We had never felt the inclination to visit Bali, we don’t tolerate crowds or heat very well. We are not the sort to sit around a fancy resort sipping cocktails, floating around the pool and generally not doing much at all. I can be convinced to indulge in some shopping but Michael would rather not. Then, our good friends from Darwin phoned. They had booked a villa for ten days, travelling with their son & daughter and their respective partners. Well away from the partying crowds, we would have peace & relaxation, a driver at our disposal and the pleasure of wonderful company. With the added enticement of superb food and duty free alcohol, we signed up.

We had an amazing experience. We were right about crowds and heat (even the locals and Darwinians found November 2012 hot) but we have many good memories of our time in Bali. This isn’t a great photo but it is difficult to smile while one is melting.