The one where we arrive in Bali

So in case you didn't know (or aren't on Facebook)...a couple months ago, Jaret said we were going to take a vacation for my birthday.  Then he said it was going to be to Bali!! Now, to be totally honest...I hadn't heard a whole lot of Bali until I came to Australia...but always thought it would be a neat place to visit and my grandma had gone back in the day.  However, it seems to be THE vacation to take when in Australia.  Flights are pretty reasonable and it's only a 3 hour flight from Perth.  So after some research and talking to friends who had visited...we had our trip planned and I would welcome my last year of my 20's in Bali, Indonesia!!
Here is where Bali is on the globe (thank you wikipedia)

As you can see, it's a teeny-tiny little island in Indonesia...and if you look close on the little map in the top right corner...you can see it's just above Australia.

Now as for where we would stay....we thought about doing the all inclusive route...but after some research we discovered that there was a Hilton in the area of the island we wanted to stay.  And thanks to Jaret's many travels...we were able to use reward points!
So bright and early on the 22nd we boarded a plane in Perth and after 3 short hours we were in Bali!  Now, since Bali is pretty close to the equator...it's humid....ike Houston-humid in July.  So I joked that Jaret had brought me to Texas instead :)

As soon as we stepped off the plane...Jaret had already arranged to have someone waiting there for us...fast-tracked us through customs and then out to meet our driver from the hotel and we were ready for some fun in the sun!

We only had about a 20 minute drive to the hotel...but we could tell something immediately.  The way to get around Bali is by motorbike.  EVERYONE was on a motorbike...and they drive crazy!  I don't think I got a good picture of just how many people are on bikes, but I managed to snap a couple.

 

 

 

 



We made it to the hotel...and thanks to Jaret's reward member status...our room was upgraded, so we got a great view!   We got to the hotel about 10a and our room was ready so we didn't have to wait around until check-in time. And the best surprise was that Jaret had arranged for flowers, champagne and a cake to be waiting for me in the room when we arrived!

 



Yeah...I think I'll keep him :)

 

While Jaret opened the champagne...I took pictures of the room.  In the above picture, Jaret is standing on our balcony :)

 

And these are when you looked to the right and the left on our balcony.  The beach & ocean are in the background in the top picture.

 

 

The bathtub...and right behind where I was standing was the shower & toilet.  And yes...there's a window so in case everyone in the room wants to watch you in the bathroom...that can be done!

 

And the rest of the room.  Actually nice & spacious.



 

After a breakfast of champagne & cake (no, we hadn't eaten yet at this point in the day)...we went to explore the hotel.  (I don't know where a lot of these are, the hotel was HUGE, but you get the idea...it's beautiful!)

This pond had a ton of koi fish in it...and they would follow you when you would walk around the pond....obviously in search of food.

 

Scoping out the beach & ocean.

 



 After we walked around for a bit...we needed a nap.  (we had been up since 2a).  But after a quick nap, we were refreshed and got to check out the executive lounge for evening cocktails...check out the size of the cocktail menu!

 

After a couple of cocktails...we walked over to one of the 5 restaurants for dinner.  But first a look at the main pool in the evening time :)

 

 

And our view for dinner on our first night in Bali!!

 

Stay tuned for more adventures!!