Nusa Lembongan

We left our home in Sanur on Christmas Eve Eve and took a ferry out to Nusa Lembongan. It is a small island east off the southern tip of Bali. We used Scoot Fast Cruise, which was nicely run and not too expensive. It was another example of the great dichotomy of travel. We arrived in a cove that was full of floating water slides and large party boats. Luckily they were just there for the day, you know to get sunburned and drink beer. After getting off the ferry we were shuttled in the back of a small truck up and over the hill to the next cove over. A fun ride that the kids loved. Took me back to the days as kids when we used to ride in the back of pickups all summer. Here we are in the shuttle (Photo courtesy of George Gibbs)

We stayed at the Waka Nusa Hotel which we booked through Agoda. Cool overall experience. Once you leave the road it is all sand paths through the huts to the office. We were greeted with cold towels and fresh watermelon juice. Here is a picture of our room:

There is an air of going back in time (no TV's annoying alarm clocks, telephones or internet) and yet it was comfortable (hot water, AC, and electricity). Of course, no one would come here for to stay in their room all day! So here are some pictures of the real reasons to come here: White sand beaches, clear water and nice views.

Waka Nusa was a great place to stay. They have free boat rides out to good snorkeling, free kayak rental, free bikes and a great complimentary breakfast. This is the only picture I have of the pool which does not really do it just justice... but I am looking good! (Photo courtesy of George Gibbs)

We found a favorite local restaurant and ate there a lot because the food was good, the Bin Tang was cheap and the view was great! Here a few pictures:

I love this picture in the restaurant. Notice the sand floor, perfect for letting the kids play so we could focus on the beer and the view. (Photo courtesy of George Gibbs)

Thanks Robyn for getting this fabulous family portrait! Also at our favorite hangout. Love it when the kids are so tired from the day that they pass out at diner.

We had our Christmas morning here in front of the Christmas tree the Hotel had up. It is such a weird feeling to have Christmas on a beach in perfect weather but we made due...

Kids with presents and the parents with coffee.

The hit was the fake mustaches...

What beach Christmas is complete without a Santa sand sculpture? For the next couple of days it was "Dad, can you make Santa and Miss Claus again?" (Photo courtesy of Robyn Gibbs)

Jessica arranged for me to go surfing Christmas day. I rented a short longboard and went out to a break called "Playground". It is a reef break which I was very nervous about but the swell was mellow and I actually got up. I road some white water and actually caught one wave. Surfed until my arms felt like they would fall off (not very long) and my ribs hurt. Good day! Sadly it was time to move on, I would have liked to have spent more time here though. Next stop, Ubud.

Overview of the Bali trip

We just spent three weeks in Bali and I thought that I would post an overall explanation of where we went and then do individual posts about each place. The Dhaka airport was filled with teachers and students preparing to scatter for the Christmas break. There is no shortage of people to talk to and there are many people that were on the same flight. It would be interesting to see a graphic of where everyone involved in the school traveled to because I am sure that every continent had someone from AISD on it. Not exactly carbon neutral but culturally diverse??? Here is a great pic in the Dhaka airport... I think this sign would make a great t-shirt.

The first leg was a flight from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia then a 5 hour lay over spent with the DenHartighs in the airport. It was great to have the time fly by socializing with friends. Next flight was to Denpasar, Bali.

We arrived and were picked up by the driver from our first lodging. Luis was super nice and talked to us about the ubiquidous statues that we saw on our drive to Sanur. Here is a pic of one such statue:

 

We got settled and then Jessica's sister, her husband and their son arrived. Good to see some family! We spent 6 days in Sanur at this place:

Then took a ferry to Nusa Lombongan (an island that is a half hour boat ride off the coast of Bali). We spent three night there in some great little huts, including Christmas day. Here is our cabana... bummer.

Next we moved to another house in Ubud. Ubud is a mid sized town in the hills and rice feilds. We had another great house and spent 6 days there.

Next we went to the North side of the island to stay in a small fishing village named Amed. Here is a pic that pretty much sums it up:

We stayed in small cabanas for three days and then back to the airport and our day long return to Dhaka. It was a great trip in many ways but the best way to explain it is this: I was actually on vacation. I did not think about work at all! We were constantly moving and doing things and really enjoying the gift of time off in a foreign place. Stay tuned for more!