91Èȱ¬

The last time I wrote to you I was in Thailand, but no longer.

I went to the memorial that they have erected there and that was a sad site – to think that all those innocent people died that day. But back to a happier note – it was here in Kuta that I spent Christmas Day, which was pretty cool as the sun was shinning and I was able to indulge in a Christmas dinner and laze by the pool for the day.

The majority of people who are holidaying in Kuta are Australian's on their Christmas vacation, so just here for a week or two. I found it hard to find people who were travelling around like me. All the people that I met were here just to do one thing – get drunk every single night – something that I didn't really fancy doing due to money matters and health reasons.

Although I did partake in a couple of nights out on the town with two girls I met called Laura and Ruth (Perth, WA) - what a fun pair they were and I'm going to be seeing them again when I go to Western Australia later in the year.

Apart from the two nights drinking in Kuta, I spent the rest of my time there either lying by the pool, or on the beach – it felt good to relax and not have to think about where I was going next. But after five days I had enough and it was time to move on.

What I did get up to Ubud was much better than shopping anyway? Well long walks and cycle rides through lush valleys and rice terraces, and attending a 'Lenong Trance and Paradise Dance' (Classical dance of Bali) performed by local Balinese people.

I even managed a visit to the local Monkey Sanctuary which was wicked as the monkeys are able to just roam free around the park and I happened to be there when there were lots of baby monkeys and ooh they are so cute, just like little humans – you can see how we evolved from them.

It is now my last day in Ubud and tonight I'm going to cycle to the near by village of Petulu for sunset, as apparently at this time thousands of Java pond herons come to settle in the trees for the night and it's supposed to be an amazing site.

Earlier today when I was out cycling I asked someone for directions to a village called Sala and they pointed up the hill – so off I pushed to go up a monster of a hill, in humid 30 degree plus temperatures. I must have been cycling for at least ¾ of an hour by which time I thought 'I must be there by now?'

So I decided to ask once again which way it was and surprise surprise, the young lad pointed back down the way I had just come! I was slightly annoyed by this, but hey ho, at least I got some hard core exercise. Now came the fun part – I got to free wheel all the way back down again – that made all the hard work worth it. Once I eventually made my way to Sala and then back to Ubud – I was knackered and in need of some R&R.

So off I went to a lovely cafe and had a yummy pineapple and passion fruit juice and roasted veg and feta salad – ummm. Then it was on to where I am now – writing to you.

I'm going here because I met two couples up here in Ubud, who are renting a villa there and they've invited me to stay with them.

They have their own private swimming pool and even a maid who cooks them breakfast and cleans for them – all this for only $120 (US) per night, so that’s only $30 (US) per person – which when you consider what you get for your money, it’s pretty good.

I'm looking forward to a Western way of living again – SE Asian way of life does start to take its toll on you after three months.

Bring on a clean room, in good condition and that isn't infested with ants - which my place in Ubud was, but only cost me GBP 1.50 a night, so I couldn't really complain could I?

More from Rachael soon.