Gess Where Travels: A New Year Begins in Bali

Bali has been home for the last 4 weeks. There have been so many things to do and of course so many beautiful people. It is definitely the people that keeps me coming back. While I enjoy all of the wonderful people, I do have my favourites. Top is my friend and his family, Made. Made has driven me around this island for years and on every visit I have a chance to invite his family over for a swim and treat them to KFC. From a young single guy to a father of 3 beautiful kids and his lovely wife, they will always be special. And if anyone needs a driver, I can’t recommend him enough.

The ladies in front of Inna Sindhu that give pedicures, facials and massages are also special. Sadly over the years some have passed away far too young. But Louise, small Made and old Made are quiet and gentle Balinese women looking for a bit of work.

Sarina, is one of a kind. Located in the Sindhu Beach Market, she is ready to sell you things that are a bit more upscale than the market clothes. And if you like, take her material and she will whip up anything at a reasonable price. Material street in Denpasar is a sewer’s dream. Quilting batiks that are $25+ at home can purchased for under $3. Not a quilter, have a dress made out of some lovely linen/cotton blends for about $6 a metre!

Sanur has been the last stop on this trip.The beach is clean and the walkway goes on for many km, perfect for an early morning walk. If you’re lucky you will even see Mt Agung on a clear morning.

Early mornings are packed with locals enjoying the beach - so nice to see.

There is nothing like New Year’s Eve in Sanur. Our hotel put on an event that included dinner, dancers and a very nice band.

But in the end we were drawn to the beach. Yes London and New York have their choreographed fireworks with music. Sanur has total chaos and fireworks that start slowly around 8. By 10, they are going pretty good and by 11:48 it is a steady bang that builds to a crescendo at midnight. Of course that doesn’t mean they stop at midnight, but they do slow down. The beach was packed as far as you could see.

I talked about temples and rice fields and waterfalls and walks in the other blogs but thought I would finish with a few random shots of the other sights of Bali. If this island is not on your bucket list, consider it in the future. Gess Where Travels plans on returning!