You guys, it’s another THREE POST WEDNESDAY!!
Today, I am sharing my RED, WHITE & BLUE CHEX TREATS plus, it’s the 22nd of the month which means that it’s BOOK CLUB DAY too! Not only that, but today, I’m also sharing BALI, INDONESIA PART TWO. Spoiler alert, we discover a new irrational fear of mine.
So, three posts for our Wednesday!
If you missed Monday’s BALI, PART ONE blog post, you probably should head HERE first and check it out.
Today, we begin with what feels like DAY #2…but it was technically Day #4.
Let’s recap, we left on Tuesday morning and crossed the international date line which means we landed on Thursday at 12:05 AM and now this is Friday morning. After our very relaxing and lovely Thursday, we woke up on this morning…
…and headed to the beach. This is the view with the ocean behind me facing our bungalow (that’s the gate to our ‘backyard’). We walked out our gate to…
…our own private area on the beach 🙂 .
We had a BIG day ahead of us, so we decided to relax and enjoy before it began.
Mission accomplished.
At 1:00, our guide arrived with a driver to pick us up and get us started on our 7 hour journey. Side note, my travel agency prides itself on drivers and guides 🙂 . For this trip, we had the same guide every single day which we LOVED! He literally picked us up at midnight from the airport, took us all over Bali in the private vehicle and then dropped us off six days later back at the airport. I loved having the same guide because we were able to really get to know him, his homeland, his culture, his family, his traditions…we spent hours in the car together, and I asked a million questions. He showed me so many photos of his children (my kids’ ages!), his home…I really felt like I was able to truly learn so much just by spending six days with the same Balinese man.
So, at 1:00, he came and we headed off through Bali to Mengwi to visit…
…Taman Ayun. This entire temple compound was GOREGOUS! I felt like I stepped into some sort of Walt Disney World version of what a Balinese temple should look like because it was almost too good to be “real”. You know what I mean?
I took approximately 4 billion photos and 8 billion videos on this day, but I will spare you and just show some highlights…
We learned so much as we toured through with our guide, we visited their galleries and enjoyed the entire compound. I could have spent the entire day just doing this, but we needed to move on to Stop #2 which…
…was visiting the monkeys.
Yeah.
We went to a private monkey forest.
It was every bit of that statement.
Here’s the deal, I think you would all agree that by all appearances it *seems* like I am the animal lover and Andrew is the animal *indifferent*. I grew up in a home with dogs and an anti-hunting father while Andrew grew up on a farm where they raised cattle to sell for beef (my dad would have named, kept and loved every single cow) and, as we know, Andrew enjoys hunting, fishing and all the things. He likes our dogs, but I am obsessed with them. Who knew that upon entering this private monkey forest, Andrew would find *his people*, and I would find myself a new fear…of monkeys?!
I was calm on the outside but internally, I was freaked out. There were just SO MANY, and they had no fear of people, and they were EVERYWHERE. I’m not talking about a few dozen monkeys, I bet there were easily a thousand in that forest. I kept walking closer to my 6’5″ super strong husband for protection and yet that fool kept walking up to the monkeys as he found them highly amusing and entertaining.
I did enjoy the dozens of baby monkeys tuck inside their mamas (but then I also thought to myself, I bet that mama would kill me to keep her baby safe). You guys, my brain was not in a rational place.
Andrew and this monkey just talking and chatting and having the best time.
Our guide kept asking me if I wanted to feed the monkeys. Nope. That’s totally okay. Andrew can feed them, and I’ll watch over here by the other 999 monkeys looking at me.
I mean like seriously, I’m surprised Andrew didn’t put one in his suitcase.
Again, the babies were oh so cute!
This sums it up. Andrew is touching and feeding the monkeys, and (pardon my French) I’m standing there like “What the hell, Andrew?!”. Bahahaha!
We walked through the forest (yes, into the dark forest with just monkeys literally everywhere) and came out to find…
…a bat named Diego. I kid you not. A very nice man was standing there with his nine pet bats and asked if we wanted to play with them.
The following is an exact transcript of this interaction:
Man: Do you want to play with my pet bats?
Me: What do you mean they’re your pets? (We are in a forest at this moment.)
Man: I love them and feed them juice, and they always come back to me…
(Man demonstrating that they do love juice.)
Me: Why is his name Diego?
Man: I like that name. Do you want to hold him?
Me: No thank you. I’ll just look.
Andrew: I will!
I mean…I have no words.
So after a very exciting/eventful/lovely/albeit a tiny bit stressful on my part tour of the monkey forest, we hopped in our van and drove about 90 minutes to our final destination of the day (the one I was most excited about!)…
We arrived at Tanah Lot! (All of you who love Ticket to Paradise just said ‘awwwww!’.) Side note, my tennis skirt is HERE.
You guys, this area surrounding Tanah Lot was ADORABLE! It was the cutest little town all leading up to…
…the gates that open to Tanah Lot which is a temple built on a rock formation off of Bali.
We arrived at this time because our guide wanted us to see it at sunset. We were here during low tide. Take a look at it during high tide (I found a pic to share!)…
We are standing right there where the ocean is in this photo. So cool, right?!
There are caves all around the temple that you can explore when the tide is out. It was really unbelievable to be there in person.
Our very sweet guide got us a table at a cafe overlooking Tanah Lot so that we could have a snack and enjoy the sunset. Look at the view from our table!
Our “snack” was delicious!!!!
When our time was over at Tanah Lot, we had about a two hour drive back to the resort through the heart of Bali. We arrived dirty (especially Andrew, he touched monkeys and bats!), tired and hungry, so we quickly showered and had a late dinner…
….at the resort before calling it a day. It was a really full and wonderful day!
The next morning, we woke up…
…ate a delicious breakfast after the gym…
…and headed back out to the beach for another relaxing day. You can find my outfit deets: COVERUP//HAT//WEDGES//BEACH BAG//EARRINGS.
We spent this day pretty much sitting here and reading 🙂 .
Later that night…
…we cleaned up for dinner (you can find MY DRESS HERE) before taking a car to the other side of Bali to visit…
…the AYANA Hotel and Resort.
It was truly a spectacular (and HUGE property!). We very very much enjoyed our time here for dinner…
…it was all so delish!
That wraps up PART TWO!
Don’t forget to catch PART ONE if you missed it earlier this week. Friends, let Mix and Match Travel Agency book your next vacation! From Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, to Mexico or the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Asia…we would love to send you on an amazing land vacation or cruise (or river cruise!!). If you have questions and want to connect with someone about a potential trip, do not hesitate to reach out. CONTACT US TODAY!
Now, don’t forget, I am sharing my RED, WHITE & BLUE CHEX TREATS and it’s BOOK CLUB DAY too! Go check out those posts as well 🙂 .
Elspeth says
What a fun and relaxing two days!! The monkeys seem like such a cool experience!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Laura says
That photo of Andrew and the BAT! Lord have mercy. You did such an excellent job narrating the fear that was going through your head lol.
Question – could you share a little more detail about the first temple area you mentioned? Looks like you had to wear certain attire (your wrap looked so cute with your outfit, haha!) – what kind of temple was it? Do people still practice there? I always wonder about visiting sacred places of different faiths – how did you feel about that? (to be more direct – were you just in tourist mode, or thinking about Jesus?)
Mix and Match Mama says
That was a royal Balinese temple, and it’s customary to have your legs covered upon entering. I did my research in advance before our trip (as certain places like the Vatican require you wear certain things), so I knew we needed to bring a few sarongs in my bag that day. For those not arriving with a sarong, they offered them at the temple gates to use and return. This is an active temple for the Hindu people (just not at the time/day of our tour). I always think that it’s appropriate for me to have a better understanding of different faiths and cultures because I don’t just want to blindly follow my own. I also love my faith and enjoy sharing it with non-believers, so it’s nice to understand more about their culture/beliefs so that we can discuss the differences and why I lean into my own personal relationship with Jesus. More than that though, I always think about how when people are trying to learn how to detect counterfeit currency, they always study the real thing to detect the fake thing…which is why I daily study my Bible. I like learning about different cultures/religions, but I study my Bible daily to remind me why I believe what I believe.
Laura says
Absolutely makes sense, thank you for sharing more! Looks like it was really interesting to visit!
K.K. says
I love your perspective on this!
I also totally get the monkey thing. Love animals, but not a fan of those!!
Grace says
I think this looks like the most interesting trip you have taken so far! I will say that I would not have been as comfortable with the monkeys and bats but those baby monkeys were adorable:). The commentary on Andrew and his experience with the monkeys and bats was hilarious! The photos were wonderful of Tanah Lot were amazing to see as well too. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
Stephanie says
“We arrived dirty (especially Andrew, he touched monkeys and bats!)” The best line of the day! haha
Sarah M. says
I would not be going near those monkeys or bats! All I could think of is what diseases they are carrying and that I do not want to be patient zero!!
But those temples, my word!! What a great day.
Nancy says
My thoughts exactly!! Bats and monkeys are so flippen dirty!!
Paige E says
I just love these posts! I’m not a traveler so being able to see the scenery, the food, just bliss!
Katie Hahn says
Literally cackling at your recollection of the monkey excursion! Looks like a phenomenal day minus Andrew finding “his people” that day! 😉
Jas says
Can you link your cream skirt and black tank? Looks great for a warmer climate trip. Thanks!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just linked my skirt! My tank is from Vuori as well!
Heather says
I’m thinking WTH, BATS?!?! 😳🤣 They look huge too!
Hannah says
Where is your white skirt from in your pictures?
Mix and Match Mama says
I should have shared that! I will go back and add that to the post as well. It’s Vuori! https://shopstyle.it/l/cbEeV
Kacey says
WOW!!! Your adventure day looks like it was just incredible! I would like to think I’d love the monkeys, but being there in person could be a totally different story. And Andrew, SIR, the bat… WHAT!!! No thank you! I can’t believe he held one – ahhhh.
Side note – I noticed you had sarongs at the temple. Did only your knees have to be covered, no shoulders?
Mix and Match Mama says
I mean, NO THANK YOU! I didn’t mention this in the post but those bats were peeing everywhere. I DID NOT want to spend the day with bat pee on me. So many nos. And yes, they only asked everyone entering to cover the tops of their legs.
Jenn W. says
Those baby monkeys and their widdle hands😭
My very favorite musician, Michael Franti, has a boutique resort called Soulshine Bali in Ubud and it is on my list of places to go!
Amy says
This post is amazing! I love all the pictures and especially love the description of Andrew’s interactions with the monkey’s and bat’s, don’t think I have laughed that hard in a while! Kind of surprised that Andrew hasn’t already got a pet monkey. Your trip looks so beautiful and amazing thank you for sharing with us.
Arika says
I might have nightmares just looking at that big bat on my screen. And you stood close enough for a picture. You are a trooper!!! What fun adventures you two have together. Happy anniversary!
Jessica says
Oh my gosh, I was reading about the monkeys thinking I could probably handle that….. then you got to the bats…. oh heck no.
You are a brave woman Shay Shull!
Laci L Murray says
I had to remind myself to breathe while looking at the monkey and bat experience! I would have been overwhelmed and anxious, but the babies are adorable tucked into their mom!
Alice H says
I visited Bali when I was 6 with my family and we went to a monkey sanctuary, I loved the baby monkeys and was trying to feed them, when a mama monkey got mad at me for doing this. My mum picked me up to protect me but ended up having the mama monkey bite her knee. Luckily she had her favourite pair of jeans on to protect herself from any real harm but the jeans were ruined!
I grew up in Hong Kong, so love seeing you highlight your travels to places I used to visit in my childhood!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! How amazing to grow up in Hong Kong?! That’s on my bucket list too!!
Alice H says
Hong Kong really is my favourite city in the world! There is so much to do for all ages. I lived there from 4-18 and then my parents were still there until I was 22 so I continued to visit. I still consider it home even though I’ve been living in London for 12 years! Looking forward to reading a travel blog from your trip to HK in the future 🤞🏻
Haley says
I have been to a monkey forest in Bali (not sure if it’s the same one?) and could not agree more. It’s been ten years for me and I still cringe thinking about it. I watched a monkey jump on a man’s backpack, the man swung it around until it flew off, and then the whole monkey family formed an angry circle around him. I thought he was gonna die. Also saw a monkey chase a random woman down and BITE HER LEG. It was my first and last monkey forest experience!
hayley beck says
What are the costs for us (the customer) to use your travel agency? I recall one time you saying it was fully sans any cost to us but that the hotels etc will pay you a commission. Does it include you booking flights for us? I want nothing more than to have you guys plan this trip for us!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We do not charge any extra service fees to our clients which means we do a whole lot of work to make great vacations sans any extra fees (like air, we do not charge nor make any commission on air). Certain vendors (cruise lines, resorts, etc) pay us a commission after the client has returned home from their vacation. This new flight vendor is a direct contact. Once a client books with us, I send you his way (without any kickbacks whatsoever). If it makes your vacation experience better, I want to lean into that. We would love to help you!
Jen says
What cool experiences! I also love the vuori skirts! I have a few and that’s all I wear on summer trips now!
Alison says
Bali sounds like an incredible experience! I think I could have tolerated the monkeys but those bats?! HARD PASS! And there’s Andrew holding one like a proud piece of art work. Lol 😝
Sheaffer says
I think I would have been cool with the monkey, but I’m quite sure the bats would have been a big ol’ no go for me.
AliJ. says
Just NO!! No way would I PAY to go into a forest to see monkeys and then come out to find a man with pet bats. I would have run out of there. I’m really shocked by Andrew loving the monkeys because I would have thought it would have been you loving on the monkeys. I like animals but I do not need to engage with certain ones.
If I ever travel to Bali, I’ll be sure NOT to go to that place.
Your trip does look amazing and is now on our bucketlist!
Lee Ann Vicary says
I know you unpacked as soon as you got home – but did you unpack Andrews suitcase? He could have smuggled a monkey home. Bless his heart…
Mix and Match Mama says
I should really go and check. There are so many kids and dogs here that I could easily miss a monkey walking around.
Barb says
Great post. Bali looks amazing. You and Andrew look sooo tall in the pic in front of the monkey sanctuary. Did you somehow stretch the photo?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, he is really tall. I have never been told I look tall, so I’m really excited you think I do in this one. Ha!
Jennifer C. says
I want to bathe in hand sanitizer after watching Andrew hold that bat. I would not have enjoyed all those monkeys, either. I feel like monkeys are unpredictable. I don’t like unpredictable creatures in mass amounts, generally speaking. 🤣 But truthfully, I love these recaps and this trip looks incredible! Thanks for sharing!
Kristy Moore says
Oh, this post and the earlier one make me miss my trip to Bali I did in 2019. I agree-those monkeys are insane!!!!! If you go back with your kids, I’d highly recommend Ubud. It’s an amazing place to get a real feel for the culture and has an amazing traditional market. The best I found in my 3 weeks backpacking around. Did you make it to the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida? Amazing places just off the coast of Bali as well!
Heidi says
Hi Shay – your trip sounds amazing. How did you manage your motion sickeness with the traffic and car rides. I’ve heard the traffic there is pretty awful and the drives can be long. I suffer from motion sickness when in the car and not driving too so I’d love to hear how you managed. Did the Dramamine + ginger work this time too? Xx
Mix and Match Mama says
I never got sick and actually threw up, but I contemplated it once. The Dramamine with ginger is really amazing (I actually think I like it better than prescription Zofran). I always kept my stomach full too…empty stomachs are the worst for me and motion sickness.
Desiree Leone says
What an amazing trip Shay! I can’t believe he held the bat!! Actually… I can, because my husband would have done so too! I didn’t realize bats get so big!
Happy Anniversary to you and to many many more years of love! God is so good! Hope you have the best summer with the kiddos!
All my love,
Desi
Kacy M says
The monkey bit had me dying laughing! They’re so cute! You were a good sport!