Bali Beaches

It has been about 10 days in Bali now. Hard to believe. There have been some quiet sleepy jungle days in the Bamboo Village with a few runs in the neighborhoods, bike rides, explorations on the GS campus turing in paperwork and meeting staff, meeting new village neighbors, having potluck dinners, taking language classes and such. But since school starts in a few days (Monday August 1) we decided to head to the beach. After a long search as to which resort, we opted for Melia Bali Resort & Villas. It is is Nusa Dua, south from our Bamboo Village about one driving hour, give or take. Now to do this requires a few things: 1. a car 2. a driver 3. sunscreen 4. willingness to beat the crowds (it is high season here now). And we are set to go!

The Durflowe clan and I headed south yesterday and walked into this incredibly beautiful five star hotel, where we are undoubtedly the only Americans. I have heard many people from Europe, Asia and Australian. Strangely enough I now feel like I am in Bali. We lounged on the beach, walked around the grounds, swam in the pool, went out for dinner, had a huge buffet breakfast and there is only more of that on the schedule for today. On a teacher's budget, especially having no pay check yet, it is quite a splurge but well worth it. So, if anyone comes to visit, I feel it is my duty to find these places before you arrive so all can be organized. Not so bad.

Casey (the Durflowe's friend/nanny) and I have decided to do this for the next few weekends while she is here, just to get a lay of the island. I am down with that. Maybe some surfing, more lounging and exploring. Although she is 28, thin, blond, bronze and beautiful I can go along as her sidekick. Last night we went out for drinks while the kids went to bed. We found a neon open-air bar, with locals playing acoustic guitar and sat at the bar. While sipping our colorful cocktails, I was asked if I was her mother by our nice, young bartender. I am sure he meant no harm, but I had to excuse myself and take a gasping moment in the corner. Really? And then later a beautiful french-speaking man with liquid brown eyes, sat by me, leaned over me actually, gave Casey a paper rose, and asked if he could buy her a drink. Again, really? Is it that bad? I mean I know I look like a red-headed poodle with my over-humidified hair, and slightly puffy skin but really? Oh, well. Such as life. So no, as everyone is asking, Javier Bardem has not made it into my life yet.

Cheers. I am off to the beach to sooth my ego and soak up some Bali sun, wearing spf 30 and a sun hat, of course.