I’m in Bali with family and friends for a sneaky week away. We’re staying in a lovely villa that I’d recommend in a heartbeat, opposite a paddy field (below) and about ten minutes from the bustling town – or should I say city? It’s gone and got itself in a big rush since I was last here about two years ago – of Seminyak.

Highlights so far? Cost centre 1 was thrilled to have her hand stamped by immigrations upon arrival – I just hope they stamped her passport as well or we will have trouble leaving on Saturday.

Breakfast in the villa is to die for and beautifully presented (we pay the market cost of all breakfast ingredients plus a 20% uplift to cover shopping time, service etc; there is no cost for the chef). Here are two of my favourites: rambutan and mangosteen

We made it to Ubud and the wonderfully colourful, hectic and very local Sukawati market there.

It was a great experience but impossible to shop in; I am sad to say that I think I need more of an edited environment. It sold almost everything: amongst the inevitable market tat were beautiful sarongs and kebayas next to wonky tables groaning with fresh local fruit.

I loved drinking in the hustle and bustle and watching the world go by. This guy’s got the right idea:

The most challenging motorbike load that we spotted all day was this one (below) – a cargo of live chicks. Severe points detracted from the fact that many had been dipped in an awful dye that turned their feathers fluorescent shades of pink, purple, orange, green and yellow.

I have promised myself a yoga session a day, back at the ranch. So far, so good, although I am not sure our teacher has ever met – let alone taught – anyone quite so unbendy:

Namaste!