Memoirs of the Affair (Bali Series: 2nd of 3 Parts)

…And the fervor is still in my body to carry on the story of a secret love.  My Love Affair with Bali proved to be such a tease for an even wilder imagination of return.  

Let me go on with the rest of where my tenderness for Bali is coming from.  

Antonio Blanco Museum  

Jana also suggested visiting this museum with a petting bird corner.  She’s suspecting that the artist might be a distant relative of his boyfriend, Carlo.  And further to my research, she might be right because Antonio Blanco was born in Manila on September 15, 1911.  Both of his parents were Spanish who settled in the Philippines.   

Image Source: Blanco Museum Website

My “tourist-a” shot 😛  

Follow the gray brick road  

Other than the petting bird corner, Antonio Blanco also has dachshunds and monkeys in the museum grounds but we didn’t get to see them.  We were offered welcome drinks as soon we reached the garden patio.  

Eye to Eye

He backed down... yay! I'm still not blinking... He might steal a peck and mark a hole on my cheek 🙁

Parrot: What a big smile you have mister.

Parrot: Oh, go ahead and smile. Just checking if my claws are digging deep enough.

Parrot: This looks like a bark I can peck on.

Bubba: Err… that’s actually my hand.  

Parrot: I'm only kidding. You can relax now. (smiles)

Blanco supposedly arrived in Bali penniless, but he befriended the king and became a favorite at court, becoming the confidant of many powerful folks in Bali and Indonesia.  

The museum is actually homage to this famous Bali artist, showcasing a collection of his work.  No cameras are allowed inside but a lot of his paintings and artwork involved baroque pornography, mostly women with exposed breasts.  

The Blanco Renaissance Museum  

Campuan, Ubud  

Bali – Indonesia  

Phone: 0062 0361-975502  

Fax: 0062 0361-975551  

Email: a-blanco@indo.net.id  

Admission Fee: International Contribution Rp.50.000  

Bye-Bye Babi Guling  

After visiting the AB Museum, we headed right out to Ubi Oka Babi Guling.  It’s time to put to the test if Bali has better suckling pig than the Philippines.  

Getting out of the private car, we skipped our way to Warung Ibu Oka excited about another touch of tongue with Bali.  We look for a vacant table and spot one inside, near where a table was just being served.  The wait staff though started waving her hand and yelling, “Finis… finis.”  We thought it was their closing time and we begged and begged to get a Babi Guling order, even as food to go.  

Much to our chagrin, when she said, “Finish,” it meant that they ran out of Babi Guling.  I suppose they only roast one or two suckling pigs a day for the restaurant.  We couldn’t believe that we were only 5 minutes too late in tasting Bourdain’s “other” claim of best suckling pig.  We asked if they had other branches, they didn’t.  Not giving up that easily, we set out for the hunt.  We kept asking around and our driver, I-Made said that there’s an original branch in the very house of the owner.   

It was only a couple of blocks drive but when we got there, we found out that the restaurant there has moved to the new location, which is where we first started out.  It has run out -so elusive, like a lover that wants to be desired.  

Brokenhearted, we mounted the car.  

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka  

Jl Suweta Bali, Indonesia   

+62(813) 38265706  

The Day Settles in Pura Tanah Lot  

The decision was to pass up the visit to Ubud market to still be in schedule for where we planned to see the sunset.  The idea was to leave Ubud by 4PM to have enough time to get to Tanah Lot, which was 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Ubud.  It’s bordering the coast of Bali where this famous rock formation is home of a pilgrimage temple.   

Image Source: Wikipedia Site

Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” while Pura means temple, this temple sits atop a large offshore rock being shaped continuously over the years by the ocean side.  It’s located in Tabanan, about 20km from Denpasar.   

The story behind Tanah Lot was when a 15^th century priest named Nirartha traveled along the south coast, he spotted the rock-island’s beautiful setting and opted to rest there.  Fishermen saw him and brought him gifts that tide him over the night.  Before he left the next day, he instructed the fishermen to build a shrine on the rock because he felt it to be a holy place to worship Balinese sea gods.  

Today, there is a holy spring that streams underneath the massive rock.  

In Bali, the sun sets later than Manila, 630-ish.  We reached the area right on schedule around 530PM with sufficient time to stroll around and find a good sitting spot.  There is one blimp.  My camera died.  We tried taking photos from Bubba’s Nokia E63 but the resolution was less than satisfactory.  

Gazing out the horizon, we settled to just enjoy the moment.  We climbed one of the rocks across Tanah Lot and propped comfortably there, with the Like the Flowing River book and Evian facial spray on my side.  I didn’t get to read a page because we got busy talking and watching people.  

The sun started to set and I know that it sets faster than we expect it to finish.  There are a few “photographers” in the area with instant Selphy printers.  After a few debate, we decided to go for the photog.  It’s not everyday we are in Tanah Lot for the sunset, might as well get a decent remembrance.  

However, the decision came at a crucial time because the sun was almost out.  And instead of getting one guy who had a lousy camera brand, I opted to wait for the one who was already taking a photo of a group.  In short, we almost missed out the sunset photo opportunity anyway –even if there was already a camera to take the shot.  

It was an irritatingly funny scenario.  One can’t help but just smack the head and shrug.  

Back to Legian  

It took an hour to go back to Legian.  We reached the hotel around 8PM.  We paid I-Made our agreed price and an extra for the good service… and thanked him graciously for such a wonderful trip.   

After resting and much-needed shower, the evening was set forth to meet Madz and company.  But first, we had some Balinese foot massage.  

Self-Portrait Shot with My Baby Lumix. First time I did heavy eye make-up on my own. *Grins*

The foot spa was soothing (but very HARD, the hardest foot massage I’ve experienced that it was almost painful –good thing I have high tolerance for pain.  Bubba was wincing and asked his masseuse if he can do it lighter.  Right after though, my feet felt very relaxed.)  

Sky Lounge  

Can’t I get enough of “sky” (I’m supposed to be on vacay!)?  Madz SMS-ed that they moved there from another bar.  We followed right after the foot spa.  

Sky Lounge is one of the happening bars in Kuta, Bali.  They have several levels for different type of music and crowd.  

It was great to see Madz.  I was so excited to tell her how beautiful Ubud is and how I missed her during the whole trip.  We would have had fun eating the ribs -she has a healthy appetite too!  She shared with me her day’s stories and we danced a bit.  

Bubba and I only stayed a short time since we weren’t in the partying mood.  The crowd in Kuta wasn’t the crowd we’d like to move and dance with –let’s just say it’s too rowdy for our taste.  Albeit it’s an interesting crowd to watch 😉  

Midnight Dinner at Surya Candra  

Both famished, Surya Candra seemed to be the best option to have the late-night dinner.  It’s also on the same street as Sky Lounge and the massage place.  I ordered Singaporean chili crab that I missed to eat while I was still in Singapore 2 days ago (although I’ve tried it before with Jen during my Singapore visit last year).  Bubba ordered chicken kebab.  Drinks were 3 orders of watermelon fresh juice… it’s really very dry in Bali even in the evening.  

By 1 AM, we’re ready to hit the sack.  

The Morning After  

I flicker my eyes open and relish such a wonderful adventure the day before… at the same time, welcoming the adventure that awaits me that Monday.  March 22, 2010 is the date and it’s the date I will remember as my first shot at surfing.  

Backtracking a little, Bubba suggested to do the beach activities first then the Ubud trip after.  I considered otherwise because it’s always better to do the sights first or do the must-sees and must-dos before lounging.  I was able to convince him to do Ubud trip first and today, we have a lot of time to just take it easy –perfect to be relaxed and unhurried right before returning to “reality.”  At least you’d have “baon” (package) of peace when we go back to bustling Manila and back to the grind.  

Odyssey’s School of Surf  

First stop was Odyssey’s school in Mercure Hotel.  I was semi-game to enroll prior to the trip.  When we arrived there, I became really hesitant to enroll.  I told Bubba that I’d be happy to just watch and take photos of him getting his handle on surfing.   

Odysseys Surf School is a surfing school with a reputation for it’s open, fun and friendly atmosphere.  Established in 2003 and sponsored by Oakley and supported by the Academy of Surfing Instructors Australia, Hard Rock Cafe, Surftime-Surf Mag, it has surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate.   

The Surf School headquarter is located at the Mercure Hotel Arcade just in front of Kuta Beach, a beach very famous for its white sandy bottom, breaking waves and waist deep water, making the school the perfect and suitable place to learn surfing.  

The friendly front desk person at Odyssey tells us though that the high tide is coming in and it’s better to set the schedule around 330PM.  We gladly obliged with their safety protocol.  

We first stopped by the beach and enjoyed the morning sun for one hour.  

Shop Until You Drop  

Right after Odyssey, we head out to the Billabong Factory Outlet.  The prices are cut by 30%, 50% and 75% depending on the items!!!  What a steal!!!  

I bought myself a green Billabong gym/utility bag that costs only P1,500.  I thought of buying one also for my sister Joanne –I’m sure she would like it.  2 Billabong bags for P3,000?  Not bad.  This would probably retail in Manila at approx. P3,800 EACH.  I bought a pink cap, shorts, pink slippers and hot pink top.  Super cheap.  Period.  

Lunch at Made’s Warung  

I basically followed Jana (and Bubba’s) suggestions and this time, it was Made’s Warung that I eyed on the list.  

On the Table  

½ Nasi Campur ½ Gado Gado Rp 35,000  

Nasi Campur, along with Nasi Goreng (slightly similar), is one of the more popular Indonesian dishes.   Nasi Campur (or read as Nasi Champoor because the Indonesians pronounce their C as “ch”) is an Indonesian type of mixed rice topped with various meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried shrimp chips.  

Gado Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad served with peanut sauce dressing.  The plate looks so busy with Nasi Campur and Gado Gado on its own are a mixture of various components but put them together and it’s really a crazy plate in front of you.  Complicated in the eyes, simple yummy-ness.  

Curried Crab Rp 55,000 (served with brown rice Rp 5,000)  

I thought it would be served with a whole crab.  It was like a curry stew of vegetables and vermicelle noodles with shredded crabmeat –barely any crabmeat at all.  I discourage ordering this.  

Vanilla Milkshake Rp 25,000  

It was too sweet  

Mango Fresh Juice Rp 15,000  

Relatively okay but not as sweet as our fresh mangoes  

Green Tea (2) Rp 15,000  

It was basically a hot day that got us ordering 4 drinks  

After lunch, we roamed the streets for more shopping.  Items can be cheaper in Siem Reap, but there are some cheap finds in Bali as well, not necessarily in the factory outlets.  The only sad note is, the vendors try to rake it in with the foreigners.  So always barter at least half the price.  

Made’s Warung  

Br. Seminyak Kuta, Indonesia  

Surf’s Up!  

We dropped our things in the hotel and returned to Odyssey.  Despite my fears (I am not a good swimmer at all), I finally decided to give it a try.  There’s no hurt in trying.  Odyssey’s service is commendable.  There’s free locker storage for your things –I won’t usually leave my passport behind but it was really safe there because the senior staff guaranteed security himself.   

The instructor, Gary (I hope I got it right) introduced himself with a big smile.  He brought us to the roof deck of the Mercure hotel and taught us the basics.  First: the parts of a surfboard.  Second: what not to do at the beach.  Third: how to get on your surfboard and surf.  Seems easy to remember.  

The roof deck of the hotel is quite nice.  It has a nice infinity pool that overlooks the beach.  I might consider staying here on the next visit.  

After the quick lesson and the drill, we headed to the beach.  The three of us did some warm-up exercises.  

Starting  

Guess where’s Janey?  

Strrrrretch!  

And there we were, standing on the beach with surfboard on the side looking at the waves.  

My heart started a drum roll inside.  Gary said it’s a 3-feet wave.  I asked him what was the biggest wave he’s ever ridden (with the idea of chatting him up to delay me getting in the water.)  He said that in 2006, he rode 10-12 feet high wave some place outside Bali (I forget, the drum roll was just too noisy).  

Gary noticed my stalling and directed us to the water.  I hesitated, “gentleman first.”  He laughed and with a big smile, he said there’s nothing to be scared of.  I followed him.  

I rode on the board and faced my adversary.  Not the waves.  The weak ME…  This is it.  There’s nothing behind me.  Gary assisted me and turned me at the right moment, facing the beach… he goes, “1-2…”   

I felt the incoming wave push my board forward.  This is the time I should get up, I told myself.  It’s not yet snow time but I froze in place.  The waves sweep me to the shore with me resting on the board.  I look back at Gary, scared to disappoint him, but his face was only all smiles –the best one I’ve seen among Balinese.  That prompted me –not to lose that smile –and therefore I tried again.   

This time, I tried to get up.  I moved one foot and then the next… and splashed.  

The third time, my goal was to be able to stand up.  I did.  I had an absolute triumph over myself for being able to stand on the board.  My form could be better I suppose but no one can steal my moment of glory.  I was in complete shock and elation.  Such an adrenaline rush!!!   

I was getting the drift of catching the wave… But there’s one thing that Gary didn’t teach -it’s landing.  I didn’t know how to break, so I splash on the water pretty bad.  At first, it was standing up that I was afraid of.  Later, it became the getting down the board that scared me… because I spill and find the board in front of me and incoming wave… a big NO-NO.   

Eventually, I got the hang of it.  

It took some time before Bubba  was able to stand on the board (and yes, I say that with a lot of pride for getting it on the 3^rd try tee-hee.  I think he was quite proud of me too because he kept cheering and beaming).   

During the first session though, the board was in front of me in two occasions and trying to avoid the first one put ugly scratches on my left foot, while the second one saw the board bumping my head with a big thud.   

I was worried at first.  I’m so particular with my skin.  

We had a break after 30 minutes.   

Bubba finally got up on the board during the second session.  Hooray! 🙂  

Third session, I just decided to let Bubba take it all-in while I shoot him from the shore.  

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After surfing, we walked back to Odyssey office just across the beach.  The front desk, who signed us up earlier, welcomed our return and asked how it went.  “So much fun!”  She handed us towels and directed us to their private showers at the back, where we washed off the sand and toweled ourselves dry before going inside the office again.  We changed in the changing room and retrieved our stuff from the lockers.  We looked at our surfing photos in the computer, paid our dues and gave Gary an extra for his patience.  

The Odyssey staff bids us with a warm farewell.  I walk with a different strut –more sure of my steps.  I walk out of their school with a memento marked on my left foot –it’s still fresh… tender… with dried up blood… that will eventually look like scars.  It’s a reminder of how I conquered my fears against not being able to swim or moving waters… surfer dudes might laugh at my small achievement –but it’s a conquest I thought I would never be on.  Threading on moving water.  And I claim that small victory.  

I can proudly look at the war wounds (scrapes) and remember my first-ever surfing experience in Bali.  

A Lot of Bali Lovin’ (3rd of 3 Parts) is coming right up…  

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