We opted for the slow ferry as opposed to the speed boat. It would save a few bucks and possibly feel a little more culturally immersed. We were sad to leave Kuta Lombok but anxious to get to Ubud, another infamous city in Bali. Morgan and I took to the sun deck on the ferry thinking a little sun and some fresh air would soothe the soul. Funny cause the top deck was exactly where the two massive diesel exhaust towers reside. Not to mention that the ferry went so slow that the breeze was nothing but a whisper. So I sat there with my shirt off, baking in the sun and basting in my sweat. I had a nice thick brown coat of zinc oxide sunscreen on my face too. I Looked like a psycho but my nose isn't red, Ha! Over six hours later we got to Pandangby. Now just an hour car ride to Ubud.
In hind sight, I think I would opt for the fast boat. Its just not a good feeling arriving to a new town in the dark. You don't get oriented till the next morning, you're tired and just want food, any food. The food thing is an issue because you don't have time to scope a bunch of menus or ask around. You're so hungry you just go to the closest place that's open. Same goes for hotel accommodations. Whatever the guide book says that's the default. Its dark, no sense in messing around with a bunch of gear.
We settled in at a nice hotel. Felt like a temple or sanctuary. With elaborate walls, ceilings, and decor, this hotel was nothing short of Hindu! Morgan and I were craving curry. We have had curry at least once everyday since the Gili islands, over two weeks now, and we weren't looking to change. A taxi driver offering his services pointed to a restaurant across the street after we refused his trade. A nice boutique looking place with vintage lamps and floor seating on cushions. Looked like a perfect spot for Indonesian cuisine. FAIL! My curry tasted like water, I didn't finish half of it. And if you know me, I don't leave food on my plate. I was so dissatisfied with my meal, I went down the street and ordered some fried rice to-go. I hate ending a day with a bad taste in my mouth.
The irony is that we had found the perfect restaurant in Kuta. Our sweet Indonesian mother who owned the grocery store attached to the restaurant. She made great food, which never cost more than $1.80 American. I spotted her shop when looking for bananas for my surf trip over the hill and noticed a full restaurant of locals just next door. I knew she was doing something right. No recommendation, just common sense. Follow the crowds of locals to the watering holes.
Now I'm stuck wondering around at night looking for a comparable "warung" in Ubud and end up with watery curry. But the diamond in the rough was the neighboring fried rice facility. Amazing! Forget the recommendations and go with your gut and even more so where the crowds are. This place rocked it. I went to bed happy and with a full tummy! Plus Morgan didn't have to hear me complain all night :-)
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