Tuesday 15th January 2008

After breakfast this morning, we got dressed and then went out for another day in Kuta. After last nights storm, we thought we'd try and have another go at walking down Poppies Lane II. On the way, we stopped in an internet café to let the Mums know that we're doing ok and then moved on. It looked like it was going to be another beautiful day, but when we got to the little restaurant where we ate last night - the rain started as if it was picking up where it left off last night. Because we were dressed in shorts and vests, I suggested the most obvious thing to do at 11am... go into the nearest bar for a large Bintang (beer).

When the rain had passed and we'd finished our beers we got up to leave - but before we could, we had to buy a little leather bracelet from a small 9 year old girl. At first she wanted Rp20,000 FOR ONE! I told her i'd bought one last night for Rp1,000 - so she said I could have her whole bunch (there must've been nearly 20) for Rp20,000. By now, her even younger friend had joined in and wanted to sell us her bunch for a similar price. Eventually, they believed us that we only wanted one and managed to get it for Rp1,000 - although we gave them both Rp1,000 for their persistency... bless 'em.

Just like the street Poppies I, Poppies II was packed with stalls selling everything, being sold by really friendly people. It was great fun walking up and down looking at their things. They'd all say they had something we'd love - we just had to go in and look, and when we did it was nothing more than a bottle opener shaped like a willy or a hand carved chess set or something even more obscure that we didn't need!?

Whilst on Poppies II, we saw the Bali Memorial, which is to remember all the people who died in the bomb blast. It was quite sad really, because it's right in amongst the hustle-and-bustle and yet it's eerily quiet, and was covered with messages from loved ones.

After stopping for some lunch we continued to walk the streets for a couple of hours, looking for the odd bargain, before we came back to our hotel to relax by the pool. We went for a swim and then lay about chatting before coming up to get ready. Tonight we went out and found a small restaurant close by, where we had another traditional Balinese meal... it was lovely!

No thanks... we don't need anymore flip-flops. Nope that goes for the BB Gun too. Thank you!