I can't really believe that we're leaving Bali tonight! Although there have been some long days, looking back the time seems to have flown. We went back to Waterbom this week for our farewell visit, and again it didn't disappoint. The kids didn't go down the vertical-drop slide quite as many times this trip, but they did discover an amazing water playground that had looked too babyish on our previous visits. The highlight of the playground is a gigantic bucket that fills with water and then, when it's full, tips over. The water comes down over you like a tidal wave. This "simple" pleasure was exciting to 4-year olds and 18 year-olds, and if you sat just right it was like a high-pressure massage on your back -- so it worked for 43 year-olds, too!
We also went to see some traditional Balinese dancing in the most beautiful setting - an ampitheater next to a cliff-hugging temple (Ulawatu) overlooking the water at sunset. There was an amazing all-male chorus of very handsome men of all ages and the most beautifully costumed "stars." The highlight for
the kids was when the monkey character had a circle of fire lit around him and then kicked the fire (burning hay) at his attackers. Not a trick to try at home.Our last Bali activity was surfing lessons yesterday for the kids at Bali Learn to Surf School in Kuta (www.balilearntosurf.com). After some pool instruction they headed to the waves (with their very patient instructor) and started to surf. Sam was standing almost immediately and Jack started to get the hang of it after a while and managed to stand most of the way in a few times. Sam loved it and Jack liked it enough to want to go back today. As we have about 8 hours to fill after we check out of our villa, we are all going to have a surfing lesson today. My suspicion is that it will be much harder for me to stand than for the kids, but luckily for me there won't be anyone to take pictures....
I spoke to Philip last night and he is on his way back to Kathmandu. He sounded tired, hungry and ready for a shower. He said that the trek had been amazing but the food was inedible and he hadn't had a shower for 10 days. I wouldn't mind the food part, but no shower is probably a deal killer for me.
Next stop is Bangkok (with a one-night layover in Singapore) where we meet Henrietta and Zoe. We are all very excited to see them and can't wait to explore Thailand together.
2 comments:
I can't believe your time in Bali has already come to an end - but what a great way to go out - on a surf board!
Looking forward to hearing of your continued adventures.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are loving your blog....all the adventures of the slide, the surfing, the museums and especially Sam's posts! ...but I have to say it's been a bit weak on the details from Everest. Please ask Philip to post an overview when he meets up with you (and after he has a shower and feast...I remember after Kili that I ate like a horse for 3 weeks to make up for my little 5-day hike). We are hoping pictures come soon, too, because it's hard for Jakey to understand where his friends are. Did the kids miss Halloween? Jakey dressed as a football player and visited the 5 apartments in the building who had signed up to receive trick-or-treaters. That sounds lame, but let me tell you, people give out huge bags of candy and goodies at each apartment and I'm certain he got more candy than I used to get after visiting 50 houses.
Post a Comment