Bali, Indonesia: Hotel Nirwana and Lovina Beach’s Charm

18 March 202222 September 2024

Although I enjoyed my stay at the Aditya Beach Resort, I wanted to be closer to the town’s center, to interact with the locals and try a restaurant or two. I found a room at the Nirwana Water Garden Hotel, located on the main strip, which was the perfect location for exploring this charming little village.

As soon as I walked onto the resort, I could see a restaurant on the right, the registration desk in front of me and the pool and bungalows to my left. The property is beautifully decorated and I was thrilled to spend a couple of nights here.

I checked into my room where I was greeted by the neighborhood rabbit that lives on the grounds. I stored my belongings and was ready to find a restaurant for dinner and a couple of beers. I passed the pool and was tempted to take a swim, but I was more excited to explore Lovina and walk the beach.

Slowly wandering the streets to take it all in, I admired the colorful artistry of the statues, wood carvings and offering pedestals. It is not uncommon to see monkey-like figures as well as images of elephants which represent the gods of the Hindu. Most of the artwork is connected to Bali’s strong religious beliefs, which has a large influence on its culture.

The craftsmanship of the Balinese woodwork is exquisite and detailed. The three-dimensional carpentry usually tells a story of human enlightenment or the conflict between good and evil. The displayed artwork invoked a sense of spirituality, regardless of one’s beliefs.

As dusk began to fall over the town, the music grew louder from the local bars. I met up with a couple of vendors, purchased a few necklaces and started looking for a place to enjoy dinner. I stopped halfway from my hotel when I noticed the Kakatua Bar & Restaurant, an open air eatery with patio seating.

I took a seat closest to the street and ordered a nice, cold Bintang beer. After looking through the menu, I selected the red snapper as my main course and watched tourists fill the empty seats surrounding me. At first glance, I thought that the name of the restaurant was named after the Indonesian city of Krakatoa, but my server explained that the Kakatua are the resident cockatoos.

It took awhile for my food to arrive, but it gave me some time to people watch, catch up on my journal and eavesdrop on the table beside me. The red snapper was worth the wait and I enjoyed listening to an Australian guitarist sing James Taylor tunes. It was finally sinking in that I was actually in Bali. The past few days have been so busy that I hadn’t appreciated the fact that I had finally arrived in paradise.

I savored every last bite of my meal and after a second beer, I began making the walk back to the hotel. I looked forward to a peaceful night’s sleep, drifting off with a smile on my face, thankful for the opportunity to explore such an amazing place.

Do you have a fun story about traveling to a place that seems so unbelievable you can hardly believe it? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my spectacular trip to Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dolphin Watching at Lovina Beach

Tickets vary from $15 to $18 and the boats seat up to five or six. If you are staying in Lovina Beach, there is a kiosk on the main street, heading towards the beach on the right hand side. If you are staying in South Bali (Kuta, Jimbaran, etc.), contact the concierge for tickets.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden
Lovina Beach Street
Lovina Beach Bali

Nirwana Water Garden is located in the heart of Lovina Beach. It is a 45-minute drive to the dive site of Menjangan Island. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away. The hotel can provide hotel transfers for a fee.

Nirwana Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties, with the option of in-room dining. Guests can enjoy a guided tour to visit the dolphins at Lovina Beach, which can be arranged by the Nirwana’s staff.

Where to Eat:

Kakatua Bar and Restaurant
Jalan Binarea
Lovina Beach Bali

Open 7 days a week and moderately priced; no website; Free WIFI service…just ask for the password.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Beautiful Pool at Nirwana Water Garden

Cute Little Images at Nirwana Water Garden

Zigiz, A Club in Lovina Beach

Bintang Indonesian Beer

Kuta Puri Bungalows, Bali

11 March 202222 September 2024

The Kuta Puri Bungalows is a jewel of a resort in Kuta, Bali that is quietly tucked away in the fast-paced streets of the city. I had been booked in the nearby Hard Rock Hotel, but they had overbooked and my friend, Wayan found this amazing place.

The front desk is an open air structure where the attendants are super friendly and helpful in arranging tours and drivers for the day.

The paved pathways are perfect for exploring the grounds and taking a leisurely stroll.

Towards the front of the resort are the smaller rooms that are perfect for an economical stay.

I opted for the bungalow which included a sunken in living room, raised bedroom and an upscale outdoor bathroom set up in a garden style environment.

The outdoor bench was the perfect location for watching the thunderstorms. The bungalow was set towards the back of the resort where it was very private and quiet.

A small back porch of flowers and fauna was located off of the living quarters of the bungalow.

Two swimming pools are one of the few wonderful amenities provided by the hotel.

An attendant provides guests with pool towels each day.

Kuta Puri offers daily massages in a simple secluded area of the hotel’s property.

A Hindu temple is located towards the back of the hotel.

The resident cat stands guard at the Hindu temple.

A complimentary breakfast is served each morning at the resort’s restaurant. Lunch and dinner can be purchased here throughout the day.

The grounds are impeccable which makes for a nice morning, afternoon or evening walk.

Thank you for exploring the grounds of the Kuta Puri Bungalows with me. It is a resort that I highly recommend during your stay in the Kuta area of Bali. The hotel is reasonably priced with great accommodations and is close to the beach.

Have you been pleasantly surprised by a hotel or accommodation that you booked? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Freeport, Bahamas: A Welcome Change in Itinerary

5 March 201431 August 2024

Updated December 24, 2019

Hurricane Gilbert stunned the port towns of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in 1988. Due to the devastating damage, our ship’s itinerary quickly changed to include the Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport over the next couple of months.

Our first stop was Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island. This port offered many of the same amenities as our Yucatan Peninsula ports, so it was a perfect choice. It was such a great stop for visitors who were interested in watersports, sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Recent Hurricane Dorian, touching down in the Bahamas on August 24, 2019, was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Bahamas in over 65 years. Information provided throughout this post may require updating due to the recent event, so check for updated information online.

Since the early days of cruise vacations, the islands of the Bahamas have been a popular destination. During my days of working with the cruise lines, Freeport was a shopper’s paradise and offered a variety of activities in addition to its international restaurants.

One of Freeport’s most popular shopping plazas was the International Bazaar consistently bustling with tourists. I was surprised to learn that today, the Bazaar has become a ghost town, with limited shopping and dining, quite different than my past experience. Much of the change has been attributed to a history of hurricanes that have left the island in need of repair. A new shopping area has been developed near downtown Freeport and is much more visitor-friendly. For shoppers who are into haggling for a deal, check out the straw market to practice your bartering skills for souvenirs and merchandise.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

The bazaar, in keeping with the international theme, was divided into sections based on countries of the world. The architecture of each designated location included France, America, the Orient and Scandinavia. It remains one of the oldest shopping regions on the island.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

In front of the International Bazaar was the Bavarian Beer Garden which provided a wide range of lunch and dinner items. Continuing the tradition today, the menu highlights the following options: Conch salad, crab salad, fried chicken, lobster and French fries. With the best prices in the Bazaar, they also offer deals on tropical cocktails. Outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sunshine.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

Outside of the International Bazaar is a brightly colored directional sign that shows the distance from Freeport to popular worldwide destinations. It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it, so I thought it clever to know how far I was from some of the other islands as well as major cities including, New York: 1015 miles, Bimini: 53 miles, Montreal: 1323 miles and San Salvador: 285 miles.

UPDATE: The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

A nearby attraction to the International Bazaar and Straw Market was the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino. Built in the 1970’s the resort was later named the Bahamia Royal Oasis Resort. Sitting on close to 1,000 acres, which included a hotel with pools and casino, the property eventually closed due to hurricane and tropical storm damage.

The most recent information regarding the property came from a 2010 news story which reported that there was a fire at the Princess Towers, which started on the 7^th floor.

Another shopping area is the Port Lucaya marketplace and seems today to be much more popular than the International Bazaar. Activities from this port include scuba and snorkeling, boat tours and rentals, as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins There is a shopping mall nearby which includes a drugstore and offers duty free deals on perfume and watches. If you are searching for cheaper prices for alcohol, your best bet is to head downtown.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

In the Port Lucaya shopping area, you can also find restaurants, but downtown is where you will find Bahamian local dishes and fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

While in Port Lucaya, stop by to see the lighthouse. It has since been painted with red and white stripes and visible from the shopping area.

The town of Freeport has not been without its own natural disasters over the years. And although they have faced many challenges, they have worked together to make a huge comeback in the tourism industry. It was just a matter of time. I look forward to returning again soon to see how things have changed since my last visit to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

UPDATE: Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

Have you visited a port that has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes? Have you since had an opportunity to see its restoration? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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A Cruise Ship Drydocks in Galveston

19 February 201431 August 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to a cruise ship when it needs major maintenance or a much-needed remodeling? While working for the cruise lines, our ship’s Chief Purser explained that I would be traveling with the ship to Galveston, Texas for dry dock after returning from vacation. Over the next few weeks, the ship would undergo updates in the engine room, new carpet throughout and the installation of updated technology. Our ship left Tampa en route to Texas and we arrived at Todd Shipyards in less than six hours. I stood on the bridge as the captain entered the designated slip where the Vera Cruz would be dry-docked and met the local ship’s agent for instructions. Of course there were no passengers during this time, but a skeleton crew was required to carry out a number of shipboard activities, including customs and immigration.

Once the ship entered the slip and was securely tied, the water was drained from the basin, leaving the bottom of the ship exposed. I finally saw the ship’s hull from beneath the waterline, which ended my curiosity as to how far the ship extended below the water.

Additional bodywork was scheduled for the exterior of the ship to include the removal of barnacles and the repainting of the hull. During the drydock period, the water was shut off and electricity was only supplied to designated areas. The schedule to finalize the updates and maintenance was tight with not much margin for error.

I remember the first time I approached the gangway while in dry dock. It was the first time I realized I had a small fear of heights. The narrow bridge that connected the dock to the ship was much longer than what passengers experienced in port. Concrete replaced the usual water, so it made me weak in the knees when I looked down. The drop seemed so far that I held on for dear life to the railing and slowly walked toward the entrance.

During my experience in dry dock, many of the deck hands and ship’s officers provided oversight for the changes scheduled for the Vera Cruz. They worked long hours to ensure that the dry dock activities ran smoothly and that the ship would return to its regular sailing schedule.

Because of the limited electrical and water resources, the working crew and officers stayed at a local hotel so we could sleep comfortably at night and make it to work on time each day. Although ship life is hard work at times, our dry dock schedule was like working a REAL job….or at least we were able to experience what it was like to work “on land” for a few weeks putting in only eight hours a day. And while spending time on the ship during dry dock was an interesting experience, I was more than happy to return to sea.

Have you worked on a ship before and experienced dry dock? I would love to hear your story if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about my shipyard experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bishop’s Palace
1402 Broadway Avenue J
Galveston, TX 77550
Telephone: 409 762 2475

Historic mansion with public tours

Admission Fee: $12 for adults, Youth (ages 6 – 18): $9; Children 5 and under are free; Adult pre-arranged group tours are $9 per person; NOTE: The venue is not wheelchair nor walker accessible. The admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour (7 days per week). Additional fees charged for the Basement to Attic Tours ($30), Private Tour ($50) and a Private Behind the Scenes Tour ($80). Order online and SAVE!
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM
Amenities: Audio guides and shop,
Length of the Tour: 2 hours, tour of the house and gift shop
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes, purchase your tickets in advance for a discount,

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77550
Telephone: 855 789 7437

Old-fashioned waterfront amusement park

Admission Fee: Add day ride pass for visitors 48” and up: $26.99; All day ride pass for visitors 47” and under: $19.99.
Hours: Ride hours are seasonal and are subject to change without notice. The website suggests that you select a date on the calendar to view the hours for that day. http://www.pleasurepier.com/info.html
Amenities: Rides and Amusements, Midway Games, Restaurants and Shopping, Shuttle Buses, Lockers, Wheelchairs and Stroller rentals, ATM, nearby Hotels
Length of the Tour: All day
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes Parking is limited but there are several options from which to choose. Review the “Know Before You Go” section of the website to ensure adherence to the pier’s policies.

Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77554
Telephone: 800 582 4673

242-acre amusement park with aquarium

Admission Fee: Value Passes can be purchased for one day ($69.95) or two days ($89.95). Save $5 when you purchase the Value Passes online. These passes include ONE admission into the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, SpongeBob SubPants Adventure, Ropes Course, Palm Beach (seasonal), Band on the Seal (seasonal), Festival of Lights (seasonal) and ICE LAND Ice Sculptures (seasonal); Receive 25% discount on Zip Line admission with day passes. Per Attraction Prices are also available for those guests who have limited time or are only interested in certain attractions. Select which ones you want to visit and purchase your individual attraction tickets upon arrival or online.
Animal Experiences include: Public Giant Otter Encounter ($75 per person) offered on Saturdays and Sundays only at 1:30PM. Public Penguin Encounter ($55 per person – Monday through Friday and $75 per person on Saturday and Sunday). NOTE: Price does not include Aquarium Pyramid admission. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free for children ages 3 and under. Tickets must be purchased 20 minutes prior to the encounter. Penguin and Seal Experience: $250 per person and must be scheduled in advance. All participants must be at least 16 years of age. Private Otter Encounter: Monday through Friday for $375 per group; Saturday and Sunday for $475 for group. Each additional person is $65. Must schedule an appointment in advance. The Private Penguin Encounter: Monday through Friday for $375 per group; Saturday and Sunday for $425 per group. Each additional person is $65. Must schedule an appointment in advance. Visit Moody’s website for the most up to date information regarding hours, prices and restrictions. http://www.moodygardens.com/visitor_info/
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 8PM (Hours of Operation vary Seasonally & Per Individual Attraction, so check out Moody’s website.
Amenities: Special encounters programs (additional fees), discounts for Good Grades Program, Military Mondays, Senior Tuesdays and Mommy Wednesdays (visit the website for more information). Garden restaurant, Aquarium Pyramid food court, Rainforest concessions, Palm Beach concessions, Café in the Park, Moody Brews, Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks, handicap accessibility; nearby hotel, spa and convention center.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes, download the map on Moody’s website and plan to make a day of it!

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island
2109 Lockheed Rd.
Galveston, TX 77554
Telephone: 409 770 9283

Water amusement park open year around

Admission Fee: One day Tickets: General Admission ages 12 – 54 for $50.99 and 38.99 for children ages 3 – 11 and seniors 55+ Packages: General Admission, Towel, Souvenir Bottle, & Free Refills (Ages 12 – 54) for $76.97; Child/Senior Admission, Towel, Souvenir Bottle & Free Refills (Ages 3 – 11 and 55+) for $64.97;
Hours: The Park is open daily in the months of June, July and most of August. The Indoor Water Park is open weekends and selected holidays from March to April and October to December. Check the website www.schlitterbahn.com for a calendar of hours.
Amenities: Cabanas and Loungers (additional fee), waterslides, heated pool, restaurants, snack bars, beaches, kiddy pools. Towels and water shoes for an additional fee.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and plan a full day for your visit!

Where to Stay:

Hotel Galvez & Spa
2024 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77550
Toll Free Number: 866 209 9122

Where to Eat:

Olympia Grill at Pier 21 – this restaurant is permanently closed (Updated 2019)
100 21st Street
Galveston, TX 77550
Phone Number: 409 765 0021

For a small bite to eat, I ordered the Crab Finger Trio: sauteed crab finger santorini, fried crab fingers and crab au gratin. Served with rice and vegetables. Delicious!

Benno’s Cajun Seafood
1212 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77550
Phone Number: 409 762 4621

A great restaurant for cajun dishes, especially the local crawfish.

What to Eat:

Crawfish: Crawfish season in Texas runs from January to July. While the most popular way to eat this local seafood is in a crawfish boil, other options include etoufee and fried tails.
Texas BBQ: One of my favorite meals when I visit Texas, I can’t get enough of beef brisket slowly cooked in a BBQ pit. A tomato based sauce seasoned with spices, onions, and garlic, the amazing flavors bring out the smoky taste of the beef.
Tex-Mex cuisine: In addition to nachos, guacamole, burritos and tacos, there are several dishes that have evolved from the traditional Mexican offerings, such as:
- King Ranch Chicken: a dish made of shredded chicken, canned diced tomatoes and green chiles, cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup, diced bell peppers and onion.
- Pan de campo is the official state bread of Texas which a type of flatbread used as the base for a variety of breakfast meals and meats often served with refried beans and rice.
- Frito Pie: With Fritos as its base, seasoned beef or chili, cheese and onion are piled on one another to make a hearty meal. Some people like to include salsa, sour cream and jalapenos for additional heat and flavor.

What to Read:

Galveston’s Red Light District: A History of the Line, by Kimber Fountain
The Galveston That Was, by Howard Barnstone
Galveston Architecture: A Visual Journey
Galveston, by Nic Pizzolatto
Galveston: A Novel, by Suzanne E. Morris
Isaac’s Storm, by Erik Larson
The Alleys and Back Buildings of Galveston: An Architectural and Social History, by Ellen Beasleyx`
Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire, by Nicole Boatman & Richard B. McCaslin

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

24th and Strand Mural
Beachtown Community
Bishop’s Palace
Galveston Kindness Project
Galveston Railroad Museum
LaKing’s Confectionary
Moody Gardens
Moody Mansion
Maceo Spice and Import Company
Pleasure Pier
Powell Arch
Saengerfest Park
Seawall Mural
Tall Ship ELISSA

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