12 hours around Tokyo'

Day 15

I had to be awake before 11am the next day to check in. Luckily this was the case otherwise I would have slept heavily until late noon. I arranged some transport and a stay in Kyoto and Osaka then Tokyo again. I made a plan of my day while my laundry was undergoing. I was staying at Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki in Asakusa in a mixed dorm. You make your own bed and breakfast. The hostel is very nice and I saw why it was so pricey. Most of the accommodation in Japan is not cheap so I was strictly under a budget. I understood that most of my money will be used on transport and accommodation. Accommodation is from £12-15 a night which is actually quite pricey. I had myself a £350 budget for the week including accommodation, transport, food and beverages. I also hoped to save atleast  £20 to use as an extra in my next country stop which will also be my last. 

Due to the Great East Japan Earthquake there was a power shortage in most places. In the hostel there were restrictions when using the electricity and air con. I didn't mind because then you realise how much you don't need it. The staff were extremely friendly and I was liking the vibe. 

I was ready with my plan and my maps, I started to walk around Asakusa for the Sensoji Temple which was only 5minutes from my hostel. It was busy with school children and tourists from all over Asia. It's a Buddhist temple which is Tokyo's most colourful and popular. The weather wasn't hot nor warm but it wasn't cold. I strolled along Nakamise Street where there are hundreds of stalls selling clothes, food and souvenirs but I didn't buy anything. I then walked to the SkyTree Tower through Sumida Park across the Red Bridge. It's not far from Asakusa so I saved 150Yen by walking. Usually the park is full of Cherry Blossomed Trees but not this season. Shame.

The SkyTree Tower (東京スカイツリー) is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It's a new building but bang in the middle of human scale buildings. Japan is not exactly sky-scraping fantastic. To go up it costs just over 2000Yen with a 30minute queue. I hate queues. I didn't go up because it didn't fit my daily budget and it also didn't fit my wish list budget. I didn't mind not going up as there's always Google and a free view in another building. 

I walked back to Asakusa for the Orange (Ginza) Metro Line to Ueno. Only 5 minutes away but at first, the public transport in Japan was just too confusing. The subway is run under two different companies (toei line & metro line), going to different places and costing different. I planned to only use the Tokyo Metro line which is only 600Y for the whole day on all subways which is roughly £3! Unlike London which is three times the price! For both companies it costs 1000Y.

So I took the Orange (Ginza) line to Ueno G16 for their market, Ameyoko Arcade (it was one of the largest post-war black market). They had fresh fish, fruit (watermelon on ice lolly sticks) and vegs and clothing. They ain't cheap though! It's weird because it's part of a historic core of Shitmachi. You know what, there are a lot of 'shit'something words here - I need to find out what it means! The place also has international stores such as Uniqlo and H&M (which is everywhere so seeing it was getting boring). I stopped by Ueno Park which is free and is Tokyo's oldest public park. I did some temple-viewing and saw the statue of Saigo Takamori. Don't ask me what it is, I don't even know. Ueno also has a zoo but care for no animals I haven't seen so 'meh'. Tokyo National Museum costed 130Y for students to enter but sadly I had no time. Instead I read about it and moved on. 

I took the same line to Ginza G09 which is basically Oxford Circus of London. It's one of the most famous upmarket shopping districts in the world but nobody cares. Fashion label stores with millionaire brands and wife shoppers, and too many people. I didn't last long there. If you like shopping and paying for overweight luggage, this is so the place for you!

I then headed to Nijubashimae C10 which is on the green (Chidoya) line and visited the Eastern garden of the Imperial palace. It had great space with trees in front of high buildings and security was tight. The palace is the permanent residence of Japan's emperor and imperial family. I waved at them and they holla'd back(!). A recent birth of emperor Prince Hisahito meant the princesses are in debate about rights of ascension. Interesting, who will be on the throne next. But to be honest, I don't have such big interest in any royalty because they are where they are because of blood. Nothing else; it wasn't earned. So again, I don't care. I deeply apologise to all the royal fans but this is how I feel. They do not personally benefit me in any way possible. My opinions. 

Anyway, people are seen jogging along the path in front of the palace as if preparing for a marathon. It's been a while since my last run I thought. 

Transport here is similar to China's own with colour coded lines, ticket machines and the underground system. I got used to the transport system here so felt relaxed when journeying to different places. 

I was excited to head to Harajuku aka 'Funky Town' on the green (Chidoya) Line to Meiji-Jingumaaae for 'Harajuku' C03. Exit at 3 or 1. This place is just amazing! It's like one street full of people, colourful lights and independent boutiques. You see some of the craziest styles put together, the coolest shops and the brightest things to buy. Though I didn't buy anything. Different couloir socks, blue hair, contact lenses, Disney looks, massive clothing, gothic looks, school girl image and so much more! The shops are cheap for the locals but expensive for foreigners. If you holiday in Japan with intention to shop and go all out; have atleast a grand on you. I'm not kidding - you could probably have enough to visit an Island just outside though (like Okinawa). For me, next time. I walked around trying to sneakily take pictures of the weirdest dress sense but I failed and gave up. 

Back to the metro, I changed for the Brown (fukutoshin) line to Shibuya which was only one stop away (but a long walk to the transfer, like 300m - see what they did there) Exit at 8 for the great Shibuya Crossing which was too much fun! So many people crossing from different sides, I looked up all around me to finally believe I was in Japan! Lights from billboards and video screens with cute girl adverts. All adverts consist of a very white female looking cute with some face wash all smiley. I don't know what to think of it but it's not real. It was like Times Square but with a lot of corners and more intense. I visited Hyakkendana street just further up the road but it's full of food so unless you want to eat, good for you. 

The Japanese don't mind me here at all!!!! I'm just like any other tourist (although there are barely any) and no one stares at me, no one sees me as mysterious, no one cares! Amazing. I could do anything and not get attention! 

I went to Shinjuku-Sanchrome via the brown (Fukutoshin) line (you can get there by the red, Marunouchi line too) and I was getting tired. Exit A5 then turn right and right again for Shinjuku Central. Shinjuku station is big for commuters and is actually the second largest in the world. So take the wrong exit, it can be daunting being so far away from your destination. The sun has already settled and my feet were worn. I came here for the free view up the Metro Government Building of the city but it was dark so the view was quite poor - well not poor but just brightly lit buildings. I didn't mind so I strolled the area and had seen a little too many food places. The Japanese are never out of options. Shinjuku was filmed in 'Lost in Translation' (I haven't actually seen this movie). There are tiny nightspots, blinding lights and too many colours screamed each road and my eyes were getting tired so I moved on.

For the evening and the last stop, I went to Roppongi on the Grey (hibiya) Line. People have said it is avoided by travellers but I wanted to see it for myself. The place is full of Chinese prostitutes, horny foreigners, Russian strippers, needy women, large Nigerian bouncers and hungry men. Let me explain, 20 years ago you wouldn't be able to do anything in this city but things have changed. I went to the Roppongi Crossing to be in the middl then I walked to Roppongi Hills which gives you great views of Tokyo but it was closed. 

Roppingi has a red lights district similar to Amsterdam's own around Tokyo Midtown. You know what, if I do see black people they are usually men and Nigerian. I started to think maybe the locals here think I am some sort of player from Africa. I don't know. Walking towards Tokyo Midtown west I had started to see business men coming out of taxis and ladies in short skirts. I stopped myself before I went any further. I felt underdressed and walking in the alleys was starting to feel uncomfortable. I wanted to enter the gardens but it was too dark so I opted out. Instead I put a close to my day. If you had wanted to stay, A972 Garden bar is said to be really nice.

I headed back to Asakusa to see drunk locals falling out of taxis and prepared a bag for my time in Kyoto! 

I made it to Japan!

Day 14/15

Anyone else getting in the crack of dawn and want to join me for a fortifying beverage of pure caffeine? 

My flight was at 6am leaving Bali and I didn't get to Japan until 10pm so please someone tell me this ain't silly. I got to the airport by 3am and boarded my flight. I had spent the whole of day 14 getting to Japan. 

Upon my arrival at Haneda Airport, Tokyo Ota City, immigration was ridiculously long. I spent 2 hours before I could exit the customs and find my way to my hostel. My tourist visa was stamped after the longest queue(there was a massive group of international boxers), bags collected (to find it half torn through security), custom declaration checked (filling in 2 forms), bags checked again (do I look dodgy though?) - procedure they say, and a million questions answered. 'What are you doing in Japan and why, where were you born?, do you have any guns (really guys, really), did you pack your bags yourself, how long are you staying in Japan, where are you going after'.

I missed the last train because of this! Thanks to the absolutely wonderful tourist information service, I booked the airport limousine bus (1860YEN under £10) for a 90minute drive to Asakusa (Asakusa view hotel). I didn't want to take the taxi (which is so expensive in Japan) as it would have costed me £40. Are you alright?

I arrived the bus stopat 2am but got expectedly lost on the way to the hostel. The streets were so empty and waste-of-electricity lights boomed in every shop. I walked under high roads and bridges, I walked passed restaurants and shops and found myself in the middle of what looked like China town with a lot of corners (I realised where I was the next day). Some people were walking around so I didn't feel so alone. It was late and dark but I wasn't concerned. I needed water so stopped at a convenience store and used this opportunity to ask for directions. Bad luck, the assistant spoke no word of English. Interestingly he helped me but in Japanese as if I understood him. He wasn't even trying to break it down in broken English or anything. He just purely spoke to me like i spoke the language so I watched his fingers and nodded then said thank you. Turned out I walked too far down so had to go backwards. I stopped at a traffic to read my non-translated map and asked a man beside me. He kindly used his phone to find the way and showed me. He too spoke no English but used the traffic lights on the map to guide me. Two traffic lights, right, one traffic light then second street left. He said this in Japanese but I got it with his gesturing. He was flickering his fingers to demonstrate the traffic lights and counted 2 then used his hands to show me right or left.  Complicated but I managed. I had noticed in some streets they had evacuation area poles with a lid on the ground. Don't know what to say to that but the Lord is with me.

Just before 3am I finally got to the hostel - thanks to the map (it's really just a 10minute walk). No staff was up to check me in but they left me a door code and my keys in an envelope. See you in the morning it says. Welcome to Japan Tianah. I was cold, tired and unfortunately hungry. But most importantly I had arrived safely so I was happy.

Understanding Bali

Many of the Balinese wear a flower (usually a frangipani) tucked behind their ears. This symbolises purity and is used for their prayers and daily offerings. 

The people of Bali are money grabbers so do be careful when spending (check your change) and changing your currency (change at hotel or experienced centres). I got scammed twice very easily at a 'currency exchange stall' along the streets in Jalan Legian. They count it in front of you, make you count it too making them look legit. So always know how much you are supposed to receive. Luckily, the second time I was scammed. I calculated it correctly and demanded the rest of my money. The first time I sadly lost £20. I shall consider it as charity. 

In most places there are flower pots made out of leaves with a smoking incest as a form of blessing and offering. When giving people money, they wave it around or tap it on this plant pot. 

There are no public transport in Bali but arranged shuttle buses, government taxis and motorbike taxis (most of my money went on this sadly). You can book tours from a number of tourist office but prices vary and you can haggle the cost! 

Restaurants use 'Free Wifi' as their attraction for people to eat there. Sad really. 

Dehydration is very likely on this island so making sure you are topping up your bottled water is important. This can avoid a lot of horrible problems! If so, it would pass in 3 days depending on how much rest you get and how well you can make yourself drink and eat. It is actually quite hard! 

Most people come from different islands in Indonesia to work in Bali which is a touristic area. I plan to head to the remote islands with my boyfriend next time as this is where I wanted to go in the first place. 

The traffic is quite poor and slow in Jalan Legian mainly and everywhere because of the narrow one-way streets that make it difficult to move around. But there are so many motorbikes and vans on the road which is only just about organised. 

Ladies wear socks here with their flip flops. I can never understand why. 

Everyone speaks pretty good English except the scammers (unless they pretend they don't understand you WHEN CLEARLY THEY DO). 

The most common questions are: where you from?, what is your name?, taxi?, transport?, where you stay?

You have to pay airport tax when you leave so make sure you have 200,000IDR on you on your way home! ridiculous. 

Vacay to the Islands, Lombok

Day 11 

I had fried rice and egg for breakfast today back at Kayun Downtown hostel. Strange but nice but strange, can't quite fault it. Apart from the fact that the egg yolk was runny, streaming down my vegetables.

In the morning, I headed to Pandangbai with a group of other backpackers who were all boys strangely. Australians so that meant they were extremely tall, gym built, far too tanned with golden brown or crispy blonde hair and a dragged accent. The organisation was identical to Thailand with the bus trips to the boat harbour. We were stuck on the bus for 3 hours so we all chatted away about what we do. I took away some valuable lessons and thoughts with me. 

 Pandangbai is a beach and the port for boats leaving to Gili Trawangan and other islands. The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The harbour had so many workers and vendors who were just annoying as those back in the city. Some were children! I can imagine it being a help for their mothers though.

The boat felt like a submarine if that makes sense. I couldn't see the sea from where I was sitting but the distance trees and other boats. As we moved, the boat was extremely rocky in a soft way and I was already feeling seasick. There was a movie 'Parker' playing with ENGLISH SUBTITLES! My sister's husband Jason Statham was playing bad guy. I was so happy despite the speed of the boat but I was comfortable. The unnecessary air con blew away inside and I was seated to myself on two chairs. They were selling Bintang beer but not water for 25IDR. 

We arrived close to 4pm.

I walked the whole island in 2.25 hours (it should take 1-2 hours but I was slow) and i checked in Gili Tralala Homestay before sunset. It costed £10 for two nights, again it doesn't get cheaper than that. Only a 5 minute walk to the main strip but in a quiet village with other locals and a few tourists. I liked this. The island has no cars or no noisy motorbikes whatsoever. There are bikes and rental bikes and horse carts as taxis. I had asked whether the horses are fixed a break and my answer was there there are day and night shifts horses. It was a little like Koh Phi Phi but wider and less hippy. Also less tattoo parlours actually. Koh Phi Phi has so many!?

I had noticed coloured ribbons around pigeons ankles which got me concerned as I saw the same types of ribbons around chickens. 

There are a lot of turtle conservations here advertising safety for them. I had learnt a bit about them before moving on from one turtle shack. There are 7 species of sea turtles;

Hawksbill

Leatherback

Loggerhead 

Green

Olive Ridley 

Kemps Ridley 

Flat Back

They eat jellyfish, seaweed and crabs and in Indonesia they have the largest diversity. Sadly they become extinct with poaching, ocean pollution and accidental catch. You'd donate 200,000IDR

People were seen picking up litter on the beach but I was assured that it was for some kind of compensation or reward. Later on I had seen a centre where a lady was weighing each litter bag. I didn't stay on for what happened next so I never got to know. 

I had planned to buy a boat ticket for the next day going to Gili Meno and Gili Air at the harbour. You can buy one at the travel agency but you will pay more because of commission so beware of that or remember to negotiate. Turned out I can get one in the morning right before it leaves. I watched a man gut two fishes by the sea which was quite disturbing but I still watched. He cut the fish in half then ripped out everything inside and threw it to the sea. He was a nice man though, spoke some great English.

I trusted street food again so I opted for dinner at the night market. I sure fried noodles with chicken for 15,000IDR; this is less than £1.50. Beer is pricey here although it's cheap for us but when the alcohol is more than food, I chose not to purchase any. I sat at as checked table beside many other food vendors selling meals for so cheap. 

While eating I watched a couple awkwardly sit in silent.

Bumped into the guys I had met previously in Kuta while I was eating so they joined me to eat too. We all ate chatted away talking about the most random things such as politics, travel info, eating humans (don't ask), illegal substances and their lives. One guy was from Switzerland travelling for 6 months, one from Chicago in Bali for a month holiday and a Norwegian also travelling for 6 months, maybe more. 

We sat for a while before heading to different bars early in the night. They drank Bintang one after the after while I felt needless have any at the time. Because why?

We continued to another bar where they had better music and stayed there for two beers again. We then went to Juggle juggle which is a Pre-Game bar where you'd play a BeerPong tournament. We joined and it was actually really enjoyable. It's basically aiming a ball in the cups partly filled with beer and if the opposite player gets it in yours, you drink it. It's a trashy game but popular at parties. We did three games and I no longer wanted to shoot down beers so we luckily moved to another bar after the other for some live music, electro disco, psychedelic and finally RnB! I definitely stayed although the DJ was trying to be a DJ by what they think being a DJ consists of. It was annoying hearing the scratches and the wiki-wiki-wow sketch every minutes but I was thrown back to the old skool.

 I had asked for a rum and coke but got whiskey instead unless it was rum that tasted like whiskey. It was less than £2 and the beers are priced the same. The night was okay and being with the guys meant that i didn't have to pay for all of my drinks even though I was more than happy to (I was only going to have two drinks anyway). I watched as they look for girls to talk to which was interesting. I tried to explain 'it's not everyday girl for guys' - if they had shown interest, okay. Don't insist, do NOT beg, don't go back if they've said no, if they don't follow don't stop, if they don't look twice (with an upward eye smile) don't bother. You have a lot of drunks and slow ones not knowing what they are going and some making a grab but you can kindly say no and take their hands off you. I found myself saying to the guys, leave her alone - she doesn't want you. Or to the girls that If they wanted a long-term relationship with a guy not from where they're from, don't bother. Girls don't do it, guys keep it to yourself. 

Clubs closes around 3am then there is nothing around. So bed it is for all of them. And some have to cycle to the other side of the island to get home. Luckily mine was just up the corner more up inside the island. Like in the middle. 

Day 12

I was up first thing and was out for the day to tour the other two islands. I managed to get a glass bottom boat to myself for £5 with a driver of course. We went towards Gili Meno and he showed me a shipwreck not far off the island. 

We stopped in Gili Meno and I was there for 2 hours then we went off to Gili Air. 

Through the glass, I had seen humongous turtles, coral reef and around the other side the fish garden which was so beautiful! I had done snorkeling already in Thailand so I didn't feel like doing it again to be honest. It's not so much fun unless you dive (which I will never do). I don't plan to ever dive no. Just because.

Gili Air is definitely more beautiful than the other two islands and a hell of a lot smaller. I had spent under an hour walking around the whole island and had some local lunch by the village. The people here all look the same really. You could tell me the man I had met to take me somewhere and another man would come and I wouldn't know. Seriously. Most of the men like their hair long and some have Rasta hair and high five me wherever I go. But I'm not Jamaican. It's funny because they ask me where I'm from and I say England or London. They immediately say you from Manchester right? In London? Or Newcastle. I remind them constantly that Manchester is more North of England but they never understand. They name all the English players they know and say they've met the queen. 

I came back to Gili Trawangan and bumped into the same guys again and we all went to the Paradise Sunset bar which is South of the beach/island (from the harbour). Clearly in the name, the bar is famous for their serene sunset views and settings. It's quite a walk round but it's not far like crazy far. It was still warm enough to swim in the sea (when I mean swim I mean sit on the seabed and enjoy the sun and cool water). There's another one further down but that's just too far. The seabed had squids and starfishes chilling by the rocks. White crabs were chasing each other in the sands so it's always a scare whenever you see them (they look like sand balls with dark eyes). We ordered dinner right before the sunset and enjoyed. I had calamari and complimentary fries with salsa and hot sauce. It was superb and I felt so relaxed. The North beach is more vacant with less boats and beautifully made huts. I planned to head there the next day before my boat to Bali. 

In the evening, I enjoyed some live music at Sama Sama (reggae) bar and the music were from Bruno Mars, Robbie Williams and all those soppy 'I love you so why you leaving me baby' songs. 

Interesting because the island has a large mosque right in the middle of the party spots. In the evening, men are seen praying and children are in sarongs attending services. I had thought perhaps the workers just serve and earn their living wages but most are seen drinking too. They have daily chants on speakers and during Ramadan atleast the island is kind of shut down with no drinking and loud music. Mushroom is very popular on this island and very easy to get. You'd have men going around chilled people just chatting on cushions in bars asking them whether they'd like some mush'. Some ask for esasty and some weed. I didn't see or hear any crazy stories about one taking it on the island but it's quite dangerous asking for the price or even considering it. As most can be undercovers. Although they are unlikely to be (Thailand very likely) they are considered cheap but best to avoid.

Day 13 

I spent my morning on the beach behaving like I was seriously on vacation. It felt good for a while until I got bored of sunbathing and my book. I had bought tonic water at the bar but the tax was ridiculous and ended up spending any more than I would have in the shop. So completely avoid restaurants with tax service. Some actually say tax free so there are options. 

I decided to walk around the island again but along to beach to find some spots. There were some beautiful villas (that I really want to buy in the future) and hotels with pools. Bungalows, spas and souvenir shops sparse along the strip of the island. 

I found some cool spots to stay on before moving on with headphones in my ears. I had to hurry though as the last boat back to Bali was nearing. Sandy feet and wet shoulders, my time by the beaches was nearly over. In a day time I will be back in the city again!

There's not so much you can do on the island apart from the obvious water sports, walking, cycling, tours to other islands or to Lombok, eating and drinking(there are so many options). 

The boat transport was cheap actually. I paid about £40 for boat to the island and back to Bali plus a shuttle bus to the harbour (2hours North Bali) and back too. If you have luggage when boarding a boat, do be last to put it on so you'll be the first to receive yours at your destination. Otherwise wait a while and watch the others grab theirs and rush off to their location. John Wick' the film played this time in the boat but I fell asleep in the cold. I made back to Kuta in the evening and prepared for my long ass flight to Japan!! Next stop!

Visiting Ubud, Bali

Day 10

I caught the shuttle bus to Ubud arriving late noon (I spent the morning getting spoilt in my hotel with room service - i was feeling much better now) and checked in at Happy Mango Tree Hostel (back to the budget!). The hostel is located in Bisma street which is uphill and filled with rice paddles along the road so it has such beautiful view all the way. I was staying in a colourful and hippy accommodation with reggae and Jamaican prints all over the place. The beds are made of bamboo and there is a ceiling fan for £5 a night. Seemed great to me! If you had booked a private room in Ubud, you would have to pay for 2 persons even if it's just for you. So a mixed dorm is ideal and £5 is the lowest rate. 

I left straight away to start my day and I was liking Ubud already! Walking left of the hostel then right straight down to the Main Street, I started to walk to the famous rice fields. There are rice fields where I am staying but this one was vast. So Ubud is more arty farty hippy classy despite the poor littering but it's full of arts and crafts, pottery, wood carving, antique products and homemade goodies.

I had went to the Tegallalang Rice Fields by walking 2 hours from central Ubud. It is particularly famous for its scenes of rice paddies and terraces along rivers.

(You can get a mototaxi for 50,000IDR return - pay no more). Make sure you take a drink and good walking shoes. It's quite a climb around with sandy steps (very slippery) and a long walk around. I didn't spend too long there as I didn't have much time but I was there a while; long enough to ache. I decided to take the moto back so I didn't have to walk in the dark. 

Ubud is a more quieter place than Kuta with less tourists and more culture. You'll find beautifully made temples, children in their atzec school uniforms and many restaurants. They hold traditional Balinese dancing every night at 7.30pm for 80,000IDR.

My driver Nyoman makes 50$ a month being a taxi driver and he has been one for 10 years. He among the others in Ubud are the kindest people on earth! He drove me to my escape plan to Pantai Klotex where no tourists are found. A secret destination which I was excited to go to. As Bali is a volcanic island, there is a selection of black sand beaches and white fine beaches. I was on a mission to find some beautiful beaches so being close to East Bali was my chance! As they are not promoted and usually sacred, the beach is quiet and clean. 7am the next day on my way to Pantai Klotek, a motorbike ran over a dog (the dog was clueless!) and when we drove pass it, its head was twisted over and I had felt mentally disturbed for hours. I insisted someone remove it from the road but the driver said 'everyday dogs die'. We sat in silence for the rest of the way and soon the dog was no longer news. 

We arrived and I was amazed. Pantai Klotex has a black beach sparkled with its dark fine sands. The sands would be made of basalt created by lava that has flowed into the ocean in an explosion before reaching the shore and cools. I may be wrong though but this is what I understand. The locals spoke no English and most were working. Some were surfing and the beach was just so sparkly. I'm aware I've mentioned this already but it's beautiful. There were rubbish scattered on the upper part of this beach and so many bat-like birds were flapping around disturbing the air. So everything was happening all at once! I walked along the beach to see large wave stopping rocks (there's a name for this but sadly my geography has passed) and huts for workers. I waved at any children and attempted to paddle the unpromising sea water. It's not somewhere to sunbathe and swim (although the locals are found swimming and surfing).

I had seen workers on the beach keeping busy so I volunteered to help separate the white pebbles (they package these to sell for house building) to the blacks. Sadly I have no pictures of this but I've treasured some great memories taking part. I definitely want to come back to Bali and find some more secret places. 

It hit midday and it was time to head back to Ubud. Before going back to Kuta, I visited the monkey temple nearby. Word of advice, don't be a fool and bring food & valuables to the forest otherwise riot and theft. Other than that, do go. It's a Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary with three temples (holy spring temple, cremation temple and main temple) and 600 monkeys (long tailed Macaques) including infants. The forest shows the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. There is a deer farm within the forest where the monkeys enter and play among them which was weird. You don't really see the two together. The site is Hindu and there are many offerings of plant pots around given by the locals. It's a long path around the site would take you an hour with stopping to watch the monkeys disturbingly fornicate or play. I had seen monkeys snatch flip flops off people but only because they were standing too close to them. The monkeys are not chained in any way. They are fed sweet potato and fruits all day.

I stayed on to watch the monkeys for a while leaving them undisturbed unlike the others. Tourists can really be annoying and irritating. Especially when there are signs saying please do not feed the monkeys or touch them. When one does, they scream and complain. Oh get a grip. The monkeys do jump on you whenever they want to so if you are scared, you'd need to be careful and keep hold of your belongings! (they love water bottles - even though they can't open it). But when they do jump on you, be still and calm. I'm not sure if i enjoyed the monkey's testicles on my neck but i loved my time there.

I took the bus back to Kuta and spent my evening in Seminyak which is more north than Kuta on the white sandy beach by the bars. Kuta to Seminyak is about 20minutes depending on traffic by a moto taxi (you can rent one yourself) but spend no more than 40,000IDR each way.

Jodie O'Shea Orphanage Bali

My day as a volunteer'

It was set up in memory of Jodie who tragically died in the Bali bombing in 2002 while she was travelling from Australia. She had already made plans to set up an orphanage or a children centre so her parents set one up in her name in Bali 2005. 89 children are now at the orphanage within 10years. The youngest is 4 months, one who is premature and the oldest is 21! They support employment once the children leave and as adults, they return to the orphanage. Most of the boys become surfing teachers.

Some of the children are sponsored and donations are received everyday. So I had spent the day touring the home which had over 10 rooms with 8-10beds each and a playground. They had an outdoor playground and two indoor playrooms that are open twice a day. They had enough toys and books that they were no longer accepting them and a kitchen with tables for everyone. They eat three times a day and have snacks (fruits) in between. 

By 1pm four children all 11 years old came to the local market with me. We shopped for food from a wish list such as meat, fruits and toiletries to last them the next month. They were so adorable and extremely grateful. I had spent 500,000IDR which was my budget and we returned that afternoon to cook lunch. We made fried rice with shrimps and ate it late 4pm, I physically couldn't eat the meal as I was still unwell. I stayed on to play with the younger ones who had brilliant English (this made me look bad not knowing their language). Most of the children have parents but parents who are too poor to raise their child. Parents are allowed to stay in contact with their child and even have visits! 

I had noticed the girls had their hair chopped short, all of them. Being in a tight knit place with a lot of other children, head-lice is serious matter. I weren't to be in full contact with the children due to health reasons but I had a fab time and my help was highly appreciated. It was time for me to leave later on that day so I said my goodbyes and joined my driver back on the bike to head back to mine. 

I needed to see a pharmacist so i looked around for one after being told there weren't any. I didn't believe this. I hadn't eaten for two days so I started to feel extremely weak. I found a chemist and rushed inside to find that I was seriously dehydrated from last night's diahorrea. Silly me. I bought Panadol and a rehydration capsule then tried to survive the night. Whenever you travel, do always drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest when feeling nausea. Sucked for me as I lost my appetite to eat and couldn't do anything active. I head to Ubud tomorrow though so I look forward to some prepared action. If I get better. When I get better. 

I've reached Bali!!

day 6/7 

My next flight QZ-555 took 3 hours to get to Bali but obviously I had to be there 57874 hours before. Clearly forced to shop at duty free while waiting for my flight. Immigration was quick! Visa on arrival (VOA) was £26 or 35USD. Some people actually got rejected so it was kind of sad seeing them go to the quarantine only to be sent back. I got to the baggage claim then caught the airport taxi to my hostel which was a nightmare. I went to the taxi counter in duty free and they were charging me 350,000IR. Are you serious?! I went out to the front and hoped to find a cheaper one. The taxi counter out there charged me 250,000 and it was 1am and I was really not having it. Luckily I had already known it cost only 60,000 to get to my hostel and also know the airport is practically next to Kuta. I was very adamant to pay only 60,000 so with all the men throwing my offers of twice the price, I kept saying no. To speed up the process, I lied saying I came last week and paid only 60,000. The results was fascinating as their faces dropped and one random man finally gave in and said yes. BUT he was in a different uniform and flashed me his badge (because I asked for it) too quickly. The man was dark skinned and the face on the badge was more Caucasian. As I followed him, I got a little panicked so when we reached his car, I took a photo of his license plate and noted down his name. I wouldn't even know if it was real!? He was on his phone a lot so I immediately thought he was planning a kidnap. I had thought 'oh this is a plan, it was a plan the whole time'! I quickly said the Lord's Prayer again (I do this like 15 times a day) and prayed His angels are sent to be with me on the journey. I felt calm but then the driver stopped!!!! In the middle of the road. He said I'll be one minute and left the keys in ignition and left the car. I sat there thinking, I'm not going to be kidnapped right? The door was even open so i was thinking someone else with a balaclava would jump in the car and drive me off elsewhere. Within 2 minutes, my driver came back with a box of cigarettes and apologised for the wait. Are you serious? He asked whether I smoked but I rolled my eyes saying smoking is bad. I was dropped off and he was paid. Thank you Jesus!! 

I took myself around the area extremely sober among the crowd and stupidly slept in early AM of 4. 

The next day I took the walk to legian beach after breakfast in the lobby. Breakfast was given on a menu and I chose heavy omelette with watermelon slices and toast and butter. It was so so heated, it was over 30degrees and one of the hottest day I've experienced. Along Jalan Legian where I stay, there are shops after shops, restaurants after restaurants. And I loved it, I loved every one. I walked passed a Jamie's Oliver and thought what an earth it was doing in Bali. I was quite annoyed to find so many western eateries along the street that I find myself walking over an hour for Indonesian more local outside of this street. I hit the beach and it got even more hot and I wasn't sure why!!? The sands were burning my feet making it crisp and the sea was filled with surfers and splashers'. Along the walk, there were so many vendors, surf centres and women with clothes in a basket on their head or by a tree. Every step I took, a man approached me asking whether I wanted to surf, this is all despite seeing me say no not long ago! The walk took me about 2 hours and I got tired and worn out already. 12pm diarrhoea struck me. I felt so sick and everything was put to halt. Last night I opted for Pepsi instead of water (can you believe it was cheaper?!) after my spicy noodles meal. Then I was feeling drowsy and dizzy. For a speedy delivery, get as much rest as you can, take an acute relief tablet, one after every release and drink plenty of water. I drank so much my belly bloated! I ate some vitamin C sweets and soon lost my appetite to eat. I had to head back to my hostel (which felt like years!!!) which is quite a walk from the beach. It was the slowest 3 hours I had spent in bed hoping to get better during my toilet trips but it soon became less frequent after the tablets. 

4pm, I pulled through and planned a trip to the uluwatu temple which is in South of Bali an hour away. On my way there, I saw a Topshop and Marks and Spencer's. In Bali!? On an island?! I had to buy something!!!!! Or did I? I managed to get the car driver to accept 300,000 (about £12) for both ways. This meant he needed to wait for me terr. He name was 'Bruce Lee' on his card apparently (obviously not) but he was Bali-born and bred and very kind! He insisted I drink lots of water by taking me to the shop to buy a new me. And allowed me to lie down flat in the car to rest! The road is busy and there are a million motorbikes!! I was too unwell to take the motorbike taxi there (which would have been a lot cheaper). 

Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of six temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars. It is famous for its location, placed on top of a steep cliff 70metres above sea level! Looking down, my heart just jumps every time. This temple provides a really nice sunset backdrop especially for couples. I was lucky to be able to see it as sometimes it's cloudy and people don't see it at all. I had read that Pura Luhur Uluwatu was one of the top places on the island to go to for sunset delights overlooking the Indian Ocean. So I felt that I had to go! It costed 20,000 to get in and you are given a purple sarong or yellow rope and you can also watch the local dance performances but I didn't. Just google it. The Balinese architecture, traditionally-designed gateways, and ancient sculptures made Uluwatu Temple very appealing. I walked all around the temple which took me an hour. It was still very hot and I was still very unwell but that didn't stop me. 

Coming back in the evening, I really needed to rest. All the Aussies were drunk already. It was our Ibiza to their Bali. Music blasted in every bar, shops were closing down and tourists emerged on the street. Because I had slept extremely late last night, I opted for an early night by sitting in the jacuzzi and arranging my next few days. I booked a trip to Ubud by bus for a night, Gili Island by boat for 2 nights and one more night in Kuta before I am due to fly that next day. I truly get my haggling skills from my mum and managed to save thousands on bookings and shopping. I become a friend when I'm a buyer and soon talk money. It always works, especially if they know your name from the start. I really liked Bali today, reminded me of Thailand so it was really nice, the people are nice and speak great English. Tomorrow I move hotels just so I can get a feel of the hospitality and perhaps spoil myself, no definitely spoil myself. I was on vacation before I start work so I felt like I could pretty much do what I wanted. This is one of the benefits of travelling solo.