More snorkelling

A short cycle ride across the island on some very delapidated bikes gets us to the most child-friendly place for snorkelling on the island. It's also where the boats come in, so the coral is fairly non-existent but we've still seen tonnes of fish. Bea has got the snorkelling bug — I knew he'd love it — and Ili is super brave too and was snorkelling too today follows big brother around in the very warm water. It's been very stormy every day so heading back to the villa in the afternoon. Been continuing with the kids schoolwork too so they don't get behind. Heading over to a smaller island tomorrow where they have the turtle hatchery, so hoping to see some turtles!

Bea in the Balinese Sea on a horse

Local transport on the Gilis is with horse and cart (cidomo) and Bea went to say hello while one horse was having an end of day splash.

First snorkelling trip

First day in the sea today. Frith and Bea went snorkelling very early while Ili and I were still sleeping. Later on we all cycled down together to the harbour where it's sandier for the kids to snorkel. A lot of fish, but not so much live coral. But we saw sea snake — Ili spotted that — angle fish, and a young barracuda feeding. A storm was brewing, and in a torrential downpour we cycled back home. Very refreshing, good fun and a great gentle introduction for the kid's snorkelling experience.

Over to the Gili Islands

We took a fast boat over to the Gili Islands this morning. Luckily it was super calm water (we heard the day before was uncomfortably choppy) so no sea sickness for the kiddies. First impressions of the islands was one of totally overly developed tourism, albeit in a very beautiful location with turquoise water and white sands. Many many backpacker bars where you could even find fish and chips!! Who comes here and orders fish and chips!!? Anyway, it was partly expected and I'll have to stop comparing the Indonesia we visited over 20 years ago to the backpacker trails of today. But, the accommodation was glorious — a bit decadent but it's our holiday treat to ourselves— and a little oasis where the children can continue getting used to the heat. Bea is still struggling with the temperatures and non-stop in the water. We tried the sea which was beautiful and warm, but a lot of sharp coral for the kids so we will have to try elsewhere.

By the pool in Bali before leaving to the Gilis. 

Showing under the Frangipani. 

Leaving Bali. 

Approaching the Gili Islands. 

The garden in villa Bhuvana. 

Couple of days in East Bali

We've two nights on Bali to let the children acclimatise to the tropics and wind down before heading to the Gili Islands. Currently staying in a cool villa in the less touristy East Bali, with pool and great views across the ocean to the mountains and one of Bali's volcanoes. The garden is beautiful with Bird of Paradise flowers and my personal favourite the heavenly scented Frangipani tree everywhere (including the outdoor shower). We've seen both a red full moon and a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean. It's 30 degrees so a bit of a shock to the system and Bea and Ili have loved just hanging out in the pool and actually preferred it to the ocean where the waves bowl you over!!

Singapore sling

Been quite a while since I've done a long haul flight, and of course it was the first time for the children — but the endless inflight movies make it tolerable. Bea was chuffed to fly on the gigantic double-decker Airbus. We still all arrived at Singapore totally shattered, (I could't sleep at all) and we spend a few weary hours in the "butterfly garden" in the airport before catching our next flight on to Bali.

Friday night - Swim and Daniel Radcliffe

Here's the city from our Friday night swim spot at Utoquai after a very lovely late evening swim. We got caught up in the Zürich Film Festival on the way home, and Bea insisted on hanging around to see Daniel Radcliffe, aka. Harry Potter arrive (to the screening of "Imperium"). Note to self: a quick glimpse of a celebrity flash past, is not worth the effort of the wait (even if it is Harry Potter!)

Film festival - fountain!!

The Zurich Film Festival is on at the moment (12th one), which for the first year is turning into a bit of a major event (Hugh Grant, Ewan McGregor, and Danial Ratcliffe all here to chat about their movies this year). Here's Ili and friend taking in the vibe on the Sechselauten Plaza (in front of the Opera house) by the film tent. 

Daring dives

Bea upped his confidence loads today with some high dives from the 5 m board, and once he started he couldn't stop!! We spend Sunday at several swim spots (Tiefenbrunnen in the afternoon, and then on to the more sophisticated/adult Utoquai early evening at the kid's request). There's only a diving board in the "men only" side at Utoquai — the Swiss don't always care for political correctness. Ili did great with her swimming too, and swam to the raft with us at Utoquai despite the rather chilly lake!! She was swimming with her mask today and determined to see some fish — which she did! Was great to get back out on the lake again this weekend. 

Bea jumping from the 5 m top board at Tiefenbrunnen.

Bea and Papa (Bea on the right) springing from the 5 m platform.

Water was cool, but Ili was still in there.

Second swim at Utoquai. 

Bea at Utoquai - in the Men Only area.

Love this picture!!