Ubud Orphanage

Bali Hi from the orphanage in Ubud. To start our journey Katut the director of the orphanage and his brother Wayan picked us up at he Hyall in Sanur. The car was a four seat, small cargo vehicle. Well we were four girls and 3 bags each. It was Mr. Toads wild ride, packed in like sardines. We didn’t seem to notice due to the incredible scenery and fascinating conversation with Katut all about the orphange. We drove down a narrow street with rice fields and small stone houses with thatched roofs until we came to the orphanage. We entered a low doorway. Queenie and all had to bend down, but of course I didn’t have to ☺ Inside were several areas and buildings. There were very few children milling about. There was an American man Raoul from the states volunteering his time to teach the children and Anne Marie a Homeopathic Clinician also staying at the orphanage. There are two guest cottages for such visitors on the premises. As we were bringing in all our donation bags the number of children increased slowly. They would approach us, hold out their hand, welcome us and ask our name. It was startling the presence they each had. The younger children were playful and the older were guiding us around the various parts of the orphanage. Katut’s wife had given birth five days prior, and was up running around as if it never happened. We were in awe. Queenie then sat down and opened the cases. The children flocked around and the melee began. Some had looks of disbelief and others sheer joy. Queenie was in the middle of a sea of beautiful children and I could see it was touching her deeply. We then met the two boys we were to sponsor,Wayan and his younger brother Kadek. For those of you who know Frannie, our favorite masseuse. Her donation was used to buy Kadek a bicycle. I will write a more detailed account of our visit to the orphanage when we return. And now off to the town of Ubud for more shopping. Until next time.

Sanur

Hello Gang! Greetings from Sanur. This is a fabulous exotic beach side resort. A virtual Disneyland. The Hyatt hotel is so beautiful and has every accommodation. You never have to leave. While Queenie is out shopping for the most fabulous silver and semi precious stone jewelry. Snow and I are treating ourselves to every comfort this resort has to offer. A massage, an incredible meal and lets not forget Bin Tang Beer. The best beer in the world. The pool side ambiance is like a scene from old movie. You know the island flicks where Dorothy Lamour hooks up with Bing Crosby and he croons soft island love songs. And of course she always has a hibiscus blossom in her ear. It is a place of dreams. We have met up with a friend from Encinitas, Barbara, who runs the Seaside Church Gift Shop. We’ve enjoyed dinners and cocktails together and have a great time sharing our daily stories. Each evening Queenie returns with great new product for our shop. Just wait until you see the fabulous new bead wood and shell jewelry and the Sarong selection is out of this world, colors and designs that are all new. She also picked up some beaded bags that are so colorful and a great mix of textures. I must tell you that every evening when she arrives with new purchases Snow and I tear through the treasures like it was Christmas morning. Well next we are off to Ubud , but first a visit to The Yah Yah San Orphanage, The Wins Project. We are taking Barbara along with us. We are sure it will be a moving and educational experience as well as spiritual. And you cannot help but be spiritual when you come to Bali, the beauty is really something to be thankful for. Until next blog, Bali Hi!

Queenie and Denise's Adventures in Seminyak

After the long journey to get to Bali, we setted into our little Balinesian home Resor Seminyak. We were exhausted but so happy to be here. They greeted us with a welcome drink and showed us to our room. Then it was off to have a foot massage, just lying back, looking at the ocean and sipping ginger and black tea.
Next a change of clothes and out for a pizza, yes I said pizza :) It was the bestI ever tasted. Then a quick stop at the Bali Deli which is a Henrys in disguise. Back at the hotel, we blissfully dosed off into Bali dreamland.
In the AM we dined on fresh tropical fruit, and omlets they prepare infront of you. People from all over the world are in Bali so we play "Where are they from" Queenie went off to start her purchasing for the shop, so Snow and I took a trip into town. The streets are filled with thousands of motorbikes. Sometimes an entire family of four on one bike. It's crazy. Snow headed to Chill salon for a nice massage and I went to Sooth Salon for foot reflexology, Then Snow and I did a bit of shopping just wandering down streets and stopping her and there like the bar here and the bar over there. Suddenly a pedicure sounded nice. After a wait of a half hour or so, in the Thank You Bar of course, we prededed to get the worst and longest pedicure in history 2 and a half hours. And they didn't know how to polish. So we headed back to the Thank You Bar and started in on the flaming shots. The Bali Boys kept us in the lap of Bali luxury with comfort and cocktails. We ran back to the resort to drag Queenie to the Thank You Bar. We ended the evening with cocktails and massages from the Bali Boys at the Thank You Bar.
Next morning another fabulous breakfast and Queenie ws off to shop on the Avenue of Sarongs. Snow and I headed off with Ketut on a little sight seeing tour. We went to the Balinesian Theater to see a play and to the Batik factory to see how it's done. Then off to the temple. It sat out in the sea with huge waves crashing over it. Very Beautiful, but very hot. The best find of the day was a small drink stand with two large bottled waters and a Bintang beer for less than 2 bucks. Snow and I decided to take a shrt nap until Queenie returned for dinner, and woke up the next morning. All that heat and cold Bintang Beer did us in. Waking famished to another incredible breakfast, a quick packing of our stuff and ne last jaunt into town with Queenie for some last minute shopping and we were off to Sanur. Not before we had to go back to every shop we had been in to find Queenie's black folder she lost. Of course it was in the last place we went to. In Bali or at home Queenie is Queenie.