Bali Part 1: Kuta and Rama Beach

     Descriptive words of Bali. Hot. Green. Rain. Smiles. Cheap. This place is amazing. It is so remarkably beautiful and inexpensive that we can definitely see why people always talk about having to visit here. Great hotels only cost $60 bucks with dazzling pools and included breakfast buffets. To top it off the people are incredibly kind and greet you everywhere you go with warm smiles like your some sort of movie star.
     We first met with our driver Nyoman (pronounced New-man) who was recommended to us by Jason Jackson. Boy are we thankful for that recommendation. Nyoman has been so kind and invaluable and a truly trustworthy asset who has transported us up and down this island several times.
     We met Erica's parents when we got off the plane and quickly checked into the hotel in Kuta. The place was awesome, definitely comparable to a night stay at a $250 or more hotel in the states. We quickly immersed ourselves in the local culture by taking a stroll in the local markets where we received more than we bargained for.
     Erica and Brandon have often joked about the 'essence' of each country (referring to a putrid smell that often permeates the slums of third world countries we visit) and it found us with such a strong intensity coupled with soaring temperatures and high humidity that it had us scrambling to the entrance for fresh air. It was horrible and funny at the same time because we were definitely green in the face but knew it came with the territory.
     The next day we all had a very tiring day laying by the pool and flagging down the cocktail host for more handmade pizza and drinks. It was so exhausting *insert laughter here. Later that evening we went to the Ritz for a drink (that was all we could afford there, crazy expensive even by U.S. standards) and watched an amazing sunset with Baron and Susanne.
     The first few days of Bali had come and gone and our acclamation was over. It was time to go explore the rest of the Bali. The next stop: Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali.

$60 bucks a night, can't beat that, actually you can but I digress

 'Friendly' market woman

 Some of the hottest peppers we've ever had (Baron at them like candy)

Coconut chopping

 All smiles in the market

 An unknown tasty fruit

 Cute old man in the market who liked we had caught dancing when he thought no one else was looking

Erica trying to escape the market before her lunch came back up

 Clear water much?

 Our driver, Nyoman

 Baron & Susanne at the Ritz with an incredible view behind them

 Brandon & Erica at the Ritz

View from the Ritz

Massive Bamboo Lobster