4. Fish, food, foreigners and a birthday!

For the past few days we have been adjusting to the pace of life on Nusa Penida - few tourists stunning views and very casual -and then transferring to Mushroom Bay at Nusa Lembongan - tourist central for boatloads of Chinese tourists.
Mushroom Bay is a small cove with lots of small hotels and lots of water sports.  We're staying at Mola Mola House, right on the beach, in a traditional bungalow which involves steep stairs up to the bedroom from an open air bathroom downstairs.  (Interesting when you feel the call of nature and it's raining in the middle of the night!).

During the day we have been entertained by the antics of multitudes of Asian tourists who arrive by boat then get decked out in snorkeling gear or jump on various versions of blowup bananas or mattresses to be dragged out to sea.  Much squealing and some very interesting swimwear : which makes ours look very boring! Alison and I were contemplating how we would look in an outfit that consisted of fluorescent orange frills with matching frilly skirt and high heeled thongs with huge flowers....you will be thrilled to hear that we decided it was not for us! 

The trip from the 2 Islands only took about 20 minutes but seemed a lot longer as it was rough and we were bounced around on hard bench seats in a small boat.  I was concerned it might injure my back whereas Alison thought the jarring might fix hers completely! 

Yesterday to celebrate Erins 24th birthday the two of us set off for a few hours snorkeling at Crystal Bay and Mangrove Bay.  Fortunately it was calm and the outriggers on our traditional boat seemed to help stabilise the craft.  When we dropped into the water and took our first look we both got very excited as there were thousands of fish. The water was clear at both Bays so we could see the coral and even the tiniest fish easily.  The only mishap was when I ended up at the wrong boat and couldn't work out where I was. ....Then I heard Erin calling me in the distance. She had been following some guy with blond hair thinking it was me!  (Or that's what she says! )
It was easy to lose track of time as we floated around mesmerised by the activities of the feeding fish and the huge range of colours. We did see a long swordfish and some eels weaving around the coral. 
After we were totally waterlogged we climbed back on board and headed for home feeling happy but exhausted. ......and with sunburnt backs despite sunscreen!

For a celebratory birthday dinner we jumped on a small truck with seats in the back (the only vehicles allowed on the island) and headed for the Sandy Bay Beach Club for cocktails and dinner.  We enjoyed dinner listening to the sound of crashing waves and high winds. Very nautical decor and good food. I ordered a bloody mary and they obviously had no idea about the small amount of Worcestershire sauce required: I had to dilute it with lots more tomato juice for it to be drinkable! 

Erin had a great birthday which would have been perfect if it had included a massage, but none to be found anywhere!  

Today we are heading back to the mainland from which we will farewell Erin back to Australia tomorrow.

So I'm sitting in the beach restaurant watching Erin have a last snorkel and enjoying the beach. 

Your very chiled out correspondent

Dianne

PS Will add photos soon!!