Things we learned in Bali

Every restaurant has features two traditional Balinese desserts: fruit with Balinese honey, and warm mashed bananas drizzled in palm sugar, cinnamon, and coconut.

Always double check starting times of booked excursions.

Monkeys don't come out when it's raining.

You'll never have trouble finding transport.

Bali-appropriate showers are a must: you're hot when you first get in so initially the water should be cold. Once your body temperature returns to a somewhat normal level, you can turn up the heat and enjoy a regular hot shower. But make sure you go back to cold water for at least the last minute or you'll be sweating in the humidity before you can fully dry off.

Hiking up a volcano for 2 hours to watch the sunrise Christmas morning won't replace being with family but comes pretty darn close.

One way streets for cars aren't necessarily one way streets for motorbikes.

Always order dessert.

Don't pay as much for 5 pieces of fruit as you do a massage.

Internet speed sucks during convenient hours but is always great at 2am.

11:30am isn't too early for a Bintang.

When it rains, every tourist thinks a massage is a great idea.

Luwak coffee is made with beans a luwak has pooped. But it still tastes great.

Sometimes a bike's right hand break stops the front wheel.

Always bring a rain jacket.

If your 5:00 bus isn't there at 5:30, it's okay, it's probably still coming.

Every shop and door smells like incense.

You can use Nick's Pension's amazing swimming pool without being a guest.

Kafe recycles plastic water bottles but laughs at you when you pull 7 out of your bag.