Crispy duck...yum yum!

If you have never had crispy duck then you are truly missing out on one of life's delicacies here in Bali. There is something so satisfying about eating your way through that crispy skin to get to the soft duck meat below. Add a generous dollop of spicy chilli chutney, vegetables and rice and you have a meal that fills all the spaces. The best place to eat it in Seminyak...Warung Eropa at Jalan Petitenget...delicious!

Rockin' it out at Zappaz bar, Seminyak

Nothing like a live band in Bali on a Friday night to get the weekend started. Zappaz bar in Seminyak is a firm favourite with both local expats and tourists. They have some great bands playing, who enjoy getting everyone up dancing. You can even get up and sing a song if you feel so inclined or have had the appropriate number of drinks! Music starts at 8pm and goes through until around midnight. The owner, Norman is English and will often get up and play piano and sing a few songs. Great vibe, great atmosphere!

Lubdhaka Canggu Residences

Coming from Jakarta, this was the first time in a long time that I needed to sort out accommodation for myself in Bali. I wanted somewhere quiet and peaceful, not to far from the beach, a bike ride away to Seminyak and a spacious room. Lubdhaka Canggu residences fulfilled all those needs perfectly. From when we were greeted at the airport, to our breakfast served in front of our room every morning, the service from the staff was impeccable and everyone was friendly and welcoming. Canggu is still a wonderful place to stay because, for me, it is still far from the  madding crowd in Kuta, you drive past open green areas and rice fields and you feel like you are still in what little is left of Bali long ago. The position of this hotel on Batu Bolong means that you are a 5 minute bike ride to Echo Beach, famous for surfing but also perfect to have a meal and sit and listen to the waves. The rooms  have their own entrance, with a soft seat area out front where you can sit and are hidden by cascading green foliage. At the exceptionally good price of Rp. 350,000 I would certainly recommend anyone who wants to remove themselves from the Kuta craziness to consider this place...you won't regret it!

Back to Indonesia...

Believe it or not, I'm back in Indonesia. Yes it would seem that my love affair with this country knows no end and I just have to keep coming back for more. This time, however, I didn't manage to make it all the way to Bali but instead find myself in the sprawling metropolis that is Jakarta. New adventures abound and you can keep track of what I am up to on my new blog...The Juice on Jakarta... See you there!