Of course our second trip in 2005 had to end in Tuban, as our holidays always do, at the Balihai Resort.

We were upgraded from a Standard room to a Family Suite where we had neighbours. I really think this was to allow the shut down of one (or more?) of the standard room wings. We were told that occupation was down to 10% but it really seemed even less than that and Happy Hour was a bit lonely some afternoons.

 Certainly the staff were on reduced time, even the various section managers, but all of our old friends were still there at the hotel and on the beach.

The Beach -

Beach friends near the Pantai Restaurant.                                               Monica sells trinkets on the Bintang beach.

She is a tiny figure, easily overlooked in her blue beach coat uniform, which on her must be even more than the standard 5 sizes too large and half hidden under a totally unremarkable, knitted, whitish hat with 'Monica' written poorly in red paint across the front and a conical pile of necklets and bracelets riding high on top.

One day she said, 'Will you take my picture and make me look beautiful?' 

'Of course' I said, hoping the lack of confidence I felt did not sound in my voice.

She took off her hat and for the first time we actually saw her face in the light of day. The almost ugly duckling was almost a beautiful swan. If only we had makeup and studio lights I thought.

The next revelation came with the removal of that coat and underneath was a body that women would die for and men would kill for !!!

Later we got enlargements of some and frames for the best. I am ashamed to say that over lunch the next day I teased her with the results, giving her the worst and smallest prints first and saving the best for last.

Her reaction and that of her friends on the beach was worth every bit of effort.

She went home to show her husband and did not return in the afternoon.

I think maybe he liked them too.

The Balihai Christmas -

The entry driveway at the Balihai and the reception desk under the soaring alang-alang grass roof.

Balihai Xmas tree, Would you believe Santa holds a Chupa Chup?       The Dynasty Xmas tree, with Haaris and Niki.

              The Ginger Bread house in the lobby.                                     The view from our suite balcony.

The gardens, the sea and the sky just after sundown

Bali scenes -

Lake Buyan in the sunny dry season shows about the same level as in the overcast December wet season. Not what I had expected.

At 80+ KPH with one hand for the 'bike and one for the child. I tend to worry.  Hibiscus magnificus at the Pacung Mountain Resort.

The new Adelaide Airport '05 -

Arriving at the check-in area the immediate impression is of space and light. This long area has soaring glass on three sides. On the other side of the built in zone along the centre of the building the glass walls and high roof is repeated with eye-catching views across the runways and the suburbs to the unmistakable Adelaide hills.

Even the air bridges to the planes have glass walls so the views continue for as long as possible.

Each arrival/departure section is defined by photographic collages printed on glass panels. On each panel a key element is left clear so that as you walk along the shifting background behind the clear sections gives the impression that they are moving.

Here, a cricketer at the famous Adelaide Oval seems to watch his ball to the boundary and a school of fish swim past a Leafy Sea Dragon and a playful whale.

Here the pickers or the vignerons family play with their dog against a backdrop of the Barossa or Southern Vales vineyards.

In the background is a screen with aboriginal colours and boomerang motifs with another four in the distance.

Back to our Home Page for a different selection?

Maybe Noel Coward's thoughts on Bali?

What about a simple history of Bali and it's peoples?

A selection of shops, cafes and accommodation in Tuban and Kuta?

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