23rd January

We negotiated a deal with a local taxi firm to hire a car and a driver to take us to a nearby waterfall. It was approximately 15 kilometres away but due to the traffic congestion in Ubud the journey took just under an hour there and just over an hour back. This is why we walk!! It was an interesting journey especially when we got closer to a local volcanic mountain. The driver dropped us off and the ticket man saw us safely to the road crossing man who, armed with a red flag on a stick, saw us safely across the road. We walk through the jungle to the waterfall where we were met by a very solicitous waterfall attendant. He was great …took loads of photos of us and told us about the contours of the pool and where it was deep etc. We  walked to the top waterfall and it was wonderful to feel the cold spray of the mountain water. Later we swam in the pool and lounged around the edges watching the wildlife. We were so lucky to be the only visitors for a while. Most people came with a guide, posed where and how the guide advised and left - another waterfall done! There are so many companies offering these ‘photo opportunity’ tours. What’s the point? 

One of many photos taken of us at the waterfall

Photo opportunity location

We went for a little wander around a local street then headed to a shack in the car park for a drink. We only wanted a cold drink to take in the car but the family offered us their seats and wanted to chat so we obliged. The dad asked where we were from and when we said UK he asked if we knew his friend… Elizabeth 😂😂. I said I’m sorry she died but I’m sure you know Charles! They were so lovely and interested in life …They asked about our trip, we showed them currency from Vietnam and let them have some. Showed them some from the UK but didn’t give that away ! They taught us some Balinese words and explained that they speak Indonesian too. It was lovely to meet them. 

New Balinese friends

We were starving when we got back so headed into Alchemy …healthy food and healthy portions. There was a power out … fairly common it appears - but despite the fans stopping and the lights going out everyone continued to get served and enjoy their food - cooking on gas.

Vegan poke bowl

Vegan protein bowl