Day 23 - Sanur then home

This is our final morning. Pickup is around 11:15. Ankle again aches badly this morning. Panadol and rest is what the doctor ordered! Breakfast, relax by the pool - wouldn't want to strain ourselves when we have long flights to come! Will be home in less than 24 hours.

Errol stayed by the pool, while I went for a last walk to the market stalls to see if I could find a wallet at the right price. One man yesterday afternoon offered 50 000 rupiah, but I wasn't keen on that particular wallet - went back to see if he had any others. But this morning was another story, no-one would go below 100 000, and the wallets just weren't that good a quality.

Back to our room to change and pack. Checked out and waited for our pickup - arrived on time, and transfer to the airport was not a problem. We were ready to handle the porters if they gave us a hard time, but none came near us. Checked luggage, through security, paid departure tax. We had a stroll around, but there is nothing different here than what we have already seen, and it is dearer. Went to buy a cold drink, but they asked 90 000 for 2 drinks, that's 11 or 12 dollars - we decided we could wait till we are on the plane!

Flight was uneventful, one big tick for Jetstar, they actually left a little early - never heard of that before!! Through the hoops at Singapore airport again, collect baggage, immigration, transfer to different terminal, check in baggage, through security, immigration again, and then relax. Sadly we have hours to wait - seated at Starbucks by 5:45, departure time 9:15!!

Went for a wander and checked out the price of vodka in the duty free - 1 litre of Schmirnoff red label was $17.50, Singapore dollars. Made a note to get some before we go. Wandered on further and found another liquor outlet close to our boarding gate, here it was only $15.70. Bought it straight away, apparently it has to be delivered, sealed to our gate for us to collect there. In Aussie dollars, that's about $12.50/litre, or $9.40/750ml.

Found a heap of restaurants upstairs in terminal 3, and bought one serve of Roast Chicken with noodles from Killiney (Irish Asians!!), along with a can of soft drink, it came to $8.50 (again in Singapore dollars) and it was delicious.

Flight home was nothing unusual, but my ankle ached most of the way, and I just couldn't sleep. Matt and Nibbler picked us up - it is good to be home.

Day 22 - Sanur

Our last full day. My ankle aches badly this morning, but we probably did more walking yesterday than I have done since injuring it. Took iPad down to breakfast, and found that I could actually publish blogs. Finally caught up on all those missed during our time in China.

Decided to have a quiet morning, lazing by the pool. Very decadent for us!! Actually stayed there till lunchtime, although Errol did raise the energy for a swim in the pool. I have strapped my ankle, and don't think it would be waterproof, besides, this isn't hot weather! About 12:30, we made the strenuous move about 50m to the beachside bistro for lunch.

Decided we should actually do something, so headed out to the road to check out the local area. There are a lot of restaurants, ranging from local cafes to quality dining. Also market type stalls with local products. I really expected to see knock off type products again, perhaps there is more of that over at Kuta. Walked right down past Bali Hyatt, but there is just more of the same - a bit disappointing. Also, it is hot once you move away from the beach.

Finally decided there was just more and more of the same, so headed back for the beachside walk - went in through the Hyatt. But we found they are doing renovations to the Hyatt lobby, so the guy at the gate directed us around the side - along a winding garden path, up several small sets of stairs, round a few more bends, and we ended up on the third floor of an accommodation block. Staff smiled and welcomed us, we nodded and said hi!! Finally found our way to the pool area, and beachside walk!!

Beautiful breeze along the beach. Back to our own hotel and unit, grabbed the kindles and headed back poolside. I don't think I can remember ever taking so much down time ever before!!

Stayed poolside till the sun had set, then back to the unit to freshen up, and out for dinner. Lovely restaurant called Tropical, just across the road from the hotel. Live music, and they were packed. Dinner was okay, but Errol's meat was tough, and my chicken on lemongrass skewers included 2 wings and 2 drumsticks with a total of 2 pieces of lemongrass. Did enjoy the 'cosmic colada' cocktail!!

Back to unit, relax and sleep.

Day 9 - Beijing

Late flight, so arranged late checkout at 2pm - plenty of time for something this morning. Decided to go to Silk Market - TA posts tell us you can buy spectacles there very reasonably, and they can be ready within the hour.

After breakfast in our room, decided to try the MTR on our own, it didn't look too bad, only one change - no problems for a cluey pair like us! Trains were very crowded, but made it through okay, found our way to the right place, arriving around 9:20 - only 10 minutes to wait till opening.

Straight to 4th floor and a kiosk that had been recommended on TA. They have a machine that analyzes your current lens so they can reproduce the prescription. Found a frame I liked (Prada) then Errol did the bartering. They started asking 2500, and didn't like our offer of 120! They came down some, but Errol wouldn't budge. We started to walk away, and they grabbed his arm and pulled him back - we finally paid 160 (about $aus26 - 27) for glasses and frames. It is such a good idea to research before you go away! This is the price we had read was achieved by others, otherwise would probably not have bothered after their original pricing.

They were only going to take half an hour to make, so we wandered around for a bit. Errol finally bought something - he didn't have a clean shirt for tomorrow! I tried on a few D&G trench coats, but they didn't look right on me - no idea what the price was.

Back onto the MTR to Oriental Plaza - HUGE shopping centre, not far from hotel. Lovely places for lunch. Decided on Thai today. Walk back to hotel, freshen up, final packing and checked out.

Flight to Hanoi was a little late leaving, and was not due in till around 11:30pm but the captains first comments talked about arriving at 9:30 ish. We were confused, but pleased with the idea that we wouldn't have such a late night after all. But as we started our descent, the pilot announced our imminent arrival at another city in China - we had no idea where we were! It was just a stop over though, and Hanoi arrival time was still about the same. Now the ridiculous started: all passengers had to get off the plane with our carryon baggage, which in itself is not unusual. They took us on a bus to the terminal, in through a ground floor door, up stairs, through customs (!!!this was an internal China flight so far!!!) through security check (just incase we had managed to sneak something in our bags out of thin air), back down stairs, out a ground floor door, onto a bus and back to the plane!!! What a waste of time!

The rest of the flight was uneventful, arrival in Hanoi was a little late, but the guide and driver were there to meet us, and the people at Hanoi Elegance Ruby hotel were wonderful. They sat us with cold drinks and refresher towels while they brought paperwork to us. It is a very small hotel, but our room was lovely, and joy of joys, there is a laptop I'm the room, and wifi is excellent.

There are even rose petals on the bed and floating in the bathroom sink.

Day 8 - Beijing

Our second day with Lily, this one spent seeing all the historical sites around - I hope I can remember all the names. We have again walked miles and miles - Ewa will be proud of me!

First stop was Tiananmen Square, transport by MTR. Much bigger than we expected. The building in the middle is the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where locals line up to view Mao's body - we skipped that one. Forbidden City is at one end of the Square, and this was even bigger again. The City is 1 km long and 800 meters wide. Lily explained each of the different areas and what they had been used for. We were surprised that the front areas were so stark - no plants at all, but apparently the emperors were worried about 'assassins'. To prevent people digging in under the wall to get to the emperor, there are actually 20 layers of pavers, laid at differing angles, so there is no soil for trees to grow in! There is a garden area, but it is toward the back of the City.

You may be aware that most historical Chinese buildings have a 'board' that you have to step over to get inside, well today we found out why. The ancient Chinese were very worried about bad ghosts getting into their buildings, and everyone knows that ghosts don't step, they glide - apparently this is because they don't have knees! So the door steps are to stop the ghosts getting in!!

There is a hill behind the City, in Jingshan Park, and on top there are 5 temples, and yes, we did walk all the way to the top, again. The hill itself is manmade - made from the soil that was dug out to make the moat Round the Forbidden City.

It was definitely time for a break, so we had an early lunch. Lily took us to a local Chinese restaurant, lunch for 3 total $11. Walked over to check out the Bell Tower and Drum Tower - they are still used today to mark every 2nd hour - bells during the day and drums at night. We then walked through the old Hutongs, Beihai Park and around Houhai - beautiful lake area.

Last stop was the Lama Temple - as in the monks and Dali Lama. Again, with Lily to explain all the statues and buildings, it meant so much more.

We had worn ourselves out, so caught the MTR back to the hotel where we said farewell to Lily. Stopped for some much needed rest time. Then went to wi-fi area to skype the boys and send an e-mail to the new home owners Matt and Anna.

Decided to go back to the shopping centre down the road for dinner - there were several places upstairs that looked interesting Decided on the sushi place - and it was great. We did want to try an interesting noodle/hot pot place, but the menu was all in Chinese, and no-one on staff spoke English.

And so ends another day. Have to decide what to do with a morning tomorrow, then it's off to Vietnam.

Lama Temple

Day 7 - Beijing

Wow, what a day. Our guide, Lily, met us in the foyer at 8:30, and after a quick confirmation of details, we were off.

First to the underground, heading to the Temple of Heaven and Pearl Market, which are across the road from each other. Pearl Market was okay, and gave Lily a chance to see the type of things we were interested in. Then across the road to the Temple. The outer area is parkland, and the older Beijing people come here every day - there is no charge for them to get into the park area. There were hundreds of senior citizens doing activities like: dancing (from traditional Chinese to disco), Yoho diablo (Chinese Yoyo), gymnastics, cards, dominos, Chinese chess, knitting ............. Considering Lily says it can get to 20 degrees below zero in winter, they must be VERY dedicated to go every day.

It was great to have a guide with us, Lily was able to tell us all about the Temple, and how ceremonies used to work. The temple and several of the other major buildings in the compound area built completely without nails - quite an amazing feat considering how old they are. They are beautifully restored too.

From here we caught a cab to the Zoo Markets - so named as they are near the zoo. Lily says they are the cheapest around, and many of the locals shop here. There are no label brands, but some items will be genuine, even if they don't have labels. Only bought one top.

Into a cab again, and off to Da Dong Duck - guaranteed to have the best Peking Duck in the city. We expected good food, but it was such an elegant restaurant too. The duck is cooked in wood fired ovens, using a specific type of wood (Chinese date). There is a raised kitchen area in the middle of the restaurant, with an oven on each corner. This area is surrounded by a fish pond 'moat', and the tables are arranged around this. All other food is cooked in a regular kitchen which I assume is 'out the back'. After much cajoling, Lily agreed to join us, and the full meal including drinks cost 280 RMB, about $47.

We then headed for the subway again, and after 3 different trains for short distances, came to Yashou Market - definitely the place for brand names. After some serious instructions on how much to pay, and how to barter, Lily left us to our own devices while she went to organise our tickets for the acrobatic show. We had a great time, and Errol really got into the fun of the banter with the vendors! Lily saw me through a couple of final purchases, then we walked over to the show. Lily left us there, with instructions on how to hail a cab and how much it should cost to get back to the hotel.

Acrobats were wonderful, wish I had a video camera. Finding a cab was a little more difficult, but we managed in the long run, and Lily had been right on with the estimated cost. By the time we were back at the hotel, it was after 7, and we hadn't had tea (not that we were hungry!)

We wanted to get photos of the night food market anyway, so strolled down a few blocks, took a few photos, then found a coffee shop in a shopping mall. Back to the hotel to shower and crash. Another full day, and tomorrow promises even more.

Temple of Heaven

Da Dong Duck

Day 6 - Beijing, the Great Wall

Had to be ready by 8, so had a quick breakfast at Starbucks across the front courtyard. Collected and on the road right on time, heading for the Great Wall.

Beijing traffic - that could be an entire story of it's own - up to 6 lanes of traffic going each way, buses, taxis and cars galore, add bicycles, mopeds and many variations between the two, plus pedestrians ......... and that is just an ordinary street. Yes there are traffic lights and I assume road rules, but they are generally used as a guideline only, especially for pedestrians, bikes, mopeds, cars and taxis!! Oh, and don't forget to beep your horn at everyone to let them know you are coming through, or that they are in the way or ........... Get the general idea! Give way to pedestrians? - don't be ridiculous, that would just cause delays. We are very glad that we had a driver, and didn't have to negotiate it all ourselves.

Drive to the Wall was uneventful, Errol had chosen Mutianyu, a section of the Wall that is not quite as busy and commercial. There was a chairlift ride up - not quite the same standard as the one in HK, but definitely better than walking. The Wall was incredible - we walked for quite a distance. It is very steep in parts, and quite exhausting, but amazing at the same time. Took lots of photos, then there was a 'genuine Chinese toboggan' ride down (it was great fun, the boys would be proud of me!). Have kept the list of rules for what they have titled "the skid".

Back into Beijing for a typical Chinese lunch at a restaurant recommended by Lily (our guide for the next few days). It was great, and only cost about $Aus 14.

From there, we drove past the Olympic park and saw the 'birds nest' and 'cube'. I didn't expect much, but they are amazing buildings. Driving on, we arrived at the Summer Palace. It is not just a palace, but includes a total of about 320 hectares of parkland, including a huge lake. Spent about 2 hours wandering around, it is a beautiful place.

The drive back to the hotel must have taken about an hour, traffic was dreadful. Exhausted is an under statement!! Thought I would just do my blog before having a shower, but was horrified to find that all my drafts have gone.

Went to 15th floor to log on to wifi, and skyped the boys, but reception was not good. Gave up on video link, and just spoke for a while. Will try to call again tomorrow.

Ate tea at the restaurant downstairs - a mistake! This is a lovely hotel, and the staff are wonderful, but the restaurant was a real disappointment.

Don't think I have the energy to try to replace the last 5 days tonight, but will have to sit to it soon before the details run together.

Day 5 - Hong Kong to Beijing

Have to head to the airport around 10:30, but had a little while before departure, so decided to check out the Flower Market and Bird Garden.

MTR down about 3 stations with no problems. Flower Market is really only a street that is lined with flower shops - nothing special to look at, but where at home could you buy a dozen roses for a few dollars?!

At the Bird Garden, locals bring their pet birds down in their cages, and hang them from hooks so the birds can catch up on the feathery news while their owners chat about human stuff, or so I am reliably informed.

Strolled back along Nathan Road for a few blocks, then caught a bus back.

Packed and checked out, just in time to get the shuttle bus to the Airport Express. We are very impressed with the public transport for the airport. At the Airport Express, you can check in for your flight, get seat allocation, and check your bags. You then travel by train to the Airport, and don't see your bags again until you arrive at your destination. Cost -about $Aud18 for the two of us.

Found our way through the airport without any problems, only to find our plane delayed for over an hour. Flight was fine, in at Beijing, cab to hotel. Only problem was that the driver didn't know our hotel, even though Errol had the name and address written in Chinese that the had printed from the net. Driver had the right street, but first stopped and tried to put us out blocks from the hotel - he had to ask another taxi driver for directions!

Did a quick freshen up, as we were now much later than we had hoped. Walked off down to check out the Night Food Market - famous for skewers of delicacies such as: scorpions, centipedes, silk worms, crickets, snake, plus many slightly more edible things. Suddenly we found we weren't that hungry. We had been given a meal on the plane about 4 - 4:30. At one stall the little scorpions were actually still wriggling........ Yuk!

Exhausted, shower, sleep.