Thursday, July 19, 2012

Our Day Out - Bali

We spent one day with a driver, spending over 9 hours travelling through the mountains to the other side of the island.  Again, another day well spent away from the hotel.

'Floating' monastery on a lake, high up in the mountains (with even more mountains in the background)


Rachel posing in front of the temple.  It was very cold up there, hence the sarong.










Next stop, monkeys on the side of the road.  Not the monkey forest, but monkeys in a forest.  Very cute to see.






Posing in-front of one of the 5 lakes.
Another lake
3rd stop, an amazing (again I use that word - don't know how else to explain it) waterfall.   This photo turned out really well with a long exposure.  Looks like milk! 
Rachel in-front of the waterfall.
Both of us together
I look really serious - I think I was upset that my thongs were soaked, and we had 300 steps to climb still!
More camera effects (not photo-shopped)!!
4th stop - the hot water springs.  If the water looks green, your right, it is.  Definitely didn't look inviting, but the  intrigue of the hot water made us go for a swim.


Lovely Rachel trying to tell me how green and slimy the water felt (and looking cute as always)


The upper pool was even warmer - not for me!


Last stop was Lovina, a large town on the other side of the island, famous for the black sand beaches, and swimming with dolphins in a hotel pool!!



Bali Safari Park

In Bali, so many people tell us that the safari Park is amazing, and worth a visit.  Because we had so much free time, we used the opportunity to go to the park.  Its so cool!!  We got to see so many animals, including holding an orangutan, and touching a lion cub.  
If you ever have the opportunity, please do yourself a favour and go here.  You will leave amazed at God's wonderful creation!

White Tiger relaxing in the shade!
Feeding the white tiger
We had a photo with a Sumatran Elephant after they performed a cute play!

This orangutan was so cute.  Look at his eyes and arm!  He saw a sticker on my sleeve, and discretely tried to grab the stick without us noticing.  It was so funny.  Such amazing creatures!




Not very often Rachel gets to hold someone more hairy than me!
I loved his little belly - matched my belly!


Croc sun bathing
Elephant again getting some fruit from the tree

More tigers

Tigers sleeping in the cool of the shade
Pretty scarey looking lion (only 1 meter from the bus)
Magnificent beast - no wonder they are king of the jungle!
Curious looking horse!

Love this photo - good close up!
African water buffalo
Mount goats
More elephants
Angry looking Rhino
Cute lion cub on display


Rachel got to pat the beautiful lion cub...
...then got to give it a scratch!



Large arowanas in the huge aquarium displays!




Massive cichlid tanks!



Ultimo in Bali

Since the beginning of the year, Rachel has found a job working as an apprentice chef at a restaurant, and I have been busy at work, or flying around the world!!
In July 2012, we took some time off and spent 11 days in Bali, our favourite cheap destination.  It's the first time since our honey moon that we have spent a holiday together, only the 2 of us.  It was absolutely fantastic, spending a lot of time around the pool reading books.  I am not much of a reader, but found some exciting books to read ("Sons of Hamas" and "Hunger Games").  I actually read 3 books, which is amazing for me!  Rachel read 3 Hunger Games book in 2 1/2 days. 
Anyway, we spent one evening at the lovely Italian restaurant called Ultimo.  We did not book, but thankfully found a seat at 7pm.  Within 30 minutes, the place was packed full, including the 'waiting' bar area, and a line-up outside.  the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere perfect.

Rachel browsing the extensive menu
The wonderful atmosphere, and those waiting for a table, sitting/standing at the bar
Rachel took a bottle of wine duty free from Australia - went down perfectly with the meal.

Our house

In September 2010, we finally signed off on our new house in Rockingham, and promptly moved in.  Its taken 18 months to furnish our small, little house.  Below are some photos of our humble abode.  Some call it apartment living - we call it 'home.'
Thanks to my beautiful and creative wife, much of the house has matching accessories.
A precious photo of some close friends,  Greg & Liana


Our trendy, beautiful kitchen, thanks to uncle Squeak, and the professionals at Character Cabinets!

Front view of our home - yes, that's it!  10m across.