Bali - Day Three :: Part 1

While planning our trip to Bali, a friend recommended a bike trip that she thought was amazing. And indeed it was. This really was the best day we had in Bali. We started that morning rather early. The tour company picked us up at our hotel at 7am and we drove about an hour and an half before arriving at our first stop. We had the most amazing breakfast overlooking the smoldering volcano, Mount Batur and the crater lake. This was the most stunning view we had seen in Bali. The boys were so eager to get on the mountain bikes that they ate their breakfast at record speed.

After breakfast, we again boarded the van and headed to a lush plantation full of crops like coffee, vanilla, cocoa, cloves, and fruits and vegetables. In the above photo of Evan we were able to taste cocoa straight from the tree. We were also able to roast and grind the coffee beans.

Before leaving the plantation we were given several types of coffee to try. Along with hot cocoa, lemongrass and ginseng tea. In the bottom left photo of Evan is an assortment of condiments on table. Nestled against the salt and pepper for your enjoyment was some tobacco and rolling papers! A first time I have seen this in a restaurant! Finally we were ready to board our bikes and start our tour through the heartland of Bali.

We traveled gently down the moutain, through village roads and were able to experience typical Balinese life. Our first stop was a visit to an actual Balinese home. The Balinese people share their compound with several other family members. It is tradition that any male children live in the family compound for life. That way there is always someone to take care of the aging parents. These people live so simply. In a way, I am envious. They are not reliant on electricity, fashion or material possession. They live peacefully with what they have and seem to be full of joy. One of the things I noticed about Bali was the way they use the land and what is available around them. You don't see empty styrofoam take away containers. Instead things are transported in beautiful woven baskets. The primary religion in Bali is Hinduism. In each family compound is a temple. 80% of the family's income is set aside into beautifying the temple. As you can imagine there are thousands of temples and it brings such beauty to the landscape.

Bali - Day Two

The next morning we had arranged for a taxi to take us to Ubud. It is a little over an hour from where we were staying. Ubud is perched on sloping mountains near the center of Bali. The town focuses on the Balinese culture and is lined with shops, restaurants, markets and temples situated throughout central Ubud. We knew this was one place we wanted to visit as we were told once you are there you will want to stay for a few days. This was definitely the case. We spent a little over an hour in the market haggling over the beautiful Balinese handicrafts. We came away with several woodcarvings, baskets, and beautiful fabrics.

We left the market while there were still so many souvenirs calling to me to take them home. But I knew we would be back to again fill my bags with more gems from this beautiful village. We headed up the center of town along Monkey Forest Road until we found a restaurant to refuel in. While away the boys found a new dish that they loved, Black Pepper Beef. After licking the plate clean we again headed to the main street to take in more of the quaint shops. Evan who has been playing the drums for a little over 6 months found a store tailor made for him called The Drum Factory. He practiced his beat on all of the unique percussion instruments and brought home one for himself. This really was such a neat place to stroll along. It was filled with not only shopping, but had the feel, not of a tourist trap, but of real culture. I love it!

Bali - Day One

A few years ago I read the book Eat, Pray, Love. Not only did I love the book, but I loved the visuals the movie later provided. From that moment my heart was pulled to visit the beautiful island of Bali.

From our home in Brunei, we flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and stayed one night there taking in the sights and the shopping. The following morning we headed to the airport for the 3 hour flight to Bali. Initially I was immersed in all the sights and sounds of the big city where we landed. But as we continued into the countryside where our hotel was, I was breathless to the beauty that existed naturally.

Upon our arrival to our hotel, the character of the Balinese people was apparent. They are the kindest, and most peaceful people I think I have ever met. We had a necklace of flowers draped around our neck and were ushered to our awaiting home away from home. After we dropped off our bags we wandered around the resort taking in the beautiful landscape of the Balinese resort. There were beautiful water features in several areas and lush landscaping. The scenery was a treat for the eyes. We finished the evening with a traditional Balinese dinner and had an early night, ready to explore the next morning.

Niah Caves, Malaysia

Among many of places we want to visit while we are living in Asia, the Niah Caves is one of them. After crossing the border into Malaysia we arrived at the Niah National Park about 2 hours later. From the park headquarters we boarded a small boat to cross the Sungai Niah. Once across the river we followed the raised boardwalk to the caves.

While walking through the rain forest the sights and sounds were amazing. At some points the sounds of the insects were similar and as loud as a dentist's drill. There were the most beautiful butterflies I have ever seen, some as big as a small bird. Kieran was wearing shoes with neon green laces. The butterflies were attracted immediately to them. He could have easily have had 2 or 3 of these winged creatures land on him if he hadn't have scared them away. As we walked the butterflies seemed to follow us all the way to our destination.

From the trail head it is a 3.1km walk to the Great Cave and another 1.4km to the Painted Cave. The top pictures you are seeing is called Trader's Cave. This is where the earlier bird's nest (used for the famous bird nest soup) collector's lived and carried on their business.

As you round the corner from the Trader's cave you come to the Great Cave. This impressive cave measures 250m across at the mouth of the cave, and 60m high at highest point. This cave is home to thousands of bats and millions of swiftlet birds. Upon following the boardwalk deeper into the cave the light gets more scarce. There are many pockets of light that dot the cave throughout so you are never in total darkness. We weren't able to continue on to the Painted Cave as it was getting late in the day. We'll save that for next time!

We headed back the way we came with a refreshing breeze steering us towards home. The boys had a great time exploring. It really is an amazing place to be in the midst of a lush rain forest. On the way back we spotted a huge centipede and some sort of green lizard. We were all weary from the distance we had walked, but left there so glad we came. I can hardly believe we have lived here this long with such a wonder in our own backyard.

Sports Day

Kieran also recently participated in a Sports Day that was held at his school. I was unable to be there, but luckily someone snapped some great photos for me.He has always been naturally athletic and has excelled in all his sports.

This year he competed in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and a boys relay race. He came in first in all his races! Well done, my son!

Junior Athletic 2012

Recently Evan was chosen to compete in the Track and Field competition at JIS. JIS stands for Jerodong International School, and it is the school Kieran attends.

Evan was in 4 events, 60m, 100m, chest push throw, and 600m relay race.

He did quite well. He came home with a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbon. He had a great time hanging out with his friends. Kieran was able to come and watch his brother in his races as well. It was a long and hot day, but one enjoyed by all!

Chinese New Year

Anyone who know me well, knows that my pajamas are calling to me shortly after my kids go to bed. I'd like to be a night owl... but I'm just not. Oh... I can only imagine all I could accomplish with a little less shut eye?

So needless to say, New Years was never really celebrated in our home.

But...

This year thanks to my friend Laura, I stayed up to ring in Chinese New Years. During the week before the official day, fireworks lull you to sleep almost like the croaking frogs. Just kidding... But really they are almost always in the background.

So for about almost an hour after the clock struck 12, the amazing display of fireworks lit the sky. Here are just a few of the festivities that I captured.

It was a fun night.

But the best part was when once again I was snuggled up with my jammies on.

Home Away From Home

A little over a couple of weeks ago we moved Kieran into his new home away from home. If you asked me a year ago if I would consider sending my son to boarding school, I would have been shocked at the thought. But I guess until you face all your options things change.

So the day was upon us to settle him into his new room. He shares a room with 3 other boys. He was lucky enough to have a good friend of his in his room. He takes the bus up to the school on a Sunday evening and arrives back home on Fridays around 2pm. I wouldn't say the situation is ideal, but so far he is enjoying it. In fact, I'd say a little too much somedays. It is all good though and he is keeping up with his studies in spite of the busy social life.

The above photos are of his boarding house. The school itself is like a huge university campus. Within each house is about 16 boys. There is a common room in each house with a TV, ping pong table and kitchen. They eat in a cafeteria adjacent to all the boarding houses. Now that he is boarding he is able to take advantage of a few more of the afterschool activities. He is currently in an outdoor education hiking club, squash, tennis, and soccer. His days are packed with activities and he only finds a small window of time to call home.

Of course, like any Mom who has the first of their children leaving the nest, it feels very surreal. I miss him, as does he. But, I do find that our chats have more depth. We genuinely miss each other. And, believe it or not... So does his brother. So as the bus pulls in each Friday... I am excited to throw my arms around him!

New Friends

Recently our church held a conference for pastors from the Phillipines. After offering my home to be used for accomodation, I was blessed to be able to get to know these three lovely ladies over the next few days. It was really fun touring them around Brunei. What I loved the most was our time in the evening where we would just sit and talk, comparing notes of what each of our lives looked like. These 3 ladies have planted an amazing number of churches. They make a difference in this world where ever their feet walk. I witnessed the way they make strangers feel so loved. They left me wanting to be more like them.

So let me formally introduce them to you. In the group photo, from the left is Haidee, then Margie, then Evan, Kieran, and I. On the right is Malou.

On one of our evenings together we had an amazing time singing together. Evan was on the drums and Kieran played the guitar. Not only did these ladies leave a mark in my heart, but my boys as well. Needless to say, when it was time to say goodbye, the tears came. It is funny how complete strangers can come into your home and within a few days can leave memories that will never be forgotten. I do hope to be able to visit them again. This time in their country. I know that even though their are many miles that separate us... our paths will once again cross.

:: Double Digits ::

The start of a new year always begins with a celebration. My sweet boy Evan was born one week into January. While I must admit, that after the chaos of Christmas, planning a birthday party is not an easy transition for me. I still love to see his smiling face on his special day.

This year Evan turned 10! I know every parent has used the expression...

Where has the time gone?

But it is true! I have been parenting this sweet boy for a decade. When we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversay (now we are in our 15th year) I found myself feeling like... Wow, we made it this far!!

So again I find myself in awe. Not just how far into the parenting marathon we are, but also that in spite of my inadequency and inexperience our boy is turning out well.

No one can imagine how a child will turn out when you bring this bundle home from the hospital. Of course, we had hopes and thoughts in our minds as to the values we'd like to instill. But it isn't something you can attain in one big step. Day by day, and trial after trial, our boy has been shaped from a baby, to a toddler, and to now the 10 year old we are seeing today.

I can't claim that I am the author of who he is today. I stumbled daily with mistakes and thoughts of what kind of a parent am I??

But with God's grace, all my mistakes and bludders have not left my boy chipped and scarred. He is who he was meant to be... and that is still what I am watching unfold daily.

I know there is a plan for his life. A plan that in spite of his well intentioned, but flawed parents, he will attain.

They say that between the ages of 7 - 12 are the golden years! Yes, this stage of parenting is exceptionally easier than the previous years. I think these are the years when parents get a little ease until the teenage years hit. So I sat thoroughly enjoying the delight on my boys face as his friends surrounded him at his party. He is a boy who loves life! He is kind, confident and loves to make people laugh.

What more can I ask for??