New Year's Eve

We said goodbye to 2016 with a big bonfire (organised by John at our homestay — who's became a good friend). Had our personal wishes attached to a Chinese lantern that the children helped to release, and then fireworks at an eccentric friends of Johns for midnight. Was very memorable!

The music — local Gamelan player with young apprentice. 

Sunset out towards the sea. 

Lighting the lantern. 

Our wishes for 2017!

Bonfire bali style. 

While the boys were biking . . .

While the boys were biking, Ili and I did some rock hopping and had a quick dip together in the waterfall (still staying near Mount Batukaru).

Biking in Bali

Frith and Bea went for a downhill ride today from here at Mount Batukaru down 14 km to the coast at Selemadeg — a gradual drop of around 400 metres. Bea loved it!

Central Bali, near Mount Batukaru

We have moved further inland for a few days towards one of the few pockets of rainforest that remain in Bali (and it's still a 15 minute drive away). The highlight was a beautiful swim at the waterfall in the grounds of the homestay. Very cute accommodation run by a Tasmanian who we met several times Ubud, with extensive permaculture vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and chickens. Very nice yoga-shala too. Cooler up here as we're at over 400 m altitude.

The beautiful flowers decorating the room on arrival. 

Cute little beds in their own little cabin. 

Papa and Bea take a swim. 

Bea taking a skinny dip. 

Flowers and pink bananas. 

Now Bea and mama's turn! 

The water was too powerful to get close.
Only papa managed that! 

Pineapples don't grow on trees (like the kids thought). 

Happy Christmas!!

Was an unconventional Christmas day for us this year, with Christmas gifts of a different kind. We had our usual breakfast by the lap pool, prosecco by the little pool (well it's Christmas), and out for cake and coffee on the bike (I rode with everyone 4-up! They were very brave putting their faith in me ;-)) We were invited to have Christmas dinner with the owner and manager which turned out to be very relaxed evening and with a funny crowd. At the end of the night the children from the orphan centre Permata Hati came to sing. The owner's a social rights activist and they work with the orphanage as well as profits from the accommodation going towards an HIV foundation in Bali.

Christmas eve flowers

The colours of Christmas Eve in Bali.

Beautiful beautiful beautiful . . .

I know I'm biased, but . . . . a totally gorgeous pair.

Animal encounters

We visited Cynthia's home today (who works here at Beji Indah) as she wanted to show her puppies to Bea and Ili. Of course the children were delighted! Just across the road it was less animal-friendly as there was a Balinese cock fighting ring. Horrible stuff. I couldn't look.

Winding down

We're all winding down here (he he he) before Christmas. The afternoon rains have held off for the last few days. Lovely.