In the Indonesian archipelago

We visited Bali yesterday using the ships life boats as tenders from our anchorage to shore. I went on an excursion which took in a wood carving village (Mas) and then onto an artists colony at Ubud. Whilst there we visited the Monky forest - Macaques everywhere having rolling ferocious battles amongst themselves almost skittling a few tourists! We then visited an amazing hotel - Royal Pinta Maha - with incredibles carvings, beautiful secluded area high in the hills with views to match. We then visited a silversmith village. It seemed to me that as our bus pulled in at each village, the locals sprang to work as artisans one minute, then as very pushy sales people when we entered the showroom of their products!

It was sooooo hot and humid. I was glad to get back on board at 1730. Would you believe we had "Ugly Dave Gray" as our entertainment for the evening - then off to bed and deep sleep.

We eventually left Bali at 1930 - 2 hours late and we are now heading towards the south western end of Kalimantan (Borneo) before setting course for Singapore. The seas remain incredibly calm and the temperature oppressive. Guess it will be like this until we emerge into the Mediterranaen after passage through the Suez Canal.

Some photos to feast your eyes.