended by our teacher after the final course in our cooking class: black sticky rice with palm sugar syrup and coconut milk. Brilliantly food like this is classed as good for you here. Hurrah, can we stay?
This morning was our cookery class. Which was ace, but first a little about last night and our breakfast.
Illness was reigning last night, DW continues to have the flu (and last night had a temperature of 38.4 degrees which a man in the cookery class said was enough to make you sterile - most alarming) and I had the taxi drivers words of 'don't drink the ice' resonating in my mind (say no more). But, this was not to discourage us from heading out into Ubud to find somewhere to get a bite to eat. Food after all, is king. Plus, I had just had the best massage EVER so was feeling nice and relaxed.
In yet another 'have I mentioned this trip is magical' moment, we stumbled across the Ubud Jazz Cafe. Brilliant (ok, quite good) live jazz and delicious treats, which we washed down with more mineral water than the waitress could entirely believe! Do make a trip if you find yourself in Ubud, it's an indoor-outdoor place (ie roof but no walls) and delicious daily specials such as the parmesan encrusted chicken (DW's) or the potato and roasted garlic soup (mine). For once I walked rather than stumbled home and we woke this morning feeling materially better. Hurrah!
Breakfast was served on our little terrace, I had the banana and coconut crepes with palm sugar syrup (high in vitamin A!) and DW had eggs. The fried banana is ordered for me tomorrow - mmmmmmm.
Food is very important here as is the combination of ingredients - something must be sweet, sour, salty and hot - all at the same time. If you are the host you do not eat, it is only for the guests.
We then went to the cookery school. Not quite a cookery school, more a talk and then a 'here's some we made earlier' so not masses of learning (unless you had never seen some of the ingredients fresh before) but you do come away with a cook book so I have a number of treats I will be whipping up on my return. I just need to build a barbecue that can burn coconut husks and find a shop in London that sells banana leaves and I'm away.
We did learn that turmeric is the amazing wonder herb which cures bites, cuts, cancer, heart disease and many other ailments. You can buy shots of the juice here as a health tonic, which we are off to buy - as soon as we stop being lazy and lolling around at our hotel.
Ubud is not quite what I expected. Our hotel is hugely peaceful and serene but the town is still quite busy and touristy.
DW wants me to put in some Bali facts so here you go:
- it is just south of the equator (yet, raining at the moment)
- it is 80% Hindu here so all around you will see offerings to the gods and beautiful carved statues
- offerings are placed a minimum of daily in front of doors and are made of woven baskets containing predominantly contain food, topped with flowers and incense
- DW claims he read in the guidebook that the last tiger here was killed in 1940 (although I'm sure this was a fact for HK...)
- the cookery school claims Bali is the home of cloves (Zanzibar also claimed this title when we visited)
Right, enough 'facts', off for a wander.
This morning was our cookery class. Which was ace, but first a little about last night and our breakfast.
Illness was reigning last night, DW continues to have the flu (and last night had a temperature of 38.4 degrees which a man in the cookery class said was enough to make you sterile - most alarming) and I had the taxi drivers words of 'don't drink the ice' resonating in my mind (say no more). But, this was not to discourage us from heading out into Ubud to find somewhere to get a bite to eat. Food after all, is king. Plus, I had just had the best massage EVER so was feeling nice and relaxed.
In yet another 'have I mentioned this trip is magical' moment, we stumbled across the Ubud Jazz Cafe. Brilliant (ok, quite good) live jazz and delicious treats, which we washed down with more mineral water than the waitress could entirely believe! Do make a trip if you find yourself in Ubud, it's an indoor-outdoor place (ie roof but no walls) and delicious daily specials such as the parmesan encrusted chicken (DW's) or the potato and roasted garlic soup (mine). For once I walked rather than stumbled home and we woke this morning feeling materially better. Hurrah!
Breakfast was served on our little terrace, I had the banana and coconut crepes with palm sugar syrup (high in vitamin A!) and DW had eggs. The fried banana is ordered for me tomorrow - mmmmmmm.
Food is very important here as is the combination of ingredients - something must be sweet, sour, salty and hot - all at the same time. If you are the host you do not eat, it is only for the guests.
We then went to the cookery school. Not quite a cookery school, more a talk and then a 'here's some we made earlier' so not masses of learning (unless you had never seen some of the ingredients fresh before) but you do come away with a cook book so I have a number of treats I will be whipping up on my return. I just need to build a barbecue that can burn coconut husks and find a shop in London that sells banana leaves and I'm away.
We did learn that turmeric is the amazing wonder herb which cures bites, cuts, cancer, heart disease and many other ailments. You can buy shots of the juice here as a health tonic, which we are off to buy - as soon as we stop being lazy and lolling around at our hotel.
Ubud is not quite what I expected. Our hotel is hugely peaceful and serene but the town is still quite busy and touristy.
DW wants me to put in some Bali facts so here you go:
- it is just south of the equator (yet, raining at the moment)
- it is 80% Hindu here so all around you will see offerings to the gods and beautiful carved statues
- offerings are placed a minimum of daily in front of doors and are made of woven baskets containing predominantly contain food, topped with flowers and incense
- DW claims he read in the guidebook that the last tiger here was killed in 1940 (although I'm sure this was a fact for HK...)
- the cookery school claims Bali is the home of cloves (Zanzibar also claimed this title when we visited)
Right, enough 'facts', off for a wander.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Legion - Seminyak - Ubud
Yesterday evening is up there on the perfect nights list. A balmy summer evening, post surf tiredness / aches dismissed with a few cold Bintangs: we were ready to head out into the evening.
We opted to head up to Seminyak and (despite my preference for Rough Guides) opted for the Lonely Planet 'if you go one place go here' restaurant recommendation.
Tiny wooden tables, covered in candles, sat in a tropical garden under a canopy of woven tree branches. Delicious food and wonderfully thoughtful service, the staff even bring over mosquito spray as you arrive!
We then headed to Ku de Ta. Possibly the most written about bar in Bali. Seafront views (tick), dress code (tick), inordinately expensive cocktails (tick), 'lounge' music (tick). I have to say, despite the aforementioned list possibly making it too fancy to be fun, it was amazing. We had beautiful sea views and the bar has huge lights onto the waves so surf watching is a must. I got thoroughly drunk on KDT coladas (yes, of course I sang the song, many times). I was also drinking something called an 'automobile'.
Talking of automobiles there were three young (UK) 'lads' on holiday sat next to us (my gap year funding never covered the cost of that kind of caper!). Anyway, at one point, prior to ordering a further round of beers, they asked the waiter "can you drink and driver here?" On receiving a response to the affirmative they high-fived and we still ordering rounds as we left. Madness! (Cue muttering, what has happened to the youth of today etc). However, even this could not spoil my utterly, utterly top evening.
DW steered me home (did I mention the colada's had nitrogen foamed coconut topping?) and somehow I awoke this morning sans hangover. Miraculous, that is the power of good cocktails.
Today we walked through Legion and Seminyak and played 'spot the Bintang'. It is a very simple game. If you see someone wearing a Bintang singlet you shout "Bintang, [x] o'clock'. Now last night I had noticed that the dress code for a number of bars was very specific, stating "no alcohol branded singlets" and wondered why on earth that would be a specific requirement. Having spotted many, many Bintang singlets today (Bintang is the local beer) I now understand why...
...and why? Oh yes, Bali is ozzie paradise. I have now learnt what a 'bogan' is (sort of equivalent to chav) and also how to identify one. Frequently found holidaying in Bali, wearing a Bintang beer singlet. Hence the dress code signs. All clear now?
We have not bought Bintang branded clothing yet. But I feel a comedy photo moment coming on...
After a wander around Seminyak (more high-end fashion shops that you would have believed possible) we decided to head up to Ubud. Now don't get me wrong, Seminyak is a nice place but two nights is plenty, unless you want to lounge by the pool or suf.
Now, being organised, we had pre-booked a driver, agreed a time / place / price etc. However (in true 'you're a tourist' style) he arrives and doubles the fare. Hmm. So a quick call was made to a taxi driver encountered earlier in the day who had insisted we were fools for going with anyone else as he would 'make us happy'.
So off we headed. Stop one was at the Bali Orchid Garden. Absolutely beautiful but also hilarious as the woman showing us round spent the trip making us pose for photos around various flowers saying to DW "now kiss your wife, 1-2-3". Absolutely brilliant. We have one of us 'clasping' hands around a bougainvillea, kissing behind orchids. You should have seen our faces.
Next was the tour of the shops. You know you are going to be ripped off and you also know you have no way of preventing the detours en-route. All credit to our taxi driver he told us how much the shops would give him if we spent money. So stop two was a silversmiths (I picked up a nice 30th gift for a friend) and stop three was a batki shop to buy saris. Another hilarious incident as I now have a photo of DW being forced into a pink and orange sari by two men. I'm open to offers for that one. In Bali you have to wear a sari (regardless of gender) if you are visiting a temple. Otherwise you will not be permitted. So two saris were purchased (sadly not the pink version).
We were shattered by this point and managed to cry off stops four and five (wood carving and paintings) and headed to our hotel. Which is where I am now. On our private terrace. Yes, we have a private terrace. They bring the breakfast here. And this costs GBP45 a night for both of us. Is bliss.
Right, massage calling.
We opted to head up to Seminyak and (despite my preference for Rough Guides) opted for the Lonely Planet 'if you go one place go here' restaurant recommendation.
Tiny wooden tables, covered in candles, sat in a tropical garden under a canopy of woven tree branches. Delicious food and wonderfully thoughtful service, the staff even bring over mosquito spray as you arrive!
We then headed to Ku de Ta. Possibly the most written about bar in Bali. Seafront views (tick), dress code (tick), inordinately expensive cocktails (tick), 'lounge' music (tick). I have to say, despite the aforementioned list possibly making it too fancy to be fun, it was amazing. We had beautiful sea views and the bar has huge lights onto the waves so surf watching is a must. I got thoroughly drunk on KDT coladas (yes, of course I sang the song, many times). I was also drinking something called an 'automobile'.
Talking of automobiles there were three young (UK) 'lads' on holiday sat next to us (my gap year funding never covered the cost of that kind of caper!). Anyway, at one point, prior to ordering a further round of beers, they asked the waiter "can you drink and driver here?" On receiving a response to the affirmative they high-fived and we still ordering rounds as we left. Madness! (Cue muttering, what has happened to the youth of today etc). However, even this could not spoil my utterly, utterly top evening.
DW steered me home (did I mention the colada's had nitrogen foamed coconut topping?) and somehow I awoke this morning sans hangover. Miraculous, that is the power of good cocktails.
Today we walked through Legion and Seminyak and played 'spot the Bintang'. It is a very simple game. If you see someone wearing a Bintang singlet you shout "Bintang, [x] o'clock'. Now last night I had noticed that the dress code for a number of bars was very specific, stating "no alcohol branded singlets" and wondered why on earth that would be a specific requirement. Having spotted many, many Bintang singlets today (Bintang is the local beer) I now understand why...
...and why? Oh yes, Bali is ozzie paradise. I have now learnt what a 'bogan' is (sort of equivalent to chav) and also how to identify one. Frequently found holidaying in Bali, wearing a Bintang beer singlet. Hence the dress code signs. All clear now?
We have not bought Bintang branded clothing yet. But I feel a comedy photo moment coming on...
After a wander around Seminyak (more high-end fashion shops that you would have believed possible) we decided to head up to Ubud. Now don't get me wrong, Seminyak is a nice place but two nights is plenty, unless you want to lounge by the pool or suf.
Now, being organised, we had pre-booked a driver, agreed a time / place / price etc. However (in true 'you're a tourist' style) he arrives and doubles the fare. Hmm. So a quick call was made to a taxi driver encountered earlier in the day who had insisted we were fools for going with anyone else as he would 'make us happy'.
So off we headed. Stop one was at the Bali Orchid Garden. Absolutely beautiful but also hilarious as the woman showing us round spent the trip making us pose for photos around various flowers saying to DW "now kiss your wife, 1-2-3". Absolutely brilliant. We have one of us 'clasping' hands around a bougainvillea, kissing behind orchids. You should have seen our faces.
Next was the tour of the shops. You know you are going to be ripped off and you also know you have no way of preventing the detours en-route. All credit to our taxi driver he told us how much the shops would give him if we spent money. So stop two was a silversmiths (I picked up a nice 30th gift for a friend) and stop three was a batki shop to buy saris. Another hilarious incident as I now have a photo of DW being forced into a pink and orange sari by two men. I'm open to offers for that one. In Bali you have to wear a sari (regardless of gender) if you are visiting a temple. Otherwise you will not be permitted. So two saris were purchased (sadly not the pink version).
We were shattered by this point and managed to cry off stops four and five (wood carving and paintings) and headed to our hotel. Which is where I am now. On our private terrace. Yes, we have a private terrace. They bring the breakfast here. And this costs GBP45 a night for both of us. Is bliss.
Right, massage calling.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Surf's up!
We awoke to the staff banging on the hotel door to clean the room, leaving us no option but to head downstairs for breakfast. (It really wasn't that late!) Fortunately a delicious array of goodies was available. Depite the need to wear a bikini later that day I plumped for the deep fried bananas with maple syrup. Yum (and genuinely, it is a bit late to be worrying about things like that after a three month food-a-thon).
As we are, quite literally, on the beach, we decided to head for a stroll along the front to get our bearings. We are in Kuta and we walked up towards Seminyak. I was mostly trying to spot the bar I want to go to this evening. It looks like the kind of place to sell pina coladas. And you know how I like pina coladas.
A couple of hours of strolling (so nice to have the time to do this) and it was a rush back to get ready for the activity of the day - surfing!
I have never been anywhere near a surf board before but I had visions of myself as a surf godesss. Clearly. I've got the sweaty betty bikini (per their PR - practical for watersports, yet effortlessly stylish). I spend hours and hours doing pilates (balance). What more do I need??
Quite a lot it appears. I could hear 'hahahahahaha, wipeout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' reverberating through my brain as I fell, and fell, and fell, into the water. I spent more time underwater than anywhere else and am quite frankly, exhausted. Having said that , I did actually enjoy myself and would certainly do it all again (ok, maybe not the bit where I hit myself on the chin with the surfboard while choking on salt water).
At one point the board and I managed to turn 360. Great as for once I ended up above water. (To be clear this was a roll into the water, not a great surfing move...)
Still, but the end of the lesson I had technically 'stood' on my board. Admittedly the board by this point was going v e r y s l o w l y... Still, I have now surfed. As a result I have weird shaped sunburn, red eyes and a need for beer. Immediately please.
As we are, quite literally, on the beach, we decided to head for a stroll along the front to get our bearings. We are in Kuta and we walked up towards Seminyak. I was mostly trying to spot the bar I want to go to this evening. It looks like the kind of place to sell pina coladas. And you know how I like pina coladas.
A couple of hours of strolling (so nice to have the time to do this) and it was a rush back to get ready for the activity of the day - surfing!
I have never been anywhere near a surf board before but I had visions of myself as a surf godesss. Clearly. I've got the sweaty betty bikini (per their PR - practical for watersports, yet effortlessly stylish). I spend hours and hours doing pilates (balance). What more do I need??
Quite a lot it appears. I could hear 'hahahahahaha, wipeout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' reverberating through my brain as I fell, and fell, and fell, into the water. I spent more time underwater than anywhere else and am quite frankly, exhausted. Having said that , I did actually enjoy myself and would certainly do it all again (ok, maybe not the bit where I hit myself on the chin with the surfboard while choking on salt water).
At one point the board and I managed to turn 360. Great as for once I ended up above water. (To be clear this was a roll into the water, not a great surfing move...)
Still, but the end of the lesson I had technically 'stood' on my board. Admittedly the board by this point was going v e r y s l o w l y... Still, I have now surfed. As a result I have weird shaped sunburn, red eyes and a need for beer. Immediately please.
Beautiful Bali - the arrival...
Right. So I've not been 'in Asia' for three months and a tiny bit. So you would think I would be quite good at this travelling lark by now. Right?
Oh no sireee. Not at all.
I literally ran out of the office for my Gaurada flight (yes, the airline only recently re-permitted to fly into European air space due to safety concerns). As I ran I had an enormous cream and red stripey sun hat on my head and my parting words to my colleagues were "I'd say goodbye but I'll see you in a couple of weeks and I'm running a little bit late for my flight".
I say this over and over again but I am genuinely NEVER leaving for a holiday on a work day again. It just results in complete chaos. The day started badly with the 'apartment' promising to call me a cab, then advising they couldn't (man I really really do not like that place). Then my bag straps broke on the way to get a cab, then work security decided they didn't like the look of my UK pass (I've only been going into the building with it for three months) THEN my jeans ripped - right across the bum. A great look for the office. Nice.
Anyway, we made it to the airport, I hastily downed white wine in an attempt to forget all, mentally put myself in a position where I felt unable to look at my bberry and to get in the 'holiday spirit'. A few gulps of some (nasty tasting) dubious German white 'wine of the month'(actually the only wine available) and all looked as though it would go well.
To be fair, I would fly Garuda again. Unlike BA (don't get me started there) their response to the negative press appears to be to improve the service so people want to fly. They were lovely! (and there were no screaming children - I guess concerned parents would not use this airline - a bonus in my eyes!)
We (Mr Williams) and I arrive at Bali airport, clutching visa and customs forms. Alcohol and uncensored dvds (of any variety) are not permitted. Hmm, we have 4 bottles of champagne and two of (my favourite) red wine in the luggage - but surely we can chance it???
Ah, those would be the customs x-ray machines. So dutifully through the red channel we go - the customs form kindly advises you that alcohol will be destroyed (much better than the Malaysian form which kindly tells you drug trafficking is punishable by death). The customs men did not know what to do with us. We declared and asked if we could pay duty (not an option). There is a bucket to empty such contraband into (oh the waste) and we were pointed in its direction. Our explanations that it was very nice wine and would they not prefer to have it themselves (we were in good humour about this - these things happen and it is the holidays) were met with complete amusement / bafflement and resulted in a conflab of the customs chaps. Now I have to admit, such things do cause me stress (much to the amusement of DW) so at this point I was convinced we were about to be had up for trying to bribe a customs official. However, the result was one bottle of red (I still weep) emptied in the contraband-bucket, and we were waved on our way with a 'don't do it again next visit'. Phew! (and brilliant!). I remain thoroughly relieved that I did not pack the CSI box-set - not sure I could have handed that over!
To put the 'scariness' of the arrival process in perspective I think it is only fair I tell you that the officers in passport control had staff passes with neck straps sponsored by Billabong (mum, that is a surf brand).
So, we finally hit 'arrivals' and were met without incident by the taxi to our hotel - who provided cold towels and bottled water. Despite it being 10pm it was still 34 degrees. This set the tone nicely for arrival at our hotel .
Now, I had low expectations for the hotel. It cost (comparative) buttons, was difficult to book (no online reservation on the website, no response to emails, and booked via a random tour operator), recommended by the surf school and cheaper than anywhere else I could find. Overall a high risk strategy.
However, we arrived to tropical loveliness, a reception filled with ornate carvings, a stunning pool set in the middle of a central garden and a bar with a sea view playing suitably holiday-like tunes such as "Islands in a Stream" - go Dolly. Absolutely heavenly. (Hotel Kumala Pantai if you're thinking of a visit).
Whilst straight to bed would have been the sensible approach (DW is ill) we opted to head to the bar next door for the most delicious seafood you can imagine, free flowing bintang beer and a live 'band'. Hurrah.
Oh no sireee. Not at all.
I literally ran out of the office for my Gaurada flight (yes, the airline only recently re-permitted to fly into European air space due to safety concerns). As I ran I had an enormous cream and red stripey sun hat on my head and my parting words to my colleagues were "I'd say goodbye but I'll see you in a couple of weeks and I'm running a little bit late for my flight".
I say this over and over again but I am genuinely NEVER leaving for a holiday on a work day again. It just results in complete chaos. The day started badly with the 'apartment' promising to call me a cab, then advising they couldn't (man I really really do not like that place). Then my bag straps broke on the way to get a cab, then work security decided they didn't like the look of my UK pass (I've only been going into the building with it for three months) THEN my jeans ripped - right across the bum. A great look for the office. Nice.
Anyway, we made it to the airport, I hastily downed white wine in an attempt to forget all, mentally put myself in a position where I felt unable to look at my bberry and to get in the 'holiday spirit'. A few gulps of some (nasty tasting) dubious German white 'wine of the month'(actually the only wine available) and all looked as though it would go well.
To be fair, I would fly Garuda again. Unlike BA (don't get me started there) their response to the negative press appears to be to improve the service so people want to fly. They were lovely! (and there were no screaming children - I guess concerned parents would not use this airline - a bonus in my eyes!)
We (Mr Williams) and I arrive at Bali airport, clutching visa and customs forms. Alcohol and uncensored dvds (of any variety) are not permitted. Hmm, we have 4 bottles of champagne and two of (my favourite) red wine in the luggage - but surely we can chance it???
Ah, those would be the customs x-ray machines. So dutifully through the red channel we go - the customs form kindly advises you that alcohol will be destroyed (much better than the Malaysian form which kindly tells you drug trafficking is punishable by death). The customs men did not know what to do with us. We declared and asked if we could pay duty (not an option). There is a bucket to empty such contraband into (oh the waste) and we were pointed in its direction. Our explanations that it was very nice wine and would they not prefer to have it themselves (we were in good humour about this - these things happen and it is the holidays) were met with complete amusement / bafflement and resulted in a conflab of the customs chaps. Now I have to admit, such things do cause me stress (much to the amusement of DW) so at this point I was convinced we were about to be had up for trying to bribe a customs official. However, the result was one bottle of red (I still weep) emptied in the contraband-bucket, and we were waved on our way with a 'don't do it again next visit'. Phew! (and brilliant!). I remain thoroughly relieved that I did not pack the CSI box-set - not sure I could have handed that over!
To put the 'scariness' of the arrival process in perspective I think it is only fair I tell you that the officers in passport control had staff passes with neck straps sponsored by Billabong (mum, that is a surf brand).
So, we finally hit 'arrivals' and were met without incident by the taxi to our hotel - who provided cold towels and bottled water. Despite it being 10pm it was still 34 degrees. This set the tone nicely for arrival at our hotel .
Now, I had low expectations for the hotel. It cost (comparative) buttons, was difficult to book (no online reservation on the website, no response to emails, and booked via a random tour operator), recommended by the surf school and cheaper than anywhere else I could find. Overall a high risk strategy.
However, we arrived to tropical loveliness, a reception filled with ornate carvings, a stunning pool set in the middle of a central garden and a bar with a sea view playing suitably holiday-like tunes such as "Islands in a Stream" - go Dolly. Absolutely heavenly. (Hotel Kumala Pantai if you're thinking of a visit).
Whilst straight to bed would have been the sensible approach (DW is ill) we opted to head to the bar next door for the most delicious seafood you can imagine, free flowing bintang beer and a live 'band'. Hurrah.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
The last* day
* not really my last day.
So today was supposed to be wake up, pack up, head off. However, today is now wake up, pack for my holiday, hope that the apartment** can be left safely for two weeks, empty fridge, head off.
** for "apartment" read "tiny tiny room without walls".
However, today is my last day with my current Hong Kong team, who are somewhat amused that I have had been here only three months, had three leaving dos, and will be back in a fortnight. Ahem. Well, I'll only be back with them for a week (do you think I get to have another leaving do?). I do now have an official, official 'last day' - with a flight*** booked back to London and everything.
*** admittedly I have not received the flight confirmation but I am assured it is winging its way through the email ether to me.
Well, this week has flown by. Whilst at moments time went v e r y s l o w l y it does seem mere minutes ago that I arrived here, flip flops in one hand. Laptop in the other (which I promptly broke).
I was trying to think of my favourite HK moment in memory of leaving. However, as I'm not really I have a few (four) weeks respite until I need to make a final decision. Ooooh, what will it be!
Right, work then holidays. Bali here I come. Hurrah!
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Spicy Crab and curly wurlys
Yes, more food. I do apologise if this has become an (almost) daily update of what I eat, but to be honest the middle bits are relatively dull.
In between eating my days go something like this:
- wake up, shower, leave flat
- get outside, realise I have forgotten umbrella, head back in - get umbrella
- put i-pod on, wish i-pod magically had new tunes added, skip tracks frantically to one I want to hear, find good track just as I get to traffic lights, press pause
- lights change, resume play
- arrive at work, wonder how I can look such a mess in only 25 mins. Try and remedy rain / sun damage
- get tea, spill the majority of it. Wonder why I seem to be unable to carry paper cups of tea without spilling them. Decide it must be a design fault - I was fine as a waitress
- tun on computer. Wait for it to start working, drink remaining (non-spilt) tea while waiting.
- email, write papers, print 'stuff', meetings,
- lunch
- email, write papers, print more 'stuff' meetings
- walk home (repeat i-pod routine), eat enormous amounts of food or pick up noodles and watch CSI.
- sleep
So, last night was NOT noodles and was in fact leaving do Number Three. (I should have said I was leaving earlier, is great for your social life). This was the turn of "Under the Bridge Spicy Crab". A frequently imitated restaurant, there are about five 'Under the Bridge Spicy Crab' restaurants in a row in Lockhart Road, Wanchai. I am assured we were booked into the best one.
It took us a few attempts to get to the right one but, as ever, the food was amazing. I'd go on and on about it but I've gone on and on about food a lot. Huge plates of delicious, fresh food. You get the idea. We had Blue Girl beer too, which for some reason amused me. I have no idea why, possibly drinking it makes it amusing. Who knows.
Anyway, I have nothing witty to say (tremendously disappointing) and there is a risk the canteen will close shortly causing me to miss my afternoon cup of tea. Which just can't happen.
Tonight is my last* night in Hong Kong. Madness. Where did the time go? And what shall I do as the last ever* treat? [Cue suspense]....
Oh, ps etc. Why curly wurlys? They were my leaving gift to the team. Can't believe they have never had them (I had three for breakfast yesterday). I think there will be a run on Tesco online overseas ordering now. Possibly.
*technically NOT my "last" night in HK.
In between eating my days go something like this:
- wake up, shower, leave flat
- get outside, realise I have forgotten umbrella, head back in - get umbrella
- put i-pod on, wish i-pod magically had new tunes added, skip tracks frantically to one I want to hear, find good track just as I get to traffic lights, press pause
- lights change, resume play
- arrive at work, wonder how I can look such a mess in only 25 mins. Try and remedy rain / sun damage
- get tea, spill the majority of it. Wonder why I seem to be unable to carry paper cups of tea without spilling them. Decide it must be a design fault - I was fine as a waitress
- tun on computer. Wait for it to start working, drink remaining (non-spilt) tea while waiting.
- email, write papers, print 'stuff', meetings,
- lunch
- email, write papers, print more 'stuff' meetings
- walk home (repeat i-pod routine), eat enormous amounts of food or pick up noodles and watch CSI.
- sleep
So, last night was NOT noodles and was in fact leaving do Number Three. (I should have said I was leaving earlier, is great for your social life). This was the turn of "Under the Bridge Spicy Crab". A frequently imitated restaurant, there are about five 'Under the Bridge Spicy Crab' restaurants in a row in Lockhart Road, Wanchai. I am assured we were booked into the best one.
It took us a few attempts to get to the right one but, as ever, the food was amazing. I'd go on and on about it but I've gone on and on about food a lot. Huge plates of delicious, fresh food. You get the idea. We had Blue Girl beer too, which for some reason amused me. I have no idea why, possibly drinking it makes it amusing. Who knows.
Anyway, I have nothing witty to say (tremendously disappointing) and there is a risk the canteen will close shortly causing me to miss my afternoon cup of tea. Which just can't happen.
Tonight is my last* night in Hong Kong. Madness. Where did the time go? And what shall I do as the last ever* treat? [Cue suspense]....
Oh, ps etc. Why curly wurlys? They were my leaving gift to the team. Can't believe they have never had them (I had three for breakfast yesterday). I think there will be a run on Tesco online overseas ordering now. Possibly.
*technically NOT my "last" night in HK.
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