A world of wonder in the backyard…Who knew?…Fabulous meals in Tasmania…

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My dinner last night, a chicken stir fry made with vegetables (not including the carrots and raw nuts) from our landlord’s garden right outside our door, ours for the picking. (Tom’s meal is shown below).

Yesterday morning, once the rain had stopped and the sun had risen, we took a walk through the substantial grounds of this beautiful estate. As was the case when we rented the vacation home in Trinity Beach (near Cairns), Queensland, Australia beginning in June 2015, this rental is a large house with a full sized apartment.

Ornamental object in the garden of Anne and Tom.  Anne and Rob spend considerable time each day caring for their extensive garden.

As in Trinity Beach, the single apartment is comparable to a house. It’s not a “basement” unit, but has full sized windows throughout. In addition, this “apartment” in the valley of Huon has a lower level with a second room. The owners live in another “wing.”

With high prices for many rentals in Australia, this type of accommodation, works for us when it’s more within our budget than an individual house.

We were impressed with the immense garden.

In Penguin, we had a private house to ourselves, but this lovely property provides ample privacy and comfort befitting our needs and wants. The only issue is the “shared” WiFi, which presents a problem for our needs, which was the case of Trinity Beach and most recently in Bali when two villas, next door to one another also shared a WiFi connection.

An antique apple press in their garden used for making apple cider.  Apples are commonly grown in Tasmania and a popular fruit for locals and visitors alike.

There are other benefits to this type of housing situation and yesterday morning as we wandered through the enormous grounds, we discovered a most exciting perk we had no idea existed. Anne and Rob’s huge garden which they both laboriously tend to each and every day.

Our basket of veg began with these zucchini known as courgette in this part of the world. As we wandered about the garden Rob added a variety of greens, cabbage, and broccolini, all of which I used in making my dinner.

Rob encouraged us to stop by anytime and pick whatever we’d like. In the next few weeks, the harvest will become even more abundant during these summer months. Of course, we won’t take advantage of this kind offer. 

Celery, one of our favorite crunchy vegetables for salads.

After all, Tom only cares for a few vegetables beside salad ingredients, mainly green beans  and carrots. Occasionally, we’ll visit the garden to stock up on a few items for me. The remainder, we’ll purchase from  farm stands or organic grocers. 

Soon, we’ll purchase avocados and use a bunch of this cilantro from the garden to make guacamole.

Not only did we take the photos we’ve included here today, but many more from their exquisite flower garden which we’ll soon post. Anne put together a small bunch of gorgeous roses which I placed in a vase on the dining room table as shown in this photo below.

Roses Anne picked for our dining table. 

Back indoors after it had again begun to rain, I considered what we were planning for dinner and how I could use these freshest of vegetables for last night’s dinner.

Radishes.

Tom prefers beef more frequently than I. As a result, when he’s having beef or pork, I’ll have chicken or seafood. I never mind making two different meals since I usually plan to incorporate many of the same ingredients in each. 

Also, since Tom can eat more carbohydrates than I, adjustments are easily made to accommodate each of our tastes and needs. In all, I don’t usually spend more than 30 minutes a day preparing our varying meals.

Tonight’s dinner will include this cabbage for salad.

Also, we still only eat one meal a day. Tom may have cheese, olives and sliced ham as a snack if he’s hungry. However, with my low carb intake I’m rarely hungry. If I feel like something to eat, I’ll have a small snack.

Sure, I know many of our readers prefer not to read about cooking and food. We get this. When we’ve mentioned this, we receive many email messages from readers who do enjoy food photos and discussion. 

Figs, not quite ripe for picking.

For those of you uninterested in the nuances of our dietary adventures, please bear with us. Tomorrow, we’ll be on to other topics. 

As for the plate of food shown as my meal, the recipe simply consisted of chicken breast meat cooked in coconut oil, butter and fresh garlic and then removed from the pan while I cooked the vegetables. 

A perfect apple.

In the same pan, I stir fried the fresh greens and other vegetables (any type) with a little more coconut oil, butter and fresh garlic, seasoning them with organic wheat free soy sauce, sesame oil, Himalayan salt, fresh ground pepper, and whatever spices we had on hand. 

A lemon yet to ripen.

I’d precooked the carrots (frozen carrots may be used, if preferred) adding them to the final toss when adding the chicken back into the pot. When done, I topped the dish with organic raw nuts.

  Both of our meals were delicious and satisfying.

Tom’s dinner consisted of a taco salad (grass fed mince in at the bottom).  He’ll eat all of these salad vegetables, but few others.

Soon, we’re off for a visit to Hobart. Although we breezed through the beautiful ocean city upon our arrival a few days ago (and on a cruise one year ago), we decided to return for a better look especially since it’s a sunny day, albeit a bit cool. Tomorrow, we’ll share our new photos.

May your day be fulfilling and meaningful.

Photo from one year ago today, January 19, 2016:
Last year we were walking in the rain in Sydney when I took this photo of Tom which is now my favorite. On this date, we disembarked that cruise which ended in Auckland, New Zealand, making our way by rental car to New Plymouth where we blissfully lived for three months.  Included in the post is the final expenses for that particular cruise. For more details, please click here.

Perpendicular Deli, Espresso Bar, Restaurant and shop… A “not-to-be-missed” stop for tourists and locals…

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Talk about friendly people in Penguin!  Karen and Daniel, owners of Perpendicular are the epitome of Australian (and Penguin) warmth and kindness, making every patron walking through the door feeling as if this special spot could easily be a second home.

When Terry, our new friend, and landlord told us about Perpendicular Deli, Espresso Bar, Restaurant and shop, located off Main Street, only a short walk from our vacation home in Penguin, Tasmania, we couldn’t resist making a visit.

Karen and Daniel, both Australians, the thoughtful, creative, and friendly owners were quick to share their story of dreaming of owning a business in this quaint oceanfront town. 
Perpendicular Deli, Espresso Bar, Restaurant and Shop is located off Main Street in Penguin, Tasmania at 7 Arnold Street (behind the big bargain bottle shop). Note the penguin on the roof!  Easy parking is available in the lot as shown and on the street.

During this past year, they’ve made their dreams a reality with hard work and dedication, a customer-friendly design, easy to access location and the finest of food products and amenities. 

In the process, a casual, French-inspired café, barista, and restaurant was born to further the dining needs of the residents of Penguin who’ve had few dining establishments in this small town of a population of approximately 4000.
Casual dining area in Perpendicular!  Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 10 am and dinner  is served from 5:30 pm six days a week.  Perpendicular is closed on Wednesdays.  Call with questions:  0416 462 162 or (03) 6437 2659 or email Daniel at daniel@danielmarks.com.au
Penguin attracts tourists from all over the world for its beautiful beaches, water sports, quaint persona and habitat for the small Fairy Penguins.  When tourists arrive in a community, having a variety of dining establishments becomes a must.
Travelers staying in holiday homes with cooking facilities usually have little interest in preparing complicated time-consuming meals.  Those staying in hotels often seek a local and inviting venue that enables them to dress casually, enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed environment and be on their way to sightsee and engage in water sports and other activities. 
A comprehensive display of oils and condiments befitting cooks of all experience.

Perpendicular totally fulfils that objective when either local residents or tourists are seeking quality foods to enjoy onsite or to takeaway for a fast and convenient meal, delicious with the finest of ingredients Perpendicular has readily available.

After days of cloudy skies, this morning we stopped at Perpendicular to take an additional outdoor photo.  When we’d previously visited Karen and Daniel before Christmas the day was dark and cloudy. 
The deli case includes a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, and more. On the top shelf of the refrigerated case noticed the huge chunks of homemade nougat candy.  That was tempting!  The shelf above the refrigerated case contains an array of sweet treats and other gourmet items.  Prices are very reasonable for the quality products.

This morning, rushing to return to complete this post, we drove as opposed to walking to Perpendicular. Once Tom parked the car so I could take the outdoor photo we’ve included today, I decided to pop in to say hello and to purchase the olive oil-based feta cheese Daniel had mentioned on our prior visit.

Terry explained that Perpendicular carries the exact same Caraway Cheddar we’d purchased by mail from the Pyengana cheese factory. Almost a month ago we stopped at the cheese factory on our road trip from Hobart to Penguin purchasing one block of this cheese. Once we were settled we called Pyengana to order a 10 block supply by mail. Now that we know Perpendicular carries this brand, we can purchase it locally at Perpendicular.
Today for our main meal, I’m making myself a jumbo prawn salad with chopped hardboiled eggs, olives, tomatoes and cheese. Of course,  I knew the perfect cheese for such a salad would definitely be quality feta.
After we returned home, I opened the package of feta cheese for a taste and my taste buds soared with delight.  I can’t wait for mealtime! Tom, not a big fan of salads with meat (except taco salad), will have grilled steak with prawns, a side salad and veggies.
A superb barista section prepares a wide array of coffee-based beverages for the most finicky of espresso aficionados.

We’re excited to have found Perpendicular Deli, Espresso Bar and Providore and look forward to stopping by a few more times for meats and cheeses during our remaining two weeks in this amazing town of Penguin.

 Happy New Year’s Day to our friends on the opposite side of the International Dateline! For us, the holidays are over and it’s another “wonderful day in the neighborhood.”  

Photo from one year ago today, January 2, 2016:

The pool at the vacation home in Pacific Harbour, Fiji was pristine being cleaning three times a week. We spent many days during the one month stay on the island of Viti Levu (the main island of Fiji) lounging outdoors. For more details please click here.

An extraordinary evening with new friends in Tasmania at a special cafe in Penguin…

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Tania’s dedication to quality drinks, service and ambiance are easily evidenced in her unique  and inviting café.

We feel so fortunate. As we travel the world reveling in the experiences of visiting and living in many countries, we often find ourselves in the company of local residents who enhance our adventures and warm our hearts in ways not easy to describe.

An organ located at Renaessance for customer’s enjoyment.

One may think it’s difficult to get close to people in the short periods we stay in any given location.  There’s a commonality we share with those we embrace in our lives as they include us in theirs, which we’ve found to be universal from country to country, town to town, village to village.

Blackboards are updated frequently with menu items.

Making new friends is magical.  How is it that people come together for the very first time and the magic happens? After all, its just the two of us and, although on a day to day basis, we don’t feel lonely or displaced, we have each other and that love and companionship is a powerful and meaningful adjunct to each of our individual lives.

Cocktail price list, listed in AU dollars such as AU $15 equals US $10.95.
Breakfast and lunch menu.

Tom doesn’t meet the “boys” for coffee or a beer, nor do I go to lunch or shopping with the “girls.” Our lives are full and rewarding together and by communicating online with old friends whom we plan to see when we’re in Minnesota in a mere five months.

The thoughtful décor provides a pleasing environment, whether a guest stops in for coffee, lunch or wine and cocktails.

In the interim, as we’d experienced on the recent 33-night cruise, we made new friends, building relationships we’ll always remember and treasure even if we never return to a specific location or have an opportunity to meet face-to-face in the future.

A cozy well decorated corner in Renaessance.

Upcoming in 14 months, we’ll return to Marloth Park to again be with the many friends we made in South Africa. This will be the first time we’ll be returning to a specific location, in this case, to celebrate my 70th birthday with those friends and to relive the exquisite interaction with wild animals in the game reserve close to Kruger National Park. 

Fran and Terry hosted our evening out. For the first time since the cruise ended two weeks ago, we each had two drinks, beer for Tom, white wine for me.

As much as I longed to return to the bush, to the wildlife, we may not have been returning to Marloth Park four years later, had we not made so many friends while there. Staying in touch via email and Facebook has certainly contributed to maintaining these and other special relationships we’ve developed over these past years.

Gerard, who’s fabulous B&B we highlighted a few days ago, High on Penguin.  Click here for the post and photos.

Last evening, as soon as we entered Tania’s Renaessance café, located at 95 Main Street, Penguin, Tasmania, we felt at home. We’d expected the establishment to feel small in its compact space, but upon entering we were delighted to see how comfortable and roomy the café actually is.

From the left, Kath Downie, Penguin Deputy Mayor and friends, Leah and John.  It was delightful chatting with them as well.

From the creative design and décor to the wide array of unique and befitting amenities, each corner was well planned and usable, offering the visitor a memorable experience, unlike any other found in a typical coffee shop or wine bar. 

A cat sitting on a fence behind Renaessance next to the train tracks.

The foods offered were fresh and well plated, with a focus on healthfulness and yet, those seeking more traditional options would easily be able to find items to suit their tastes and desires.

Renaessance is all about coffee, wine and art and a perfect spot for locals and tourist to mingle.

The selections of alcoholic beverages, wines and nonalcoholic drinks was extensive, suitable for the lunchtime or happy hour enthusiast or a family with children.

Christmas decorations atop a cabinet.

No more than seconds after we met Tania and I engaged in lively conversation, both finding an immediate connection. While she and I chatted, as she attended to other customers, Tom sat in the lounge area, giving us some much appreciated “girl time.”

Tiny boxes with a variety of teas.

In a short while Terry, his lovely wife Fran and other customers arrived ordering drinks, appetizers and filling up the space. The conversations flowed with ease to a high level of camaraderie. It couldn’t have been more fun.

These candies (referred to as lollies in Australia) reminded me of a time from long ago.

Finally, at almost 9 pm, we all started to wander out, hugging and saying warm goodbyes with hopes of being together again soon. What a pleasant surprise and festive means of spending quality holiday time with new friends!

Although the café is small there are numerous tables and chairs suitable for seating for about 20 customers.

Yes, we are fortunate for the friends we make and the people we meet as we continue to travel the world, never for a moment or a day taking anything for granted. It’s truly a gift, all the gifts we’ll need or want over this holiday season and always.

The backyard of Renaessance overlooks the sea.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Photo from one year ago today, December 17, 2015:

In Suva, on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu, we visited an enormous farmers’ market.  For more photos, please click here.

Exploring the countryside in Tasmania…Nutty experience…

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The walnuts were in this cabinet, packed and ready for purchase at AU 10, US$7.36 per kilo (2.2 pounds). We borrowed a nut cracker from Terry and I cracked the entire bag while watching an entire movie. Yes, it took about two hours.
When we spotted this sign, we stopped to check out the nuts to be sold on a nut farm.
Tom placed the AU 10 bill in the mailbox when we purchased the walnuts.

There are few travel related activities that provide us with more pleasure than jumping into the car and driving to the countryside within an hour of where we’re living at any given time.

This beautiful horse got our attention.

In Penguin, it’s less than a ten minute drive, a few kilometers, to find ourselves in the country for some of the most breathtaking views we’ve seen in our world travels. With camera in hand, hearts racing with enthusiasm we make our way down one mysterious country road after another, never knowing what we’ll discover.

A pond on farmland. 

In some ways, Tasmania reminds us of New Zealand, a comparison, we’re certain other travelers have made from time to time; the rolling green hills, the mountains, the perfectly plotted fields growing any number of crops, the farmhouses dotting the landscape, many highlighted with expansive views of the crystal blue sea. 

We stopped for a photo of this white horse.
And then, he posed for the camera.

What could be more beautiful? For years, I’ve told Tom someday we must travel to Yellowstone Park in the US, which I’d seen a few times BT (before Tom) for views that makes one gasp after each bend in the road.  Someday, we’ll tour the US. For now, we’re entrenched in foreign lands…while we can…before we’re too old.

“Pyrethrum was a genus of several Old World plants now classified as Chrysanthemum or Tanacetum (e.g., C. Coccineum) which are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flower heads. Pyrethrum continues to be used as a common name for plants formerly included in the genus Pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is also the name of a natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum.”
Another Pyrethrum farm.

Tasmania, with its population of only 516,600 it’s a relatively small state of Australia’s six states which include: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia as shown below:

Rank (in order) State / Territory Population (June 2010) Population (June 2016) Change  % of Australian total
1 New South Wales 7,238,800 7,618,200 + 5.24% 32.03%
2 Victoria 5,547,500 5,938,100 + 7.04% 24.97%
3 Queensland 4,516,400 4,779,400 + 5.82% 20.09%
4 Western Australia 2,296,400 2,591,600 +12.85% 10.89%
5 South Australia 1,644,600 1,698,600 + 3.28% 7.14%
6 Tasmania 507,600 516,600 + 1.77% 2.17%
7 Australian Capital Territory 358,900 390,800 + 8.89% 1.64%
8 Northern Territory 229,700 244,600 + 6.49% 1.03%
Total Australia 22,342,400 23,781,200 + 6.44% 100

Tasmania’s land mass in relation to other parts of Australia is as follows in this chart:

Rank State / Territory Land area (km²)[2] Land area (mi²)  % of Australia
– Australian Antarctic Territory 5,896,500 2,276,651 –
1 Western Australia 2,529,875 976,790 32.89%
2 Queensland 1,730,647 668,206 22.50%
3 Northern Territory 1,349,129 520,902 17.54%
4 South Australia 983,482 379,725 12.79%
5 New South Wales 800,641 309,130 10.41%
6 Victoria 227,416 87,806 2.96%
7 Tasmania 68,401 26,410 0.89%
8 Australian Capital Territory 2,358 910 0.03%
9 Heard Island and McDonald Islands 372 144 0.00%
10 Ashmore and Cartier Islands 199 77 0.00%
11 Christmas Island  135 52 0.00%
12 Jervis Bay Territory 73 28 0.00%
13 Norfolk Island 35 14 0.00%
14 Cocos (Keeling) Islands 14 5 0.00%
15 Coral Sea Islands 10 4 0.00%
Total Australia 13,588,524 5,246,558 100%
Rolling green terrain.

As shown in the above chart, Tasmania only comprises 89% of the entire Australian continent and its nearby islands. Although Tasmania appears to consist of many farms its the lowest at 24% of land mass as compared to the much larger percentages of the remaining states.

Bales of hay ready for distribution.

This fact has little bearing on these travelers’ ability in experiencing the pure joy of driving through farm country, not only to see the abundant wildlife and farm animals, but also for the knowledge we glean from later researching what we’ve discovered along the way.

Farmland, blue skies with clouds rolling in.

Traveling in a close proximity to our vacation home allows us to return to the general location on future outings to explore roads we may have missed the first time around. Also, it enables us to feel more connected to the general area grasping the full meaning of the locals who dwell in this magical place.

The ocean, the rolling hills and power lines.

As we’ve mentioned in the past, taking a full day road trip has little appeal to us once we’re settled in a community.

As in this case, both driving the east coast of Tasmania upon our arrival, a lazy two day trip and again heading along the western edge of the state when we depart in a month to head to the Huon Valley, we’ll have fulfilled our goals of seeing much of the this relatively small island.

A river in the countryside.

Today, once we’ve uploaded this post we’ll walk to the market to purchase a few roasted chickens. It’s a bright and sunny day, warmer than the past few blustery days. This evening (Friday) at happy hour, we’re heading to a local pub where locals gather to chat. Terry suggested we join in and we’re thrilled to participate.

Yet to be sheared sheep were grazing on grass and leaves and trees.

Have a festive day, evening and weekend with the holiday season in full swing. We’ll be back tomorrow with more new photos!

Photo from one year ago today, December 16, 2015:

It was a short walk from our vacation home in Pacific Harbour Fiji to the river. For more photos, please click here.

Visit to a cheese factory with a lingering effect…What treats do we enjoy during the holiday season?

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It was necessary to take a detour off the main highway on our way to Penguin in order to stop at this popular cheese factory store and café, the Pyengana Dairy Company.

During the holiday season, many people enjoy a wide variety of special cakes, including biscuits, cakes, sweets and salty snacks. With our eating habits, we have few holiday options that will continue to keep our diet low in carbohydrates, sugar, cereals and starch.

However, there are a few things we can appreciate in moderation, including natural hard cheese, which usually contain the lowest amount of carbohydrates, lactose and insulin.

It is often perceived that we consume enormous amounts of protein. Our diet is called: low carb, high fat, moderate protein (no unlimited protein). For us, it maintains our weight, good health and sense of well being.

This coffee shop with its charming name is located inside the Pyengana cheese dairy in Tasmania.

That’s not to say we’re exempt from drooling over certain holiday treats or can avoid feeling as if we’re entitled to something special during this festive time of the year. Old traditions are hard to break.

I’ve been eating like this for 5 years. Tom, who didn’t get on board right away, has joined me in this type of diet for over four years, except for those times we’re on cruises and dining in restaurants when he goes “hog wild.”

Surprisingly, on this most recent 33 night cruise, he tempered his choices, making every effort to avoid bread and sweets. Consequently, he gained only a few pounds, which he will easily lose effortlessly before leaving Tasmania in two and a half months.

Charm was exuding from this delightfully decorated and appointed cheese sales and dining establishment located on a quiet country road in Pyengana, Tasmania.

Charm was exuding from this delightful decoration and named cheese selling and restaurant located on a quiet country road in Pyengana, Tasmania. Helens to Penguin, on our second leg of the road trip.

Only a short distance from the main highway A3, we veered off onto a country road C428 to easily find the Pyengana Dairy Company. Upon entering the café and shop, we were warmly greeted and offered to participate in the complimentary cheese tasting which was starting in moments.

We ordered our coffees and while it was being prepared, we tasted several excellent cheeses offered.  But, one particular flavor caught our attention, the caraway cheddar, a creamy, slightly tangy cheese infused with whole roasted caraway seeds.

We had a lot of ground to cover and didn’t sit down for coffee.  Instead, we purchased two coffees, sampled some cheese and heading back down the road.  At that point, we had no idea how “hooked” we’d become on their caraway cheddar cheese.

In general, we’ve found Australia to have some pretty amazing cheese, particularly their popular natural “Tasty” cheese, which is somewhat grainy, tangy and filled with flavor.

When grocery shopping these past two weeks, we purchased big blocks of tasty cheese, slicing it into bite sized strips which we keep handy in a plastic container. 

After finishing the one package of caraway cheddar we’d purchased in Pyengana Dairy Company a few days after arrival, we longed for more. After dinner, we often make a cheese plate with a variety of cheeses as a special dessert. With a few other cheeses we’d purchased locally, we were still thinking about the caraway cheddar.

After we’d sampled several cheeses, we couldn’t resist the caraway cheddar and purchased one package..

Last Thursday, we called Pyengana Dairy Company, asking if they’d ship the cheese to us in Penguin.  No problem. They were happy to oblige. Although the shipping and handling fee was AU 18.50, US $13.70 we didn’t hesitate to order 10 packages, the size shown in the photo included here today. 

The total bill for the cheese, including the shipping and handling fee was a total of AU 155, US $114.80 for the 10 packages which should last us through our time in Tasmania. In our old lives, I could easily spend more than this amount to bake Christmas cookies or other holiday treats.

Any other holiday treats on the agenda for us?  Today or tomorrow, I’ll be making a double batch of low carb fudge. For Tom’s upcoming 64th birthday on December 23rd, we have a dinner reservation at a highly rated restaurant in Devonport. For Christmas Eve, most likely we’ll make our traditional surf and turf. 

Longing for more of the delicious cheese, we called Pyengana Dairy Company to order 10 packages to be shipped to us in Penguin. Our shipment arrived yesterday morning. Since we don’t eat typical holiday treats, this will definitely work for us. 

On Christmas Day, we’re trying a new recipe we’ll share if it proves to be as good as it sounds, Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie, using almond flour for the top crust. We’ll see how that goes and report back here.

That’s it in the treats department folks.

It’s not much in the way of variety, but certainly satisfying for us.

We hope each and every one of our readers who participate, have a tasty holiday season.

Be well.

Photo from one year ago today, December 15, 2015:

Fiji décor made from some type of small vines. For more photos, please click here.

News overload…Dreaded “red eye” flight upcoming…A cultural dining experience with photos and amazing prices continue…

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This fish soup sounded delicious, but contained a small quantity of flour to thicken.

Finally, we have access to US and world news. Although by no means have we been out of the loop as to what’s transpiring in the US and around the globe. Voraciously, we read daily news online to stay abreast of what’s going on all over the world that could impact our lives as we continue to travel.

This fried soybean aperitif was served at our table. Tom didn’t like it and I don’t eat fried foods and soy.

Some may assume that our lifestyle may dictate an “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy. We’re definitely not living “off the grid.” We may have been living outside North America for almost four years, except for a three day stay in Boston to see family two years ago, although we’ve never been out of touch with the state of affairs in the US and many other parts of the world.

The coconut water is served in the coconut with its tender meat. Tom and I haven’t ordered any.

Settled in this comfortable hotel in Kuta, Bali, we got active online while watching English language news on television in the background. After an hour or two, we’ll flip the channel to Nat Geo Wild, or another one of National Geographic series, many depicting places we have been thus far in our travels.  Less stress inducing, by far.

As the days quickly dwindle to our departure in three nights, I must admit I’ve had a little angst about the red eye flight, which departs around midnight Saturday (actually Sunday, at 12:05 am).

Tom’s and Egon’s lunch consisted of fried rice topped with bits of chicken, a fried egg and a few bites of vegetables. 

We’ll have to leave the hotel prior to 10:00 pm Saturday (we paid for an extra night for the late check out) to ensure we’re at the airport two hours in advance as required for international flights. Sometimes immigration may lead to lengthy delays.

Francoise’s grilled fish.

I suppose I wouldn’t feel any angst about the red eye flight if we could sleep well on a plane. It’s just doesn’t happen easily for either of us. We can dose for brief periods of time.  With my recent injury, sitting for long periods is most challenging at this time, as I experienced on the four hour drive from Sumbersari to Kuta.  With my recent injury, sitting for long periods is more difficult at this time, as I experienced on the four-hour drive from Sumbersari to Kuta. 

Searching online I found a few tips that may be helpful from this site. Regardless of tips and suggestions, the reality is, it’s only a six hour flight. In no time, we shall arrive in Sydney. 

Pioni and I shared this platter of boiled crabs, a little tricky to get out of the shells due to their small size but the flavor was good.

We certainly have had longer and more challenging flights, including many hours of stopover. At least Sunday’s flight is going to be non-stop, which is going to be a lot easier.

Continuing to think positive thoughts and focusing on the enthusiasm for the arrival in Sydney on Sunday morning with one hotel night in the hotel which is conveniently located across the street from the pier where our ship will await boarding passengers. 

Watermelon, a hearty crop in Bali was served at our table.

Watermelon, a bountiful harvest in Bali was served at our table. As “regulars” of this hotel and members of their priority club, I am certain they will welcome us.

From there, we’ll get a good night’s sleep and be ready to board the ship for our scheduled time at noon on Monday, October 31st, the day of our four year anniversary, certainly a day to celebrate.

Thanks Francoise and Egon for hosting our lunch. I asked that we take a picture of the bill and post it here. It was shocking that the five-person lunch was only IDR 198,000, US$15.22!

We’d hope to use this hotel’s pool over these several days.  The weather has yet to cooperate. Soon, I go to the hotel gym for my third workout, increasing the intensity a little every day. 

Sure, its quiet and low key for us over these several days, but we’re doing well, feeling cool and enjoying getting caught up on a number of tasks we weren’t able to accomplish over these past many months.

Please bear with us, dear readers. The action will pick up in only a few days! Take care!

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

Typically in rainforests, we’ve observed insects and birds as more colorful than in less dense areas of vegetation. Tima, our guide to Vuodomo Falls, spotted this caterpillar we easily could have missed. For more details, please click here.

Busy day…Tomorrow, we’re on the road…An unexpected last minute social event…

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A beautiful scene in a roadside rest area about halfway through the four or five hour harrowing drive. Hopefully, tomorrow we’ll stop there once again. 

“Sightings in the Beach in Bali”

A colorful sunset photo taken while under the cabana.

After the considerable packing experience, we won’t become flustered or concerned about getting out the door on time tomorrow at 9 am, fully packed and ready to go.Five days later we’ll be doing the same after the necessity of wearing some of the clothing in our suitcases while staying at the hotel in Kuta.

Vegetables on display for a cooking class at Puri Bagus Lovina where we spent four nights during the five day visa extension process.

At the villa we’ve only worn swimsuits, all day and into the evening and have had very little laundry while here. We each alternated between two swimsuits, one always drying while the other was being worn. 

With a self service laundry at the hotel, we’ll be able to wash what we’ve worn to repack clean clothing for the 33 night cruise. Then, on the cruise, with our limited supply of clothing, we’ll be using a portion of our “cabin credit” of US $700, IDR 9,137,093, for the ship’s pricey laundry service.

Exquisite hand painted fishing boats at the pier in Negara.

While cruising it’s possible to change clothing four times a day depending on the events we’re planning to attend. From workout clothes in the morning, to swimsuits and cover ups, to shorts and tees for afternoon activities, to casual/ dressy attire for dinner. 

Each fishing boat has a unique design commensurate with the ethnicity of its owners.

With my clothing suitcase completely packed and only the third bag of supplies awaiting the final toiletries and miscellaneous items, we’ll have no problem getting out the door on time. Tom need only about 10 minutes to complete his packing.

Rambut Siwi Hindu Temple (Pura Rambut Siwi) in Negara.

Two days ago the property owners, Egon and his lovely wife Francoise, stopped by to say hello.  After a lengthy, interesting conversation among the four of us, we’d hugged upon departing with a plan to say goodbye in person before we leave.

Last night, we heard a knock at the door. It was after dark and quite surprising. During the day we leave all the doors wide open (no screens), only locking them at night. An evening visitor was quite unlikely.

We were honored to meet Gede’s parent at their home in Lovina during our first visit to Bali.

Egon had stopped by to invite us to a restaurant we’d known about and had seen when we had walked down the beach a while ago, but found no one in attendance and no posted menu. 

With the fabulous meals the cooks have prepared, we had little interest in investigating it further. Also, eating only one meal a day, the idea of walking back on the beach at night in the dark wasn’t appealing.

The skill required to create this work of art is typical among Balinese people.

Today, the enjoyment of the companionship will supersede any dietary or dining concerns and we’re off to lunch with Egon and Francoise at 12:30 pm. The next door neighbor, Peony, is joining us as additional guest at the party and to translate when none of us speak Balinese or Indonesian. It should be fun.

The patience of the buffaloes being “dressed” for the races surprised us as we gingerly walked by.

Today, we’ll be dining twice with scrumptious leftovers awaiting us for the evening meal. I guess we’d better get used to dining twice in a day when we’ll be doing so at the hotel over these next several days (complimentary full breakfast included) and then on the cruise, where we usually dine for breakfast and dinner.

Wearing sarongs at the Monkey Temple, which are required attire to enter any Hindu temple.

We’ll be back tomorrow with our post for the final expenses for the villa and the remainder of our favorite Sumbersari photos. Please check back as we wind down the remaining hours in this exceptional property.

Here’s the link to this wonderful holiday/vacation villa. We’re sure Egon and Francoise would love to see YOU here.

Photo from one year ago today, October 23, 2015:

In order to visit the Vuodomo Waterfalls, its expected that visitors bring the chief, (the owner of the land where the waterfall is located), a bag of kava, an intoxicating local drink made from kava leaves. Here’s the Fish Shop where we purchased the kava before we headed to the falls. For more details, please click here.

Winding down…Two days and counting…Favorite photos begin today!

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This local woman we met during our walks spent her days making small offering baskets out of these sheets. Note the basket in her hands. She always said hello as we walked by.

“Sightings on the Beach in Bali”

Watching the buffaloes walk along the beach has never ceased to give us a shiver. Where do you see that kind of thing? 

We can hardly believe we’re leaving the villa in less than 48 hours. The past four months (with a two month gap between where we visited Southeast Asia) have been an extraordinary experience leaving memories we will always keep with us. Prior to our first of two visits to Bali beginning on April 30th, we had heard passengers mention that they did not care about Bali. 

Now, after those many months, we understand their hesitation if they had just visited the congested Denpasar. Having spent this extended period far from the crowds, traffic, crime and commotion we have an entirely different perspective.

On both occasions of our arrival at the villa the staff presented us with chilled washcloths and sweet tea. Tom drank both glasses.

As we finalize the collection all of our belongings scattered around the house, it’s evident how settled, we’ve become during these past months. It’s been easy to meld into this peaceful and relaxing environment.

As always, we’re using any remaining groceries, we’ve accumulated, including the last of the mince (ground beef) we’d purchased in Denpasar upon our arrival. Last night, the two Ketuts made one of our favorite grain, sugar and starch free, low carb recipes, Mushroom Burger Scramble, which we found years ago at this favorite site. Thanks, Linda!

Mom and baby on the side of the road.

The leftover meat made enough for three nights, which we’ll have again tonight and tomorrow evenings, our last meals at the villa. The amazing two cooks have added considerable pleasure to this experience in many ways as well as their careful preparation of meals suitable for my way of eating.

Gede and the two Ketuts have asked when we’ll return. As we often say, “We have lots of world left to see.” It’s unlikely we’ll return to this location, although the 33-night upcoming cruise will dock for a day in Benoa, Bali, on November 11th, an area we’ve yet to see. Most likely, we’ll take the tender (small boat) to shore to check it out.

Evening view of the gorgeous cabana.  We spent many days under this cabana watching for sightings on the beach.

This upcoming cruise returns to several ports of call we’ve already visited. We’ll decide later as to which we’ll see again, perhaps some of those in the larger cities we’d previously visited in Australia and New Zealand. 

I suppose after a while there will be less and less ports of call throughout the world we haven’t visited at least once, but now, we’re a long way away from that eventuality, even after 14 cruises.

The beautiful hand painted fishing boats in the harbor in Negara.

This upcoming back-to-back cruise counts as two booked cruises. On November 16th we’ll arrive in Perth/Fremantle where we’ll meet up with friends Michelle and Carlo for the day. 

At that point many of the 2500 passengers will disembark entirely, while new passengers come aboard. Many of the booked passengers, we’ve encountered at the Cruise Critic message boards have booked the two cruises combined, as a back-to-back cruise, like us. What a fabulous opportunity to make more new friends!

The two Ketuts and Ribut were proud of the big tuna the girls had found at the early morning market. It was delicious!

At this point, we’re not concerned about our luggage weight and airline fees. Once we arrive and settle in at the hotel in Kuta we’ll review the contents of our luggage, weighing them on the travel scale and paying the appropriate baggage fees online. For now, we’re just packing neatly.

Mine is more stuffed than usual with the recent purchases of a number of Balinese items. I’ve decided to wait to determine which old items need to be tossed once we’re in air con at the hotel. Right now it’s so hot and humid, I have little motivation to tackle that task.

A Blue Kingfisher atop a palm tree on the villa’s grounds.

Today, we’re beginning to post our “favorite photos” which we’ll continue through Monday, the day we’ll post the final expenses for this second round in Bali. We’ll provide the link to the expenses for the first two months in Bali if you’d like to make the expense comparison. 

So far, as I prepare these numbers for both the final post in two days and to update our expense spreadsheet, it appears the totals will be similar, except for the recent four night stay in Lovina at the Puri Bagus resort and the recent clothing purchases both online and locally.

The worried look on his face made us laugh.

Heavy rain clouds are rolling in as we speak. Yesterday, we missed the pool time when it rained all afternoon.  Hopefully, today and tomorrow, we’ll be able to enjoy a little more time in the glorious infinity pool before we must be on our way.

Have a glorious day of your own!

Photo from one year ago today, October 22, 2015:

The entrance to the hospital in Savusavu, Fiji. Medical care is free to both citizens of Fiji and visitors. See here for more details.

It’s a hard act to follow…Is a second round worthwhile? Photo, last night’s American style dinner…

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Workers in the rice fields in Bali.

“Sightings on the Beach in Bali”

These men were getting ready to go snorkeling with the aim of fishing with nets.

It’s almost like I can’t find words after yesterday’s post that got answers from around the world. We both received many comments and likes on Facebook, comments on posts and many emails wishing us well after posting our new 669 day itinerary. 

If you missed the itinerary yesterday, please click here to see where we’ll be heading over this next extended period.

Our friends in South Africa have made the upcoming return to Marloth Park in 16 months all the more exciting by their enthusiastic responses and arms opened wide to welcome us back to their little piece of heaven. 

One of our Ketuts sweeping the grass with a handmade broom.

We even went as far as booking Jabula Lodge & Restaurant in Marloth Park for the evening of my 70th birthday on February 20, 2018. Leon and Dawn, the owners who became dear friends during our last stay in 2013/2014 confirmed our reservation for the group of us or any more who’d like to attend. 

I can’t wait to feast on a big plate of Peri Peri Chicken Livers while Tom devours Espetada, a huge upright skewer speared with chunks of roasted meat. The food was always cooked to perfection for my way of eating.

The people, the food, the service, the ice cold drinks are exceptional at this fun restaurant where we’d previously dined a few nights a week and we’ll dine once again when we’re back in their midst. Maybe I’ll only have to cook a few nights a week when we return!

Our close up of a grasshopper. Each day while in the pool we rescue several grasshoppers and other insects who accidentally ended up in the water and appear to be drowning when they can’t get out.

There are so many aspects about Marloth Park that call to us.  There’s the people; friendly, warm and so willing to include us in their lives. Laughter and merriment come easily for these dual language citizens who speak fluent English and Afrikaans. Then, there’s a few gringos, like us, who possess the same outrageously welcoming persona.

But, then, dear readers, is the infinite delight when the wild animals visit us each day wherever we may live within the game reserve, who make our hearts race with excitement when each day they “come to call.” 

Adding to that daily joyful experience is visiting Kruger National Park, a short distance away, entering Crocodile Bridge to see the cross languishing on the shore and the hippos bellowing. 

Lovely beach scenery while driving along the highway.

Upon entering the massive reserve we’ll be spotting elephants, lions, cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos, the proverbial “Big Five” and more which we’ve been fortunate to see many times in our past visit to Africa.

Whether its my favorite warthogs with growing babies following moms close behind or a herd of male zebras who come to scratch their backs on the trees, drink from the swimming pool and look for a handout.

They all love the taste of the pellets we’ll have handy in 88 pounds, 40 kilogram bags that we’ll offer to every visitor, except the giraffes who can’t bend down to eat from our hands or from the ground. And yet, they, too, still “come to call.”

Temple and Hindu celebration on the beach.

From the best biltong (jerky) in the world and fresh meat at the local market, to the organic vegetables from the farmer next door, the tiny Marloth Park Shopping Centre is charming and fun to visit. Every other week, we traveled to Komatipoort to the supermarket and data store to add data to our devices. Again, we’ll do the same.

We haven’t selected a vacation home yet for either of the two stays in 2018. Louise and Danie, our hosts and landlords who also became dear friends, own and manage a number of properties (click here for their site with numerous options) and have promised we won’t have to sleep in a tent. 

Then again, in the nearby Kruger National Park, many tourists do exactly that. We aren’t slightly concerned, certain Louise and Danie will ensure we’re able to stay in wonderful homes in Marloth Park. We’ll surely pin something down as the time nears.

What a fine meal we had last night and will again tonight using the mince (grass fed ground beef) we’d purchased in Denpasar the day we began the drive to the villa;  a hard boiled egg stuffed, bacon wrapped meatloaf with homemade low carb ketchup, coleslaw and sautéed Balinese vegetables. The cooks did a fabulous job making our American style recipe.

Well, I suppose that’s enough about Africa for now. We still have “lots of fish to fry” in the upcoming months and years.  wo weeks from today, we’re leaving the villa to begin the two travel days required to make our way to Sydney, Australia for the 33-night cruise.

We’re cherishing every last moment of these two remaining weeks in Bali when now as we speak, we’re comfortably ensconced in chaise lounges overlooking the infinity pool and the sea, with little doubt that sometimes, maybe sometimes, a second round may be worth it all.

Happy day!

Photo from one year ago today, October 15, 2015:
Horses on the grounds of Namale Resort in Fiji owned by the speaker/writer Anthony Robbins where we later visited on our three year anniversary on October 31st. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Balinese food prep and arrangement…Expenses for four night resort stay…

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Bruschetta was served at our table each evening. Tom ate my share the way he often does when such items are served.

This morning, after we finished our final included breakfast we walked up the steep stone steps to the lobby to checkout and pay the balance allowing us to quickly be on our way by 1:45, hoping to be early in the queue at the immigration office.

This plate of mixed seafood was my favorite during the four dinners.

The fee for both visa extensions was IDR 710,000, US$54.63, which we paid for Wednesday’s tour. Our hotel bill at Puri Bagus Lovina in its entirety, including the room rate, two pairs of pants, one shirt and bottle of custom made Balinese body oil came to a grand total of IDR 10,313,030, US $793.49. 

Avocado salad with feta cheese.

We were pleasantly surprised with the total and couldn’t have found a more enjoyable and affordable alternative to driving back and forth to Lovina three times in five days for the required process. 

Although this doesn’t appear to be sweet and sour pork, it was indeed. Tom said it was wonderful to order it for two consecutive nights.    Notice what’s under the green cone on the following picture.

When we return to the villa we’ll pay for the rental fee for the van which will be IDR 200,000, US $15.39, per day for five days totaling IDR 1,000,000, US $76.94, plus fuel at IDR 200,000, US $15.39, bringing our grand total for the entire experience to IDR 12,223,300, US $940.47.

The server removed the green cone to display the rice beneath.

It was a lot easier than flying out of the country as some tourists may choose to do in order to get a new visa stamp allowing an additional 30 day stay, depending on one’s passport of origin. 

I ordered these roasted vegetable skewers along with the yellow tuna salad shown above and in the next photo below.

We’ve had an exceptional experience at Puri Bagus Lovina  with all the thoughtful attention we received from the management staff in appreciation for our four days of stories highlighting their exquisite property. We could not be more grateful for the many ways they have reached out.

That rare tuna salad I ordered was amazing.

Today we display pictures of delicious and beautifully presented meals during the four-night stay. Not only was the food in the superb category, but the gracious service and attention to detail further exemplified the objectives of this Balinese resort abundant in charm, ambiance and service. 

The western-style omelet bar where custom omelettes are prepared to perfection.

We were never disappointed with a single meal. Tasty, fresh and well-seasoned dishes were placed in front of us, of course afterwards, never weakening in perfect timing and courtesy. Drinks were served just as we prefer with plenty of ice (an American thing) and in large iced glasses. 

Tom and I both ordered the surf and turf platter. He gave me his prawns, squid and veggies while I passed him my fries, flat bread and onion rings, requested on a separate plate. The steak was a filet, cooked to perfection and the most tender we’ve had for a long time.

We were encouraged by management to inform them about any less than ideal food or service. Long ago, we accepted the realities of “island time” because we did not need or want to mention what is simply cultural in Bali… no rush, easy does it. 

There are several fixed price three course options on the varied menu. We were allowed to mix and match items we preferred. Tom ordered this salad, unbeknownst to me, with the intent of giving me all the prawns. What a guy! He’s always thinking of me.

Many tourists fail to accept such cultural differences when coming from a hustle and bustle lifestyle in their home country.They want something and they want it now. This is not to imply service was slow at Puri Bagus Resort & Spa. It wasn’t. It was gracious and done in a manner that never made us or the attentive staff feel rushed or stressed.

Tom’s said his French onion soup was divine.  He hadn’t had this soup in quite some time.

The Hindu culture centers around a gentle, low key sense of peace and well being. Puri Bagus Resort & Spa definitely exemplified this culture with ease and seamlessness in not only its good service but also in its traditional focus on nature, cleanliness incorporating the Hindu and the Balinese ways of life.

Last night I ordered this platter of three types of fish, including John Dory, halibut and snapper with a few prawns and grilled squid rings.  Fabulous!

We’ve packed our belongings and will be ready to head out the door in time to make the 2:00 pm appointment at the immigration office. Shortly, thereafter, we’ll change into our shorts for the long two hour harrowing return drive to the villa. It’s ironic the roads are so crazy when the people of Bali are so calm and peaceful. There again, its purely a cultural thing.

Tom’s Western style dinner last night; steak, onion rings and twice baked potato. Again, he passed me his veggies.

We’ve yet to share many other photos we’ve taken over these past days, which, as we continue with our stories in Sumbersari, Bali, we’ll incorporate into future posts. 

Tom’s dessert… crème Brule, around profiterole cookie with a white frosting base and bits of fresh fruit. He enjoyed every morsel.

Stay tuned, folks. We’ll be back tomorrow with lots more photos and new “Sightings on the Beach in Bali.”

A special thanks to all of our loyal readers for traveling with us wherever we may go! We always feel your presence at our side. Happy day!

Photo from one year ago today, September 30, 2015:

Savusavu, on the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji is a busy little village. We loved going to town to shop at several locations for our week’s groceries. Many locals and some tourists take buses to other parts of the island. Our driver Ratnesh, took care of all of our transportation needs. For more details, please click here.