Beware Bali Money-Changers - a simple solution to getting ripped off as well as saving money

Many tourists are enticed by the offer of a great exchange rate at money exchange kiosks (usually from dodgy booths or counters off the street) in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak.

Recently scammers and sleight of hand operators have been closed down by authorites but more pop up to take their place.

Sure hotel exchange rates are exorbitant, so the simple solution is GO TO THE BANK.

There are several Indonesian banks along Jalan Legian. The exchange rate even beat the scammers' claims. Bring your passport or drivers licence. You get a receipt and no dodgy counting machines or sleight of hand by the scammer.

All in air-conditioned comfort.

The cheapest transport from Melbourne Airport to CBD - $4.50

SkyBus to CBD has a special at the moment. Melbourne Express $15 (usually $19.75) but if you don't mind around 20 minutes extra travel time use public transport for $4.50/$2.25 Concession - 901 bus drops you at Broadmeadows Station (Craigieburn Line - Platform 1 to City).

If you are a Senior (over 60 years) and travelling on the weekend, all public transport is FREE.

To find the 901 bus stop: 

Head past Terminal 4 multi-storey carpark, ground floor. Walk past Hanna's Cafe to Bus Bay 17 for 901 Bus.

Links:

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey

https://moovitapp.com/melbourne-2803/lines/901/695069/4513783/en-gb?customerId=4908&ref=2&poiType=DeletedPage

Next Hotel - Melbourne's latest swanky 5 star accommodation

Bar area. The Barrel Room - the hotel's own wood-ageing program for spirits, cocktails and herbal liquors 

The Club Lounge

Staircase to La Madonna Restaurant Level 3

Opened in 2021, this 24 storey hotel is situated on Little Bourke Street between Russell and Exhibition Streets, close to Chinatown and the theatre precinct. During the pandemic, any hotels are closing or modifying their club lounges (e.g. no buffet areas, self-serve beverages). Thankfully this hotel is bucking the trend. 

Reception area Level 2

Rules to follow when visiting Japanese onsen

1. Leave everything in your locker (even slippers). You must be naked.

2. Take a small towel (for modesty, moving from bath to bath to changeroom).

3. Wash thoroughly, sitting on the stool or shower area before entering bath. Take your time. Rinse thoroughly.

4. The personal towel must not be dropped into the water (the bath water must be kept pristine). Fold it and place it on your head or leave it close to you on the side of bath.

5. Do not put your head/hair under the water.

6. No tattoos. For centuries tattoos have been associated with criminality. There are only a few bathhouses that allow tattoos in Japan. Small tattoos - you might get away with covering with a bandage.

7. Relax, take your time, don't raise your voice.

Kagoshima, Japan - a unique city

I can't think of many cities with an active volcano so close by. Sakurajima is 4 km from the CBD.
Kagoshima is 4 hours by direct shinkansen from Shin-Osaka.

The easiest way to tour the volcanic area is to buy a One Day Pass, then hop on, hop off the sights, buses come every 30 minutes. Ticket can be bought on the bus (the bus stop is next to the ferry terminal on the Sakurajima side). The pass includes a discount for the returning ferry to Kagoshima.

Take the scenic coastal train to Ibusuki hot springs area (50 minutes from city). This beautifully restored train is popular, so reserve seats with at JR ticket offices.

Head north to Kirishima National Park (Yoshimatsu is the last stop)

State Library of Victoria, Melbourne

The State Library is located on the corner of La Trobe and Swanston Street, Melbourne.
The restoration of Queen's Hall was completed late 2019. Before you visit the magnificent Reading Room and dome, turn right at the main staircase to admire Queen's Hall. Free admission.

Queen's Hall

Reading Room/Dome
There are exhibitions on Levels 4 and 5. View of the dome, Level 6

"The Assassination Bureau" (1968) An unappreciated treasure

Paramount Pictures did not give this stylish (and quite expensive) adventure/comedy much love in 1968. The US release added "Limited" to the title to make the title less dark.
Michael Relph's art direction is especially noteworthy. Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas would star together a few months later in the Bond flick "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

The sumptuous Assassination Bureau conference room

Venice palazzo

The ficticious Ruthenian castle is actually Karlstejn Castle, 30 km SW of Prague

Classic Horror Movies available on You Tube

German influenced design

The Abominable Dr Phibes (1971) Vincent Price Horror/Comedy
The Ape (1940)
The Bat Whispers (1930)
The Black Raven (1943)
The Black Doll (1938)
The Body Disappears (1941)
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) *
Cry of the Werewolf (1944)
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920) *
The Ghost Train (1941)
Horror Island (1941)
House of Dracula (1945)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) *
Invisible Ghost (1941)
The Lodger (1944)
The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
The Mummy's Ghost (1940)
The Mummy's Tomb (1944)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Nosferatu (1922) *
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) *
Phantom Ship (1935)
Premature Burial (1962)
The Thirteenth Guest (1932)


* Silent Movies