From Lembagon to Ubud

This has become my journal, though I'm obviously not very regular. Bali has been more than we expected or imagined. After three nights in southern Bali-- the most touristed area, we went to the island of Lembogon. It is the getaway from the big getaway spot. We tried going without any hotels or arrangements but since we left most of our luggage behind and just had a backpack, we figured it would work out. It naturally did. Really, what can go wrong? Tropical island, beautiful weather and cash. That's all it takes. Our first night was spent in a truly beautiful Australian resort overlooking the volcano on Bali and the beaches of lambagon. It was more than we needed or wanted. The next two nights were "in town" at a cute hotel that also had a great view but without a pool or the other luxuries. We took a boat around the island went snorkeling and swam with manta rays. What a day. The girls tried to lean to surf but lacked a good teacher. We also spent an entire day on bikes riding around the whole island, stopping only to swim or eat and then swim again. The waves and constant motion has pushed us inland to the area of Ubud. Since the book and movie Eat,Pray,Love this area has become the destination. Tons of great hotels, spas, and shopping-- amid picturesque rice paddies and in the shadow of several volcanos. It is easy to understand why people come to Bali and don't leave. We are staying at an interesting hotel that I would totally recommend to anyone. It is also a school for underprivileged Indonesian children who come here to study hospitality,hoping to work in the hotel business someday. The students pretty much run the show from making breakfast in the morning to the massage and spa treatments. They are also known for yoga and meditation. We decided to extend our stay and will be here for 5 days... Maybe longer..