without having to show my butt to the world for clicks and likes.
Well, that's unfortunate...
I also don’t have to trade bowing to advertisers’ demands
This is a thing? I have no idea.
risk rude comments from an “audience”, or have any other deadlines or expectations for a “free trip” either.
Like this semi-famous example?
https://www.boredpanda.com/social-media-influencer-hotel-free-stay-white-moose-cafe-elle-darby/
The night before, I’d ordered my breakfast as usual but elevated the morning meal by adding “breakfast in the pool”.
I have visions of staff throwing scrambled eggs and toast into the pool where it bobs, getting progressively soggier while a crying (and hungry) patron attempts to retrieve it.
I opted to float away the morning eating a variety of tasty goodies.
This sounds suspiciously like this:
As I’ve mentioned probably 100 times before, by 8:00AM it was already boiling hot and humid, so there really is no bad time to be in the water in Bali.
Actually... fair point. Heat is a
lot more tolerable when you're in the water.
Is this not the most gorgeous presentation ever?!
Very much so!
You look pretty darned happy there!
You might be asking how I managed to actually EAT floating around. I didn’t.
Of course not. You take a bite, sink to the bottom to chew, then come up for another bite.
It's self-evident.
The extra cost was only $10 so didn’t break the bank either!
Wow! Practically free.
With a side of escargot, no less!
Pretty
The big draw is that it was once used by the royal family for their worship.
I wonder how long ago was the last time that happened. I read that the royal family essentially ended with the Dutch in the mid 1800s.
but with having to wear the hot (and gross from years of sweaty tourists wearing it) sarong and robe,
Surely they wash them...
It was pretty, but not nearly as gorgeous as the ones I’d seen with my guides for sure.
Then you chose wisely.
(Did I mention that all of the frilly stuff on those is HANDCUT?!)
You did not, but... I'm both very impressed and simultaneously, not surprised.
I assume those are the seats for the royal heinies.
That looks like the orchids are diving into the pool.
this place was said to have the best selection of authentic masks at the best prices. Here is the one I ended up with:
Quite detailed, but I imagine it took up a fair chunk of luggage real estate. Or did you ship it back home?
I’d made my reservation months prior and couldn’t wait to begin my 4-hour treat-yoself-time.
Four hours!!
It was $65 for ALL of what I’m about to share.
That's
it????
Walk with me to the reception area!
I did! Well... I watched the video.
(Don't know if you meant to, but you posted it twice?)
Heh. The way I feel, I'd just draw a big, thick circle around the whole thing.
(Samples of the scents to choose from)
That's cool. So you just smelled each in turn and picked which one(s) you wanted?
I wiped my face with the warm washcloth, breathed in the beautifully-infused scent, and sipped my cool water while I waited for what was next.
That alone sounds so relaxing.
Holy cow, does that ever look... decadent? Inviting? Relaxing?
All of the above?
No way! That was on the floor, directly under your head, right? What a nice, thoughtful touch!
I almost titled this chapter: Coffee in my Crack, Honey up My Nose, and Weeds in my Toes
She guided me to the hot, scented waters and all was heady in my outdoor Nirvana. The thunder rolled, the rain came in a steady downpour and I closed my eyes savoring this precious time.
WOW
I'm shocked you stayed awake. Has all the elements of lulling one off to dreamland.
She took a few photos before she left me to my 25-minute soak, but the internet is no place to show old lady boudoir shots.
Um... she did
what???
And... no, no... not at all... perfectly fine to post those here.
You might notice on the side of the tub (below) is a little cup and dish;
Actually, I noticed all the twigs, leaves, etc...
I took a little video of all the different goodies in my bath:
Must admit, I was
very surprised when your arm came up with all that... detritus.
I expected a few leaves, but... an entire forest????
Ahhh, where was I? Yes, soaking in a hot bath that resembled a Louisiana bayou, except it smelled better and there were no alligators.
Are you
sure? For all you know, there could have been one or two hiding on the bottom under the tree limbs.
A new tech took over for the next phase- the facial. It was basically a series of facial massages with oils, lotions, exfoliators, and ended with another short, but wonderful full body massage.
Are you
sure you only paid $65?
Lastly, I was handed off to my last attendant where I got an incredible hair creambath.
A
what? What the heck is that?
Something I'll never experience. I would require
hair for that, I would suspect...
You sure look happy (and refreshed
and great!)
It’s a lovely paved pedestrian-only walk that travels along a river valley back from the area where the spa was located into Ubud City.
Nice!
Yes, I know you have to be careful as not all arak is made under an inspected eye and can be a bit dicey,
Um... did I read...
methanol poisoning???
"completely vile"...
Okay... so you didn't get poisoned... were you
weaving a tad???
I joined a couple of other lady hikers who were from Australia. We chatted about Australia, and they approved of my upcoming itinerary.
Good to have the locals' approval
I would imagine these streams wax and wane quite a bit, season to season and even hour to hour.
Quite the 'shroom!
Nice suspension bridge. Did you cross it?
I've seen photos of these, but never in real life. Cool that you got to see that.
(HUGE!)
Define "HUGE"
Is it this huge?
Or
this huge?
What perfect timing for the thunderstorm!
