I started the day with a swim.

The pool is right outside my door and it was quiet and lovely in. Patsy was lolling with her cup of coffee and the other were yet to emerge from their rooms.

Breakfast on the terrace was delicious. A colourful mix of food chosen from such a big menu.

The meals arrived under a little woven coloured ‘hat’. Very festive.

We had planned our day around…..talking to the cushion lady , wandering into Ubud and massages.

The cushion lady is a friend of Lou’s from previous trips. Her fabrics look gorgeous and her prices are Bali low! I decided no cushions for me and set off with Lynne and Kirsty to discover ubud.

What we did discover pretty quickly is that the pavement-sidewalk is dangerous here. It is a rough arrangement of paving stones with cars parked over them, gaping holes, motor bikes getting out of traffic and it’s hard to take in the sights when you are looking down.

We made our way up the road past lines of traffic going who knows where and wondered if the shopping would be good.

First stop was Berkly. A little jewellery store. A few purchases later we were on our way along the cracked pavement. A book shop where the books are all wrapped and not much cheaper than in Australia. A blue batik clothes and cushion shop where I found a beautiful soft batik dress.

Coffee was at a roastery with great coffee. Kirsty headed back to meet her son for lunch and Lynne and I made our way slowly to Ubud Palace.

Drumming noises from the side street had us following the crowds. It was a ceremony for a new temple. I love finding something local during our travels. Watching the people dressed for the ceremony was special.

Back to the grounds of the temple then across the road to the Art Market which is more a ‘ we have everything’ market. How much you want to pay us the catch cry!

We resisted and continued to walk along the back streets. past ceramic shop, book shops and lots of jewellery shops.

We stopped for lunch at Mudra. Up stairs it was airy and welcoming and the fish taco was so good.

I finally found a hat!

We made it back to the hotel without dropping into a hole in the footpath!

A swim followed by a rest, a pink gin and then a massage. It was great though I know I should have a massage more often. Even if it hurts!

Then out to dinner at Tablespoon. A longer drive than we planned! But it was good and had a lovely guy singing songs we knew!

What a great day.