When we checked into the resort the day before, they set us up with their concierge to discuss all of the activities we could sign up for – everything from sailing to another island to breakfast with lions. Overwhelmed by the options and actually more drawn to things that were 2 hours away back in Ubud, we decided to go ‘old school’ and just relax at the resort all day again.
I was remembering the old days when getting to the resort that was by the ocean, had beautiful lounging chairs or cabanas, and lagoon pools to take a dip in – WAS the activity. You didn’t need to pile on further activities for your vacation and perhaps that is why you came back feeling less exhausted. My last 3 vacations, I have come home with a cold. It makes me wonder if yes, perhaps, I have been pushing things too much on vacation.
Both content with that plan, we had slept in this morning. And as has now become the routine, I blogged a little while watching the Dodger game before we headed out to our new favorite little breakfast spot in town. This time the Dodgers were on their way to a loss that would push the series to a stressful game 7. It seemed to unravel for them in the first inning and they were never able to recover. I was okay to shut it off halfway through and hope for a better result tomorrow.
The walk along the boardwalk seemed much easier today as we were walking much earlier in the day so it was cooler and we now knew the shortcut. The True Food Kitchen cafe was even more hopping today, but had plenty of seating for all. We tried new health ginger shots and I sampled an open faced omelette. It was all so delicious.
After breakfast we walked around the outdoor shopping area for a little bit. I decided I needed goggles as this was going to be my big swimming day in the Indian Ocean and the lagoon pools. I found some $6 Speedo goggles and we also purchased some ‘Frenchie’ flip-flops as our souvenir from Bali. They were only about $5 each and they came in fun colors. We had both been commenting earlier over the irony of our pre-trip shoe selections. Which ones to bring, which ones to leave home, keep it limited. Well, turns out, all we were wearing so far everyday all day were our flip-flops. Note to self, you only need flip-flops in Bali.
After we walked back to the resort, the rest of the day was spent in the cabana reading, blogging, swimming, napping. Pretty much a perfectly relaxing vacation day.
We decided on one dinner out while we were here and booked a nice table at an ocean front restaurant at the St. Regis. They said they would send a driver for us at 6:15pm so we could make our 6:30pm dinner reservation. We were in the lobby by 6:10pm…and waited, and waited, and waited, finally a driver showed up at 6:35pm. We were thinking, hmmm, this doesn’t seem like St. Regis service. I had been texting Farica, and she hadn’t been responding. Hmm, missing Selly again.
When the driver finally showed up he was super apologetic. And really all was forgotten once we stepped foot on the jaw dropping property. It was beautiful in every way and there was some kind of fire dance show going on when we arrived. We watched that for a bit and then walked through the property back towards the restaurant that was ocean front.
They sat us at a beautiful outdoor table. We were just getting settled in when, they sat down a family of 4 with wait for it…2 high chairs. The kids were super cute and looked well behaved. Actually looked like they just woke up from a nap. I felt myself stressing over at what point all hell would break loose and they would be melting down.
The perfectly handsome and attentive host from Amsterdam that had seated us and had continued to attend to our table came by and asked if there we anything we needed besides the waters so far. I said in my nicest voice ‘Well, I’m a little disappointed that we are right next to a table with 2 small children.’ He said, ‘Oh yes, of course, let me move you immediately.’ So he brought us to a table at the other end of the row of tables. It felt more tucked away, but at least I wasn’t going to have to stress over the children that were already starting to fuss. Children need to be children, and I will be the first to roll around with them in the ball pit at McDonald’s, just please don’t sit them down next to me in high chairs at a 5-star restaurant. Am I turning into a grouchy old lady? Who knows, maybe I am.
The rest of the dinner experience was delightful. We both ordered specialties and started with salads. Our host also recommended a wine to compliment my dish and it was my first good glass of wine in Indonesia. When he asked if I wanted a 2nd glass, I said yes please. In my defense, these were like 4 oz pours, not that I need defending. Ha, ha.
In the end, they asked if wanted dessert. So far, we had said no to all dessert as I am still trying to stay off of sugar. But on this night, we decided to look. Their homemade specialty ice cream was tempting both of us. What harm could one scoop do? Throwing caution to the wind, we ordered 1 scoop of Vanilla (Amy) and 1 scoop of Salted Carmel (Lisa). I also ordered a decaf cappucino to put a cap on the perfect dinner evening.
When they brought out the ice cream – a ‘scoop’ was generous in terms. It was more like a tablespoon of Ice Cream, which actually was perfect. We didn’t need much, just a taste. It also had a little crumble of something with it that gave it a little crunch. Every bite was savored. I love how when you don’t have dessert regularly, when you do, it seems like a treat beyond compare. It was OUTSTANDING, this ice cream. And my coffee, well, perfection.
After dinner we walked around the beautiful property a little more before asking for a driver back to our hotel. It was a beautiful and restful day.