Thursday, March 24, 2005
Olivia joined us on a cultural shopping trip to Ubud! We hired a taxi for the day (cost $60 + tip) to drive us around and wait for us. The first stop was to Celuk, a village known for silvercrafting. We entered a shop and left with many goodies. Olivia is a bargaining fiend. The starting price may $70 but she'll always start with and offer of $7. Rob noticed that it was possible to "tip" the salesman to get him to lower the price.
Our next stop was Mas, a wood sculpting village. There were so many wooden statues littering the front steps of every shop in Mas. Rob and I picked out a contemporary sculpture as our souvenir of the trip. We paid what we were willing to pay but I didn't help the bargaining process much. It's hard to argue much when you can see how much time and work go into each statue. The traditional statues had exquisite details. The salesman showed us that the main difference between students, teachers and masters of the art are the hands. Only the masters can carve hands in the complex poses of Balinese dance.
We continued to Ubud where I found a boutique store of a young fashion designer Oka Diputra. His clothes were so different; modern with a distinct asian edge. Olivia found a Jewish art dealer to buy some Nepalese paintings from. Random!!
To complete the day, we had an early dinner at Bebek Bengil (Translates to "Dirty Duck") diner. I had pre-order the special smoked duck a day in advance. Since we had reservations, we enjoyed our dinner in a private wooden booth on stilts, amidst cushions. Our booth was next to a large rice paddy and we watch three workers clear the field in the fading dusk.
Olivia was accustomed to seeing rice paddies in the Philippines and noted that the workers were cutting the rice too early. They were probably just going to replant more rice to grow green rice fields for the benefit of the fancy restaurant that we were at. It was a sad realization.
Our next stop was Mas, a wood sculpting village. There were so many wooden statues littering the front steps of every shop in Mas. Rob and I picked out a contemporary sculpture as our souvenir of the trip. We paid what we were willing to pay but I didn't help the bargaining process much. It's hard to argue much when you can see how much time and work go into each statue. The traditional statues had exquisite details. The salesman showed us that the main difference between students, teachers and masters of the art are the hands. Only the masters can carve hands in the complex poses of Balinese dance.
We continued to Ubud where I found a boutique store of a young fashion designer Oka Diputra. His clothes were so different; modern with a distinct asian edge. Olivia found a Jewish art dealer to buy some Nepalese paintings from. Random!!
To complete the day, we had an early dinner at Bebek Bengil (Translates to "Dirty Duck") diner. I had pre-order the special smoked duck a day in advance. Since we had reservations, we enjoyed our dinner in a private wooden booth on stilts, amidst cushions. Our booth was next to a large rice paddy and we watch three workers clear the field in the fading dusk.
Olivia was accustomed to seeing rice paddies in the Philippines and noted that the workers were cutting the rice too early. They were probably just going to replant more rice to grow green rice fields for the benefit of the fancy restaurant that we were at. It was a sad realization.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Surfing and snorkeling
The surf was disappointing to say the least. However, I did get to surf a few places that I'd never been before: Canggu, Seranggan and Dreamland. We nearly surfed at Uluwatu but it was crowded and the price of board rentals were 3 times as much as at Kuta.
We had hoped to visit Lombok Island but settled for the closer Lembongan Island instead. We took a slow cruising 17m sailing yacht early in the morning. There was no wind so we motored all the way but it was very relaxing. The cruise package included transfer to and from the boat, lunch on the boat, equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides and glass bottom boat rides.
The number and variety of fish were astonishing. We anchored close to the coral reef and could easily snorkel from the boat. Rob spent most of his time peer at the fishies. The glass bottom boat was a nice treat because we were able to find a school of very large fish as well as take photos of the reef.
We elected to take the fastest boat back to Bali which was great fun! It was an ocean rafting boat with an inflated bottom. The swells were big inside the channel and we were going so fast that it felt like a 30 min rollercoaster. All the passengers screamed with delight as we crested waves.
The surf was disappointing to say the least. However, I did get to surf a few places that I'd never been before: Canggu, Seranggan and Dreamland. We nearly surfed at Uluwatu but it was crowded and the price of board rentals were 3 times as much as at Kuta.
We had hoped to visit Lombok Island but settled for the closer Lembongan Island instead. We took a slow cruising 17m sailing yacht early in the morning. There was no wind so we motored all the way but it was very relaxing. The cruise package included transfer to and from the boat, lunch on the boat, equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides and glass bottom boat rides.
The number and variety of fish were astonishing. We anchored close to the coral reef and could easily snorkel from the boat. Rob spent most of his time peer at the fishies. The glass bottom boat was a nice treat because we were able to find a school of very large fish as well as take photos of the reef.
We elected to take the fastest boat back to Bali which was great fun! It was an ocean rafting boat with an inflated bottom. The swells were big inside the channel and we were going so fast that it felt like a 30 min rollercoaster. All the passengers screamed with delight as we crested waves.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Burat and Noel's second wedding to honour Noel's family traditions was held at the Ritz Carlton in Jimbaran. The Pavilion where the ceremony was held was surrounded by water and looked like it was suspended on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The ceremony was simple and short.
The sky lit up with fiery colours as the sun set. It must be a good omen.
The sky lit up with fiery colours as the sun set. It must be a good omen.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
I got up early to catch a ride with Noel's parents to Burat's family compound in the mountains. The drive was about 1.5 hours from where we were staying in Jimbaran. When we arrived the street was lined with large colourful signs proclaiming good wishes and congratulations to the happy couple. In Bali, this was a "society" wedding so many of the signs were from corporations and businesses from around the island.
A large group of musicians sat near the steps leading to the family temple, welcoming guests and family. As I walked into the compound I almost didn't recognized the same place as where Rob and I had stayed a night a year ago. Burat's father and mother, Made and Intan, had transformed the garden into a magical place with beautiful flower arrangements and white umbrellas. Blessings and ceremonies had been ongoing since dawn. I watched as Burat changed from a simple kabaya (lace blouse) and sarong into a more elaborate costume. Wispy fringes were painted on her forehead and extensions added to her hair to resemble a traditional hairstyle. Gorgeous golden leaves were placed upright in her hair in layers until it formed an elaborate headress. I needed help with my own kabaya and sarong and soon my hair and face were tended under the minstrations of an army of helpers. I was not alone. Noel and his parents also underwent their own chrysalid process.
Noel had to undergo a tooth filing ceremony to become a member of Balinese society and male heir to Burat's father as she has no brothers. In Balinese culture it was acceptable for Noel to become Burat's brother and then marry her.
There were multiple ceremonies through out the day, the bride and groom got very little rest between performing rituals and posing for photos. There were so many guests at the wedding that not everyone was able to sit at a table. There were rows of chairs set up around the shrine and in the shade of other smaller buildings in the compound. There were some similarities to western style weddings such as signing of a marriage contract and other interesting details, including the multitude of prayers and exchange of first bites of food as a married couple.
Burat looked like an exotic princess and Noel a dashing prince. Congrats!
A large group of musicians sat near the steps leading to the family temple, welcoming guests and family. As I walked into the compound I almost didn't recognized the same place as where Rob and I had stayed a night a year ago. Burat's father and mother, Made and Intan, had transformed the garden into a magical place with beautiful flower arrangements and white umbrellas. Blessings and ceremonies had been ongoing since dawn. I watched as Burat changed from a simple kabaya (lace blouse) and sarong into a more elaborate costume. Wispy fringes were painted on her forehead and extensions added to her hair to resemble a traditional hairstyle. Gorgeous golden leaves were placed upright in her hair in layers until it formed an elaborate headress. I needed help with my own kabaya and sarong and soon my hair and face were tended under the minstrations of an army of helpers. I was not alone. Noel and his parents also underwent their own chrysalid process.
Noel had to undergo a tooth filing ceremony to become a member of Balinese society and male heir to Burat's father as she has no brothers. In Balinese culture it was acceptable for Noel to become Burat's brother and then marry her.
There were multiple ceremonies through out the day, the bride and groom got very little rest between performing rituals and posing for photos. There were so many guests at the wedding that not everyone was able to sit at a table. There were rows of chairs set up around the shrine and in the shade of other smaller buildings in the compound. There were some similarities to western style weddings such as signing of a marriage contract and other interesting details, including the multitude of prayers and exchange of first bites of food as a married couple.
Burat looked like an exotic princess and Noel a dashing prince. Congrats!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Olivia, Alice, Lia and Buck arrived and we all took the hired car around town. The first stop was at a travel agency to arrange a side trip to Borobudur which is on the island of Java. Rob and I visited Borobudur on our first trip to Indonesia. The return airfare from Bali to Jogjakarta was only $40USD. What a great deal!
Next we were all starving so we found a padang restaurant for lunch. Lia said the specialty was cow tongue sate (satay). As soon as we sat down, 6 servers sprung into action. Soon our table was covered with plates of food that we hadn't ordered, ranging from fish head curry and stewed jackfruit to cow tongue sate and spicy veggies. Olivia tried to tell them that we didn't want this food that we hadn't ordered anything yet. Luckily Lia was around to explain that this was the method of service in a padang restaurant. We just eat what we want and when we're done the server will tally up and bill us for only the dishes that we touched. All the dishes were served cold as they had been prepared, portioned into individual plates and set aside in stacks until customers came in. Some of us worried about whether it was hygienic and whether we were being served food from another table that was "untouched". But no one got sick from that meal.
As we left the restaurant, I noticed that they provide delivery service. I wonder if that comes with 6 servers and stacks of plates?
Next we were all starving so we found a padang restaurant for lunch. Lia said the specialty was cow tongue sate (satay). As soon as we sat down, 6 servers sprung into action. Soon our table was covered with plates of food that we hadn't ordered, ranging from fish head curry and stewed jackfruit to cow tongue sate and spicy veggies. Olivia tried to tell them that we didn't want this food that we hadn't ordered anything yet. Luckily Lia was around to explain that this was the method of service in a padang restaurant. We just eat what we want and when we're done the server will tally up and bill us for only the dishes that we touched. All the dishes were served cold as they had been prepared, portioned into individual plates and set aside in stacks until customers came in. Some of us worried about whether it was hygienic and whether we were being served food from another table that was "untouched". But no one got sick from that meal.
As we left the restaurant, I noticed that they provide delivery service. I wonder if that comes with 6 servers and stacks of plates?
Friday, March 18, 2005
We are in Bali to attend Burat and Noel's wedding. Most of the guests are staying at Pat Mase Villas. This place is relatively new and absolutely stunning. It consists of multiple compounds. Each compound has a main swimming pool fed by a fountain. All around the pool are stairs leading to individual living quarters. The living quarters have a pavilion where the "living room" and kitchen are sheltered. Each morning, the cook will come to the kitchen to cook and serve breakfast. A small path leading away from the pavilion branches to two small buildings. One building is the master suite and the other building has two other bedroom suites.
We're staying in the master suite which has it's own sunroom to bathe in and dual sinks and an indoor and outdoor shower. This feels like we're on our honeymoon. In fact we're dubbing it our honeymoon (for this year). Who says you have to do things in order?
We're staying in the master suite which has it's own sunroom to bathe in and dual sinks and an indoor and outdoor shower. This feels like we're on our honeymoon. In fact we're dubbing it our honeymoon (for this year). Who says you have to do things in order?
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Singapore was all that I hoped it would be. Superb food! We ate at hawker markets galore. Poor Rob, this is where his Asian diet begins. Although we did manage to find a few dishes that he liked, fishballs and (white) carrot cake for breakfast will never be his thing.
I got to see many of my aunts, uncle, and cousins. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Xuan who still remembered Rob and I from the last time we visited. I also got to see a few things that I'd never seen before such as the large Buddist temple and Sentosa Island where we encountered pink dolphins!!
We tried to meet up with Rishi's brother but at least we got to have breakfast with his wife Lisa and son Nathaniel. I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping for traditional chinese dresses which are plentiful in Singapore.
I got to see many of my aunts, uncle, and cousins. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Xuan who still remembered Rob and I from the last time we visited. I also got to see a few things that I'd never seen before such as the large Buddist temple and Sentosa Island where we encountered pink dolphins!!
We tried to meet up with Rishi's brother but at least we got to have breakfast with his wife Lisa and son Nathaniel. I also managed to squeeze in a little shopping for traditional chinese dresses which are plentiful in Singapore.
Monday, March 14, 2005
The plane ride from Los Angeles to Singapore was uneventful. I slept a lot. Rob slept very little. And we both watched a half dozen movies to pass the time. Our hotel in Singapore, Holiday Inn Atrium, is not the most centrally or conveniently located hotel. It's a bit of a walk to any MRT station. Although there are a few bus stops in front, we're not sure where the buses go so we were hesistant to get on. Besides the taxis are dirt cheap.
Our first day in Singapore consisted of a nice long nap in the afternoon and then we walked to Clarke Quay for dinner. Clarke Quay is a hip area of downtown with many shops and restaurants although I have a feeling that mostly tourists from the surrounding hotels hang out here. My cousins who live and work in Singapore tell me that they have not eaten at Clarke Quay.
Our first day in Singapore consisted of a nice long nap in the afternoon and then we walked to Clarke Quay for dinner. Clarke Quay is a hip area of downtown with many shops and restaurants although I have a feeling that mostly tourists from the surrounding hotels hang out here. My cousins who live and work in Singapore tell me that they have not eaten at Clarke Quay.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
I had dinner with my cousins and their family. It was nice to share a family meal and of course play with the cute baby. Brenton is small for his age but he's a bundle of energy!
Today, Rob and I took the scenic route from San Francisco to LA down the 101. On my drive yesterday, I saw so many flowers and lush green hills that it seemed the nicest way to drive rather than taking the faster I-5 route. We stopped at the Pinnacles National Monument via the western entrance. The turnoff is to go east from the Salinas Valley. This was my first time coming here though I'd passed the turnoff sign many times. This national park is 24,000 acres wide and the views were stunning. The winter rains paid off in vibrant colours across the grassy fields, orange poppies and purple wildflowers.
We didn't have time to do a hike but definitely intent to return to this spot another day.
Today, Rob and I took the scenic route from San Francisco to LA down the 101. On my drive yesterday, I saw so many flowers and lush green hills that it seemed the nicest way to drive rather than taking the faster I-5 route. We stopped at the Pinnacles National Monument via the western entrance. The turnoff is to go east from the Salinas Valley. This was my first time coming here though I'd passed the turnoff sign many times. This national park is 24,000 acres wide and the views were stunning. The winter rains paid off in vibrant colours across the grassy fields, orange poppies and purple wildflowers.
We didn't have time to do a hike but definitely intent to return to this spot another day.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Madeline and I found a great hike out to San Ysidro Falls. The trail was in good condition considering the rain falls this year. But also due to the heavy rains, the 80 ft waterfall was a sight to see!
Thursday, March 10, 2005
I hadn't considered myself lucky to spend the winter in Edmonton. However, the torrent rains and resulting mudslides in and around the Santa Barbara area didn't seem to be a pleasant alternative this winter. However, the timing of our trip to California was impeccable this week. Not only did the sun shine through cloudy San Francisco, but there was hardly a speck of rain and a strong winter swell to boot!
While Rob spent many hours at the Game Developers' Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, I blossomed in the sun's ray, caught up with old friends and rode a few waves.
In San Francisco, I spent the day with Stephanie and Elizabeth. We wandered all around downtown, beginning with the wharf and Fisherman's Market where the view was so clear that Alcatraz on seemed a stone's throw away. Even the sea lions were out on their rafts basking in the rare sunshine. We strolled through the various neighbourhoods on the way between Lombard St (the crookest street in the world), CowHollow (great shopping), and Ghiradelli Square (scrumpcious brownie sundaes). I even found my wedding outfit at a boutique in Cow Hollow!
I headed down to Santa Barbara to meet up with more friends and catch some of the awesome surf hitting the coast. With predictions of waves that were double to triple overhead in size, I may have been overly confident in my rusty abilities on a surfboard. Nonetheless, I intended to capitalize on my opportunity to surf every day that I could. On one of the days, I drove from surf break to surf break, intimidated by what I saw. At Rincon it was double overhead if not bigger and at Little Rincon, the waves were practically crashing over the 20 ft bridge out to the island. See my photo links, Surfing So Cal. That day I decided to play it safe and go to a well-known mellow spot called, Hobsons. It was a long paddle out. Just as I thought I had made it past the breaking waves a huge set came upon me. I got off my board, pushed it to the side while I ducked under the wave. When I came up I felt no tug on my leash and feared the worst; my board had snapped again. (That happened to me just over a year ago) There I was 50 metres from shore, without a board and powerful waves breaking over me frequently enough to leave me only enough time to take two gasps before having to duck under the next oncoming wave. I felt desperate, as there didn't seem to be anyone on shore or even in the water who noticed my plight, and I was getting tired. Slowly, stroke by stroke I made it back to shallower water where my feet could touch the ground and trudged over to my board. It was whole and the leash was intact, meaning one thing; I was so psyched to get in the water that I forgot to put my leash on! I didn't feel so bad about not making it past the fierce surf when I saw another surfer turn back when he couldn't paddle out either.
On another day, I encountered a surfer who broke his board in the heavy surf. When he recovered his board, he found a bonus. A fish had be caught in the cracked layers of fiberglass of his board. I have photos to prove it!
While Rob spent many hours at the Game Developers' Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, I blossomed in the sun's ray, caught up with old friends and rode a few waves.
In San Francisco, I spent the day with Stephanie and Elizabeth. We wandered all around downtown, beginning with the wharf and Fisherman's Market where the view was so clear that Alcatraz on seemed a stone's throw away. Even the sea lions were out on their rafts basking in the rare sunshine. We strolled through the various neighbourhoods on the way between Lombard St (the crookest street in the world), CowHollow (great shopping), and Ghiradelli Square (scrumpcious brownie sundaes). I even found my wedding outfit at a boutique in Cow Hollow!
I headed down to Santa Barbara to meet up with more friends and catch some of the awesome surf hitting the coast. With predictions of waves that were double to triple overhead in size, I may have been overly confident in my rusty abilities on a surfboard. Nonetheless, I intended to capitalize on my opportunity to surf every day that I could. On one of the days, I drove from surf break to surf break, intimidated by what I saw. At Rincon it was double overhead if not bigger and at Little Rincon, the waves were practically crashing over the 20 ft bridge out to the island. See my photo links, Surfing So Cal. That day I decided to play it safe and go to a well-known mellow spot called, Hobsons. It was a long paddle out. Just as I thought I had made it past the breaking waves a huge set came upon me. I got off my board, pushed it to the side while I ducked under the wave. When I came up I felt no tug on my leash and feared the worst; my board had snapped again. (That happened to me just over a year ago) There I was 50 metres from shore, without a board and powerful waves breaking over me frequently enough to leave me only enough time to take two gasps before having to duck under the next oncoming wave. I felt desperate, as there didn't seem to be anyone on shore or even in the water who noticed my plight, and I was getting tired. Slowly, stroke by stroke I made it back to shallower water where my feet could touch the ground and trudged over to my board. It was whole and the leash was intact, meaning one thing; I was so psyched to get in the water that I forgot to put my leash on! I didn't feel so bad about not making it past the fierce surf when I saw another surfer turn back when he couldn't paddle out either.
On another day, I encountered a surfer who broke his board in the heavy surf. When he recovered his board, he found a bonus. A fish had be caught in the cracked layers of fiberglass of his board. I have photos to prove it!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
The girls and I went to dinner at Cafe Buenos Aires. On Wednesdays, they have a Tango night where a live band plays and a good number of couples get out on the dance floor to tango. It was a beautiful evening to sit under the stars and watch the dancers move to the music.
Friday, December 03, 2004
[from Dad] Tikal Ruins
We had finished touring the Tikal,the tropical forest. We are now in St. Elena airport, waiting for our flight to Guatemala city at 5.30pm. Since we have another hour to kill and it costs only $1 per hour. The earlier mail was done in Tikal, the price was $1 for 15 mins.What a difference after 1 hour of bus ride. St. Elena ia a bigger town with regional international airport. It's a hub to the national park in Tikal.
We had finished touring the Tikal,the tropical forest. We are now in St. Elena airport, waiting for our flight to Guatemala city at 5.30pm. Since we have another hour to kill and it costs only $1 per hour. The earlier mail was done in Tikal, the price was $1 for 15 mins.What a difference after 1 hour of bus ride. St. Elena ia a bigger town with regional international airport. It's a hub to the national park in Tikal.
We took a lot of pictures. As usual this morning I woke up with Gg at 4am, walked 30 mins. to Templo IV where a lots of tourists(crazy) like us coming to see sunrise. Actually we were disappointed because a dark cloud preceeded the sunrise. So much for the sunrise. But waking up 4am. walking under a clear moony sky,also tracking in the tropical canopy with flash light, accompanied by a forest ranger, surrounded with noises of monkies, insects,crickets, birds etc,etc, it is quick an experience. I probably would not have done it by myself at my age now.Yes we also had to climb up hundred wooden steps to reach the top of the Templo IV. Mayan temple has a pyramid shape like the Egyptian.
After the disappointng sunrise, we walked to another site: Mondo Perdido (the Forgotten
World). There we climbed to the top of the templo to observe early birds. There were a lots of birds singing and screaming, flying from trees to trees. But to be able to see them clearly is another story. Anyway we were lucky to see Tucans and parrots resting on barren branches.Yes therewas a lot of walking, much more than the morning walk.
World). There we climbed to the top of the templo to observe early birds. There were a lots of birds singing and screaming, flying from trees to trees. But to be able to see them clearly is another story. Anyway we were lucky to see Tucans and parrots resting on barren branches.Yes therewas a lot of walking, much more than the morning walk.
We met people, saw some exotic fruits, flowers.
Gg still talking how to spend our last half day in the city before heading home.
Other than the Guatemala city, we feel pretty secure and most people are friendly. Gg manages pretty o.k. with her espagnol. So I did not have to practise other than say buenos dias, buenos tardes, gracias, adios.
While we like to communicate with email, Gg still writes postcards to her friends. What an irony. Thought they sell phone card. We still find that international call is not as easy as we take for grant.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Guatemala with my Dad
My dad and I spent a great day (Day 1) in Chichicastenango at the huge market. We met a German air stewardess and the three of us hired a local kid to take us around. Then we stay on a lake. A very large one surrounded by volcanoes, called Lago (Lake) Atitlan. We had a boat tour which took all day. At the first town San Pedro, we smelled something fermenting. Dad figured out that it was coffee beans. Then we looked closer and saw some coffee bean plants.
My dad and I spent a great day (Day 1) in Chichicastenango at the huge market. We met a German air stewardess and the three of us hired a local kid to take us around. Then we stay on a lake. A very large one surrounded by volcanoes, called Lago (Lake) Atitlan. We had a boat tour which took all day. At the first town San Pedro, we smelled something fermenting. Dad figured out that it was coffee beans. Then we looked closer and saw some coffee bean plants.
The other two towns were similar with lots of Mayan arts and crafts. At the last stop, while Dad checked out the one church in town, I met a young girl, Francesca and her family. They were weaving clothes and so I took some photos and a video of how Francesca tied her hair, San-Antonio style.
We went to Antigua (Old Guatemala City). We've spent the morning walking around town. There are a few more volcanos in the backdrop here. The tourist police escorted us to a viewpoint called "View of the Cross" where there is a large cement cross and overlooks all of Antigua. It is super safe here. Lots of tourist police around and we've been staying at some pretty nice guesthouses (or Posadas).
Today we flew out to Flores in the north. We took a nice boat ride on Rio de la Pasion to a ruin called Ceibal. The site is pretty small compared to Tikal and not many crowds. We saw a bunch of howler monkeys and birds. We're looking forward to the sounds of the jungle and checking out the large Mayan ruins of Tikal. Sounds like we'll be encountering more mosquitos there than we have so far.
