Bali Day Seven

Our second day in Ubud started with a trip up to the lakes in the highlands, a trip of about two hours. Mum and Dad both wanted us to do this, mainly for the actual trip, which would take us through the 'real' Bali, where the farms and countryside really was. and it was a good trip, and some of the views were spectacular.

We made it to Lake Bratan, where the Temple on the Water, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, is located. We walked around and took some photos (Helen's face is priceless, if only she would stop talking while her photo was being taken!), and also checked out the small markets there.

On our way back, our transport driver (no doubt on a retainer to take us) suggested we stop at a coffee place, where the tour not only showed us the different coffee and coca plants they have, but the dozen or so different flavoured coffees and teas they make there. we were also given the opportunity for 50,000 rupiah (about $5 Australian) to take the Mongoose Coffee. What makes this so special is that it is made from coffee beans that are eaten, and then excreted, by a mongoose. Apparently the mongoose only eats certain types of beans, and this is what makes the coffee so special. We all declined the invitation. However, they were able to make a couple of sales of other products in the 'gift' shop that followed.

On return to Ubud, it was time for the girls to fully explore Monkey Forest Road's jewels of shopping, while, after a suitable time frame of trailing and watching, Dad and I headed for a bar about halfway down the street, and watched the passing parade once again. From here we braved the markets, which had also changed from my memory, but was obviously only a recent change as Mum and Dad had been only 18 months previously.
We were going to head down to town for the Barong Dance that night, but a ferocious storm hit just before 7.00pm and went on for almost an hour, putting paid to any chance of doing that. We played cards outside Mum and Dad's room until the rain subsided, and went out for dinner instead, before returning to do a bit more reading for the rest of the evening.

Gecko's on the wall