Before the holiday

Well what started out as a small group of people having a holiday with a bit of scuba diving – ended up as a full blown megatastic trip of fantastic proportions. Originally John and Su invited Anita and Andrew (oh and Lauren and I!) on a scuba trip to Bali. They had been previously and the diving had been good. The thing is once everyone at the club heard

In fact not only were the club involved – even my in-laws were talked in to joining us – after all it was a chance in a lifetime – and its not as if they wouldn't find things to do while they were away. It took a little 2Nanny" persuasion on Granddad – but in the end he agreed – and the holiday was arranged by John.

As both Andrew and Lauren will be taking exams this year – (A-Levels and GCSE's) we sweet-talked John into planning the trip to be as close to the half term as possible – a couple of days before – and one or so after. Trouble was when we put in the forms to Andrew's college they were not happy! – and for a little while I thought it was all going a bit pear (I was going to write tits here but I though other people might read it – and I don't want to seem naughty! – yeah right!!) – but after a telephone call – it was all sorted – thank god for god – sorry - Anita! Everything was hunky dory for the trip now!

At one point, just before the final balance had to be paid, 36 of us were going – unfortunately John and Anne, Adam and Simon had to pull out right at the last moment – no nothing to do with the Pope – but for personal reasons. So in total 32 would travel, 26 in one go, 2 others on the same day (more in a min) and 4 others a couple of days later – again more soon!

There was a small downside to the travelling – the outward trip from Gatwick – returning to Heathrow. Taxis gonna be very expensive! – oh again more soon.

The two that were travelling alone (don't feel sorry – they got a more direct route (GRRRRRRR)) Paul and Maria, were a fairly late addition to the group – Paul had booked it and Maria only found out at Christmas! Should be noted that Paul and Maria are Andrew's employers in his Saturday job. Means that they might be a little stretched at City Pets – a great local pet shop to the club.

They had to fly with a different airline with different times – and a different route! Paul – that man always has to do something different!

The four flying on a later date were Cathy, Mike, Emma, and Andrew (another one!) – and because Cathy works in a school, their holiday had to be during half term. Other circumstances meant that they could have flown with us – but no-one was to know at the time the final confirmation was made. They are due to join us on Sunday 17 Feb!

A few of the club had got together (thanks Carol!) and a coach had been organised to take us to Gatwick, and collect us from Heathrow (seemed like a really good idea mmmm can't remember who originally thought of it mind!) – the drawback here was we had to meet at the club at 4.15 in the morning – and no the bar wasn't open (curses!). Means a 3 am wake up and get ready. But that was a small price to pay for piece of mind in getting to one airport and being picked up from another. Well that was the idea anyway!.

Bali scuba logo

Another thing to mention is that the dive shop that organised our diving for us (well those for us that were diving) is run by a welsh guy called Simon. When John asked if there was anything he wanted from the UK – all he said was Tetley tea bags and Marmite. So everyone going was requested to purchase a small amount of both (40 tea bags and a small jar of Marmite), by John. If we all bought a little Simon would still get a lot. We had to confirm with John that we were getting involved in buying because if no-one else was going to buy – he was going to buy more than 40 tea bags – because 40 wouldn't last "ten seconds". Hate to bother you John – but we are not talking about you and roll-ups! As there were four of us in our group – we bought the biggest packs of both that we could find! It was to remain a secret until we got to meet him – in Bali.

Everyone that I had spoken to that been to Bali had said what a fantastic place it was, with so much to see and do – or if you want a great place to chill. Personally I could really do with a chill holiday this time – although the idea of being somewhere so exotic with places to go to, and things to do, also appealed.

I was told that everything was very cheap there, although to watch ourt for the hawkers on the beaches, and around the mainstream hotels. We had looked at the hotels we were staying in (3 to be exact – all to be revealed as this little ditty continues) and all looked great, and I did the usual research on the web, and it seemed that we had made very good decisions (ok John take a bow!)

A major drawback of the holiday is the distance that we have to travel – it's a long long journey, probably twice as long as the longest that the Starlings had undertaken previously (which was to Los Angeles – a little over 11 hours flying. – oh I forgot I have been slightly further Vancouver coming in at 12 – but that was business class and we are flying economy!)

Everyone became more and more excited as the day of our departure got closer and closer until we find ourselves there.

Image of a diver