Bali

     

Ahh Bali, another place that we would likely never see if we weren't teaching at an international school. It's a 17 hour flight from Colorado but only 4 from Yangon so this past October break off we went.
First things we saw: beautiful beach and a pool bar. Lisa and I went to look at the view and Luca... how did he know to use our room number?

Our first day was for surfing lessons, something we had wanted to do for a long time. Luca picked it right up, Lisa picked it right up, and I was shall we say a bit more remedial. But in the end I met all of my objectives: I stood up, I didn't lose my shorts, I didn't get injured.

I do get it- Surfing is fun- like skiing there is a feeling of freedom.

Day 2 was snorkeling, no pics, but also pure freedom- just floating and watching amazing colors of fish and coral. I'm so glad I got to experience this with Luca- its one of the things I remember from our time in Africa as a kid.

Next day was Ubud. Some of the activities are touristy- but it didn't matter- what a beautiful place. I would like to come and wander a bit more. We went rafting, walking the rice fields, saw a temple, drank cat poop coffee, and of course- the monkeys.

I know a good tourist trap photo op when I see one!

This is a cerval cat. Apparently it eats coffee beans for the acidity. It has enzymes that alter the beans as they pass thru its digestive system. There are people that pick up  said poop and give it a rinse because the beans as seen below taste amazing. (they really do) A cup of this can sell for as much as 100$ back in the states! I had a cup for 3$ and it was quite tasty! There are many neighborhood stray cats in Yangon... might start leaving some beans out

A note on scooters. Balinese scooter drivers are awesome! and a bit insane. They weave in and out like its no big thing. I wish I had more pics but they move pretty quick.

This guy had a big load in the red bag and had just tied it to himself! Those straps go around the torso.

This is a fill-up station. Sell fuel by the liter? Each bottle is an absolut vodka bottle- exactly 1 liter! That is good recycling.

 














This guy had a table! He had to keep one hand on the table as he drove!

There are offerings everywhere in Bali- it is truly beautiful. These ones caught me eye- they are to the volcano- so they have to be high up.

Time for monkeys! They too know a good tourist trap photo op. The monkeys don't get a peanut unless they are on a person. So they climb right up and wait to be fed. It only scares the crap out of you the first time

Lisa was told not to touch or make eye contact.

I'm totally calm here

We ended with a few beach days. There is no better way to recharge and relax than sitting with some sand between your toes... and sometimes a cold bintang helps

Finally, and I think Luca said it best, "I'd rather travel with Wilder". This was our first trip as a group of 3- fun was had but we sure did miss having Wilder around. Luca did do a good job of flying us home though.