Today we had an early start with a tour arranged through our hotel. We had a private driver called Gama who has been at the hotel since it opened 20 years ago and he took us around the local area for the morning.

What a fabulous trip. We’d asked to see some specific places but left it up to Gama to decide how best to do this.

First stop was Purah Puseh Batuan Hindu temple at just after 8am this morning before most tourists got up. It was so tranquil. All villages have their own temples that the villagers maintain together. They also have their own family temples at home. It is respectful to cover your legs when visiting so we were shown how to wrap our sarongs for our visit. There is a lady way and a man way.

The Balinese Hindi faith is a little different to the Indian Hindu – different names for their gods although there are similarities. The Balinese believe very much in reincarnation and a balance between good and evil. In Bali you cannot sell your homes as these belong to your ancestors so homes stay in families for ever. If a family has no dependents then the home is offered to another young couple on condition they then take over the ancestors and maintain and pass on the home to their future families.

All temples have statues guarding them. Looking a little like gargoyles these are gods guarding the temple and the ancestors. Festivals and worship follow rituals and the moon – with at least a special event every six months with offerings, dancing, singing and blessings.

On then to see wood carving in action at a local gallery where we were shown the different wood types. We were very taken with one of the local woods – from the Hibiscus plant. It’s a very strong wood and two tone colours. There were some VERY expensive pieces and our hosts told us all about the process for carving.

Next stop was a local waterfall and more Koi Carp. In 1942 Bali was under the control of the Japanese, until they lost the Second World War in 1945 and Bali became an independent country. The Japanese introduced Koi Carp and they have become very popular.

On then to a coffee plantation to sample locally produced teas and Bali coffee including one of the worlds most expensive coffees – Luwak coffee which has coffee beans eaten off the plants by Luwaks who then poo them out. The poo is collected by hand, the beans separated from the other poo’d substances (fruit) washed them dried then ground. Luwak coffee is higher in protein and lower in caffeine than other coffees and a very smooth taste. We got to sample all the different teas and coffees in beautiful surroundings.

Our final stop was Tegalalang Rice Terrace, popular for all those Instagrammers who want to pose on a big swing while wearing a hired long flowing brightly coloured dress. Not withstanding the posing and pouting people, this is a UNESCO heritage site with terraces of rice fields that have been in use for centuries and is owned by all the villagers. It’s beautiful and breathtaking with many steps!

A wonderful morning spent with our lovely guide!

Oh boy. Breakfast is fascinating for people watching. Maybe we are just old now but what’s the fascination with perfectly posed photos and getting the right hair/outfit/handbag/pose?

While enjoying our breakfast this morning we’ve been unable to avoid watching fashionista girl and her Botox mum rearrange fruit on their plates, pose their hair, glasses and furniture to take those perfect shots to post for their followers.

Boyfriend was clearly not photogenic enough this morning as they sent him packing so they could get the perfect shot.

Oh and the carefully positioned wad of fruit on their plates – perfect for Insta but clearly too calorific to eat.

How sad.

So we thought we’d join their posing fun. Here’s a lovely photo of us for all our followers – yes all three of you, or was that four?

I’m very taken with Bali and its people. It’s an incredibly friendly place with a very chilled out vibe. The Balinese are very spiritual and we’ve learnt that every family has at least one shrine at their home, many have multiple shrines.

They respect many gods and spirits and the shrines reflect both good and evil gods. They honour both and treat each equally – especially to keep the evil ones happy so they don’t bring bad luck or do bad things.

Ubud is full of tourists and shops (like most tourist places) but as you wander the Main Street navigating cars, mopeds, people and holes in the pavements then you see many little doors to shrines and fascinating stone carvings of strange gremlins and creatures.

Might have to come back – a week is not long enough

What a day to take a tour of Ubud, we are talking rain of biblical proportions.

We even bought ponchos, or actually dustbin liners, at a whopping cost of £4.

Walking along the streets under 8inch of water in flip flops does take a little skill.

Meet Mrs “Imodium” Fogg

This is pure opulence here

We have one night of food at the Michelin star “Aperitif” restaurant, which does not allow trainers, flip flops or shorts. Despite our protestation that all our good clobber is on its own vacation (yes I have some).

Mrs Fogg has managed to get them to relent, providing we sit “away” from their posh guests. Wow do I feel speshul now, not allowed to sit at the toffs table cos I ain’t wearing Armani and Gucci. Should have brought a shell suit!