Life in Bali continues…New house photos…Second floor photos yet to be posted…

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These two stone elephants spew water into the two Koi ponds on either side of the entrance walkway. We’ve yet to share photos of the massive second story which we’ll soon post.

“Sightings on the Beach In Bali”

Two teenage boys walked this young white horse down the beach to play in the river next to our house. He seemed to love cooling off in the water.

We chose this remote location for several reasons. We’d read there was a lot of crime in Bali, close to the popular resorts. Secondly, cost was a factor as always and we wanted the most “bang for the buck” which we accomplished ten fold. 

Pretty flower arrangements and decorative items tastefully fill the house in the Balinese style. The green tube in the corner is actually a light fixture.

Thirdly, with the awful traffic in and within hours of Denpasar, there would have been awful stress each time we ventured out, especially for Tom who despises traffic defeating the entire purpose of being in a paradise-location.

The Buddha fountain stopped working.  We mentioned this to Ribud and today, he cleaned the hoses and filters and now its running again, creating a pleasant sight and sound.  The maintenance here is impeccably performed by dedicated staff.

Most tourists stay in the many lovely resorts south of Denpasar, close to the airport, restaurants and most tourist venues. We have no doubt we’ve done the right thing staying in the quiet area as we languish in the pool hours each day, enjoying hours of mindless entertainment with one another.  

We don’t even mind there are no English-speaking TV stations. Instead, late in the day we plug in the HDMI cord to the TV and watch online news through various media outlets. After all, we still prefer to stay informed as to what’s transpiring in our home country as well as throughout the rest of the world.

Usually, a vacation home’s kitchen is my domain spending pleasant time preparing meals. Now, I spend no time prepping food when both Ketuts chop, dice, cook and clean up. Tom’s enjoying not having to do dishes. We attempt to clean up the table after dinner but they insist we relax.

We have no interest in visiting caged non-indigenous animals in zoos, bungee jumping, or scuba diving.  Physical adventure type attractions could put a quick end to our travels if I injured my spine which remains as delicate as a toothpick, although pain free. I haven’t spent five years eating this way and taking care of myself to have it all fall apart.

Of course, we’ve had our fair share of adventure type activities that we’ve been able to do along the way, feeling fortunate all turned out well. As a long-time reader of our site, you’ll have seen many of such photos.

 Gede explained we’re coming into the blooming season. We look forward to seeing many more flowers in Bali.

In Bali, dining in restaurants would be prohibitive for my way of eating, although we have no doubt the food they prepared could be delicious with the local spices we’re savoring in this villa with our two Ketuts cooking each night.  (Now, I’ve discovered once again I’ve been spelling their names incorrectly.  Plus, the pool guy is Ribud, not Libud). 

The two closets in the other bedroom on the main floor with the en suite bath to the right. Our bedroom has identical closets with the en suite bath to the left. We each have plenty of storage space for our limited wardrobes.

Dining here is comparable to dining in a fine restaurant with the extensive menu we’ve been able to adapt to work for us along with the skills of our two cooks. We couldn’t ask for more. 

Besides, we’re able to dine in our swimsuits to stay cool and face the infinity pool and the sea while dining engaged in idle chatter. Luckily, after all these years together, we still can spend an entire day engrossed in what we consider interesting conversation. Our lifestyle is an easy segue to endless pleasant and often productive planning and discussion.

The bed is very comfortable with perfect pillows, bedding, and duvet. Although we each sleep less than seven hours each night, we’re feeling refreshed.

Without laundry, cooking and cleaning, we’ve resorted to swimming in the pool and walking on the beach each day for a degree of exercise. I’ve even instituted an additional 30 minute a day exercise program in the pool, adding more movement to my otherwise lounging day. 

A vast array of Buddha representations are found throughout the house and on the grounds of most properties.

Last night around 10 pm, Gede arrived with our 10 kilos of mince (grass-fed ground beef) packed in ice in a “chill box” arriving perfectly chilled. At a cost of IDR $1,700,000 (including gratuity), US $127, the 22 pounds translates to IDR $77,188, US $5.77 per pound. This will last for the remaining time in Bali, (this time around) giving us a few more dining options.

Unusual bedside lamps in the second main floor bedroom, typically colorful for the Balinese style, comparable to those in our bedroom.

Yesterday, a heartbreaking situation occurred on the beach which we’ll share tomorrow including a photo.  Paradise isn’t always perfect and these realities we encounter along the way, although at times sad, add to the depth of our experiences in seeing the world in a clear perspective.

May your day be clear and bright!

Photo from one year ago today, May 5, 2015:

Tom walked to the shore in Kapaa, Kauai to check out the views at the beach located in the small town. For more details, please click here.

Unusual currency requirement in Indonesia…We’re figuring it out, as always…

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Gede stopped at the side of the road when he spotted this monkey and baby  We had no idea we’d see much wildlife here. Of course, we were thrilled!

“Sightings on the Beach in Bali”

Our new feature for Bali leaves us wondering which photos to post first as we continue to be amazed by the activity on the beach both day and night. Last night we took this photo from the veranda of our cabana, with the beach in the background. 

Each day brings a series of surprises we never expected in Bali. Sure, we anticipated lots of sunshine, hot, humid weather, balmy breezes and an endless array of colorful vegetation and people.

Little did we know we’d encounter wildlife, especially on a drive to the village or by staring out to the sea from our veranda.  The camera is always close at hand.

Archway over the road intended to welcome visitors from the local harbor.

Arising no later than 5 am these days we’re often out of bed while it’s still dark. This morning, I was antsy to get up and online during the better signal periods of day on the very slow signal to complain to one of our credit card companies that their two cards weren’t working. 

Once again, they assumed the cards were stolen when we used them in many locations. They put a temporary hold on them. Why didn’t they email and tell me instead of leaving us embarrassed when they were declined at a register in Denpasar? 

Another mom and baby.  Note the funny hair pattern on the baby’s head.

We accept the reality that few card holders, other than business travelers, use credit cards in such a variety of locations. After the call, the two cards are working again but will be of little use here in Sumbersari, Negara, Bali, a relatively remote location with none of the local shops accepting credit cards.

As a result, using cash is the only way to make purchases in this location including some of which we’ve paid in cash thus far:

1.  Prepayment for food the cooks purchase from local vendors each morning for our meals which is usually under IDR $132,680, US $10, per day
2.  Pre-payment for any items we want picked up for us in Denpasar (the harrowing four hour drive). At the moment, we’re awaiting the delivery of 10 kilos of ground beef to last for these first two months at an estimated cost of IDR $3,000,000, US $211 which we gave Gaday in advance unsure of the actual cost.  He’ll either bring us change or require more cash to cover the cost.  We’ll report back later when he returns today with a cooler filled with the meat, packed in ice for the long journey.
3.  Transportation to the ATM, sightseeing or shopping, usually no less than IDR $100,000, US $7.54, for up to an hour outing; IDR $250,000, US $18.84, for a half day;  to a maximum of IDR $500,000, US $37.68, for a full day outing.
4.  Payment to the “tourist police” for protection at the house. (We just paid a one time fee for these first two months of IDR $60,000, US $4.52).
5.  Laundry charges twice a week for our clothing only. (No charge for bedding and towels). Last night we paid both Ketuts IDR $54,000, US $4.08 for two loads of laundry.

This photo is blurry when taken while moving when it was captured.  Check out the look on his face! He looks worried. We keep our distance. Wild monkeys are known to bite humans and carry many diseases including Zika virus which has been prevalent in Bali for many years, not only just recently.

The funny aspect to these charges is the low cost for all of these products and services along with the huge amount of local currency required to make these purchases based on the exchange rate. The required denominations for the currency is astounding and was confusing the first day or so.

Another confusing part is the fact that we, nor any other traveler, can get more than about IDR $4,000,000, US $301 at any given visit to an ATM. This is based on rampant illegal activity in Bali.  As a result the machines are set only to dispense a certain amount of cash from each ATM which varies from location to location.

An ornate house along the road to the village.

This requires that we’ll need to get cash much more often than in the past when we freely used credit cards for most purchases. We’re figuring it out as we go. Most tourists come to Bali, staying in resorts where none of the above cash expenditures would be necessary. 

The beautiful difference for us as opposed to staying in a hotel or resort is we have an exquisite house all to ourselves, professionally prepared meals, a daily pool and landscape guy, a driver and two lovely dedicated housekeepers and cooks who serve our every need. 

This house, owned by a local property tycoon is elaborate in its Hindu design.

(No, we don’t ask the staff to “wait” on us. We make and serve ourselves beverages and still “pick up” after ourselves. Although, if we don’t fold a bath or beach towel neatly, they discretely do so when we’re not looking).

Could be a family…

In a few days, we’ll need to get more cash and plan to do some sightseeing in the process, stopping at an ATM along the way to reload several more millions IDRs (Indonesian Rupiahs). 

Again this morning as I write here, we’re sitting in the two comfy chaise lounges, sipping our coffee while facing the pool and the sea, a short distance from the edge of the infinity pool. The sound of the surf, the birds, the geckos and on a clear day, the sight of Java across the sea, makes this one extraordinary experience we’ll never forgot. 

This is the closest ATM which only dispenses IDR $4,000,000, US $301 per customer per day.

Knowing we’ll be back again on September 1st is no longer a concern as it was before we arrived and is now laced with thoughts of this treasure to which we’ll look forward to returning for an additional 59 days. Pinch me! Are we really in paradise? I think so.

Have a beautiful day wherever you may be and thank you for sharing this life with us. Without all of YOU it would be difficult to document our daily lives to this degree. Knowing YOU are there drives us to experience more, observe more and of course, take more photos. If YOU’LL keep coming back, we’ll keep going!


Photo from one year ago today, May 4, 2015:

I gave Tom this haircut one year ago. This was him before the cut.  After my cut, he had professionals do it. I suppose I don’t blame him. For more Kauai photos, please click here.

Unique new feature added while in Bali…More house photos…

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Reclining Buddha. Eighty percent of the population in Bali is of the Hindu faith. This restful pose reminds of us the pace here; calm, relaxed, and stress-free.

“Sightings on the Beach in Bali”

Pinch me!  Is this real? We could hardly believe our eyes when we saw two buffalo walking on the beach with their owner. He’d brought them for a swim in the river next to our house. The black spot in the ocean is a small buoy. This is our first photo in our upcoming series of photos of “Sightings on the Beach in Bali.”

Oh, please, there’s so much to write about Bali, I don’t know where to begin. We’ve been out and about already but still, have much more to share before we even get to that particular round of photos.

We couldn’t wait to share the details of our meals which are varied and interesting and somehow befitting my way of eating with some modifications by the two conscientious cooks, Ketut and Ketut k whose names I been spelling wrong over the past few days. I’ve since gone back and corrected them. In fact, their names are: Ketut

(As an aside, let me explain about duplicate names in Bali, quite the oddity by our standards: All Balinese people are named one of just 4 names: Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut. Both men and women. 

What a view!

Many are given nicknames to differentiate them from others in close proximity with the same name.  I’m not quite sure how Gede and Ribud’s names fit in but most likely they are nicknames).

Tom finds himself enjoying foods he never considered, including last night’s fresh Bluefin tuna (common in these waters – safe to eat) caught first thing in the morning. Only on a few occasions, in all of our years together (25 as of June) have I seen him eat fresh fish without a batter. He actually liked last night’s fish. 

The large mirror in the living area on the main floor.

I failed to take photos of our meals when we were so busy admiring and eating what we’ve been served each night. Going forward I promise to do better, as we continue to determine which possible menu items fit into our way of eating.

In respect of Ketut and Ketut’s schedule, we’re eating early, usually no later than 6:00 pm. They stay during dinner, out of our dining area while quietly waiting to clean up the dishes and be on their way. They have a magical way of staying unobtrusive. 

Each of the four bedrooms has a similar double sink en suite bathroom. Everything is pristine in this four-year-old house.

The only adjustments we’ve made to accommodate them is to wander outdoors when they arrive at 8 am (not hard to do in this paradise-like environment) while they clean. Thus, we make our way to the cabana, shaded from the hot sun and yet even closer to the sounds of the surf only a short distance from the edge of the infinity pool.

I’m still wearing the FitBit we purchased in Darwin but ashamedly hardly making it to 3000 steps a day when absolutely nothing is required of me in daily household tasks. As we’ve settled in, we’ll soon start walking the neighborhood, taking photos, and sharing them with all of you, hopefully getting some much-needed exercise in the process. 

View from the entrance to the house. More interior photos will follow in days to come when we’ve yet to take photos of the kitchen, the living room we use, and the entire upper level.

(Good thing I didn’t have aspirations about joining a health club here. It’s non-existent, let alone a grocery store anywhere in the immediate proximity with familiar foods we use). 

The local markets don’t carry beef, chicken, and certainly no pork which isn’t a food option here. Balinese people use a small number of protein sources used as an adjunct to a meal, not the main item. Mainly they cook chicken and fish purchased from local vendors only available early each morning, none of which is available at the local markets). 

We can hardly get through the photos we’ve already taken since our arrival. Without a doubt, we’ll have an endless stream of photos both during this two-month stint in this house and again when we return on September 1st to fill a two-month gap. 

Each day, except Sundays, the staff cleans the house, makes the bed, and prepares meals as requested. Today, we asked that they close these windows during the day to keep the bees, flies, and mozzies from the bedroom at night when we use the AC.

As we anticipated arriving here, we hesitated over the return in September, especially during the harrowing four-hour car ride, wondering if we would feel like coming back. Now, almost three days since our arrival, we both have no doubt we’ll look forward to the return. How could one not fall in love with this tropical paradise? 

I could go on and on today, but we have plenty of time to share our perspectives and enjoyment of this dream-like environment. It makes us feel as if we’re on an extended honeymoon, only adding to our already playful and joyful daily interactions with one another. If one is seeking romance and/or peaceful reflection, this is the place.

This is where we sit to dine each evening, keeping the huge sliding doors wide open for the breeze. At dusk, we close the doors to keep mozzies outside.

Using cash is prevalent in this remote location. Each evening after dinner, we pay cash for the cost of groceries for our next night’s dinner which the cooks purchase fresh each day, as mentioned above. They provide us with an item-by-item receipt of each item purchased,  giving us the change from the morning’s shopping. At that point, we dole out more cash for the next night.

Each time we venture out we pay for the cost of the use of the owner’s vehicle, an air-conditioned van that will be driven by Gede to our desired locations. Depending on how long we’re gone, we pay cash accordingly. More on that later.

Today, I’d intended to explain the currency exchange which is a complicated and unusual scenario in Bali. Due to today’s longwinded post, I’ll cover that in tomorrow’s post.

Gede, holding our fresh caught Blue Fin tuna that we had for dinner last night, prepared whole with onions, garlic, lemongrass, lemon, and local spices. Our cost for entire fish…US $3.04, IDR $40,000 (Indonesian Rupiah); for the entire meal (for two) US $8.12, IDR $106,900 (more on exchange rate coming soon).

As promised yesterday, today we’ll begin posting a new concept during the time we’re in Bali, entitled, “Sightings on the Beach in Bali” which will consist of photos we’ve taken during the day or evening from the veranda of the property. These individual daily photos will be presented below the main daily photo.

These “Sightings on the beach in Bali” may include such simple sights as a unique passing boat, dogs playing on the beach, or a woman carrying a pot on her head. 

Or, these sightings may prove to be much more entertaining and interesting, some of which we’ve seen thus far as shown today in our first in this series.  We hope you’ll enjoy this segment during our first 60-day stay. We’ll continue with our year-ago photos, now that we have a better wifi signal.

In essence, paradise is a sensation, not a place. May your find paradise in your hearts today and always.

Photo from one year ago today, May 3, 2015:

With the help of friend Louise in Kauai, she’s identified this bird as a Chestnut Mannikin we encountered in Kauai one year ago. Please click here for more photos.

Our new home in Bali…The story begins to unfold…Many more photos to come…

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Buddha statue by the pool is a fountain that runs continually.

In the dark, at the culmination of the harrowing four hour drive, our driver made the ascent down a narrow single lane road toward the sea. The road was so narrow, he had to get out to ask a neighbor to move a vehicle to allow us access.

As soon as we exited the van, both Ketuts greeted us with this tray with ice-cold washcloths, fresh flowers, a lit candle, and two glasses of sweet tea.

Moments later he pulled up to the house, lights illuminating an exquisite scene and for the next two months, we were home. With a sense of trepidation, I exited the car, legs cramped from sitting so long, took a deep breathe and smelled the fresh ocean air as a sense of relief washed over me.

Greeted by two lovely Balinese women, coincidentally, both named Ketut, one held a tray with  fresh flowers, ice-cold washcloths, and two wine glasses filled with sweet tea. Sadly, I declined the sweet tea but instead requested water. The spring water is safe to drink here.

The infinity pool is more beautiful than we imagined, the surface like glass, clear and cleaned daily.

During the four hour drive, we never stopped for water or a bathroom break, both of which were of my immediate concern, although I graciously held back to allow them their usual ritual of showing off the house. 

We’ll continue to have our coffee here on these chaise lounges each morning.

Our house man, Gede, (sounds like ga-day, the popular Australian greeting over which we all giggled when he explained) wanted to ensure we had a full tour including the opportunity to decide which of the two floors we preferred for our primary living quarters. There were four bedrooms from which to choose, two on each level.

It wasn’t the easiest decision even after we narrowed it down to two of the four, each with ocean views, all with en suite bathrooms. The only question, when the upstairs was slightly more appealing than the main level, was, “did we want to manage the oversized risers for the flight of stairs to the upper level?”

The covered huts and cabana poolside.

After careful consideration, we decided to stay on the main floor in the bedroom with the pool and ocean views.  With no railing on the open side of the staircase and only partial railing for the remainder, these factors contributed to our decision to opt for safety (old-timers that we are) to stay on the master bedroom on the main floor.

Doing so was no sacrifice, by any means. The sound of the surf, the views of the pool, Jacuzzi, and raging surf hardly are a sacrifice. Both floors had a separate living rooms and although a single house, we are free to use the other living room at any time if we so chose. There’s AC in that living room which when its especially hot at night, we may use.

We considered using the Jacuzzi last night but it was raining. We have plenty of clear nights ahead of us.

After the tour and room decision dinner was served by both Ketuts including a small whole roasted chicken coated in delicious gluten/starch/sugar free seasonings and a platter of the most delicious vegetable dish either of us had ever eaten. We asked for the same veggies at each dinner.

They cleared and washed the dishes leaving us to unpack and settle in. In no time at all, we were mostly unpacked, saving the remainder for the morning since we were anxious to let the family know we’d arrived. 

Peering across the pool to the ocean is a breathtaking scene.

As expected in this remote area, the wifi is slow and unpredictable, although not anywhere near as inconsistent as on the ship. In the next few days we’ll decide if we do in fact have to order the delivery of a hotspot device which we’d investigated months ago.

The rest? Heavenly. Oh I know, I’ve said this in the past. And yes, we’ve lived in some magical places, each with its own unique offerings. But, I must admit, this may be the most beautiful vacation home we’ve rented in to date and the setting…directly on the ocean with an infinity pool as the preface to the sprawling sea only steps from our door.

We’re located in the following area as described in Wikipedia.

“Bali Strait is a stretch of water separating Java and Bali while connecting the Indian Ocean and the Bali Sea. At its narrowest it is 2.4-kilometre (1.5 mi) wide. The Bali Strait is one of the five bodies of water surrounding the island of Bali: Lombok Strait to the east, the Badung Strait to the southeast, the Bali …”

Tom’s foot as we had a short stint in the sun yesterday afternoon. No sunburns for either of us.  We’ll move over to the cabana for shade.

At night we can see the lights of Java, Indonesia across the bay. On a clear night in the near future we’ll share photos of that view.  Amazing.

The household staff includes four; two Ketuts, Gede, Ribud (the pool guy) plus a driver on call (for a small fee). With several beautifully prepared instruction booklets available, we have most answers to our questions at our disposal. Yesterday, we made a list of questions for Gede who helped us in every way.

No, it’s not perfect. As is the case for each property, there are nuances to which we’ve already begun to adapt including; no English speaking news or any channels on the TV; Ketuts don’t speak much English (one, only a little); it’s hot and humid during the day (no AC in the main floor living areas except in the bedroom); there are ants, spiders, mozzies, flies with no screens (we keep doors wide open all day) and again, no coffee pot. 

The cabana is quite appealing where surely we’ll spend time reading and relaxing while in Bali.

Thank goodness for that silly little coffee filter we purchased long ago and had yet to use. Tom, as always, is masterful in ensuring we have the perfect coffee each morning.

After dinner we’ll use the Jacuzzi, swim in the lighted pool and lounge for the balance of the evening to watch our favorite downloaded shows using our HDMI cord for the TV while relaxing on the comfy leather sectional with an appropriate coffee table on which to set our beverages.

There are endless nuances which we’ll continue to share in days to come including the monetary exchange which requires a bit of a learning curve. Tomorrow, we’ll share a funny story of our first foray to an ATM in Indonesia and a trip to a grocery store in Denpasar. There’s always a learning curve to some extent, most of which makes us smile.

May your day find you learning something new that makes you smile!

Tomorrow, we’ll be starting a new feature to our site that we can hardly wait to share, all about our Bali experience. Please check back!

Photo from one year ago today, May 2, 2015:

View along the highway to Hanalei, Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

The 12 hour trip from the ship to Bali…

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Had we not been traveling the highway as such a clip, we’d have been able to take dozens of photos such as this, of famous Balinese gods, kings and queens.

There remains a sense of awe and wonder for this life we live. After our taxi whizzed through Singapore’s 7 km tunnel under a part of the city and the sea, we couldn’t help feeling charmed by the crisp cleanliness and beauty of the hot humid climate creating an exquisite environment in full bloom.

There are more motorcycles on the roads in Bail than anywhere else in the world.

We’ll return to Singapore for a week in a mere 59 days in a hotel booked and paid with our only upcoming expenses meals and transportation. In the interim, we look forward to life in Bali.

These types of stone statues are frequently included in new construction designs to maintain the integrity of the Balinese culture.

In our old lives, such a week’s long holiday that we’ll have in Singapore would have left us reeling with anticipation and excitement.  Now, entrenched in this peculiar lifestyle, we attempt to avoid taking it in our stride. If we ever lose that sense of wonder we still so passionately possess, it would be time to reconsider.

Interspersed with newer buildings many historical structures remain in Bali.

For now,  on occasion, we awaken in the middle of the night wondering for a split second where we are only to realize that we’re living this life. A smile washes over our faces in the dark and we know we are home…wherever that may be and… it still feels good.

The over two-hour drive (of a total of four hours) through the capital city of Denpasar (pop. approximately 856,412), has numerous shops and malls, some very old and operated by local merchants and others more modern as shown here.

The fact that we stand together in this passion remains a mystery.  How did we get here so united in our interests and desires?  How did this commonality fester and grow to provide such a strong foundation in both our relationship and our commitment to carry on?

Typical scene on the narrow highway; an old Balinese structure and the helmet of a passing motorcyclist.

Perhaps, the answer is irrelevant. Perhaps, like life itself, we acquire a quiet acceptance of our place in the world. Somehow, we’ve found ours.

These are typical shops along the main road as we traveled to Negara.

As I spew these thoughts aboard the flight from Singapore to Bali,  I’m reminded of our vulnerability and the need to let our future in part remain in the hands of hopefully qualified pilots and means of transportation.

Basket weaving is commonly seen in tropical climates as a means of adding to a vendor’s wares.

We can’t always be in control. In part, our ability to hand over the reins at times with dignity, grace, and ease becomes as much a vital part of this journey as when we have the potentiality of being in the driver’s seat.

Balinese architecture remains a constant in Bali.

And thus, as we’ve arrived in Bali after the harrowing four-hour drive through some of the worst traffic on two-lane roads, we’ve ever seen, we’re prepared for this leg in our journey. We’re unpacked, in our swimsuits and absorbing the exquisite views and property.

Pottery making is common in Bali, some plain, others highly decorative as shown in the far right.

We look forward to the adventure with the same degree of passion we felt 42 months ago. Photos and stories of tropical island life begin. Stay with us, stay beside us,  as we continue on, longing to share it all with you.

As darkness fell we finally reached the area of the road with an ocean view.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with more photos of Bali, as a dream of paradise on earth is definitely in our midst. 

Happy day to you as well.

Photo from one year ago today, May 1, 2015:

Stunning Anthurium flowers in Kauai as we began to wind down the last weeks of our four-month stay on the Garden Island. For more details, please click here.

Final cruise expenses…Disembarkment day….Off to Bali this morning…

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Due to the poor wifi signal, we’re unable to post any photos today, which should all be changing in the next few days once we’re on land.  Thanks for your patience!

The cruise has ended! By the time you see this post, we’ll be disembarking the ship, heading to the Singapore International Airport, and boarding our plane which departs at 10:45 am. 

We’re excited to be on our way to Bali. It seems as if we made plans for Bali a very long time ago.  To actually be heading there at long last leaves us with a little trepidation, but a lot of excitement to once again be settled in a beautiful location.

Once the long four-hour drive to the house is behind us and we’re unpacked and feeling settled with an adequate wifi signal, we’ll be able to catch up on our missing year-ago-photos and conduct research to be more detailed in our information. 

The cost for the cruise itself was as follows:

Total Cruise Costs including all on-ship expenses: $4,475.34
 

Cruise Costs: $3,869.10

 Total Cruise Bill: $606.24

Cost for Cruise for Balcony Cabin #7618

Cruise Charges (includes port charges)    $ 3,846.00
Senior Rate                                                                     – 259.00
Government Taxes                                              282.10
Prepaid Gratuities                                              336.00
Prepaid Gratuities                                            – 336.00
Total Cost (US)                                           $ 3,869.10

As for incidentals we spent when off the ship:
FitBit Device for Jess:                                    $     177.47
Insect Repellent for Bali:                                        17.67
Grand Total for Incidentals:                        $   194.14

Total Transportation/Hotel Costs:
Airfare Auckland to Sydney:                           $    377.00
Hotel Sydney                                                      188.00
Taxi Sydney Airport to Hotel                                  68.47
Grand Total for Transportation/Hotel         $  623.47

Breakdown of Cruise Bill by Category
Port Merchant  (toiletries)                              $      8.25
Laundry (2 times)                                               55.00
Beverage Packages (2-10 drinks each)                138.00
Beverages not included in fare                            347.99
Shuttle bus                                                         20.00
Mascara (3)                                                        82.00
Internet                                                            255.00
Cabin credits                                                   – 300.00
Total cruise bill                                            $  606.24

Grand total for all above expenses        US $ 5,292.85 

Due to the poor wifi signal aboard the ship, we’re unable to convert to Australian dollars at this time.

Well, folks, the next time we “see you” here, we’ll be in Bali writing and sharing better photos of our new home for the next two months. Thanks to all of our loyal friend readers who followed along with us and to our many new friends we’ve met along the way who we hope to see here soon.

Once again, no year-ago photo until we get situated with a better signal soon.

Happy day to all.

We’re back in Singapore!…Cruise is ending….Disembarking the ship early tomorrow morning…

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Sunset out to sea.

Today has been a busy day. We’ve packed and will place our bags outside our cabin door for a late evening pickup. Once we disembark early in the morning we’ll collect our bags and be on our way, looking for the prearranged driver for the ride to the Singapore International Airport. 

We’ve left out clothing and toiletries for tonight and tomorrow morning and of course, all of our digital equipment, computers, and documents which we’ll keep in our possession.

Sunset moments later.

Also, today, we’ve prepared two posts, today’s and tomorrow’s, with all of our final expenses for the entire cruise, including the cruise fare, all ancillary cruise-related expenses and miscellaneous spending along the way.

The floor in the casino.  We never played!

Time has moved quickly over these past two weeks. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single day aboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, as we always do on all cruises. The social activities have been over-the-top as we’ve met hundreds of wonderful people, most Aussies, some Kiwis, and a handful of others from a variety of countries. 

We still haven’t encountered the reported 15 other American passengers on board the ship, although we did meet a few Americans that have lived in Australia for decades, their American accents interspersed with the delightful Australian dialect.

The Promenade at night,

Of course, we welcome interaction with people from all over the world, especially after our growing worldwide travel experience. As time marches on, we’ve both become more adept at understanding thick accents from many countries and enjoy the varied perspective of many travelers whether they’re on their first or 25th cruise.

Cosmetics shop on the Promenade where I made a purchase.

Amid today’s tasks, we went to the movie in the La Scala Theatre at 2:30 for a much-enjoyed respite from the usual activities. Even there, while waiting for the movie to begin, we often meet yet more people, all making an effort to be quiet when the movie begins.

We’re anxious to be settled in Bali by tomorrow evening around 6 pm, providing all of our travel plans go smoothly. As for Singapore today, we’ll be back for a week in 60 days when we’ll see the sites and explore this amazing country.

A portion of the art gallery.

Hope your day will be productive, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment in whatever you decide to do.  Happy day!

No photo from one year ago due to the poor wifi signal. Thanks for your patience!

We’re in Port Klang, Malaysia…Sailing in the South China Seas…Unbelievable sites to see…In 48 hours, we’ll be flying away…

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This is a floating oil rig we spotted in the harbor in Singapore.

As mentioned in yesterday’s post, we’re not getting off the ship today. With a three-hour round trip bus ride to Kuala Lumpur from Port Klang, it wasn’t appealing to us, especially when all of the tours were centered around three or four hours of shopping in the capital city.

With the ship departing at 4:30 pm today and disembarking the port not allowed until after 8:00 am, it left little time to feel safe doing something on our own, risking not returning to the ship on time for departure.

This is a tug boat pulling a floating oil rig in the bay, unrelated to the freighter in the background.

This morning when Tom took a walk to check out our arrival in Malaysia, he came back to the cabin coughing.  He explained the pollution was so severe it was hard to breathe outside. 

We’re used to some of the freshest air in the world in New Zealand and out to sea. The thought of spending an entire day having trouble breathing held little appeal.  As we always say, our health is our top priority. 

Through the haze, we could see Singapore


Besides, at the moment approximately 25% of the ship’s passengers have colds, flu, and bronchitis, many of whom have been to see the ship’s doctor for antibiotics, so we’ve heard.

For the second morning in a row, we were seated at a breakfast table in the dining room, only standing minutes later apologizing for leaving, when we heard diners at the table coughing and sneezing. We don’t want to get sick this time.

Singapore looks interesting even through the haze.

Out of 13 cruises in 42 months, we’ve been ill five times catching colds and flu often lasting for many weeks after we were off the ship. The worst of this was when we arrived in Australia this past June and were sick for six weeks after the cruise ended.

We avoiding taking antibiotics during that illness but for both of us, it was the worst case of flu either of us ever had with a horrible cough, fever, and lingering weakness that was unlike anything we’d ever experienced in the past.  On a few occasions, we went as far as wondering if we had contracted malaria in our travels. 

We wish we could have had a clearer day to show how many boats were in the harbor in Singapore.
Over time and after considerable rest, we eventually recovered within a week of one another. It’s the nature of the beast. We’re going to get sick on cruises from time to time. 

For this cruise, I started taking 2000 mg of powdered vitamin C in its purest form a week before we left continuing each day aboard the ship. It tastes terrible but so far so good. Tom usually gets sick after me, catching whatever I get. If I stay well, most likely he will also. I‘m not about to say we’re safe from illness this time and need to wait until three days after the cruise ends to rest easy. 

Yesterday, we sailed by the port in Singapore which we passed on the way to Malaysia in the South China Seas.  It was one of the most amazing sites we’ve ever seen. There were literally hundreds of cargo ships, tugboats, junks, and small fishing boats in the immediate area. 

This adorable hanging towel monkey was hanging in our cabin when we returned last night.

I attempted to take photos in Singapore but the dense fog, humidity, and smog made it difficult. Also, the camera kept fogging up from being inside air conditioning and then outside in the humid climate. By the time the camera’s temp stabilized we’d moved far from Singapore. o please bear with our less than ideal photos today.

In less than 48 hours and we’ll be on the flight to Bali. Tomorrow morning, we’ll arrive back in Singapore where we’ll spend the night to disembark the following morning. On this upcoming June 28th, we’ll be back in Singapore for a week’s stay departing on July 5th.  

When we return for that week, we’ll explore the city and its amazing sites both day and night. It’s hard to believe that’s only two months away. How the time has flown!

Hopefully, I’ll be able to upload today’s post sooner than yesterday’s when we were unable to get a signal until later in the evening. We’ll see how that goes.

Have a fabulous day! Thanks for “hanging in there” with us during this poor WiFi period aboard this ship!


Photo from one year ago today, April 28, 2915:
We’re unable to post a year ago photo due to a poor wifi connection aboard the ship. Thank you for your patience.

New ship photos…Managing travel days…

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A beautiful sunset as we passed the tip of Australia.

This morning at 7:00 am we crossed the equator.  There have been several time changes over these past several days, including two separate 30 minute time changes, a first for us. Now, we’re back on the hour as we continue toward Southeast Asia.

Time is moving quickly as our cruise winds down. With only three days until we disembark the ship to make our way to the Singapore International Airport to fly to Bali, we realized it was time to book transportation from the port to airport.

An elephant made from towels left on our bed at night during turn down service. (My reading specs).

Most often we aren’t able to get off the ship until 8:00 am or so. This time we made special arrangements to disembark earlier at around 7:30 am with the driver arriving to pick us up at the port at 8:00 am. 

The Flowrider, a fun activity for those who can participate.

Hopefully, this should leave us plenty of time to get through customs and immigration making it in plenty of time for our 10:45 am flight to Bali. Sure, its a tight schedule for our liking and Tom is a little worried. But, as always my rationale remains the same;  get there safely and in good health and the rest is incidental.

The miniature golf course.

Missing a flight is not something we’ve experienced as yet and of course, we hope we’ll never will be in that situation. The reality is, as inconvenient as it may be to miss a flight, we’d figure it out. It may cost time and money but as mentioned above, safety and good health always supersede all else.

At a distance, the rock climbing wall next to the sports court.

We’ll be anxious to get as far away from Denpasar Airport as quickly as possible. Listed as a high risk location, with attacks in Bali over these past few years, the further away we get from the big city, the more at ease we will be.

Once the pre-arranged driver in Bali picks us up at the airport, we’ll be on our way on a four hour drive to the house on the southern coast. If all goes as planned, we should arrive at the house around 6:00 pm with the household staff holding dinner for us.

Close up of the rock climbing wall.

We requested an easy dinner for our arrival; chicken, cheese, and veggies. Once situated we’ll be able to review our food restrictions, shopping list and future menu options with the cook and staff. 

As always, we looking forward to being unpacked, organized and checking out the quality of the wifi.  If the wifi proves to be problematic, we have a backup plan to rent an unlimited hotspot from a company that is located two hours from the house that charges a small fee to deliver it to us at the house. We’ll report the fees if this proves to be necessary.

View from upper deck of the hot tubs by the pool.

As I write today’s post, once again we’re sitting in the Promenade Café. So far over the past two hours new friends of Tom’s have stopped by to sit with us over a cup of coffee. 

As I continue to write, one ear is directed to their lively conversation as they make every effort to include me in the idle and pleasant chatter. Gosh, this is almost too much fun, interacting with people hour after hour.

I suppose we’ve handed out no less than 150 business cards to ensure our new friends can easily reach us after the cruise, reading our posts old and new, and be able to contact us and we them, when we return to Australia and eventually Tasmania. How fortunate we’ve been to meet so many wonderful people!

May someone new cross your path today and bring you joy!

Photo from one year ago today, April 27, 2015:
Due to a poor internet signal, we’re unable to post the one-year-ago photo.

Part 3…New Darwin photos…Staying entertained, educated and entranced…

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No sooner than we stepped off the shuttle bus, we spotted this local zoo staff person promoting the venue to the ship’s passengers while holding this baby crocodile.  ts mouth is wrapped in a rubber band as shown.

There’s some form of mindlessness that transpires for both of us when we’re cruising. Somehow we get into a mode of a series of pleasing routines interspersed with idle chatter with an endless stream of people that takes us to an almost abstract state of mind.

As we walked on the pier in Darwin toward the shuttle bus.

Don’t get me wrong. We love this state of being, in part since we know it will never last for the long haul. It only lasts as long as the cruise itself. Perhaps in part it’s the total lack of responsibility; no bed to make, no dishes to wash, no food to cook, no laundry to hang outside in the breeze.

But then, we’re not inactive. Since wearing my newly purchased FitBit a few days ago, although I haven’t yet made the 10,000 hoped-for steps a day, I’m working my way up to higher and higher each day as I take stairs instead of elevators and walk the “long way” around the ship when possible. 

The port of Darwin.

Even Tom seems to be moving about along with me in my mission to stay as active as possible on the ship. It’s so easy to eat and sit too much when many activities seem to involve both. 

Turning back to glance at our ship, Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas.

I must admit I feel a bit overstuffed with the good meals the chef has managed to make for my way of eating, often putting way too much food on each plate, twice as much as I’d normally consume.

Once we settle in Bali in five days, we’ll both resume our lower consumption healthy diets. In part, I’m a little concerned it may be tough to stay active with a household staff of four who’ll make the bed, wash the dishes, cook the food, leaving us only with the option of doing our own laundry.

Tom busied himself chatting with the friendly driver on the shuttle to town.

Most likely we’ll want to do the laundry mainly to ensure we’re doing “something” to get us up and off of our butts. It doesn’t appear we’ll be doing a ton of sightseeing in Bali based on our distant location and lack of a rental car. 

We assumed this was the entrance to a mall but found this entrance had yet to open in this new building.  Walking around the next corner we easily found the huge outdoor mall.

Parts of Bali are unsafe for road trips which we’ll definitely keep in mind with safety always a top priority. However, we’ll find plenty of fodder for our Bali experiences both in our immediate environment and when we get out to explore every few days with the driver that’s available at the villa.

Do we feel like a holiday/vacation is ending?  In a funny way, the answer is yes. No, we don’t go “home” to unpack, go through a pile of mail, catch up on bill paying and daily tasks. None of that applies to us.

Surprisingly, there was a fair amount of traffic in Darwin, not unlike what we’d experienced in New Plymouth, NZ.

We pay our credit card balances, deposits for rentals, cruises, and flights online wherever we may be.  No such task is ever awaiting us at the end of any one experience. We pay as needed in any given time period regardless of where we may be.

But, the end of a cruise, always remains the end of yet another type of pleasurable event unlike any other in our day-to-day lives. Many times, passengers we’ve met have asked us if we’d like to cruise indefinitely. The answer is “no.” 

A part of the mall was covered providing shelter from the heat of the sun.  Darwin has a tropical climate.

The novelty of cruising would be lost if it was a daily or long-term commitment. Soon, the days and nights would blend into one another and the uniqueness would be lost to the mundane.

For us, nomads that we’ve become, the joy of our lifestyle seems to center around the constant change in location, lifestyle, and surroundings keeping us entertained, educated, and entranced.

With only four more nights aboard the ship, we’re winding down and beginning to focus a little attention on the future. With an upcoming whirlwind of travels over the next several months, visiting five countries in the next four months to include: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, we’re enthused and looking forward to an endless variety of stories to tell and photos to share.

Hang on, dear readers.  We’ll be back with lots more!


Photo from one year ago today, April 26, 2015:

A year ago on this date, we posted photos of our guide in Africa on a photo safari. Tom and Anderson really hit it off.  This was within moments of arriving at the dirt runway airport in the Maasai Mara. For more of these photos we reposted a year ago, please click here.