My Escorted Tours

My Husband and I went to the Breezes Jibacoa on June 3 2014.  We flew with Sunwing in Elite Class and had a great flight experience.  Our transfer from the airport was approx. 1 hour to Jibacoa and was greeted on arrival at the Breezes which now is a Memories property.  We were given an ocean front room which we just loved.  The rooms were clean nothing fancy but quite nice.  The grounds were lush and beautiful along with a wonderful beach that has live coral for your snorkelling pleasure.  Food was ok the ala carte restaurants were good and breakfast was always great.   

Well I left on March 23 for my flight with Air Canada to Hong Kong.  The service was good.  They served 3 meals and beverages as much as you wanted.  The flight took 13 hours to get to Hong Kong.  The Hong Kong airport is big and beautiful.  The next flight was to Denpasar which was another 4 1/2 hour flight on Hong Kong Airways which was a much smaller aircraft so much smaller seat.  They also served a meal not sure what it was though.  I arrived into Denpasar at approx 1130p.    Once I got outside there was a driver there to take us to Ubud which was approx an hour to the hotel.  We arrived at the hotel at approx 2a in the morning and there was the staff with a smile on their faces and a welcome cocktail for us.  We were taken to our rooms and there I saw paradise for the first time.  I could not believe my eyes.......I could not go to sleep now I had to lay on each day bed outside......then swim in my own pool ......................then have a bath in the outdoor garden....oh yeah  well I fell asleep at 330a.  Well woke up at 6am and went to breakfast at the Angkul Angkul Restaurant.  I had bacon and eggs along with fresh fruit and lots of coffee.  I met Phyllis, Roberta and Margaret there for the first time.  We all met in the lobby and were taken to the Sunday English class for students of all ages.  There we sang songs and talked with the children.  We had a snack of local fruit and rice dishes.........yummy.  We then went to the Manuk Village where we began our 21 km cycling trip.  Ok what an experience......riding along in rural villages where older women are washing clothing in ditches......men carving wood and harvesting rice at all different stages. What an experience its just really hard to describe. Once we were done with the bikes we then went to the Uma Ubud hotel for our site inspection.  The hotel was very beautiful with special details and what caught my eye was the yoga area which was a view of the valley where you would stretch yourself out....  The meal was fresh and very tasty.  We then were taken back to the hotel to get ready for dinner a t the Kamandula Resort Ubud. This resort is quite lush and has many types of rooms and is set along side the river.  They have the standard chalet type rooms all the way to a two bedroom pool villa.  We had duck that night for dinner....It was good as far as duck goes.   Well Cherida my roomate finally arrived around 1130p.  It was so nice to actually talk with someone other than the frogs.......We talked and had a few brews with a midnight swim then caught  a big bug called Charlie.(We did let him go)  Another great sleep was had by me..but  sadly we have to leave the Ubud today just loved this place.  Well bags packed and were wisked away to the Melia for us and we were going to meet some elephants today.                                                                                                                                            We arrived at the Taro Village in Ubud and we seperated into pairs and off we went on the elephants.  What a beautiful creature and so smart.  We fed them took pictures touched them and they played with us of course.  We then had a buffet lunch which was included in the package.  The food was very tasty.  We then checked out the photos they took of us.  We found that they were very affordable so I bought 2.  After the wonderful experience of meeting my new friends off to Nusa Dua where The Melia is located.  This hotel is on the beach and is massive.  There are private swim up suites with a private pool which are beautiful.  We were in the standard room which was just fine for  Cherida and myself.  I found in each hotel so far they do supply a converter for you, free bottled water and fresh fruit.  The site inspection was good several kinds of rooms all the way to full private villa to our standard rooms.  Something for every budget.  We then met for dinner which was a buffet and they had a dinner show of Balinese dancing ladies and a fire show.....great entertainment. Well we had a day to ourselves today till approx 330p so off to the beach Cherida and I went but of course after breakfast.  Gotta luv the bacon.  Went to the beach and met our own personal shopper on the beach and her name is Anita.  If its good for you its good for me.  Well we  had fun buying jewellry and goodies but had to leave the beach as it was really hot and I mean hot.  So off to the pool area  we went.  Some of the other girls were there so we all hung out and had some fun.  After all the fun by the pool and burning of skin we all were ready at 330p to go to the Sunset Uluwatu Tour and Kecak performance.  The views at the temple were amazing.  There were also monkeys here and boy I sure dont like those critters.  I saw one jump on a ladies head and another take a girls flip flop right off her foot.  She had to give him a banana to get it back.  After the monkey business we went in to see the Kecak performance.  Now this was interesting.  It is a dance which is telling a story and while all this is going on there is also chanting throughout the whole thing and tons of fire.  I couldnt follow the whole story as I had burnt my body so I was only half there in body........Walking back to the bus I was wondering where did all the monkeys go?   Next its off for a late dinner at the Bumbu Bali Restaurant.  This was true Balinese food.  There was a lot of rice, many meats.....in sauces and hot sauces my favourite.  We also had a rat peer in from the outside as there is an open area by the thatched roof.  We didnt tell everyone as they may have screamed.  Back for bedtime as I am full,  one shade of red and getting tired. Up early again.....time for breakfast .....the buffet at the Melia is just outstanding...any kind of food for any nationality.  We are now off to Klungkung to see hindu legends but first we went to the Goa Lawah which is a bat cave.  At least this time I didnt have to go inside and walk on dung.  We made a stop to see a school and was so welcomed it was a bit overwhelming.  The children were swarming around us especially as a few girls in our group was giving out candy and every kid loves candy.  Note to self next time I go I will bring school supplies for the kids and lots so they all get something.   Well from there we went to see the Hindu legends which are famous Kamesan paintings on the walls.  Well lets just say that I might not have lived very long back then as I would have broken lots of laws.  When we were leaving here many street vendors were trying to sell their goods even right in the bus......So off we went for lunch at a beautiful place called the Mahagiri.  There was a restaurant and hotel located here overlooking the rice terraces.  The food was  outstanding along with the service and so many smiles.  We also took a tour of the rooms which are approx $65.00 per night if someone is looking for a more affordable rate this would be your place.  The group is now on its way to the Besakih temple which is located on the slope of Mount Agund , the highest Volcano in Bali.  Needless to say we had to climb up up and up and then the biggest spiders I have every seen were there.  Glad they were up high and couldnt get me.  So with the sarong on up we climbed....then....the rain.  I mean torrential down pour.  I couldnt believe it.  I was at the front of the temple and never made it inside as I was drenched.  I turned around and made my way to the store fronts along the way bought a beer and sat with the locals who Im sure were laughing at me in a nice way as they gave me toilet paper to try to dry myself off.  I sat for another brew and went next door and bought 2 masks..one for me the other for my mother.  Thanked the lady asking for 2 extra plastic bags to try to keep me dry...(too late).  Just behind me was Cherida so I had another brew as she had a coke.  Once the rest of the group came down another 20 minutes maybe off we were to dinner at the Jimbaran Beach.  Now the ride there was approx 1 1/2 hours and in about 15 minutes I asked if we could stop at the gas station as I should have gone before I left.  Sorry everyone.  Arrived on the beach and how beautiful it was.  We actually ate right on the sand.  It was a seafood dinner which wasnt bad but our crab gotta say taste better from a cold climate.  Played on the sand, took tons of pictures, listened and  flirted with the local musicians (of course for Rupiah) and watched the beautiful sunset.   Well good morning Bali.......I dont want to leave.  We had free time till 430p so it was time to shop!!  Of course after breakfast though.  Cherida and I went to the Connection approx 20 minute walk from the Melia.  Once you get there you go through the department store there and leave out the other side and there is shopping at its best.  We tried on dresses, dresses and more dresses.....I bought beautiful sandals, a piece of luggage of course as I couldnt do just carry on for the return and many more goods for great prices.  Once we were both content that we did enough damage we went for a dip and then I went to the room to pack and get ready for my last site inspection and dinner at the Oberoi.    We were picked up at 430p from the Melia for the Oberoi.  Well what a wonderful place.  Set in Seminyak right on the beach and what a place it is.  Its rich on history and balinese culture.  Once we arrived we took a site inspection and then stopped for wine and appys....then we went for an amazing dinner.  Well our side of the table always had too much fun so the host came to see what all the fun was and we had her laughing too.  Im going to miss my new friends.....Well at approx 930p my ride came and picked me up to take me to the airport for my ride back to the airport.  The rest of the group was leaving in the morning and I would meet then later in Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.  Hugged and kissed everyone good bye and off I went.  In the Denpasar airport I was of course early so had to wait to be called into the gate area and then you depart so everyone is hanging around waiting for their flight to be called.  Once on the flight I knew what to expect for food so I slept through the whole 4 1/2 hours thank goodness.  Now I am in Hong Kong and still a bit groggy so I sat around then found where to leave my bag so I wouldnt have to drag it downtown with me.  It cost approx $20.00 per bag to leave for the day. Well now how do I get from Hong Kong airport to the  Ladies Market.....well its a train right from the airport then another connection so it wasnt too bad.  It took about 45 minutes and there is staff to guide you if you are unsure how it all works.  Well I did love the Ladies Market.  It opened at approx 1030a and was full of goodies.  I bought some clothing two purses and a bit of jewellry.  It was worth the trip.  Back to the airport I went to wait.  I went to Burger King for lunch at the airport ...yes a whopper and fries with a diet coke....then off to Air Canada to check in.  Once I checked in I was told the plane would be delayed for 2 hours and they gave me a dinner voucher worth approx $10.00 usd so I thought it was a nice gesture.  So here I am checking emails and loading pictures and waiting some more.  I had an email that the others have arrived but I know it will be approx 1 to 1 1/2 hours before I see them.  The line ups were quite long. Finally the rest of the group made it and we all had dinner together which was nice and then went to the gate to lay around laugh and remenis on our experience.  I must say this was one of the best organized fams I have been on and I absolutely love my new friends from the East Coast.  Thanks for all the laughs and I will miss you Bali!!!   But I will be back.      

I was invited for the Inagural for this wonderful ship.  The ship left from New York and was only 2 nights long.  The layout of the ship is amazing.  On the top deck there is actual green grass and huge chairs to lounge in.  I was in a verandah stateroom  and was pleasantly surprised at the size of the cabin........Food of course was amazing ....gotta love the Frozen Martini Bar unless the glass gets stuck to the table!!!