Hot animals at Bali Zoo and in Kuta

Yesterday, September 19th, we had a day off again. As mom strolled through the splendid town of Ubud, the two of us went for another spa treatment. This time, we went to the Putri Bali Spa, as we actually intended earlier. The atmosphere was different, to say the least. The both therapists massaged us really strong (although she said it was medium). Tim had the spice treatment, which included a standard massage + some extra rubbings and ointments + a spice bath, and Justin had a Balinese Boreh, which included a standard massage + a scrubbing, while being wrapped up in sheets (read: wrapped up as a caterpillar in a coccoon). Boy that was so different! We took a transfer back to the hotel and relaxed a bit.

At 4:45 pm we got our ride to the zoo we booked, to experience the zoo at night, which was an amazing experience. We first saw eh... "Breeding" lions to say politely (what is it with "loving" animals these days?!). We both were allowed to feed the elephants, which were very gentle indeed. We then headed for the centerstage, at where several animals were being showcased and where all guests could cuddle a baby crocodile, an albino boa and an Indonesian bearcat. The baby crocodile felt like a hand bag and struggled a bit. Tim was the daredevil of us two by taking the boa up his neck. Then the bearcat was a real fuzzy and funny mammal to cuddle. It just climbed on our shoulders and tried to lick our fingers!

Alright, after a while (read: picture time), three groups split and headed into the zoo at night, with a guide ofcourse! It was truly an amazing experience to see how the animals are behaving when it's dark. Tim took heaps of photos from which we won't share too much, since it's quite the usual stuff. Then upon return, we had a lovely buffet with a nice fire dance which was also quite spectacular to see. After taking photos with the dancers, it was time to leave and get some sleep.

Today, September 20th, we went to Kuta. Or actually, we first went to Seminyak to walk southbound and spend some time at the beach in Legian and hit the waves. To sound a bit inappropriate - omg what a treat for the eyes ;). We just closed our eyes and ignore the people, which was hard to do all day long, whether it was at the beach or at the mall or at the pubs. ANYWAY, after tanning a bit, drinking some young coconut and annoying ourselves to rude and pesky children, we packed our bags and grabbed something to eat and drink at a very expensive restaurant - the coca cola equalled the price as the pizza - after this disappointment we strolled towards Kuta, where again we all got harassed by annoying people, but oh well.

We went for some shopping at the just newly opened Beachwalk Mall, a very hip and happening, meditteranean-like styled place, with many high quality and famous brands products. This place is obviously aimed at the upper class Indonesians and tourists who can afford it,as a regular Indonesian can't pay it. Yet, the mall is not completed(75% I think), but the rest is open. And so, Tim shopped for some clothes, a new backpack and gifts, and Justin sought some souvenirs as well. We took a rest at the local Starbucks and headed for downtown Kuta.

Downtown Kuta is what you say an ultra touristic place, more Ibiza- or Costa Brava-like style. So much chaos and so many clerks and salespeople annoying you. And it's a colony of Australia for sure - so indeed consider it as the Australian equivalent of the European/Spanish coasts. We finally found our way to Cafe Local, where Mom/Anna accomplished her mission Jati gave her: bringing Dutch, ripened cheese to the owner of this place, named Pande. The cuisine was very good and the ambiance was good as well. We certainly had a good laughter and went back to the mall to explore the upper floors.

Then, Justin fell in love with this surf shirt, but they were out of my size. Fortunately one of the vendors ran to their other shop 30 min away and managed to get the proper size. So yeah, bought it and off we go with the taxi back to Ubud. Our impression of Kuta was in general nice, but I think way too crowded for us to stay 8 full days.

We managed to get back to Anna's hotel, chatted a bit and took another cab (we succeeded in bargaining for) back to the hotel. Tomorrow we'll take it easy and just spend time in the direct vicinity of our place. Saturday we'll go out to Lovina on the north side of the island of Bali. See you then!

JusTimAnna

P.S. Tims unique experience of the monkey forest can be read on his FB