Up to Ubud

After two nights in Kuta, we were ready to head out. Our plan was to rent bikes and just ride all over the island, with the first stop being Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Hitoshi and I packed one bag between us, so we could fit on one moped, since I'm happy to let him drive.

Equipped with bikes, helmets, gas and a map, we were off. In a car the drive is a little over an hour, but we took it nice and easy and arrived in about three. We did have a little detour as a 'helpful' local giving us directions lead us into the jewelry shop he worked at.

We had arranged to meet a friend from Vancouver, Sven, who lives 4 or 5 months of the year in Ubud.

Not sure what's making Elesa so stoked in this pic, she must just be happy to be in Bali.

He met us at Bali Buddha, my new favorite restaurant.



We ate a delicious meal (tacos in Bali are amazing!) and followed Sven back to the place he had rented, and where we would be renting a room for the next 8 days.

When Sven arrived in Ubud he found out prices for houses had gone way up. Since Eat, Pray, Love came out, people took five year leases on properties and then rented them out at higher rates. Worried he wouldn't find a place, he ended up taking one a little more high end then he had planned. We appreciated it though, it is stunning, and we get to live here for the next week! Pool, rice paddy view, tons of space, I love it.



So now I sit here, looking out over this amazing view, with a belly full of breakfast cooked by my best friend, and I am as grateful as can be.

Side of our house

Tower that many houses seem to have, still haven't figured out why.

Our front entrance.

The house alter.

Our bathroom. Beautiful but if it's raining at night when you have to pee, you get a little wet.

Where we eat.

Ahh, life is good!