Updated on January 14, 2010
Living the puffin life in Bali
Here are some pictures of our first week in Bali. We have been staying in a hotel called Kinds Villa Bintang on the beach near Nusa Dua. Nusa Dua is known to have many nice resorts. The first day we went looking for waves and walked through the Hilton resort. It was huge and seemed like its own town. It had these beautiful little lagoon pools with slides into them which were great for families. There was a left hand break out to the right of the Hilton. There were only a few people out but it also looked only about 3 feet high. The other surf spot in Nusa Dua was in front of club med but you had to park near the art market. Oh and Seb and I have been traveling around on a motor bike that we rented for 6 dollars a day.
Here I am at the hotel, Sandat Mas, in Ulu Watu. Ulu Watu is mostly cliff and on these cliffs there are a few very unique hotels. We went into one of these hotels to have a look and saw why people would stay in any of the remote hotels on this steep cliff. The view.
These two pictures are at the Ulu Watu Temple. The monkey’s there create an ancient vibe but you have to be careful because they will steal anything they can. The first one I saw was when I was walking along side that wall and it popped out and ran up to the ledge. When I lifted my head I them scattered on the walls. Very creepy!
Here is Sebby getting one of his daily massages. On this particular day he had one two hour session and then a one hour massage by the pool.
For the next week we will be staying at Langon Hotel. It is incredible with amazing hospitality!
Updated on January 8, 2010
Kuta, Bali
We made it and are loving Bali. We spent a whole day traveling around Australia but finally got to Bali at about midnight on January 6th. After picking up our bags we took a taxi to our hotel in Kuta. The taxi service at the airport is very organized. You walk up to a counter and tell them where you are going and there is a flat fee. It is a good system.
Sebastien had found our hotel on Expedia and though it was more than we were expecting to pay I was very impressed. The hotel is called Kuta Seaview Resort. It was right on the water and had a nice pool and breakfast. We stayed there for two nights and then looked for a cheaper place. We found Suji Cottages which is off the beaten track a ways but much cheaper.
We have been receiving massages everyday! That is by far the way to live! Inexpensive and just as good as the ones I get in the states. The first day we got 90 minute massage at the hotel and it was only 17 US dollars. Ridiculous! Other than getting massage and eating great Indonesian food I have been reading a wonderful book called Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is her book following Eat, Love, Pray. It is perfect because it is all about her traveling around southeast Asia right before she gets married.
One of the days we also surfed. The water is about 80 degrees but there is a lot of debris and garbage floating around.
We are taking a shuttle to Ulu Watu tomorrow. Â Sorry I can’t upload pictures which is a real drag because my memory card is full.
Lots of love to everyone who has sent us comments! I miss my girlfriends very much and have had to strike up conversations with randoms to fill in the void. But all is well and Sebatien and I are doing great! Look forward to more adventures with my puffin!
Posted on December 31, 2009
New Years in Byron Bay
Happy 2010!
Last night was New Years in Australia. Â Sebastien and I had a nice dinner at Clare’s house, whom we have been house sitting for since the 27th, and went down to Byron Bay to see how they celebrate New Years in Australia.
In Byron they had several roads closed for the festivities.  There were booths set up where you could get a temporary tattoo, jewelry, and/or food and they had small circus rides and all this under the mystical blue moon.  Most of the people were between 15-30 years old (make that 31).  A lot of fancy dressed giggling girls and funny haircut sounding boys trying to impress one another.  Around midnight hundreds of people gathered on the beach and watched fireworks.  I thought it was brilliant.
So many things made this New Years special.  Beginning our traveling adventure, experiencing  Australia, enjoying Sebastien’s company, being engaged and feeling more connected to life.  I look forward to what 2010 brings!
I will post some pictures soon! Â Much love and Happy New Years.
Posted on December 25, 2009
Two Kangaroos Standing Next to Us
I don’t know if you can tell by these crappy shots taken with my iPhone, but there are 2 kangaroos litterally 2 feet away from us.
Posted on December 25, 2009
Christmas in New South Whales, Australia
What a wonderful Christmas to be on a warm sunny beach with your loved one. Today is Christmas in Australia and we are staying in a camper van (Backpacker) in Emerald Beach Holiday Park, NSW, Australia.
We are in a little piece of heaven today. Only a few meters to the beach, pool with lots of happy kids, kangaroos jumping through the camp ground, and warm water to surf in. I am ecstatic!
I have been rereading my traveling book, Saltwater Buddha, and just been relaxing. Unfortunately, Sebastien has come down with a little sore throat. Though he just took the board to see if he can’t change his health out in the water.
The only thing I would change is that it would be nice to have my family and friends here with us! We tried to skype today but it really didn’t work out. The video wasn’t working to show them and we had a big delay in conversation.
It is in these locations during these special times that I remember my favorite Christmas’s. My papou (grandfather) use to take the whole family (9 of us) on a cruise for Christmas. Papou had the right idea. There was nothing better than being with your family in a warm tropical place during this special occassion. No present or presents could replace those memories and with the holiday reminds me of those magical times and my Papou. May he be in a new warm and happy place remembering us during the holidays. Love you Papou, family, and friends.
Posted on December 23, 2009
Visit at the Koala Hospital
This morning we went for a quick visit at the koala hospital of Port Macquerie.
We had seen koalas in the wild before but we never got to get so close to them.
Most of these guys have been rescued after being hit by cars or attacked by dogs.
A mommy koala and her joey were brought in in the morning and we were here while it was being treated for minor injuries before being released into the wild.
They’re really cute animals!
Updated on December 25, 2009
Hiking and Resting in the Blue Mountains
These are pictures from the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia.
We hiked around until the rain came up and completely soaked us. We had to go back to our hotel and enjoy some well-deserved time in the hot tub and sauna 🙂 We love our life!
Tomorrow, we’re driving to Sydney and we’ll hopefully get some surf in Bondy before heading up to Byron Bay.
Updated on December 25, 2009
There Are Worse Views To Wake Up To
That’s the view from our hotel room in Eden, NSW.
It’s gorgeous out today. Too bad we’re gonna be spending the day driving.
Posted on December 18, 2009
Beautiful Sunset On Eden Wharf
After a lovely dinner with my beautiful fiancée, we watched the sun go down from Eden’s wharf, one of our many stops on the way to Sydney.
Posted on December 17, 2009
Paradise Beach Really Deserves Its Name
This is Paradise Beach, along the Ninety Mile Beach in Victoria.
Absolutely beautiful! And not a single person 10 miles around… I’d love to see this wave when there is a swell coming!