28 February 2007

Bali High, part 2

In keeping with its volcanic origins, Bali was a real explosion of discovery for Emmanuelle and me. An explosion of colour, with luxuriant, seemingly bursting-out-of-their-skin greens that have to be seen to be believed; intensely flaming orange, pink and red tropical flowers, not to mention the pristine white of jasmine and the ever-present frangipani; an explosion of taste, with the spicy and delicious local cuisine; an explosion of heat and rain, with downpours the likes of which I haven’t seen since I lived in Texas, ditto for the sometimes oppressive sunshine and humidity.


No bomb explosions however. Contrary to the fears of some of my nearest and dearest, Bali is an incredibly peaceful island, being 93% Hindu. Gorgeous Hindu temples are everywhere, since every home and every village has one. The Balinese people are adorable, very charming and friendly, and amazingly, they all speak English beautifully.


There was a lot of sensory overload.
Such as being pampered to death in the fabulous five-star hotels where we stayed. Of the three, Alila Ubud was the best overall in terms of setting, décor, amenities, service, spa and most importantly, food and wine!! Although the private pool, personal butler, and vast living space at the Balé were hard to beat… you can check out all three hotels using the links in my last post.


Now it’s back to reality, as I fly to France tonight. I have a short 9 days back in Paris before I take off again on my next trip: 8 days in Morocco!! Life as a freelancer is rough.
After that, I drive down to the Saône et Loire to sign the final purchase papers and pick up the keys to my new house on March 22… stay tuned!!

22 February 2007

Bali High

Where we've been so far this week:
www.alilahotels.com
Check out the Ubud and Manggis locations (3 nights each)

Tomorrow we head to a new level of luxury:
www.thebale.com

We'll be back in Singapore Monday.

19 February 2007

Some enchanted evening


In preparation for my next post, which has not even been started yet, some music to put you in the mood... think Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza and the fabulous Rodgers & Hammerstein musical "South Pacific"...


Most people live on a lonely island

Lost in the middle of a foggy sea

Most people long for another island

One where they know they will like to be

Bali Ha'i may call you

Any night, any day,

In your heart, you'll hear it call you:

"Come away...Come away."

Bali Ha'i will whisper

In the wind of the sea:

"Here am I, your special island!

Come to me, come to me!"

Your own special hopes

Your own special dreams

Bloom on the hillside

And shine in the streams

If you try, you'll find me

Where the sky meets the sea.

"Here am I your special island

Come to me, Come to me."

Bali Ha'i

Bali Ha'i

Bali Ha'i!

Someday you'll see me floatin' in the sunshine

My head stickin' out from a low flying cloud

You'll hear me call you

Singin' through the sunshine

Sweet and clear as can be:

"Come to me, here am I, come to me."

If you try, you'll find me

Where the sky meets the sea.

"Here am I your special island

Come to me, Come to me."

Bali Ha'i

Bali Ha'i

Bali Ha'i!