Author: JellyfishKing

Paris and Amsterdam here we come!

We left Perth on Saturday afternoon. We arrived Singapore 10.45 pm for our connecting flight to Paris at 12.15 am. We are flying my favourite airline, Singapore Airlines. The fourteen hour trip to Paris was going to be the longest flight we’d ever taken.

I took a gamble and selected one window seat and one aisle seat, leaving a seat in between us hoping that someone wouldn’t book a single seat in the middle. It worked! Genius! That meant Jane and I had 3 seats to share for the flight. We could stretch out for a better sleep. There was a lot of turbulence which made the ride quite bumpy. Jane couldn’t sleep very well. I got enough to be fresh when we arrived at 7 am.

I was hoping to get a view of Paris from the the plane as we approached, but of course winter in the northern hemisphere meant it was still dark. The sun doesn’t rise until 8.30 am. So we arrived in darkness.

Clearing immigration and collecting our baggage was straight forward. Now comes the interesting part – catching the train to our AirBnB accommodation. We consulted the tourist information kiosk. He said to catch the shuttle to terminal one and catch the train into Paris and change to the “6” train at Denfert-Rochereau station. When we arrived we had to navigate to the number 6 line. This proved difficult with many stairways up and down with two 20 kg bags. Its going to be a lot more difficult going home with 30 kg … after Jane’s shopping. We got to the 6 line and promptly got on the train going the wrong direction. We quickly realised and proceeded to alight on the next station, but we couldn’t work out how to open the doors – the train took off before we could open the doors. The locals on the train must have thought was hilarious. Onto the next station – success! Now up and down more stairs to get to the opposite platform.

We made it to Bir Hakiem station no problem. Our AirBnB apartment was pretty close the train station. It was now 10 am and luckily our host allowed us to check in early, otherwise we’d have to wait around until 2 pm.

The Apartment was very small as we expected, but it’s comfortable and clean.

We unpacked and changed into warmer clothes – time to see the Eiffel Tower.

The Tour de Eiffel was walking distance from our apartment, as we rounded the corner there it was – so exciting – out very first look and the tower had an Australian flag in the foreground – it was like it was welcoming us to Paris – so surreal!

We spent the next few hours walking around taking a million photos. As we were walking I realised we were half way to the Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe So we continued our walk.

We took in the sites and but this time we were getting hungry for lunch. I’d heard that the Champs Elysees was a tourist trap for eats, so we made our way off the main drag and found a nice french brasserie called L’étoile Vénitienne. We ordered french wine, and a cheese platter with bread and cold meats. A wonderful first meal in Paris. We couldn’t finish it, so we took it home for breakfast the next morning.

We decided to walk back to Place du Trocadéro to check out the view of the Eiffel Tower for a photo shoot the next day. The rain and wind set in and on the way it became so unbearable we decided to catch an Uber back to the apartment. Jet lag caught up with us and we decided to have a nanna-nap. At 8 pm we got up and decided to find somewhere to eat. We walked around the neighbourhood and find a Chinese restaurant, Jia Yan and had some soup.

Back to bed, still tired.

We woke up at 5 am the next morning and decided wait for the sunrise and do a photo-shoot.

Many people have asked me “Alan, what music do you listen to when you fly to Bali?”. Well …actually no one’s asked me that, but I’m going to tell you anyway.

The flight to Bali is 3 hours 40 minutes. With say, 20 minutes take off (please switch off all electronic equipment) and 20 minutes landing, that leaves a clean 3 hours of music listening time. And I mean listening. Most of us don’t get the time these days to just sit and listen to music, so it’s a great opportunity to sit down and really listen to the lyrics and music.

For this ride, you’ll need a good pair of noise cancelling headphones, a travel partner that won’t interrupt you (Jane I’m talking to you), fly on a budget airline so there’s no food served. This next 180 minutes is just “me-time”.

I didn’t just choose my favourite songs. I’ve chosen songs that a generally long, have interesting lyrics, or demonstrate skilful instrument or composition craft. Some of my favourite songs are not on this list.

Fasten your seat belt, watch to the safety demonstration, suck your Jila mints. Ready for take off.

Once the seat belt sign is switched off get into your zen mode. Don’t get distracted by the bogans behind you getting into their duty free or the flight attendants offering you Bintang and Pringles. Stay focused.

Let’s begin

---

Two Tribes (For the Victims of Ravishment) – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Peter Gill, Holly Johnson, Mark O’Toole
Album: “Welcome to the Pleasuredome” (1984)
Length: 9:07

Ladies and gentlemen, let me present-
FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
Possibly the most important thing.
This side of the world.

We start with Frankie Goes To Hollywood. For some reason, I love listening to Frankie on a Plane. I sometimes listen to the whole Welcome to the Pleasuredome of album on a flight. I’ve chosen “Two Tribes” for the first song. An obvious anti-war song.

For those that know me, you know I’m not really into electronic dance music. But I love Frankie because they combine the music with interesting snippets like “the last voice” and Ronald Reagan quotes. The “last voice” features throughout the album. Its a chilling reminder of a BBC announcer voiced by Patrick Allen with instructions in the event of nuclear war… “If your grandmother or any other member of your family should die whilst in the shelter, Put them outside, but remember to tag them first for identification purposes.”

Ronald Reagan quotes punctuates the song trivialising war… “Just think, war breaks out and nobody turns up.”

Frankie has the most pertinent phrase in the song though commenting on America’s agenda…

I’m working for the black gas

Lyrics aside, I love the way the music builds up, teasing you that something is coming, then to start again. The first half of the song is instrumental, building up letting down and then building up again… then bang…

When two tribes go to war
One is all that you can score

Lyrics: 7
Music: 9
Meaning: 8 (perhaps a bit outdated)
Goosebump factor: 9
A few words: anti-war dance song (hahaha)

---

Long Road out of Eden – The Eagles
Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Timothy B Schmit
Album: “Long Road out of Eden” (2007)
Length: 10:17

Probably not a well known Eagles song. It’s the title track from their last album. Another anti-war song. More current that Frankie’s Two Tribes, but the sentiment is the same. America meddling in other peoples wars to protect their oil interests.

Behold the bitten apple, the power of the tools
But all the knowledge in the world is of no use to fools
And it’s a long road out of Eden

It’s not a typical song for the Eagles. They’re seldom political.

The music is great as always. I’ve seen them in concert twice and their performance is flawless. Music, guitars and those famous harmonies.

Lyrics: 8
Music: 8
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: gimme another slice of that barbecued brisket

---

Telegraph Road – Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler
Album: “Love over Gold” (1982)
Length: 14:18

This is my favourite song, so I’m going to be biased. The music is brilliant, lyrics are emotive and the song is about Geography… what more can you ask?

A long time ago came a man on a track
Walking thirty miles with a sack on his back
And he put down his load where he thought it was the best
Made a home in the wilderness

Its a long song – over 14 minutes. But it deserves that length. It follows the history from a “Dusty old Track” to a decaying metropolis. The lyrics a separated by musical interludes of piano – then Knopfler’s guitar. Piano in Dire Straits songs is a bit of a rarity. They’re a strong guitar band. The play between piano and guitar in this song is the highlight for me. It says, to me anyway, that the piano part is staying “everything is ok – get on with life”. It’s overtaken with the guitar piece saying “no, everything is turning to shit”.

And the birds up on the wires on the telegraph poles
They can always fly away from this rain and this cold
You can hear them singing out their telegraph code
All the way down the Telegraph Road

After the final verse the piano and guitar is joined by strong percussion with a final explosion of music. I’m getting goosebumps just writing about it.

Lyrics: 10
Music: 10
Meaning: 10
Goosebump factor: 10
A few words: masterpiece

---

Adam’s Song – Blink 182
Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge
Album: “Enema Of The State” (1999)
Length: 4:09

A shortish song, but I had to include a Blink 182 here.

It’s a song about depression and suicide. The band wrote this about the loneliness of being on tour away from their loved ones. Other reports say the song is influenced my a suicide email received by Mark Hoppus.

I traced the cord back to the wall,
no wonder it was never plugged in at all

Its the more serious song by the band, who’re typically more lighthearted in their compositions. It was nearly left off the album, Hoppus saying it was too depressing.

Lyrics: 8
Music: 8
Meaning: 9
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: serious song from a good-time band

---

Year of the Cat – Al Stewart
Al Stewart, Peter Wood
Album: “Year of the Cat” (1976)
Length: 6:40 (album version)

Year of the Cat was one of the first albums (yeah… LP vinyl) I bought. I played it to death. Every song is a delight.

Year of the Cat song is probably the best known Al Stewart song. It tells the tale of a holiday romance in a “country where they turned back time”. It’s produced by the legendary Alan Parsons. The protagonist is a tourist that gets mesmerised by a girl in the “Year of the Cat”. He follows her and stays with her and misses his bus home (or wherever hes going next).

By the blue tiled walls near the market stalls
There’s a hidden door she leads you to
These days, she says, I feel my life
Just like a river running through
The year of the cat

Year of the Cat is references the Vietnamese Zodiac. The song was actually written in the year of the cat, which is the same as the Chinese year of the Rabbit. I was born in the year of the rabbit, so maybe this is why this song speaks to me.

Musically the song is complex, encompassing cello, violin, piano, acoustic guitar, distorted electric guitar, synthesizer and saxophone. The transition between solos of some of these instruments is extraordinary.

Lyrics: 9
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 9
A few words: this should happen to everyone at least once

---

Jesus of Suburbia – Green Day
I. “Jesus of Suburbia”
II. “City of the Damned”
III. “I Don’t Care”
IV. “Dearly Beloved”
V. “Tales of Another Broken Home”
Billie Joe Armstrong
Album “American Idiot” (2004)
Length: 9:08

From Green Day’s epic album “American Idiot“, my favourite album. Two American Idiot songs appear on this playlist. Jesus of Suburbia is the story of the protagonist leaving home after being disgruntled over his parents and life at home. The second song on the play list on my play list is “Homecoming” where “Jesus” returns home.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this song played live twice. The transition into each of the five parts of the song is something to behold.

And there’s nothing wrong with me
This is how I’m supposed to be
In a land of make believe
That don’t believe in me

Lyrics: 9
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 10
A few words: classic punk-pop

---

Ball and Biscuit – White Stripes
Jack White
Album “Elephant” (2002)
Length: 7:18

The main reason this song appears on my play list is the fantastic raw guitar of Jack White.

The song has simple lyrics. About a guy convincing a girl to sleep with him. “Ball and a Biscuit” is an obvious euphemism for sex, but I cannot find anywhere where it originated from.

And right now you could care less about me
But soon enough you will care by the time I’m done

White’s guitar work is sensational and almost talks ala Jimmy Hendrix.

Lyrics: 6
Music: 10
Meaning: 7
Goosebump factor: 10
A few words: if I had 3 wishes, one of them would be to able to play guitar like this

---

Brother where you Bound – Supertramp
Rick Davies
Album “Brother where you Bound” (1984)
Length: 16:30

Title track of Supertramp’s first album after founding member Roger Hodgson left the band. The album has a distinctively different sound than Supertramp’s previous albums.

Brother where you Bound is a long song and bears a similarity to the bands 1977 song “A Fools Overture” (also on this playlist). This song deals with the Cold War, where Fool’s Overture deals with WW2 and British politicians.

It features Dave Gilmore (Pink Floyd) and Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) on guitars.

Boy you ain’t got no heart and soul
And your mind is weak and your blood’s runnin’ cold

The song starts with excerpt from George Orwell’s 1984 – has a strong lyrical start with a lengthy musical interlude. The percussion features the Phil Collins Drum sound which shaped 80s music.

Lyrics: 8
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 8
A few words: updated Fool’s Overture

---

25 or 6 to 4 – Chicago
Robert Lamm
Album “Chicago” (1970)
Length: 4:49

A short song with few lyrics. Again this song was chose for the superb 70s style guitar work of Terry Kath.

It’s from Chicago’s second album – before they started numbering their albums and their first under the name Chicago. Their first album was as “Chicago Transit Authority. The song also appears on their greatest hits album Chicago IX.

The song was written by Robert Lamm and features Peter Cetera on vocals. Peter Cetera would eventually lead the band’s demise (in my opinion) after his association with producer David Foster.

It’s a simple story about Lamm staying up late (3.34 or 3.35 am) trying to write a song.

But to me this song is all about guitarist Terry Kath. Kath was a founding member of Chicago and lead guitarist. His guitar work along with the horn section defined Chicago’s sound. Kath tragically died aged 31 in a freak accident on 1978 after an accidental gun shot to the head. Kath was a legendary guitar player and said to be Jimmy Hendrix’s favourite guitarist. Such a shame he was taken early.

If nothing else, listen to the “wap wap” of Kath’s guitar.

The “horns” aren’t to shabby either. Lee Loughnane – trumpet, flugelhorn and James Pankow – trombone

My only criticism of this song is it’s too short… so listen to it twice

Lyrics: 6
Music: 10
Meaning: 6
Goosebump factor: 9
A few words: RIP Terry Kath

---

Homecoming – Green Day
I. “The Death of St. Jimmy”
II. “East 12th St.”
III. “Nobody Likes You” (Mike Dirnt)
IV. “Rock and Roll Girlfriend” (Tré Cool)
V. “We’re Coming Home Again”
Billie Joe Armstrong
Album “American Idiot” (2004)
Length: 9:18

As discussed in Jesus of Suburbia, this song is the return home of the protagonist, Jesus.

It’s very similar in makeup to Jesus of Suburbia, in that it comprises of five parts, each with great transitions into each other. Parts III and IV feature vocals from other band members Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool respectively. I can’t think of any other Green Day songs where its not just Billy Joe Armstrong on lead vocals.

Somebody get me out of there
Anybody get me out of there
Somebody get me out of here
Get me the fuck right out of there

Lyrics: 8
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 9
A few words: classic pop-punk II

---

Tunnel of Love – Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler (Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein II (Carousel Waltz Intro))
Album “Making Movies” (1981)
Length: 8:11

Dire Straits had three previous albums before Making Movies. They had huge success with Sultans of Swing, but I wasn’t really impressed. But I remember driving home from work one day and Tunnel of Love came on the radio. I loved it and immediately bought the album (cassette). I’ve been a Dire Straits fan ever since.

It’s about a short romance in a fair ground. Knopfler references the Spanish City in Whitley Bay, a place where he had fond memories as a child. Tunnel of Love was played every morning when the fair opened in the years before it closed in 2002. I was surprised to see it refurbished and reopened in 2018.

In a screaming ring of faces I seen her standing in the light
She had a ticket for the races just like me she was a victim of the night

Knopfler’s guitar is stunning as always. You get caught up in the atmosphere of the carnival and the romance. It’s heart breaking, although somehow you understand when they part.

And in the roar of dust and diesel I stood and watched her walk away
I could have caught up with her easy enough but something must have made me stay

Lyrics: 9
Music: 10
Meaning: 9
Goosebump factor: 8
A few words: in the roar of dust and diesel

---

Common People – William Shatner
Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve Mackey, Russell Senior (Pulp)
Album “Has Been” (2004)
Length: 4:40

A recent remake of Pulp’s song Common People.

Obviously William Shatner is a legend on the big screen, but his curious partnership with the genius Ben Folds produced this gem. But it needed something else… enter Joe Jackson, another legend (according to me).

I’m a huge Ben Folds and Joe Jackson fan, and when I heard thy collaborated on this song, I was in heaven.

 

The song is about a spoiled rich girl who wants to experience live as a common person. Of course its impossible because she’ll always have a safety net.

But still you’ll never get it right,
‘Cause when you’re laid in bed at night,
Watching roaches climb the wall,
If you called your Dad he could stop it all.

The lyrics are clever, but the highlight for me is the combination of Shatner’s spoken word and Jackson’s singing. They start taking turns, then they’re overlapping each other, then they come together in the song’s conclusion. Its a credit to Folds’ composition craft.

Lyrics: 9
Music: 10
Meaning: 10
Goosebump factor: 10
A few words: three legends combine

---

Hotel California – The Eagles
Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey
Album “Hotel California” (1977)
Length: 6:30

Everyone will know this classic from the Eagles.

What’s it about? So much debate on this.

The band have come out and said its about the Los Angeles lifestyle in the 1970s. Getting sucked into to champagne and high life. The band had tasted success at this stage and moved to California to work on their next album “Hotel California”. The album would go on to become one of the most successful albums of all time.

To me though, the song is about heroin. Hotel California is heroin.
…Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
…Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
…And she said, ‘we are all just prisoners here, of our own device’
…But they just can’t kill the beast

And of course the classic line…

‘Relax’ said the night man,
‘We are programmed to receive.
You can check out any time you like,
But you can never leave!’

The band said he song is always open to interpretation. That’s my interpretation.

After the words comes a lengthy dual guitar part. The genius of Don Felder and Joe Walsh shine.

Lyrics: 10
Music: 10
Meaning: 10
Goosebump factor: 8
A few words: A classic

---

Life During Wartime (Stop Making Sense album version) – Talking Heads
David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth
Album “Stop Making Sense” (1984)
Length: 5:51

I feel in love with the song after seeing it played live on the Stop Making Sense movie. Check out the video on youtube when you’re not on a plane. The song starts with the strong jogging beat. All front members of the band start jogging on the spot. At the end of the song lead singer, David Byrne is jogging laps of the stage.

The song is exactly as the title says. It describes what life would be like during wartime. One of the less cryptic Talking Heads songs.

We dress like students, we dress like housewives,
Or in a suit and a tie
I changed my hairstyle, so many times now,
I don’t know what I look like!

Lyrics: 8
Music: 8
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 8
A few words: If I ever took up jogging, I’d only jog to this song

---

Fool’s Overture – Supertramp
Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson
Album “Even in the Quietest Moments…” (1977)
Length: 10:52

Roger Hodgson claims this song is about the fall of humanity around the start of WWII.

It starts with Winston Churchill’s famous “Never Surrender” speech in 1940.

Many writers have interpreted the song around the demise of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain who resigned as Hitler was marching through Europe. I’m not sure he’s the “Fool” in the song.

I just think its a commentary on men fighting with men to their own downfall. “Man” is the fool.

Called the man a fool, stripped him of his pride
Everyone was laughing up until the day he died
And though the wound went deep
Still he’s calling us out of our sleep

I love the flow of the song, but I just wish the percussion was more pronounced. It seems a little weak in that regard. A bolder deeper drum line would dramatise the song more. Perhaps this is Hodgson’s legacy keeping Supertramp a piano focused band at that stage. I drew comparisons to the band’s more recent song “Brother Where You Bound” earlier. That song has a very strong and dramatic percussion – written my Rick Davies, without Roger Hodgson’s involvement.

Lyrics: 8
Music: 6
Meaning: 7
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: needs more bass

---

Hey Nineteen – Steely Dan
Walter Becker, Donald Fagen
Album “Gaucho” (1980)
Length: 5:10

I love the music in this song. Steely Dan were way ahead of their time. Their music holds up today.

This song is about an older gentleman with a nineteen year old girlfriend. The differences they have. You can tell throughout the song that the singer knows the relationship is doomed.

Hey Nineteen
That’s ‘Retha Franklin
She don’t remember the Queen of Soul

The jazz music style is sharp and clean.

The last three verses make reference to “Cuervo Gold” – Tequila and the “Fine Colombian” which is said to be marijuana, not cocaine.

The Cuervo Gold
The fine Colombian
Make tonight a wonderful thing

A curious end to the song. I’m not sure what it means. Perhaps the singer knows his relationship is doomed to fail – so he’s dulling the pain.

Lyrics: 7
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: smooth as silk

---

Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I – V)- Pink Floyd
David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright
Album – “Wish You Were Here” (1975)
Length: 13:32

Of course Pink Floyd had to make an appearance. They are masters of the epic long songs. There’s a number of their songs that could have been included here. “Dogs”, “Set the controls for the heart of the sun”, “Echoes”. I settled on Shine on you Crazy Diamond – but only parts I – V. Adding the additional five parts takes the song to over 26 minutes. Too long for a trip to Bali.

The song is a tribute to Syd Barrett one of the bands founding members. Barrett suffered mental issues after experimenting with psychedelic drugs.

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.

 

Lyrics: 8
Music: 10
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: shine like the sun

---

Passacaglia/A Bud and a Slice (Sloth) – Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson
Album – “Heaven and Hell” (1997)
Length: 8:36

From Joe Jackson’s concept album Heaven and Hell, a music interpretation on the seven deadly sins. This song is “Sloth”. It has a slow lazy beat and features the vocals of Brad Roberts from Crash Test Dummies. Roberts’ bass-baritone voice is a perfect fit for the sloth like character in the song.

Waiting for worlds to collide in the comfort of home
They say Lucifer’s free
What shall we do?
Don’t …ask ….me

This is a masterful composition from Jackson and expertly portrays the sloth in all of us.

Lyrics: 9
Music: 9
Meaning: 9
Goosebump factor: 9
A few words: Can’t be bothered writing a few words

---

30,000 Pounds of Bananas (Greatest Stories Live version) – Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin
Album: “Greatest Stories Live” (1976)
Length: 11:28

I just had to have a Harry Chapin song on here. There was many to choose from. “Taxi”, “Mr Tanner”, “A Better Place to Be” could have easily made it onto this list. Chapin is a master story teller, accomplished entertainer, producer and humanitarian. It would have been awesome to see him in concert. He died tragically in a car accident in 1981 aged just 39.

I chose this song because it best portrays Chapin as an entertainer. Its based around the true story of a 35-year-old truck driver, Eugene P. Sesky, was on his way to deliver a load of bananas to Scranton, Pennsylvania, loses control of the truck and crashes. Chapin plays a fictional account of the story and  in the live performance of the song plays alternate endings.

Because its a country song it should have a country ending
Something about motherhood this time
Because the song already has a truck

He plays with the audience and has them wrapped around his finger.

There are other versions of this song with even more alternative endings.

Lyrics: 9
Music: 8
Meaning: 8
Goosebump factor: 7
A few words: wish I’d seen that live performance

 

---

Other songs that could have made it on my list

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

American Pie – Don McLean

Taxi – Harry Chapin

Welcome to the Pleasuredome – Frankie goes to Hollywood

Private Investigations – Dire Straits

Piano man – Billy Joel

 

---

References

https://en.wikipedia.org

https://www.songfacts.com

https://songmeanings.com/

http://www.rogerhodgson.com/

https://genius.com

Another weekender in Bali. We always tend to find ourselves in Bali around this time of the year. It’s our anniversary 10 November. On this trip Jane and I celebrated 11 years together.

It was only four nights – three full days, so we just used it to relax, sleep and eat. However,…   eating has become an issue for me lately.

We stayed at the Legian Beach Hotel. A big resort style hotel, with arguably the best location in Bali. Right on the beach on Jalan Melasti. We stayed in a Garden Villa, which was stunning. It was spacious and private.

The hotel itself is very large. It has normal hotel rooms, small villas and private pool villas. We chose the mid-range “Garden Villa”. At $183 / night it wasn’t cheap, but it gave us a little luxury without blowing the budget (too much). The pool villas were over $270/night. We swam in the big pool with all the other plebs.

There two pools, one restricted to just adults. The hotel was fairly empty and there were only a few kids. The pool that allowed kids wasn’t too busy and was a nicer pool – it was shallower too, which suited Jane. Each pool had a bar, the adult’s pool having a swim up bar.

There were two other bars and 3 restaurants. We didn’t eat at any of the restaurants however. A few years ago we ate at the Yuyake Teppanyaki restaurant. That was pricey buy a lot of fun.

The hotel was excellent and I would definitely recommend it for families wanting a safe, reasonable resort style hotel close to the heart of Legian and Kuta. The staff were friendly and efficient. The buffet breakfast was extensive and delicious.

Another weekender in Bali. We always tend to find ourselves in Bali around this time of the year. It’s our anniversary 10 November. On this trip Jane and I celebrated 11 years together.

It was only four nights – three full days, so we just used it to relax, sleep and eat. However,…   eating has become an issue for me lately. I had Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery 28 August. Most of my stomach was removed. I decided to have this surgery to control my weight and hopefully add a few more years onto the end of my life. This was my first vacation since the surgery and Bali holidays are usually an exercise in gluttony, I was curious to see how it would go.

 

Saturday

We stayed at Legian Beach Hotel.  My review here. Breakfast was included. There was an extensive choice. “Here we go” I thought.

Breakfast

Omelette, coffee. Some fruit. There was three omelette stations, all manned by Teppanyaki chefs. They used those grill spatulas cooking instruments and quickly crafted a delicious omelette. I surprised myself and managed three (small) cups of coffee.

Mid Morning

Rum and coke at the pool. We bought a bottle of Sailor Jerry spiced rum duty free. We just bought straight coke from the pool bar and sneakily added the rum from a used coke bottle.

Lunch

A visit to one of our favourite restaurants in Legian, Lemongrass. Jane has her usual Nasi Goreng and I just chose the “Mixed Entree”.

It consisted of satay sticks, Thai fish cakes, spring rolls and calamari. I really struggled to eat only half of it.

Afternoon snack

Our “Merianda” was just a rum and lemonade and seaweed chips in the hotel room.

Dinner

Jane promised to take me to a restaurant she and Bianca found called Fat Bowl. We each ordered a cocktail and shared one dish, Popcorn Prawns Sushi. It was delicious and just the right amount.

Sunday

Breakfast

Pancake, waffle and coffee from the buffet.

Lunch

Jane organised her massage and hair cut, so I settled into the Posers Pub and watched the cricket. I ordered Mixed Satays and ate them slowly. There was nine sticks with a mix of chicken, beef and pork served in their own little barbecue. I also had my first Bintang for the trip. I was avoiding the beer because of its gassiness, but it was fine – so fine I had three. It didn’t help Australia’s performance in the cricket match though!

Afternoon snack

Rum and coke at the pool in the afternoon

Dinner

For dinner we tried Garlic Lane restaurant. It was close by and had excellent reviews. I chose their specialty creamy garlic prawns. It was a large portion so I knew I was going to struggle eating it. I managed to eat all the prawns and some of the chips and salad. It was delicious. I didn’t order a drink. Jane’s fried pork belly was OK, without standing out.

 

Monday

Breakfast

Omelette again with sausage and some (beef) bacon. Perhaps a bit much this time. I couldn’t finish a whole cup of coffee.

Mid morning snack

We missed as we were sleeping!

Lunch

We just lazed around the hotel pool. Jane ordered a couple of cocktails while I stuck with rum and cokes. We ordered spicy chicken wings and curly fries to share from the pool bar.

Mid afternoon

Still at the pool getting drunk!

Dinner

Out last dinner was at a Sidewalk Cafe restaurant on Jalan Melasti. I ordered the Seafood Mee Goreng, knowing that it would be too much. I picked out the seafood and ate some of the noodles. I was excellent. Jane was impressed with her chicken maryland with sambal sauce. I didn’t order a drink.

Some final shopping and early to bed – we have a 7am flight home.

Final Thoughts on eating

If I were to share this blog post with my dietitian she wouldn’t be happy with me. I didn’t take my Protein, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Some of my meals were… um.. just alcoholic drinks. I did however, concentrate of eating as much protein as a could.

I think my eating was pretty good. I still enjoyed the taste of Bali. I think I managed the portions well, but I felt like I did waste some food. I felt guilty leaving half to a quarter of the dishes that I ordered. I imagine the Balinese wait staff and chefs were angry with me paying for wasting their food. Throwing away good food that these people would be grateful to have for their own families. I felt like a rich fat cat. But I took solace in the fact that this cat is getting thinner.

As I’ve said in my previous post, this holiday is all about relaxing – we didn’t do anything new and exciting.

We’ve spent a lot of time eating, drinking, sitting around talking BS.

Here are the highlights.

Happy Chappy

Tuesday night we had dinner at Happy Chappy Chinese restaurant. We had a variety of dishes, but the standout was the Hot and Sour soup. The cocktails we’re good too.

The Hot and Sour soup was so good, we ordered takeaway from Happy Chappy Thursday night.

Jimbaran Bay Seafood Club

Wednesday night we had dinner at Jimbaran Bay. I’d heard a lot of Jimbaran Bay, but I’d never been there, partly because its a long drive, I’ve heard tourists can get scammed there plus I’m not a huge seafood fan. They have tables set out on the beach sand and you watch the sunset while eating your expensive lobster.

The most disappointing thing about this place was the condition of the beach. It was filthy. Lots of plastic bags and other rubbish washing up on the shore. You couldn’t see this from your table though.

Shopping, bar hopping and Lemongrass

Thursday was mostly spent in Legian and Kuta. The girls went shopping while Gordon and I sampled ales from various establishments.

LemonGrass is an old favourite. We met up and had lunch there. I had my favourite Penang Curry. Jane had her predictable Nasi Goreng. Cristy had Mee Goreng, while Gordon had the Jungle curry (three chilli strength). We all enjoyed it.

Friday was much the same. Gordon and I met up with Sukma Purnawardi to arrange some Tattoo work.

We had lunch at another old favourite, Bamboo. (yes Nasi Goreng for Jane)

Weekend surprises

Saturday was the big day. Mike and Dorilyn arrived from Singapore and we had Cristy’s surprise birthday party.

More on the birthday operation here.

We all got up late on Sunday and Mike treated us to lunch at one of Gordon’s old haunts Zanzibar at double six beach. My Garlic and Chilli Prawns was a bit of a let down, but we had an enjoyable lunch with plenty of stories and laughs. Jane didn’t have Nasi Goreng here believe it or not.

Sunday night back at the Villa was a hoot with Mike and Dorilyn in fine form. Both were extremely funny.

Tattoos and Ling Ling’s

Monday was our last day.

After saying good bye to Mike and Dorilyn we headed back into Legian for final shopping and our tattoo work.

Jane, Cristy and I had a quick bite at Legend Bar while waiting for Gordon’s tattoo – you guessed it – Nasi Goreng for Jane.

I had been following Ling Ling’s restaurant on Instagram for a few years and I’ve always wanted to go there, but its always been too far to travel from Kuta/Legian. As we were staying in Seminyak I finally had my chance. We had dinner there Monday night. It was stunning. All of it – the food – service – price and the cute waitresses. We had an assortment of dishes including sushi rolls, sushi style burritos, bao tacos and shashimi.

The cocktails weren’t that bad either. They have a unique “happy hour” concept. When you buy a cocktail you get to roll a dice and predict whether it will be odd or even. Jane correctly guessed and won a free cocktail. Gordon and I both guessed incorrectly. 😦

Best restaurant of the trip.

Home time

Up early on Tuesday for the trip back home.

It really was a fantastic holiday. Many thanks to Gordon and Cristy for suggesting the Villa style and for keeping us laughing the whole time.

We’ll definitely do something again with them.

Where to next….?

Months of planning – secret communiques – lies – deception – conspiracies.

Cristy’s birthday (Black Ops #IV_423423) was successfully executed with military precision. Led by General Gordon, ably assisted by Lieutenants Alan, Jane, Mike, Dorilyn, Pedro and Kerry, Cristy’s 50th birthday surprise was just that – a big surprise and a great night was had by all.

One of the main reasons we came to Bali was to celebrate Cristy’s birthday. Turning 50, she didn’t want to stay home and have a big party and definitely NO SURPRISES! Gordon, Cristy’s husband wanted to do something special. He organised a seafood feast at the Villa next door, owned by Gordon’s friends Pedro and Kerry. That wasn’t the big surprise.

Gordon and Cristy’s old friends, Mike and Dorilyn wanted to come to Perth to celebrate the big birthday. Gordon explained to them that we wouldn’t be in Perth, but in Bali. It just so happened that we had a three bedroom Villa and we had a spare bedroom – why not come for the weekend? Great idea!

Gordon kept this information from Cristy, so it would be a surprise. Jane and I were in on the plan – sworn to secrecy. As weeks went by it was difficult not to let the cat out of the bag.

After the great passport issue we finally made it to Bali. Our driver, Made on the way kept saying “Your friends are coming on Saturday, right? Eeekk Shut up Made. Jane tried to change the subject “Are you married Made?” Made told us about his wife and kids and then went on again asking about our friends coming on Saturday. Quick thinking from Gordon suggested it was Pedro and Kerry’s friend arriving on Sunday, who coincidentally, was also named Mike. Made seemed to accept this but looked confused. When we arrived at the Villa, Gordon took him aside and told about the secret.

Saturday arrived. Jane took Cristy out for a pamper session in Legian, while Gordon and I stayed home and watched the football (but really waiting for Mike and Dorilyn to arrive. They arrived about noon and we waited for the girls to come home.

When they came home Mike and Dorilyn hid in the bedroom. Gordon told Cristy “you just missed a call from Mike, he wanted to wish you happy birthday. I’ll call him back.”

Gordon called Mike (who was in the next room remember)

Gordon: “Hello Mike”

Mike: “Hello”

Gordon: “speak up mate, can’t hear you”

Mike: “Hello”

Gordon: “still can’t hear you…”

Mike bursts through the door saying “is that better?”

Cristy: SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM…

It was the reaction we’d hoped for.

Mission accomplished.

Later that night we went out for dinner, but first a drink with Pedro and Kerry next door. As we entered their Villa, Cristy saw the Happy Birthday balloon and realised we were already at the party.

Cristy: SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM…

A great night was had by all – lots of food, drinks and laughs.

Yes we’re off to Bali again.

This time its something different. We’re travelling and staying with our good friends Gordon and Cristy. We’ve rented a private villa in Seminyak for 9 days. The main purpose is too veg out – relax – recharge. We’ve all been looking forward to it for ages.

At last the big day arrived and Jane and I were in the taxi going to the airport, when Jane got a call. From Cristy.

Jane to Cristy: hello

Jane to Cristy: Shit!

Me: what?

Jane to Cristy: Oh no!

Me: whaaat?

Jane to Cristy: Oh my god!

Me: WHAT IS IT!!?

It turns out Gordon and Cristy we’re at the airport already, and they’d just realised they’d left one of their bags in the OLA car – containing their passports! They had taken the new ride-share company OLA for the first time. OLA were giving away free rides as a promotion to get themselves established in Perth.

When we got to the airport Gordon and Cristy were frantically trying to contact OLA or the driver. Jane and I joined in the search. It seems that OLA is an Indian company with little little customer support. There was one “support number, which Gordon called a few times. As he doesn’t speak Hindi, he didn’t get far. Jane found a OLA Perth Facebook group and immediately joined the group. Gordon recognised the driver as a member of that group and we messaged him. He didn’t respond. We we’re getting desperate. We were supposed to be relaxing – chilling – laughing. But it was the exact opposite!

Anyway, minutes later we got the call we we’re praying for. “Hi its Frederic, the OLA driver, I have your bag”. Whoo hoo! Five minutes later, Gordon had his bag and passports – let the relaxing begin! On the plane Gordon fell straight asleep. Cristy developed a headache. But at least we’re on the plane to Bali.

We arrived in Bali and made our way to our Villa. We were met there by Wayan, our housekeeper. She showed us around – the place was stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My photo album is shared to Google+ for a short time only.