2018
Slowing down in Sunny Sanur
31 October 2018
Vast change of pace after Ubud, here at beautiful Griya Santrian by the sea. Luxury indeed! Last stayed here twelve and a half years ago when a mob of friends and family came up for the wedding of a family friend’s daughter - they were living in Bali at the time. But more significant for me, it was to be here for the birth of Jasmin, due a few days after the wedding - except she was very late in arriving and I had to go home before that big event, even after extending my stay in Ubud as long as I could before going back to Sydney responsibilities.
Before leaving for Sanur I finally received a response from the tenants in Josh’s house who had been away in Japan, that it was ok to drop in and see the place for reasons of pure nostalgia. They were very welcoming - alas, our former dogs were no longer there but they have two of their own. (In large letters in Indonesian on the locked gates is written “Our dogs eat humans”!) Coco calls by sometimes but they don’t let him in. Cookie has gone back to his original home. The house has been renovated and modernised - looks great- much more sophisticated! No more leaky verandah roof. Sadly the rice fields are fallow and dry - no water to grow crops. The irrigation system that feeds all the fields down that ridge is under repair so no crops now for seven months - and still many months before farmers can plant again. A big worry for them no doubt! So Josh left at a good time - we could not bear to have lost our beautiful green view.
Before leaving for Sanur I finally received a response from the tenants in Josh’s house who had been away in Japan, that it was ok to drop in and see the place for reasons of pure nostalgia. They were very welcoming - alas, our former dogs were no longer there but they have two of their own. (In large letters in Indonesian on the locked gates is written “Our dogs eat humans”!) Coco calls by sometimes but they don’t let him in. Cookie has gone back to his original home. The house has been renovated and modernised - looks great- much more sophisticated! No more leaky verandah roof. Sadly the rice fields are fallow and dry - no water to grow crops. The irrigation system that feeds all the fields down that ridge is under repair so no crops now for seven months - and still many months before farmers can plant again. A big worry for them no doubt! So Josh left at a good time - we could not bear to have lost our beautiful green view.
Doing very little here in Sanur but walk along the sea front (the path is very well maintained these days) both of an evening with Barbara who is staying here too, and early in the morning by myself. A magical environment. Nice meals at beach front cafes. (A lot more expensive than in Ubud - closer to Australian restaurant prices.) And lots of swimming and reading.
This view of the 1950s Hotel Bali Beach - taken at low tide this morning. In many ways it is an eyesore - a perfect example of Retronesia!
This view of the 1950s Hotel Bali Beach - taken at low tide this morning. In many ways it is an eyesore - a perfect example of Retronesia!
Ventured out into the street for half an hour today but quickly retreated to an Australian-owned cafe for afternoon tea that Barbara knows from previous visits. They have pavlova!
Off home tomorrow night, so one more day to indulge in this relaxing resort lifestyle.
Till next time!
Off home tomorrow night, so one more day to indulge in this relaxing resort lifestyle.
Till next time!