It was to be our final day in Bali and it began with a relaxing breakfast out on the hotel’s terrace. Our last opportunity to order from the egg station which had served up perfectly poached eggs for me each morning and delivered them to the table. As we’d arranged a late check-out until 3.00 p.m. there was ample time for a leisurely stroll into Kuta where we did some window shopping in the Discovery Mall reminding us of home with its branch of Marks & Spencer.
Returning to our hotel along the seafront we took in the gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean for one last time. Back in our room we packed our suitcases then enjoyed a late lunch of delicious satay in a small restaurant just down the road where we’d been for an evening meal earlier in the week.
After checking out of our hotel, we returned to the airport using the Holiday Inn’s complimentary transfer service, taking just a few minutes. As we had checked in for our flights in advance we were able to join the much shorter bag drop queue which didn’t take very long.
Sadly, we couldn’t avoid queues though as the one through immigration snaked back as far as the eye could see as hardly any of the desks were in use. Moving on to security, it was surprising to see that my handbag had been diverted off to the ‘problematic’ zone, followed shortly afterwards by my son’s bag as well. As seasoned travellers, this never happens to us as we’re always careful to remove sun cream or other liquids before heading to the airport. When the security clerk checked the screen she indicated it was a problem with keys for both of us, so we removed our bunches of house keys which she carefully inspected, even analysing my supermarket trolley token to feel if anything was sharp. Eventually she declared ‘no problems’ and we were able to continue on our way!
Noticing some sun lounger type seating overlooking the runway, we made ourselves comfortable until it was time to board our Qatar Airways flight to Doha on board a Boeing 777-300 airliner.
This departed on time at 7.00 p.m. and although heavily booked, it was a comfortable 10 hour journey over to Doha. Shortly after reaching cruising height a bar trolley service came round so we settled back in our seats with refreshing glasses of gin and tonic and kept hunger at bay with small packets of pretzels. Slightly later dinner was served comprising a pasta salad, braised beef, chocolate mousse and a slice of focaccia bread. This was both tasty and plentiful accompanied with a glass of red wine (to help me sleep!) and delicious Godiva chocolates.
Whilst eating, I watched the film Tolkien about his early life which I found very enjoyable and then nodded off to sleep, not waking until the cabin lights came back on and another meal was about to be served. I wasn’t particularly hungry so just ate my bean starter and a little of the main course. Our flight then touched down in Doha just a few minutes behind schedule so there was no need to rush along to the gate for the final leg of our journey back to Manchester.
This was also on board a 777-300ER airliner but as it had a much lighter load we had the luxury of an empty seat, enabling us to spread out a little. Soon after take-off, sandwiches were served and our Coronation Chicken and Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable fillings were both good and preferable to the greasy sausage roll type snacks we are often served.
We were soon back asleep for a few hours until more food appeared. I opted for pancakes with strawberry compote along with a pot of yoghurt and some fresh fruit which brought me back to life after two lengthy flights.
We arrived back into Manchester on time, the warm weather and clear blue skies of Indonesia seeming a distant memory as we unlocked our cases and pulled out our coats, ready for our more usual Manchester climate!
This brings to an end my series of posts on Doha, Jakarta and Bali which I hope you have enjoyed reading. Thank you for all the comments, they are much appreciated and my travel blogging wouldn’t be the same without interacting with so many of you. Until next time …..
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