8/12/2009
Got up early & drove to Nan’s to pick up Phil & then drove to the airport. A quick coffee then we had to say goodbye to Phil & Mum. Had time for a quick duty free shop – alcohol! & then we were up, up  away. Virgin flight was only a third full & even though you had to pay for everything – movies, tv, food & drink – the service was good & the flight was very calm.

Well Bali customs are a breeze - we paid our visa fee, had our passports stamped & were immediately swamped by the money changing hawkers. Our transport was waiting at the gate – two men & a minibus just for us – in fact we didn’t queue for anything all day – even at Sydney Airport.

Arrived in Kuta & got straight into the 50m pool outside our door. Met another Aussie, Michelle in the pool – she flew from Perth for a short break – for her it is cheaper than holidaying in Australia. Had our first of many Sate Nasi Goreng (fried rice satay) & a few Bintang in a local restaurant. A perfect first day & a great birthday present for Grahame!