Dylan's Candy Bar

The first time I heard of Dylan's Candy Bar was during an episode of Project Runway (Season 10, Episode 2).  When I made a weekend trip to Los Angeles, my sister asked me if I wanted to visit Dylan's Candy Bar at The Grove.  My mouth dropped because I was under the assumption that the establishment was a long plane ride away in New York.  Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Dylan's was a much shorter 15-minute drive away!  Once I was there, there were oodles of candy everywhere.  The bright colors and cheery displays made everything that much more enticing.  It was a sugar lover's dream; it felt like how I imagined the kids felt when they first walked into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.  Nevertheless, whoever designed the space and style of Dylan's, props to you.  I beelined for the sour tape options and gummy frogs, my childhood favorites.    

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Burma Superstar

Food-wise, I often enjoy going outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.  I have not tried much Burmese food, and was pleasantly surprised to try the wonders from Burma Superstar.

 Ginger Lemonade

 Rainbow Salad

 Lamb Kebat

Coconut Rice

What foods have you thought about trying that are outside of your comfort zone?  Feel free to share in the comments!

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Last Night in Bali

For my last night in Bali, I spent time at the rooftop lounge of my hotel, the Akmani Legian.  I took some pictures of the city, as shown above, and simply reveled in the peace that resulted from this trip.  I ate lots of new-to-me foods, relaxed by the beach, spent some time at a spa, saw multiple monkeys, watched a Kecak dance, swam, visited some temples, and basically enjoyed my time away from home.  Thank you to the locals who helped me navigate Bali, who showed me much kindness, and welcomed me as though I were family.

To my lovely readers, thanks for following me through my journey!  And as always, thanks for stopping by!  

Ayam Betutu

For my last lunch in Bali, I ordered ayam betutu (smoked duck or chicken).  I ordered the chicken option here.  Multiple seasonings and spices were incorporated into the meat, and I also tasted coconut flavors.  Ayam betutu takes all day to cook, and the complexity of flavors melded into one dish certainly shows.  Sometimes you order something you have never tried before, find that you love the dish, and crave it when it is not easily available at home.

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Avenue Spa

Avenue Spa on Jln Sunset Road was recommended by a local.  I loved the idea of spending part of an afternoon at a spa, and made two visits during my Bali trip.  Avenue Spa had many spa packages, so I chose a massage with a scrub for my first visit, and just a massage for my second visit.  Each of my visits lasted two hours, and before tips, each of my massages cost about $20!  As shown in the picture above, the massage oil choices included Bali Fruity, Light Up, Healing Bali, and an unlabeled choice that included gold specs.  The scrub choices included lavender, jasmine, rose, and lulur.  I chose the Bali Fruity oil and the popular lulur scrub for my first visit, and the Healing Bali oil for my second visit.  After I made my oil and scrub choices, I was whisked away to be blissed out.  And blissed out I was!  My feet were scrubbed first, and the massage followed.  I already miss being in Bali and being surrounded by endless massage options.  

 If you visit Bali, I highly recommended getting at least one massage.  You have to do some research to determine which spa meets your needs and budget, but the search is worthwhile.  I chose Avenue Spa based on recommendations by a local, package options, and affordability.  I recommend Avenue Spa, but feel free to explore other spas too, and let me know of your choices in the comments section.  Your body, mind, and soul will have no problem being pampered.  And hey, life's too short to not treat yourself to some much needed relaxation!

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