Asian Sky

8-11 October 2010 - Trip to Manado (Last trip in Indo)

2011-05-04T14:35:00.008+05:30

We couldn't leave Indo without squeezing in one last trip and it of course had to be a dive trip. We couldn't decide which location should be our last and after speaking to a couple of people that have visited North Sulawesi we decided on Manado. We initially wanted to go to the Bunaken National Park on the Bunaken Island but because we weren't so keen to take our (then 5 month old) baby on a boat we opted for a resort on the main land.

Friday, 8 October 2010 - We arrived in Manado at around 10am and were greeted by the driver from the Cocotinos resort where we were booked to stay for 3 nights. It was only a short 20 min drive and we stopped outside the resort. Cocotinos is the closest resort to the airport and this of course has it's pro's and con's. It meant that we didn't have to sit in the car for hours and could get straight to the relaxing part of our weekend break.
The downside is that the resort is in the middle of a kampung (village) so don't expect a breathtaking view and definitely not piece and quite. I'm not actually sure about other resorts in North Sulawesi, maybe they are all like this but there were no other restaurants or shops around so once at the resort you stay there. Quote from their website: "Unless you want to go and explore a number of other villages nearby, where you can experience genuine local culture in the everyday life of the villages".

This didn't bother us at all though. I just thought I should mention it as it wasn't quite what we expected from looking at the pictures on their website. I would describe this resort as a rustic but leisurely dive resort. Emphasis on dive...

We thankfully booked the Posi-Posi suite, which is what made our stay at Cocotino's worth it (well for me at least). The room was very comfortable and ideal for me and Svea to hang out in while Marc was out diving.

Because of the very small pool (no kiddies pool) with no steps and non-descript pool and restaurant area, we spent most of our time in our room.

Our suite on the water's edge. The Posi-Posi suite is a fantastic room and it does look exactly like it does in the pictures on their website.

The view to the right from our balcony.
On the left, a ship yard which was quite an eye sore.

View of a volcano, one of many in the area.

We went with an all inclusive package for approx. $200 per night, which in hindsight is very expensive for what we got. When there are more than 10 guests, meals are buffet style. But, because there were only 4 of us that weekend we chose meals from the a la carte menu and although the food was ok, I think the buffet would have at least been better value for money.
It is a 20 min boat ride to the dive sights in the Bunaken National Park.

The Cocotino's pier.

The view of the resort from the pier.

Over all we did have a very nice and relaxing weekend. Marc, as always enjoyed the diving so he was happy with the choice in the end. I however, definitely wouldn't recommend this resort for non-divers.

16-21 September 2010 - Last trip to Bali

2011-05-03T19:59:00.007+05:30

This post is looooooooooooong overdue. But rather late than never! The reason I haven't been blogging is because we no longer live in Jakarta. Maybe having had a baby (now 1 year old) might also have something to do with my lack of blogging.

We moved to Neu-Isenburg, Germany (10km from Frankfurt) in October and sadly Asian Sky is no more ;-(. But, I feel like I have to finalise the blog and end off our time in Indo though and the below post is on our last trip to Bali.

Thursday, 16 September - We were met at the airport by our trusty driver, Nyoman that drove us around for the 6 days we spent in Bali. Like the previous times we used him, he was always on time, friendly, helpful and a pleasure to have as a driver. I would highly recommend booking Nyoman for your next trip to Bali. His rates are really reasonable and very competitive. Contact: http://www.santorinibalitours.com/ or Tel: +62 361 9194412

It was approx. 1 hour 30 min drive to Bedugul where we spent one night at the highest golf course in Indonesia, Bali Handara. Marc really enjoyed the golf and I particularly enjoyed the colder climate.

The hotel however was a disappointment, really old and dated. We checked in and was rather annoyed and put off by how dirty the room was. The curtains were grey and dusty, the bed sheets tatty and it didn't look like they had vacuumed the room in weeks not to mention the big flies flying around that we couldn't seem to get rid of.

Thankfully the staff were very accommodating and did their best to clean the room up. It is amazing what a good wipe with some disinfectant, a dust cloth, a good vacuum and clean curtains and bed sheets can do. Which is kind of what one expects for $90 per night? Unless this hotel has improved drastically in the past couple of months, I wouldn't recommend it.
The best thing about this hotel was the golf (according to my Marc and the beautiful scenic views all around.

Friday, 17 September - We were up early and after a deciding bad breakfast we were happy to be on our way to Seminyak. We arrived at the Bali Agung Village at around 10:30, and were lucky enough to check in early. We were booked into a garden view room which with a baby was just not suitable as there was no space to move around. Luckily they did have an Ocean view bungalow available which we quickly upgraded to.
We were happy to have more space for the baby bed and of course the added bonus of a sea view.

The gazebo right outside our bungalow.

The pool is great. It also has a kiddies pool which was perfect for Svea's first swim.
The restaurant serves a good selection of western and Asian food. It is also a great place to sit and watch the waves rolling in, especially if it's a rainy day.
The dive centre right next door to the hotel was very convenient and Marc thoroughly enjoyed the diving.

We really enjoyed our 3 night stay at Bali Agung Villiage and the streets of Seminyak with a selection of restaurants and fantastic shopping was great.

Monday, 20 September - We decided to end our Bali trip off in Sanur at the Tajung Sari Hotel.
This hotel has a real old world charm and ensures for a relaxed.
We stayed in the Village Baru bungalow, which was a real treat with it's lovely private gazibo where we enjoyed a great dinner, fantastic outdoor shower not to mention all the space in the room.

The pool area is basically an extention of the beach. Sitting on the terrace felt like being on the beach which was great.

We were sad to end our trip, knowing that we were going to leave Indo in a couple of weeks. We do hope to return in the future though, as Bali still is on the top of our "Great holiday destinations" list.

My mom's visit - Trip to Bali, and Singapore

2010-08-02T06:56:00.021+05:30

We returned from Singapore with our 12 day old, bundle of joy on Monday, 9 May. Life as we knew it had officially changed and we love every minute of it.

On Monday, 7 June my mom arrived from South Africa and as you can imagine she was over the moon meeting her first grand daughter. My mom arrived with a 20kg suitcase but only about 3kg of that belonged to her... the rest was all for little Svea.
We loved spending time at home just "catching up" as we haven't seen each other for more than a year. Most of our time was spent just Oh'ing and Ah'ing over the latest addition to our family.

My mom did get to see a little bit of Jakarta and we spend 6 days in Bali, a weekend at Ocean Queen and 2 days in Singapore. All in All a trip to remember...even if for the most part it consisted of nappy changes, bath time, nap time, preparing breakfasts, cooking dinner and washing dishes.

"I miss you, mom"! One thing for sure, one only come to "really" appreciate your own mother when you are a mother yourself. It was so nice to have my mom here and it was bliss, having an extra pair of hands in those early weeks.

Again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for everything you did, Mamma!

Below is a brief photographic account of our trip to Bali and Singapore and around Jakarta:

On Wednesday, 16 June my mom and I left for Bali and Marc joined us the next day. Our fist destination was the scenic and very relaxing Ubud where we spend 2 nights just "chilling" at our bungalow and of course shopping for the many gifts my mom took back with her.
We stayed at Agung Raka Bungalows. It was a comfortable but a very rustic stay.
Lunch at Bali Pesto.

Mom: "I have an empty suitcase, let's see if I can fill it"....And she did ;-)

On Friday, 18 June we made our way to Nusa Dua. We stopped off at the fantastic ceramic shop Jenggala . Worth a visit if you are looking to buy ceramic ware.

We stayed at the Nusa Dua Beach Resort, what a treat! Although I really do not mind the occasional rustic get away, there is just something about staying in luxury.

Svea getting a morning cuddle from her ouma

My Mom and Marc with our driver Nyoman.

We decided to follow the tourist trail and visited the Uluwatu Temple where we watched the Kecak Dance performance at sunset. Hours later we still had the chaka chaka chaka chaka chaka chaka chaka chaka chaka CHAK CHAK CHAK CHAK sound reverberating in our heads! Well worth seeing if you are in the area.

On Sunday, 2o June we made our way to Tabanan. The 1 hour drive from Nusa Dua was very scenic with beautiful rice terraces stretching for kilometers.
Marc was super excited about our stay at Nirwana because he got to play golf on this amazing course right next to the ocean. On the 14th hole he had to hit his tee shot over the sea. He was very happy that he didn't sacrifice any balls to the sea Gods ;-).

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk on the golf course (after 5:30pm only) to the viewing area overlooking the Tanah Lot temple.

We watched the breathtaking sunset over Tanah Lot . Even Svea managed to sneak a peak...

On Monday, 21 June we had a great buffet breakfast, overlooking the golf course with a view of the ocean. At around 10:30 we made our way to the airport to catch our 2pm flight back to Jakarta.

As always, we had a fantastic time in Bali and I do believe my mom got to see and experience Indonesia at it's best.

A special thanks to Nyoman that was not just our driver but also our tour guide. I would highly recommend booking Nyoman for your next trip to Bali. His rates are really competitive at Rp.350.000 for full day. Contact: http://www.santorinibalitours.com/ or Tel: +62 361 9194412

The next week was spent at home and around Jakarta, visiting friends, lunches, BBQ's and of cause more shopping...

"What a beautiful mom, I have".

A cuddle with little Svea, every chance we get.

Lunch at Payon on Kemang Raya.

On Tuesday, 29 June our friend Anne arrived from Singapore and besides being happy to see her of course I was really happy to be able to send my mom and her off to do a bit of sight seeing around Jakarta as I didn't really feel up to doing it with a 5 week old.
Anne and my mom had a fun day exploring the city. The rest of the week consisted of more shopping trips, spa treatments and on Friday, 2 July we went to Ocean Queen in Pelabuhan Ratu. Only 4 hours drive from Jakarta, Ocean Queen is the ideal spot to unwind.
We lazed around listening to the sound of the ocean.
Enjoyed fantastic 1hour massages for only Rp.50 on the beach.
And Marc and Anne also tried surfing for the first time and although they came back with a couple of scrapes and bruses and a surfboard rash they thoroughly enjoyed it and can now say that they've surfed ;-)

On Monday, 5 July Anne returned to Singapore and the next day my mom and I followed on a visa run for Svea. We spent one night in Singapore at the Robertson Quey Hotel and squeezed in a bit of sight seeing:

Shopping and visiting temples in China Town.
On Wednesday, 7 July we managed to walk around the Raffles area, had a quick look at the famous Orchid road and Merlion, which was unfortunately under construction. But with a small baby that was unfortunately all we had time for before we had to leave for the airport to catch our 17:30 flight back to Jakarta.

My mom's last week in Jakarta flew by and we had to say our very sad goodbyes on Monday, 12 July. Until next time "Liefste Mamma en Ouma"!

My mom with our staff on her last day.

From inside the belly...into the great big world!

2010-08-01T11:43:00.009+05:30

I would like to think that having had a baby is a good enough reason for not updating the blog. But, considering that our precious baby girl was born on the 28th of April and it is now 1 August the excuse is probably not a very good one.

The next couple of posts will be brief...taking you back to April, weeks before my due date when Svea (we didn't even know for sure that we were going to call her that) was still very comfortable in her mummy's tummy.

These preggy belly shots were taken at 34w+3d.

I flew to Singapore on the 19th of April( 36w) and a week later (37w) Svea Kade Beuthe was born weighing 3.3kg and 50cm long.

A very proud Mom and Dad. The best day of our lives.

What an amazing moment...

My cousin was right...There is a new girl in Marc's life ;-)

Again...what an amazing moment. No words can describe the feeling when you hold your baby for the first time.

Svea is so beautiful, just perfect in every way. We are so blessed and truly grateful to have received this precious gift from God. Having gone from girlfriend to wife to mother....Wow, how our lives have changed.

We look forward to the exciting new chapter in our lives.

My Baby Shower

2010-02-27T13:11:00.010+05:30

One of my South African friends, Emily arranged and hosted a baby shower for me on Friday, 19 February.

Thanks again for a lovely baby shower Emily! As always you are such a gracious host ;-) It was perfect!

I will be thinking of all my friends during bath time, play time and bed time...even breastfeeding and the nappy changes ;-)! I look forward to making use of all the wonderful and practical gifts that I received. I really appreciate the gifts, but more so...I appreciate the friendships. Thank you girls! It's comforting to know that I can always "call a friend".

Notice my growing "bump" at 28 weeks.

Our new home

2010-02-27T12:57:00.008+05:30

On Saturday, 12 February we moved into our new house.

We've I had to be very creative, decorating the big square living area.

The best part of the house is of course the patio and the fabulous garden. Our own Bali Villa ;-)

The baby's room, work in progress - I've had a lot of fun over the past couple of weeks shopping for nursery furniture.

I got quite a few quotes from shops around Jakarta that manufacture nursery furniture.
I ended up ordering from Pikitra on Kemang Timur. I gave them pictures of the cot/bed and change table that I wanted and they designed it according to my requirements and specifications.

I was very happy with Pikitra and would definitely recommend them. The furniture is made from camphor wood and is painted with a non-toxic paint. And to my surprise it was delivered early, as I only expected to receive it early in March.

Over the past two months I have been buying things that we will need for our baby incl. pram, car seat, books, toys, clothes etc. and after my baby shower I now have almost everything we need.

I look forward to start decorating and getting the room ready for Baby Beuthe, over the next couple of weeks before I leave for Singapore. What fun ;-)

Trip to Singapore

2010-02-27T12:35:00.008+05:30

On Friday, 29 January we flew to Singapore for our Dr's appointment with Dr. Ann Tan at the Woman and Fetal Centre. We had our 24 week scan later that afternoon and we also visited the Mount Elizabeth Hospital where our baby will be delivered in May.

My pregnancy really feels like it's been flying by. I can't believe I am nearly 29 weeks pregnant. When we first found out that we were having a baby it was so hard to imagine what it will be like being pregnant, let alone being a parent. Here I am one week into the 3rd trimester with my preggy belly that seems to be growing by the day, experiencing all the joys and discomforts that go along with it.

Our little girl is very active and I've been experiencing a lot of movement from around 22 weeks. Sometimes so much so that we can actually see my stomach moving/jolting around. It truly is a miracle....To think that there is a little person growing inside my tummy. And, we can't wait to meet her!

Until then, we get to see her every couple of weeks and it is truly amazing how they develop and change. Baby Girl Beuthe at 24 weeks.

I never realised though that there would be so much logistics involved in having a baby. Well, especially when you are living in a foreign country, and planning on having the baby in another country. Everything seems to be falling into place though and I should fly to Singapore on the 19th of April, when I'm 36 weeks pregnant.

We made a weekend of our Dr's visit and caught up with friends of ours that moved from India to Singapore in January.

My 24 week "bump" in China Town where Ale and Anne live.

Besides catching up with Ale and Anne we also shopped (you can't go to Singapore and not shop, right) and on Saturday night the four of us went to see La Boheme at the Esplanade, followed by a late night dinner at our favourite German restaurant, Brotzeit at Raffles City.

It was so nice to see you guys A&A. Thank you for letting us stay with you on Saturday night. We look forward to seeing you again in May.

Year End Holiday - Lembongan and Bali

2010-01-17T06:15:00.012+05:30

And so, we've bid 2009 farewell and to my surprise we are already half way through January 2010. The year of the Tiger!

We would like to wish all of our family and friends all the best. May 2010 be "Your Year"!

It was 'n busy year end. As you can imagine there is a lot going on in preparation for our baby's arrival in May this year. I realise that I'm a couple of posts behind but thought I'd start with the 2009 Finale and in the weeks to come I will post an update about the past couple of weeks.

We had a fantastic time in Lembongan and Bali in December. Some might think "yet another island holiday". But, really; sea and sand is not just sea and sand. It is amazing how every island, although the beach or the dive shots may look the same, are so different. Every island destination has left us with such difference experiences. Marc and I have decided that we could never get tiered of "beach holiday's" and for as long as we live in this part of the world we are lucky and should enjoy to have so many great "escapes" on our doorstep.

For our Year End Holiday, we had 9 days of which we decided to spend 3 on Lembongan island, 3 in Pemuteran, North West Bali and 2 in Seminyak, South Bali.

We flew to Bali on Saturday, 26 December. Like with the Sumatra trip, this trip to Lembongan and Bali was another opportunity for Marc to clock a few more dives as he is getting ready to do his dive master course sometime over the next couple of weeks.

Lembongan is an island approx. 35min by fast boat from the Sanur harbour. We had a nice time and Marc really enjoyed the diving. In fact, he said that diving with the Manta's ranked right up there as one of the best dives ever. (See the bottom of this post for details of our stay on Lembongan - Travelers Tips).

99 steps to our bungalow right at the top of the hill. Needless to say; I made sure I didn't forget anything in the room.

I spent most of my time under the umbrella, reading.
In and out of the pool; definitely the best place to be in 38 degree heat.

We enjoyed the view of Mount Agung and especially the refreshing Lime Juice at The Ware Ware restaurant.

We hire a motorbike to check out the southern end of the island, which is not very big at all but also not easy to get around.

We had lunch at one of the restaurants at Mushroom Bay. We watched people having fun in the sun, enjoying water sports like parasailing, kayaking etc.
We particularly enjoyed the company of this little puppy. We've seen drawings on Hindu's faces but never on dogs before.

Marc thoroughly enjoyed the diving Manta Point in Lembongan and would highly recommend it.
At 9am on Tuesday, 29 December we took the Scoot fast boat from Lembongan back to Sanur, where we continued the next leg of our trip...

A four and a half hour drive brought us to Pemuteran in North West Bali, which again was so different to any beach we've been too. The black sand and calm sea in this fishing village is a nice relaxing break from the hectic tourist hub of South Bali. And although it's quite a drive, it is well worth it. It was amazing to drive around Bali truly understanding why it's called the Island of the God's. With Ocean, volcano's, rice paddies, temples...you really have it all.

We stayed at the Adi Assri hotel at the far end of the beach.

The calm ocean almost looked like a big lake.

3 days of rest and relaxation around the pool with the ocean on the one side and the mountain on the other.

We walked to the other side of the bay where there are a few more hotels and it turns out that we again, ended up on the wrong side of the beach. (See Traveler's Tips).
Although not as good as the diving in Lemongan, Marc did enjoy two dives in Pemuteran.

We visited the Atlas South Sea Pearl Farm, which is about a 15 minute motor bike ride from our hotel. It was really fascinating to see how they cultivated and the process of harvesting the pearls.

We spent New Years Eve at Adi Assri. It was a quite but fun evening with good food, live entertainment and some fireworks to ring in 2010.

At 9am on Friday, 1 January we left Pemuteran and headed to Seminyak where where we spend the next two days on the back of the motor bike making our way through the busy Kuta traffic, shopping and meeting up with friends that happened to be in Bali during this time.

We stayed at the Casa Artista, which is a small boutique hotel/guest house, conveniently located near "Eat Street" and not to mention all the fantastic shops in Seminyak.

We arranged a driver for Sunday, 3 January to take us to the airport. We had some time to kill and decided to check our Nus Dua where I have to say we will probably book to stay the next time we visit Bali. Approx. 35min. from Seminyak.
We were very happy to have met Nyoman at Casa Artista when we checked in. He provides a great service and can arrange anything from car and driver, hotel and help you plan your next trip to Bali.

His rates are really competitive at Rp.350.000 for full day. Contact: http://www.santorinibalitours.com/ or Tel: +62 361 9194412

This was my 3rd trip to Bali and I am looking forward to the 4th in the near future.

TRAVELERS TIPS:

Lembongan - Ware Ware Surf Bungalows

We didn't really know what to expect of Lembongan. We booked accommodation at the Ware Ware Surf Bungalows on the Western side of the island. We were quite high up over looking a cove with a spectacular view of Mount Agung. However if it's beach you are after, you should rather stay on the Southern end at Mushroom Bay or Dream Beach. The island is very hilly, and unless you hire a motorbike (and even then it's quite a trek) you are far from the beach. We were definitely on the quite side of the island, which suited us, but unless you are happy to stay on your side of the island and lie by the pool, read a book, surf or dive you would be better off looking at other options.

Like with most hotels that you book on the Internet one can only hope that it really does look like the pictures and that the reviews are not by fictitious people. Like the saying goes: "you learn from experience" though. And as it turns out Lembogan and our stay at The Ware Ware, was not what we had in mind. Unknown to us, we ended up booking through a tour operator and our room cost us approx. $20 extra per night.

The room rates are usually around Rp.450,000 ($45) per night for an AC room, including a simple breakfast with coffee/tea, juice/pancake or toast and fruit. We ended up paying about R650,000 which in my opinion is way to much for what it is.

The hotel, though nice enough (for $45) definitely is in need of TLC and the rooms, especially the bathroom need a good clean. And to be honest, the service that you expect for $75 per night, well let's just say we've received better service at a $30 per night hotel. One plus point is that the restaurant at Ware Ware (thought the service is not great) had really good food ;-)!

WARNING: If you book this hotel, ensure that you book directly with the hotel and not through Bali Go Tours. Alternatively, if you, like us only manage to get hold of someone from Bali Go Tours, insist on a better rate.

Overall though, we enjoyed our stay and though probably just for the diving, we would consider another trip to Lembogang.

Pemuteran - Adi Assri

Adi Assri is a adequate hotel and if you are the kind of person that likes to just stay at your hotel around the pool then you'll be very happy with your choice. But, we ended up hiring a motorbike because you can't really walk along the beach because of the tide and the fishing village next to the hotel.

On the other side of the Fishing boats we were surprised to see all the nice hotels that are located on a better portion of the beach (away from the fishing boats). Our favourite was The Taman Sari, which is great. We ended up having a massage at their followed by a fantastic lunch under the trees, on the beach.

We also looked at the rooms and although a little more expensive than Adi Assri it would def be worth it as the resort just has more to offer and the rooms are more spacious and comfortable.
The best thing about this hotel is that you can walk along the beach and try some of the other restaurants around.

Long weekend in Sumatra - Cubadak Paradiso Village

2009-12-11T06:10:00.010+05:30

Another "island break" was in order over the Eid al-Adha long weekend, which also happened to be Marc's birthday weekend. We flew to Padang, West Sumatra on Thursday, 26 November for 4 day's of rest and relaxation on an idyllic island.

With Marc trying to squeeze in as much diving as he can before the baby arrives the decision to go on a dive weekend was easy. Where to go however was not so easy as there is a lot to see around Indonesia. The diving opportunities in the archipelago is endless with places like Manado, Papua, Komodo, Kalimantan and more. Marc picked Cubadak Paradiso Village in Padang, West Sumatra after hearing good things about this Italian run island approx. 2 hours from Padang.

I can of course not dive at the moment because I'm pregnant but that didn't bother me and I was all to happy to be spending my time lazing around on our cabin deck or on the lounger overlooking the calm see, listening to the waves breaking while reading my book.

The weekend really consisted of eating, sleeping, Marc diving, reading, swimming, eating some more...

The below pictures with some captions says it all:

Marc in his element gearing up for his first of 4 dives. He says he enjoyed the dives and that it was good although, there was visible damage from the earthquake that happened in September.

Going anywhere during the rainy season is a bit of a gamble but we were lucky and had beautiful sunny mornings with afternoon showers.

The cabins do not have AC (ceiling fans only) but it was so nice to not need it. The cabin has big gauzed windows and it is built in such a way that there is always a lovely breeze blowing through. We especially loved falling asleep to the sound of the rain on our thatch roof.

There is a lovely lounge area next to the pier where guests could lounge around, snorkel and enjoy sundowners (weather permitting of course).
The restaurant where breakfast is served from 7:30pm and then scheduled lunch at 1:30pm and dinner at 8pm. You don't need a watch on the island as a bell is rung when lunch and dinner is served.

We only had to walk about 20 meters to cool off in the beautiful calm ocean.

The food was great. Marc especially enjoyed the crab which was the biggest that I've ever seen.
Saturday 28 November - It's not a birthday without a cake and people singing "Happy Birthday to you".

We enjoyed an afternoon stroll along the white sandy beach.

On Sunday Marc ventured up the hill to take in the spectacular view from the top. It was apparently a steep, slippery climb as it started raining.
Marc returned about an hour later explaining how he felt a bit like Bear Grills (ok, not quite as dramatic) but slipping and sliding, climbing over and under tree trunks and he even had an encounter with a snake.

We had lunch at 1:30 and at 2:30 we headed back to the airport in Padang for our 6:30 flight.
It is a short speed boat ride back to the small fishing village where our taxi was waiting for us.
The drive to and from Padang was interesting to say the least...
We couldn't believe the damage caused by the earthquake with visible evidence of land slides along the winding hill side roads towards Padang. Driving through Padang we couldn't get over the damage caused in the more build up areas.

It didn't stop raining from the time we left Cubadak so my attempt to take photo's out of a moving car in the pouring rain is not great but you get the idea.

We got to the airport in a nick of time. We literally checked in and sat down for about 10 min. before we had to board our flight for the short 1 hour, 40 minutes flight back to Jakarta.

Joining the May 2010 parent's club

2009-11-17T06:33:00.011+05:30

I am very happy to announce that I am 14 weeks pregnant. In give or take 26 weeks there will be a baby Beuthe in the mix.

We are still trying to imagine our lives with our +1. Although it's pretty daunting, knowing that we will soon be responsible for someone other than our selves we are really excited about becoming parents. We've had 3 months to discuss the anticipated changes in our lives and trying to picture our NEW LIFE with a little baby. I consider the first tri-mester the "prep time". Getting yourself used to the idea and preparing yourself mentally for the life changing experience awaiting the new parents to be. And of course the Morning sickness was a constant reminder of this.

Now that we've entered the second tri-mester and the thought had sunken in and the Morning sickness almost completely worn off the reality is starting to set in.

There is no bump to talk of just yet. But, we imagine that within the next month or so it will become even more real when I start to look pregnant.

Being the impulsive, "if I want something, I want it now kind of person" that I am, I've always thought that 9 months is such a long time have to wait for something. Now I realise that it's all part of the process and I'm truly grateful that we have this time to ease into this new very exciting chapter of our lives.

My take on the "process" - Once you have accepted the facts, there is only 6 months left. And then you realise, in those 6 months you would need to prepare yourself for the arrival and there are a million and 1 questions regarding the delivery (Do we have the baby in Jakarta or in Singapore), putting together a short list of names, not to mention all the concerns about a healthy baby, which you can't wait to confirm with the next appointment with your OBGYN. There is also the exciting part of starting to think about and listing all the things you'll need for the little one. Doing research about which travel system and cot is the best, which monitors are the safest etc. etc. and the TO DO LIST just keeps getting longer.

I imagine in the months to come trips to the shops will become less about what we need and more about what "baby" needs. Instead of shopping for a new dress for myself I imagine standing in front of the onesies, picking out a cute outfit for our little one instead.

And so the count down to parenthood has officially begun...

In between all the baby talk we do have an exciting November and December planned. We are off to Cubadak, Sumatra for Marc's birthday on 26 to 29 November and Bali from the 26 December to the 3rd of January.

Watch this space!

The past couple of months

2009-11-03T08:07:00.021+05:30

I realised that I haven't done a blog post in a while but I didn't realise how long, OOPS.

Due to my tardiness I will be posting/cramming the past couple of months into this one post.

I'll start by mentioning what I've been keeping myself busy with (hence the late update). I have been attending weekly art classes and in between I take every chance I get to paint at home. It is an acrylics class where we learn different techniques and attempt different projects incl. Chinese watercolour technique (with acrylics), collage abstract and still life.

I never actually thought that I would like doing abstract but it is truly a lot of fun. Here are some of the works I've done at home, playing around with colours and different painting techniques:
Apart from the painting, I have also just finished designing a website for a South African artist friend of ours, Shaun F Parker. I still have to make some small changes, but it's up and running. Check it out: http://www.chrisandshaun.com/

We published the site last week, just in time for Shaun's exhibition that was held at Kemang Villange on Thursday, 30 October.

Marc and I admiring Shaun's fabulous catalogue in the form of post cards.

Marc and I with Joe

"Thanks for the pics, Shaun and congratulations again"!

As I have a real interest in graphic and web design and I was very happy when Shaun asked if I would design a site for him. I grab every chance I get to do other design work, incl. flyer's for a yard sale and illustrated name canvas's.

I have also been approached about getting involved with doing some design work for http://www.familyguidetojakart.com/, which I am now busy with.

Between the hours that I seem to be spending in front of my PC there is always time for some fun...

We've had fun the past couple of months:

We were surprised by the turn out at the yard sale on 26 and 27 August.
Mel and I at the pay station.

The ladies taking a well deserved break.

4 South Africans (Shaun, Willem, Marc and I) and Joe (Aus) at Joe and Sydney's birthday bash - Gypsy party on Saturday, 29 August.

The girls at Mel and Row's house on Saturday, 3 September.

On the 14th of October we flew to Singapore for Matthew and Annalisa's wedding. It was a fun 5 days in Singapore. It is such a fantastic city: Great shopping, good food "I love it".

We stayed at the Swizz hotel on Stamford Road, right next to the Raffles Mall.

It was great spending time with Matt and Annalise in between them running around with last minute wedding arrangements for their BIG DAY that was on Friday, 16 October.

On Wednesday night we had a lovely evening at a great bar/resto off Orchid road called, Ice Cold which I would highly recommend. "What a cool bar"!

On Thursday morning Marc and I strolled the streets and did some shopping.

Marc rubbing the Big Happy Buddha for good luck.

Thursday night we all went for dinner at the famous Jambu Seafood restaurant at East Coast Parkway for Matt's b-day.

Followed by a couple of drinks at the Insomnia bar at Chijmes.

Friday morning we had a relaxed followed by a brief shopping trip to the Raffles mall.

By 3pm we were dressed and ready for the wedding celebrations.

The shuttle bus left the hotel shortly after 3pm for the botanical gardens where the ceremony took place.

Marc, dressed in tails for the special occasion.

Here comes the bride...

Mr. and Mrs. Naisby

After a lovely wedding ceremony followed by cocktails and snacks we returned to the hotel, at around 6pm.

The reception was held on the 69th floor or the Swiss hotel with spectacular views of Singapore.
Marc and I with the beautiful bride and her handsome groom - "Congratulations, Matt and Annalisa"!

After a 8 course dinner, speeches, cutting of the cake and champagne pouring the next 2 hours was spent on the dance floor.

Marc strutting his stuff.

Saturday morning, we said our goodbyes to the happy couple and other wedding guests.

Marc and I roamed the city again and in the late afternoon we met up with friends at a fantastic German bar called Brotzeit.

Outside at Brotzeit, Vivo City mall.

Followed by a drink at the world famous Long Bar.

Later we had dinner at The Tapas Tree restaurant in Clarke Quay where we met up with friends of ours from Jakarta and old friends from Bangalore, now living and passing through Singapore. "It's such a small world"!

We had a nightcap at Indoshine before we headed back to our hotel.

We returned to Jakarta at 2pm on Sunday after a very enjoyable long weekend.

Saturday, 24 October we attended an Octoberfest at Die Stube, our local German pub.
PROST!

"That's all folks" Until the next update!

Sending our love from Jakarta to all our family and friends all over the world!

I felt the earth move under my feet

2009-09-09T12:50:00.011+05:30

On Wednesday, 2 September we were reminded that we lived in a city that sits on the "Ring of fire", when an earthquake struck at 2:55 p.m measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale.

It was quite a scary experience, definitely not one that I would like to experiencing again. Having said that, Marc was in the car on his way back to the office and he didn't feel a thing. He actually said that he was sorry he missed it.

Three of us were sitting at a table, when I thought I felt a light motion (like I was back on the Tambora boat). I asked if it was just me and if anyone else felt something. Rozi actually said that she thinks she may have bumped the table and a second later the light motion turned into serious shaking. We quickly moved outside where we stood for approx. 1 minute, watching the water in a natural rock pool sloshing around. We of course debated what the best course of action during an earthquake would be. We figured that our move was a good one but still hoped that the high outside wall wasn't going to come tumbling down.

After about a min. (it felt a lot longer though), we went back into the house and couldn't believe how the lights above the pool table was swaying heavily. Even more shocking was the swimming pool that looked like a wave poo as the water was rocking from side to side, spilling over the sides. Hard to imagine, I know!

I think our experience was quite tame compared to others. What is really hard to imagine is being on the 30th floor of a swaying building; furniture moving around, windows cracking while 100's of people are trying to make their way down the still swaying stairwell.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported that the epicenter of the quake was 142 kilometers southwest of Tasikmalaya, West Java, and 30 kilometers below the seabed.(JP/Hans David T).

There were some reports of casualties in the Capital. But, most of the casualties and deaths occurred in two towns in West Java province, near the epicenter.

Click here to read more:

In loving memory of my grandmother, Annatjie

2009-09-09T10:37:00.008+05:30

In April I did a blog post; in loving memory of my grandmother, Kota. Little did I know that I would be doing another one 5 months later for my grandmother, Annatjie who past away on Monday, 17 August and was laid to rest on Monday, 24 August.

Anna Catarina Susanna (Annatjie) Erasmus will be dearly missed by her 2 son's, 3 daughter's, 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren that she left behind.

The memory of our dearest Ouma Annatjie will stay with us, always.

I never got to say thank you:

For the many times you helped me out with my home economics, needlework assignments, for eating my Green beans when my mom wasn't looking, for dealing with minor scrapes and bruises and for making it all better.

I will always remember Friday (steak and chips or ravioli and vetkoek) nights. I am yet to taste rusks, chocolate cake or milktart as good as yours.

But mostly I will remember the magic in your touch, the sunshine in your smile and love in everything you did. Hope and courage could be found by just looking in your eyes. Your laughter was a source of joy, your words always warm and wise. There was always real kindness and compassion in your embrace.

Your life was full of loving deeds,

Forever thoughtful of our special needs,

Today and tomorrow, my whole life through,

I will always love and cherish you!

Komodo Island dive trip - 12-17 August

2009-08-18T14:07:00.019+05:30

Our long awaited Komodo trip has finally come...and gone!

We arrived in Bali late on Wednesday night, 12 August after our Air Asia flight was rescheduled from 5:30pm to 9pm. After an additional 1 hour delay, we finally departed Jakarta at approx 10pm. It worked out well in the end though, as the hotel we were booked into, Puri Dibia was not exactly booked for "leisure", but rather as a "transit" hotel. We got to the hotel after midnight and checked out again around 9am on Thursday, 13 August.

After breakfast, we were introduced to the people in our group that we were going to spend the next 5 days with. We proceeded to the airport for our 11am flight to Labuan Bajo. We flew pt. Indonesia Air Transport on a Fokker propeller plane, which was an experience in itself.

Our luggage was checked in by our organiser, Chika earlier, so all we had to do was weigh in (with our hand luggage), pay the airport tax and wait for our boarding call, which to our surprise was on time ;-).

Very excited, we boarded our flight for the 1 hour, 40min flight to Labuan Bajo, West Flores.

We arrived in Labuan Bajo at around 12:45pm, at the smallest airport I've ever been to. The luggage is carried into the airport building and shoved across the floor (no baggage conveyor belt).

We took a taxi to the harbour.

While our luggage made it's way, on the roof of a different taxi. LOL ;-0!

We arrived at the harbour at Labuan Bajo at around 1:30pm.

After a short ride on a zodiac, we boarded the "mother ship".

Unfortunately we didn't board and sail off, as we imagined. There was a slight delay in the itinerary when there was a problem getting clearance from the Marine National Park Authorities; something about the photo copier being out of order and the boss being away. NOTE: If you are planning to do this trip, it would be a good idea to email scanned copies of your passports through to your organiser, prior to the trip.

In the meantime, we unpacked our dive gear into plastic crates, which we left on the lower deck where we kitted up for dives.

We were shown to our very comfortable cabin "Talang-Talang", with AC and hot water.

Lunch was served at around 2:30pm.

After which we sailed to the spot where we we were suppose to do a late afternoon "check" dive. We kitted up, got on board the zodiacs, but due to the time delay and our skipper not getting the correct information as to which dive site to go to, we ended up "aborting" the dive when it appeared that it might turn into a night dive, which we all decided was perhaps not a good idea on the 1st day.

We returned to the boat and started sailing to the site where we where going to be moored for the night.

The time delay in our schedule also meant that we took part in what I can only call "Adventure eating" that night. The sea was a little rough and it was quite a task ensuring that our 3 course meal ended up in our stomach's and not on the floor like all the cutlery did minutes earlier.

We moored around 9pm and soon after we decided to retire to our cabin. If the "adventure eating" was anything to go by I should have guessed it might also mean "adventure sleeping". Grrrrrr! Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep on the first night as I just couldn't get used to the rocking motion. Thankfully the next 3 nights the sea was calmer though and I slept like a log.

We were up at 6am the next morning (every morning), enjoyed a cup of coffee on the upper deck taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands around the Komodo National Park.

At 7:30ish (never managed to be in the water at the exact scheduled dive time) we did the first dive, followed by breakfast.

At 11ish, the second dive followed by lunch and at around 3ish we did the third dive, followed by a late afternoon snack.

At around 6:30ish, a night dive followed by dinner. (Below are more pictures of the 3 days, diving around the Komodo Island).

I brought home a little souvenir (above my right eye) - I actually had to sit the 2nd dive out. I learned first hand that the rocking can inflict injuries. The rocking of the boat and the fact that I was still trying to find my "sea legs" caused me to bash my eye open on the cupboard door. It was luckily only a small cut, but it still hurt. It is actually still a bit sensitive.

I did my first night dive. I enjoyed the experience, but have decided that I prefer diving in the day time, though.

In between diving, over the next couple of days we enjoyed the amazing surroundings. Now, this is the life!

Stunning sunsets and sunrises, blue seas, cool sea breeze.
Relax and unwind.

Taking in the early morning and late afternoon rays on the upper deck.
The inviting, beautiful, clear, blue ocean.

Like one tends to do on a dive trip, it feels like you just eat, sleep and dive, eat sleep and dive..

We were lucky to have such a great group of people on board. We enjoyed our breakfasts, lunch and dinners with interesting people from all walks of life, most of them living in Jakarta. Marc especially enjoyed meeting Pascale, a real life treasure hunter. After many a long discussions about lost and found ancient treasure, Marc is dreaming of perhaps on day joining a team in search of such sunken treasures. Check out Pascale's website: http://www.oceantreasures.org/

We had 3 birthdays during our 5 day trip. Marie-Louise (the wife of one of the birthday boys) arranged a surprise party on Friday, 14 August. Complete with balloons, hats and birthday cake.
Thanks to me and my trusty ipod and shox (speakers), even dancing. Well, not so trusty; as it seems to be giving up the ghost but we at least managed to get it to play until about 11pm. Which was a good time to go to bed anyway, considering that we had to be up early again, to dive.

Returning to the Tambora after yet another great dive:
At around 2:30 on Sunday the 16th we visited Loh Buaya on Rinca island, part of the Komodo National Park.

Komodo dragons basking in the sun.

We returned to the boat at around 5pm and the girls decided to pack a cooler box and have sundowners on a small island, which we dubbed, Bintang, after we consumed quite a few.
We returned to the boat where we followed in the boys footsteps and jumped off the side of the boat.

We had a great sushi dinner and thanks again, to my trusty backup, ipod shuffle we were able to connect to the sound system in the dining room and enjoy a fun farewell party. We maybe had a couple of Bintangs, to many. The problem with "free flow"....
"Bintang" smiles!

On Monday, 17 August we sadly had to say goodbye to the Tambora crew when we made our way to the airport at around 10:30am. We got back to Bali at about 1:30pm where we bid our fellow divers farewell, until next time.

Marc and I booked the 9pm Air Asia flight to Jakarta, to avoid missing our flight in case of delays from Jabuan Bajo.

We had a couple of hours to kill and decided to go for lunch at our favourite Greek restaurant, Mykonos in Semiyak.

We ended our trip with a full 1.5 hour massage at Amora's Spa.

We finally arrived home at around 11:30pm from this once in a life time trip. It was truly a fantastic experiance. We could definetly reccommend this 5 Days of fun in the sun on the Tambora, liveaboard.

Below are a couple of underwater shots. NOTE: The diving in Komodo is spectacular. Great 15-30 meter visability, amazing fish life and vibrant colourfull coral.

ABOUT THE TRIP
We booked the trip through Kristal Klear Dive who has scheduled tours around Indonesia, througout the year.

Kristal Klear Dive@ Hotel Kristal

Terogong Raya, Cilandak Barat, Jakarta Selatan, 12430. Indonesia

Ph. (6221) 7507050 x 674

Ph/Fax (6221) 75818025

kkdtour@indosat.net.id

divewithkkd@indosat.net.id

http://www.kristalkleardive.com/

Price includes:

Return air tickets Denpasar-Labuan Bajo
4-night fullboard, twin-sharing accommodation onboard the Tambora
Unlimited diving (max. 4 dives per day)
Overnight twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Denpasar (Tuban area)
Marine national park entrance fee guided tour in Rinca to see the Komodo Dragons

Price excludes:

Flights from Jakarta to Bali
Tip for boat crew & dive guides (Rp.50 per person, per day)
Alcoholic drinks - Bintang beer was included. Take your own wine and spirits.

ABOUT THE TAMBORA

The Tambora liveaboard is brand new, we were actaully the first group on board. Which had it's pro's and con's. Though it meant that everything was new and clean, it also meant that there were some minor teething problems. Mostly on the "diving" side, which I don't really want to complain about as I was happy over all with the boat, their staff and the service they offer. The little problems we experienced with delayed dive times, getting in and out of the zodiac's, gear etc. seemed to have worked it self out by day 3 of the trip.

I have confidence that after a couple of groups have come through there, both the boat crew and dive guides will make the Tambora one of the "top end" liveaboards in the area.

Overall the food was good and we never went hungry. The fridge was always stocked with cold drinks and Bintang and the staff was very accommodating. They went above and behond to make our experience a memorable one, which it truly was.

Thank you, Tambora!

Emily's "baby shower" - Mitoni Ceremony

2009-08-10T15:09:00.015+05:30

I wanted to arrange a baby shower for my friend Emily before she left for South Africa, where she will be until after the birth of their baby boy. I found out about a Javanese ceremony called MITONI, which I figured would be the perfect "baby shower" as opposed to a traditional shower.

I arranged the ceremony through Arie Rahmaniati, who you can email; arierahmaniati9@gmail.com should you be interested in arranging a Mitoni ceremony in Jakarta.

The legend of the Mitony ceremony:

The Mitoni ritual has been held since the 11th century. The legend involves a couple, Ki Sedya and Niken Satingkeb. Niken had given birth to 9 babies, but non of them lived very long. The couple went to their wise King Jayabaya for help. The wise and just King that was said to have a very sharp intuition, gave them fatherly advice. The King suggested that the couple purify themselves and pray solemnly to their Holy Creator. Niken had to take a "holy" bath with water from seven springs.

About the Mitoni ceremony:

Mitoni comes from the word pitu, which means seven. The ceremony is performed for a mother to be, during her 7th month of pregnancy and is usually performed for the first child. The ceremony is performed to request God's blessing for the safety and happiness of the parents to be and their baby. And for the child to live a noble life.

The ceremony was held on Friday, 31 July. Below is an account of the ceremony:

The parents to be, looked the part in their traditional Javanese clothes.
Sean's parents happened to be visiting and they stood in for Emily's parents during the ceremony proceedings. Sean and Emily had to show their respect to the 'parents'.

Emily was briefed on the Siraman). Siraman comes from the word "Siram" which means to take a bath. The holy bathing ritual is meant to purify the mother to be and the baby.
The garden area was beautifully decorated for the Siraman Ceremnoy. A big brass bowl, filled with "holy" water from 7 springs and petals from 7 different flowers incl. Rose, Yasmin, Magnolia and Cananga (ylang-ylang) was used to "shower" Emily with.

Emily was showered with the water and petals; first by her father in-law (representing a grandfather).

Sean and 7 "mothers" also each got a chance to "shower" Emily, 3 times.

The Siraman (holy bathing) sure gave new meaning to the term "baby shower".
Following the showering an earthenware, spouted jar "kendi" is broken. If the spout brakes off it is suppose to be a girl and when the spout stays in tact, a boy. We didn't tell the ladies conducting the ceremony that we knew the sex of the baby, but the ritual proved to be accurate.

We moved back into the house for the 2nd part of the ceremony; "dressing up" the mother to be. The batik cloth was draped over her, to save time. There are 6 kinds of batik cloth and one lurik cloth. Each piece of cloth has a different wish for the parents to be and the baby. The pattern of Ksatrian "a responsible fighter"; Wahyu Tumurun "heaven’s revelation - to be in a honorable position"; Sidomukti "to live prosperously", etc. We were instructed to say "belum" (Not yet) until the 7th cloth, the lurik (traditional woven cloth) was draped. The lurik lasem depicts a weaving of a happy love that should last for a long time.

A piece of yarn tied around Emily's waist symbolized the umbilical cord. Sean cut the "cord", with a keris, that had a piece of turmeric stuck to the tip of it. The cutting of the "cord" depicts that all obstacles faced by the family will be cut by the father.

After cutting the cord, Sean took 3 steps back, turned around and ran out of the house. This action depicts the smooth delivery of the baby.

Brojolan: 2 young yellow "Gading" coconuts were pushed through the lurik cloth, and placed on the pile of batiks on the floor. This also depicts a safe birth.
The two coconuts depicts the God Kamajaya and Goddess Kamaratih. It is believed that God Kamajaya is the most handsome God and Goddess Kamaratih, the most beautiful Goddess and that when the baby is a boy, he would be as handsome as God Kamajaya and if it's a girl, she would be as beautiful as Goddess Kamaratih.

Angrem (Javanese word for egg hatching) - The couple had to sit on the pile of batiks (as if sitting on eggs) which depicts that the baby would be delivered safely and on time. They also had to take different food from the offerings which they ate together off a big stone plate (cobek), which depicts the baby's placenta.

The offering consisted of 7 kinds of rice cones, incl. Tumpeng Megana. The rice cones are surrounded by vegetables. The sprout's mean "growing the life". Tumpeng Robyong, means "safety". It also included other traditional Indonesian food like Tumpeng Gundul, Tumpeng Urubing Damar.

Fruit and sweet cookies from peanuts which means, "a sweet life".

The offering also consists of red and white porridge. The red porridge, is to remember and respect mothers, while the white is for the fathers.
At the end of the ceremony the happy couple had to sell rujak and dawet, which we paid for with a earthenware coin. Rujak (mixed fruit with hot sambal) symbolizes an "enthusiastic life" and dawet (sweet coconut drink), also predicts a "smooth and safe birth".

It was a fun afternoon and everyone enjoyed witnessing and hearing all about this interesting Javanese ceremony and trying all the different Indonesian food as well as other yummy food stuff incl. my very own scones with strawberry jam and cream, which I was very proud of.

Emily left for South Africa on Sunday, 9 August and we all look forward to her return to Jakarta with their new bundle of Joy sometime towards the end of November.

Thinking of you Em, good luck with the last 2 months of pregnancy. Wishing you all the best!

Update - the past two months

2009-07-23T14:28:00.011+05:30

In light of the recent attacks in Jakarta I thought it was important that I do an "update" post to show that its not all doom and gloom. A lot of people probably wonder, if these bomb blasts didn't scare us in thinking; 'perhaps it was time to leave'. But, no..it hasn't. To be honest, I haven't spoken to anyone that have indicated that they were thinking about leaving Jakarta due to these attacks.

I don't think that means we are immune to these situations. Of course we are all affected by it and deeply concerned. I believe everyone will take necessary precautions to keep their families safe. And, rather than going to our favourite bars, or restaurants we might 'hang out' at home instead. But we are definitely not packing our bags.

Remembering that we live in a crazy, messed up world. More people are killed across the word on a daily basis, be it race related killings, hate crimes, the war in Iraq, and the list goes on. Also, considering South Africa's crime rate is probably the highest in the world and I don't even want to think about how many people are killed in South Africa every day.

Asking myself; when will it stop? will it ever stop? And though, wishing for world peace seems so cliche; wouldn't that be fantastic....

It is a crazy world we live in, but we have to LIVE. LIFE, how every sad, hard or unfair it is; will GO ON.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.

I am happy to report that besides a mild stomach bug/parasite and the sniffles we have been well otherwise. As per usual the past two months have flown by. Doing this blog post just reminded me that I was not so "good"early in June though.

My 5 month old Sony Vaio crashed and to my horror, I lost all our photographs, we took since January. Isn't it ironic. While I was using the old Siemens I backed up regularly, expecting it to give up the ghost. Thankfully I saved some of the photo's on facebook and the blog, so all is not lost.

Between June and August Jakarta is usually very quite. Well, at least in Kemang (the area we live in). Most of our friends have gone to their home countries, for 4 to 6 weeks, for their "summer holiday". It has been so quite that I didn't have art classes for 4 weeks, no regular get together's and I've even had 'one on one' gym sessions as the classes have been empty. This happens every year around this time. People are slowly but surly returning though, so I imagine things will be back to normal in a another week or two.

It is quite around here, but not dead. Although, I missed the girls...life does go on!

Below are short accounts of what we've been up to over the past two months. Well, at least of what I have photo's of:

Saturday, 27 June we attended an Indonesian Rugby untion dinner. Where we watched the SA vs. Lions match in the "lion's den" at the Ritz Carlton. Phew...we were very relieved that we won. As you can imagine the 4 South African supporters took a lot of slack but we walked out with our heads held high. Thanks, bokke!

Proudly South African!

Some of the evenings formalities before the game started.

1 July was Canada day and we were invited to a Canada day picnic at the Four Seasons hotel on Saturday, 4 July. It was a casual event with hotdogs and hamburgers and red wine flowing throughout the afternoon.

The money made from the raffle, was donated to the ykaki (Indonesian care for cancer kids foundation).

Vita, Katrina and I ended off the days celebration, in the pool.

Later that evening we entered yet another "lions den" but this time unfortunately the bokke lost.

We of course took a lot of slack, but we were still smiling, as the bokke at least won the series.

Katrina (Canadian) "Go bokke", was more interested in the players then the game ;-)

After a relaxing morning at home we popped over to a fellow South African, Shaun's house for a late afternoon drink which in true South African style and hospitality, turned into a late evening.
It is true that the best parties are the unplanned ones. Thanks, Shaun!

Saturday, 18 July we had a lovely evening with a French couple that we met the week before at a BBQ. In true French style we only went to the restaurant after 10pm, and though I couldn't get myself to eat a meal that late, I did enjoy the chocolate crepe with ice cream.

We were invited along to an 'open house' party, which apparently happens a lot around here. I'm not sure I would be opening my house like that, though. It was fun, though.

Armid and Jav, this photo is for you. When ever we talk about you guys, we do a 'blue steel' in your honor. Well I missed that one, but Marc as you can see is really trying to perfect the look)LOL ;-)

Another first that night (or I should say morning) - The only transport home was a couple of ojek's (motorbike taxi's).

I was very happy to resume my art classes last week. This week I did my first painting. And it was also my first experience with a completely nude, male model. Not as strange as I thought it might be. I was not quite ready to examine and paint his "whole" body though. Hehehehe! I just kept my eyes focused above the belly button.

I am wondering though, if my painting would have been better if he didn't go Full Monty ;-). I would be lying if I say I was completely comfortable with the nakedness of a strange man.

So with another week nearing it's end and the end of July now in sight, we are looking forward to our Komodo Island trip coming up from 12-17 August. We are really excited to dive this "National treasure", which would probably be considered a once in a life time trip and real national geographic stuff.

So, watch this space!

Jakarta twin bomb blasts

2009-07-23T13:06:00.013+05:30

I still can't get over it. It is just very unnerving to think that a couple of weeks before the attack we were at a function at the Ritz Carlton. And like us, many people probably have the exact same thoughts going through their minds. It just really hit close to home....The big hotels around Jakarta are "hang out places" for many foreign and Indonesian nationals. They are frequented by people for their famous Sunday brunches or some or other special event, work/embassy functions etc..

Talking about hitting close to home; some people we know, were supposed to have attended the meeting at the Ritz on Friday. And some of Marc's clients unfortunately were not so lucky, and were killed. Along with many other innocent people.

My heart goes out to all the people affected by these attacks. I am really saddened by these unnecessary attacks and I am sorry for these innocent peoples, loss.

To the poor families that buried their loved ones and in some cases having to arrange unidentifiable mortal remains to be flown home. To the survivors that have witnessed this tragedy and that will probably be haunted by the images they've seen, for the rest of their lives.

I don't think anyone can every truly understand the extent of the 'damage' that these kinds of attacks cause. At least, I know I don't.

All I can say is, or ask is; WHY? What could anyone possibly achieve by killing innocent people. I just don't get it.

A horrific image of the damage caused, leaving 9 dead and 50 injured.

Click here to watch a CECN.com video about the twin blasts.

Click here to read a News24 article about the bombings.

Gunung Gedogan Trek, Puncak Pass

2009-06-21T09:41:00.005+05:30

On Saturday, 20 June we did a Trek to the foot of Mount Pangrango, Puncak. The trek was arranged through Perhimpunan Persahabatan Indonesia-Amerika and is definitely something I could recommend for the outdoor/adventures type.

The trip as a non-member cost Rp.150,000 per person and incl. transport.

We were up early to meet the rest of the group at thePPIA office, Jl. MT. Haryono Kav. 49, Jakarta Selatan, at 6am. We departed for Puncak at around 6:40am and arrived at Gunang Mas at around 8:15am.

We started trekking at about 9am. We hiked through cinnamon and pine trees, forest, scrubs and tea plantations.

Though the trip is listed as a moderate hike, it was actually quite hard and definitely more of a climb than a hike.

One of the guides gave us sticks, which really came in handy on some of the steep uphill climbs. The fact that nearly half of the hike was in the shade also made it a little easier.
We loved the challenge, and thoroughly enjoyed the 3 and a half hour hike, a total climb of 515m.

We reached the finish point at the Puncak Pass Resort at around 12:40pm.

We enjoyed lunch at the Puncak Pass Restaurant, a Dutch colonial style restaurant on Jl. Raya, Puncak. Try the sweet Poffertjies, they are delicious!

The Restaurant is on the highest point in the Puncak area and has a lovely view over the Puncak valley.

At around 2pm we made our LONG way home. Though Puncak is only 100km South of Jakarta it took us 3 hours to get home.

We were literally stuck on Jl. Raya Puncak, for 2 hours just trying to get out of Puncak. At least "daily life" in the village kept us amused.

People watching at it's best - The street is lined with vendors selling all sorts of interesting vegetables and more.

We watched people clean their homes, feed their babies, fix motorbikes and prepare food at the small road side restaurants on every corner.

Notice the cute, fluffy bunnies inside the cage: This is outside a restaurants selling Sate Kelinci (Rabit Kebab's). Lunch anyone ;-0

Once we reached the highway it only took about an hour to get home.

Even with the crazy traffic, this trip is definitely worth it and we look forward to the next one.

Kim and Ingo's visit

2009-06-17T13:48:00.006+05:30

I was very happy when I heard the news that Kim and Ingo planned a visit " a detour" to Jakarta, during their trip to Singapore last week.

They arrived on Friday night, 12 May and the next 48 hours was spent "catching up" with our friends from Germany (living in Bangalore). The visit was short and sweet but I loved every minute of it, "thanks for the visit guys, it was great seeing you"!

Their visit was also our opportunity to do a couple of touristy things around Jakarta that we haven't done yet.

It was a short visit so we couldn't really do a lot but we managed to fit in a visit to Sunda Kelapa Harbour (The old Dutch port), an active port since the 12th century to see the Bugis Schooners (large wooden sailing vessels). These Bugis schooners/pinisi's have been build the same way for centuries by islanders of the archipelago, using centuries-old trade routes.

We watched the labourers reloading for the return journeys to Sumatra, Kallimantn and Sulawesi. They carry as much as 100kg of cargo inl. cement and rice on their shoulders, across approximately 40 cm wide, wooden beams. A very good balancing act, that's for sure.
When the heat got to much we went for a drink at the Batavia Marina restaurant.

Our next stop was the Maritime Museum. The restored warehouses, which date back to 1653, originally held pepper, tea, cloth, coffee and other valuble goods for the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie).

The buildings now house the Maritime Museum collection. Original and scale model boats that represent the techniques of traditional boat building. The collection also contains navigational charts and equipment, paintings, historical photographs and other maritime memorabilia.
The resident cat, that looked very at home in the shade of one of the big boats.
We enjoyed a cold beer at Cafe Batavia, one of the oldest buildings in Jakarta. The building was erected between 1805 and 1850, and over the years it has served as a residence, warehouse, office and now the famous restaurant.

By this time we were starving...

We had a fantastic lunch at Koi, and afterwards we took Ingo and Kim on a little tour through one of our Supermarkets (a bit of supermarket heaven to them). You can come back anytime, guys ;-)

In the late afternoon Ingo and Marc went for a massage while Kim and I baked a cake and prepared everything for our BBQ. I am pleased to say that our guest definitely didn't go home hungry, as it did seem that all we did was eat.

On Sunday morning, we visited the Rangunan Zoo, which was really a pleasant surprise. The plan was to hire bicycles and ride around the Zoo, but we were about 30 minutes late, and there were no bikes left. Which worked out well in the end because we had to wait about 20 minutes for the Schmutzer Primate Centre, which only opened at 9am.

The Primate Centre was definitely the highlight for us, and definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there yet. HINT: To avoid the masses, it might be a good idea to go during the week.

I will rather not elaborate too much on this picture. Let's just say Ingo hit the nail on the head when he said it looked like she (yes, it's a she) was doing a pole dance for us. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen.

Kim sizing herself up against a Gorilla, which gives one an idea of just how big these primates are.

Spot the "bule" (foreigner) - Ingo towering above the crowd.

After a refreshing swim and "brunch" Kim and I headed to the shops where Kim picked up a couple of nice things that will always remind them of their visit. "I hope you are thinking of me every time you turn your lamp on, Kim"!

We ended their 48 hours with a relaxing foot massage, followed by a last minute shopping spree in a fantastic shop called Pantry Magic, again a little piece of heaven for Kim and Ingo who probably wished that they had more space in their suitcase for all the lovely goodies they just loved and wished they could take back with them to India.

We had an early dinner at Die Stube. I know...perhaps an Indonesian dinner would have been the more obvious choice.

Or perhaps not. With 3 German's in our midst we decided to go for German munchies. We really enjoyed the Schweinhaxe (roasted pork knuckle), Knödel, Rot Kohl, Kaiserschmarrn (sugared pancake with raisins). The food was delicious and definitely a very good END to their visit.

Just before 8pm we said our goodbyes. "I miss you already, Kim". Until we meet again, guys. Mwah!

Trip to Jogjakarta

2009-06-03T05:13:00.026+05:30

We have been wanting to go to Jogja, to visit Borobudur ever since we arrived in Jakarta. We actually were booked to go the long weekend before last (Friday was a public holiday), but like a couple of times before, we've had to postpone because of Marc's work commitments.

We decided not to plan it around another long weekend, as it seemed that it just doesn't work planning so far ahead. Marc decided to put in two days leave and we finally managed to "make the trip" last weekend.

On Thursday, 21 May we were on the early 6:30am Air Asia flight to Jogjakarta/Yogyakarta (there are two ways of spelling it, it seems). Because we didn't really have a "honeymoon" we considered this trip our little "minimoon".

The spectacular view from the airplane.

We decided to treat ourselves to a 1 night stay at Losari Coffee Plantation and 2 nights in Borobudur, Saraswati Hotel.

Though it is probably only 80km to Losari it took us more than 2 hours to get there. We arrived at Losari at 9:30 and after breakfast we were able to check into our plantation villa.

Losari is not cheap. In fact, it comes at a price. But, as mentioned above, we considered this our "minimoon" and we were well aware that the 1night/2days would consist of rest and relaxation, spa treatments and not much else (which is what makes it so special) and we were looking forward to the "treat".

Our 26 hours in Losari was spent napping, having afternoon tea, spa treatments, dinner, morning yoga, breakfast, a plantation tour, a swim. Losari can of course offer a lot more: They do 1 day hikes, a train ride, river rafting and more. But, because of the price we decided that a 1 night stay is a big enough treat.

Our lovely plantation villa, overlooking the lush vegetation. It's amazing what a calming effect so much green has on a person.

The plantation house at Losari, where they serve afternoon tea from 4 - 6 (included in the price). The house has a fantastic wrap around porch where you can take your pick of where to sit or lie down...There are a lot of comfy chairs, couches, daybeds in and around the house where you can "hang out". And after tea you can head to the great pub for sudowners.

Marc and I both had a traditional Javanese massage which was of course amazing. I was so relaxed that it took a bit of effort to lift the tea cup.

The swimming pool with a great view of a volcano. There are apparently 7 volcano's surrounding Losari.

We thoroughly enjoyed the 8am yoga class (included in the price ;-).

A lady walks around Losari filled with these bottles of Jamu (Health drink) tied to her back. We tried different kinds of Jamu including ginger, tamarind, palm sugar and some other not so nice ones. It is of course the not so nice once, that are suppose to be really good for you. Marc has been fighting a cold and asked for a big cup off the "terrible stuff" which apparently acts as an anti-biotic.

After our joga class we went on a coffee plantation tour. It was very interesting to hear about the different types of coffee plants and to see the different size leaves of each type of coffee e.g. Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, Java etc.

Our guide also told us about kopi luwak, which I have heard about before but to be honest always wondered if it's an urban legend. Kopi Luwak is basically coffee berries that have been ingested by an Asian palm civet cat and the beans then pass through the feline's digestive tract (well, it's a type of feline) and is collected and roasted and YES, served as a speciality coffee. It is the wolds most expensive coffee but I think I'd rather give it a miss, thanks ;-).

At noon on Friday a taxi collected us and 1 hour, 35km later we arrived at The Saraswati Borobudur, hotel.

Because it was our "minimoon" we also opted to stay in a hotel in Borobudur that is slightly more expensive than our usual accommodation budget. The Saraswati Borobudur is 5 min walk from the temple and really a nice, small hotel that I would gladly recommend to people that do prefer luxury, but that don't want to break the bank. On the Friday we relaxed at the hotel and in the late afternoon we decided to check out the Borobudur temple and the museum.

We decided not to go up as we were planning on doing the sunrise tour on Saturday morning.

It was sadly not a very spectacular sunrise, which is of course what we were expecting/hoping for. It was unfortunately very cloudy but we luckily did catch a glimpse of the sun, and that is thanks to all the Chinese tourists that started clapping when it came out, otherwise we may have missed it LOL ;-)

One good thing about doing the sunrise tour is that we at least managed to get a couple of good shots. An hour later we actually couldn't get a shot without having at least 3 people in the frame.

Click here to read more about Borobudur - a ninth-century Mahayana Buddist Monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The Temple was first discovered by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1812 in poor condition. From 1907-1911 the restoration was conducted by Theodore van Erp and from 1973 - 1983 the Indonesian government with the help of UNESCO conducted major restoration on Candi Borobudur in the hopes that Borobudur could survive for another 1000 years.

Let me just say that I've heard people say "it is similar to Angkor Wat). In my opinion Borobudur cannot really be compared to The Ancient Angkor Ruins in Siem Reap, Cambodia. And I think that if you've visited Borobudur and then Angkor Wat your might see some similarities. But, if you've been to Angkor Wat before I do believe you might find Borobudur a bit of a disappointment. I don't think it's just because of the temple though, it's just the whole experience. Siem Reap is just a lot more geared towards tourism and you have great restaurants, bars and shops to choose from that makes the overall experience magical where as Borobudur...well, it's just not there yet. Click here to go to my blog entry on our 2007 trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia and you will see what I mean.

On our way back to the hotel we bought an Ohle-Ohle (souvenir). We had breakfast and then had a 2 hour nap before we headed out to Jogjakarta for the rest of the day:

We visited Kraton, the Sultan's Palace . According to Javanese belief, the ruler is the "naval" of their universe. We learned all about the past 9 sultan's over more than 200 years and all their doings incl. their very extended family trees.

One of the Sultan's (I think it was No.8) had 30 wives and 80 children. The family tree looked more like an entire forest.

We visited a Batik factory where we watched them perform some of the different processes of textile dying, that Indonesia is famous for. Useless fact: Nelson Mandela brightly coloured shirts, are Batik shirts, from Indonesia.

A copper Batik stamp which comes in so many different patterns, some so intricate that it must take weeks to paint.

Some of the finished pieces of fabric hanging out to dry.
We had a great lunch at Kedai Kebun Restaurant. I also ate my first piesang goreng kedai, which I really enjoyed. You get different kinds of piesang goreng (fried banana) but I ordered one with the banana and cheese in a batter served with honey and lemon. I know...how strange ;-0 but it actually tasted really yummy.

After lunch we stopped to look at some antique's and handy-crafts before we made our way to the other famous temple in Jogjakarta called Prambanan.

Click here to read about the largest Hindu Temple compound in Central Java.

We must have been asked more than 20 times if we would pose for a photograph. Sometimes with a person or group and other times they just ask if they could take a photo of us. Everywhere you look you will see a tourist being photographed.

We were asked by the teacher of a group of girls (they actually only wanted to talk to Marc ;-) if we would mind spending a few minutes talking to her students to help them with their English. They asked Marc a couple of questions like "what your name, where you from" and then, wait for it....."Picture" and everyone quickly turned to smile at about 5 camera's.

We noticed a couple of times that people are aiming to take a picture, assuming it was of the temple but soon realised that they were taking pictures of us. To be honest, it was funny in the beginning but it got a bit much after a while. When two girls stopped us on Sunday, I actually said, tidak (NO). We just had a little taste of what celebrates must feel like and I really do feel sorry for them.

We decided to watch the Ramayana ballet performance at the outdoor theatre next to the Prambanan temple later that night. We had about 1 and a half hours to kill before the show and decided to go to the theatre, hoping that there would be a place nearby where we could have a cold beer.

We were so pleasantly surprised when we arrived there and saw a stunning open air restaurant overlooking the lit Prambanan Temple. It is a truly romantic setting and Marc did score a couple of brownie points for this romantic evening at the theatre.
The well put together Ramayana Ballet (Javanese Ballet is not how we know ballet). The show started at 7:30pm and for the next two hours we were led through scenes of the Javanese adoptation of the Indian epic Ramayana.

The plan was to watch the Super 14 Bulls vs. Chiefs after the show. Marc's was greatly dissapointment (especially after reading about the fantastic win on the internet the next day) when we couldn't find a place to watch the match.

Sunday morning we departed our hotel at around 10am and decided to take a 40min drive to Ketep Pass to see if we could see Mount Merapi.

This is what we would have seen (photo from the internet).

But again, no luck as it was complete hidden by clouds. Smoke can apparently be seen emerging from the mountain top at least 300 days a year and there has been several eruptions over the years. The last eruption was in 2006.

We drove back to the city and strolled down Jalan Maliaboro, which is the main shopping street in Jogjakarta. The street is packed with people, and are lined with small stalls and modern shops and restaurants. It is a vibrent very colourful street that has a real old world charm about it. There are 100's of Becak's (trishaw bicycles) lined up and every couple of minutes you will hear the sound of an Andong's (horse drawn carriages) coming up behind you and sometimes if you don't hear them they will ring the bell.

This is probably the most famous scene in Jogja - A couple of Becak's (trishaw bicycles) drivers waiting for their next customer.

We had a couple of minutes to spare before we had to leave for the airport and thought it might be interesting to check out the Ngasem Market bird market. Interesting being the operative word. To quote Marc "The revenge of the birds is coming"!

We arrived at the airport and were very happy to find out that we could make use of the Borobudur Lounge with our HSBC card, which is a little more comfortable then waiting infront of the boarding gate. Especially since our flight was delayed by an hour :-(.

We arrived back home at around 7:30pm. We had a super weekend and we are happy that we can finally tick Jogja off the list.

We are looking forward to the next destination around the worlds largest archipelago.

TRAVELERS TIPS:
In hine site, I think I should have planned the trip a little differently. But, I guess that's why they call it "traveling" and you learn as you go along.

We've heard different accounts from a lot of different people about their feelings on Jogja and the Borobudur temple (some even saying "it's similar to Angkor Wat). And as one does, we planned our trip based on reccommendations (both from friends and the www). As it turns out, we are all different individuals and what works for the one person might not necesary be what the other one has in mind.

Meaning: Someone might consider staying at their 5 star hotel, hanging out by the pool, eating at the hotel etc. a great holiday/weekend away. And others (like us) prefer to be out and about, exploring, eating at different restaurants.

Which beckons the question, why spend a lot of money on accommodation, right? Well, that's how we feel about it at least.

Being the painfully organised person that I am, though we had a great time, I can kick myself for not planning the trip better, which would have saved us quite a bit of money in the end. Yes, it's all about the money...

About the transport:

I pre-booked a ASA taxi (Tel: +62274545545 Driver: Pak Uuywono+6281903792221) to take us to Lasari. They charged us Rp.250,000 which is exactly half of what the hotel charges.

We arranged our transport to Borobudur from Losari, with the the same driver from ASA. Of course everthing in Indonesia is a negotiation and though he wanted more money, we finally settled on paying Rp.150,000.

Needless to say, we didn't use the ASA taxi service again.

We called a couple of car hire companies but found Jogja Rent Car offered the best rates. After Marc practiced his negotiation skills some more, we managed to hire a car and a driver for (what is appartenly a really good deal) Rp.400,000 for 10 hours (He would have done 14 hours for Rp.500,000). And on the Sunday we paid Rp.250 from 10am - 2:30pm.

About the Hotel's:

Losari Coffee Plantation:

Remember if you have KITA's, ask for the KITA's rates when you make your booking. Also, if you are a good negotiator you could get them to give you the rate all in, otherwise they will still charge you 21% tax and service charge. You can also get 20% off the spa treatments if you have KITA's. But, you have to ask for it!

Sarwaswait Borobudur:
Though we enjoyed our stay at The Sarwaswati, we would have actually preferred staying at the Monohara hotel, which is located on the Borobudur temple grounds. NOTE: Guest at the Princess Monohara pay Rp.150,000 per person and Rp.300,000 per per (for ourside visitors), Rp.200,000 (KITA's holders) for the sunrise tour.

I'm not sure if there are other hotels that can arrange the sunrise tour directly but our hotel said that they would have to arrange the tour through the Monohara hotel. The Saraswati wanted to charge Rp.500,000 per person (tourist price) and Rp.300,000 (for KITA's holders).

The hotel basically charges Rp.100,000 per person for transport to the Monohara Hotel. But, The Saraswati is only 5minutes walk from the Monohara Hotel.

After a couple of discussions, Saraswati agreed to make a booking at the Monohara Hotel on our behalf for Rp.200,000 per person (KITA's rate) and we just had to walk 5 min down the road.

The other thing (hine site is a wonderful thing, isn't it).

Duration of the trip:
We would have preffered staying in Borobudur for only 1 night and then rather stayed in Jogja the last night.

Why: Because we ended up staying in Borobudur but spent most of the day on Saturday and Sunday in Jogjakarta.

Also, the mosque is right next door and with the 4am call to prayer you will sure not have to worry about oversleaping and missing the sunrise tour. This is of course fine on the day that you do the sun rise tour but when we were woken up that early again on the Sunday, I was less impressed.

Other:

Ramayana Open Air Theatre:
We really enjoyed the show, apart from the very uncomfortable seats we were in we enjoyed the evening very much. If you take the mid range tickets of Rp.100,000 per person be sure to take a pillow. Otherwise you could go for the Rp.200,000 and the VIP seats that looked more comfortable.

Hotel's in Jogja, recommendated by friends:

Dusun Jogja Villiage Inn

Villa Hani's

I hope that my "detailed" account of our trip might help you plan yours better.

My first...

2009-06-02T17:33:00.011+05:30

My first mural:
A friend of mine wanted to paint a butterfly mural in her 4 year old daughter's bedroom and asked if I was up for it. I've never painted a mural before but I figured; why not. I thought it might be fun, and it was....

I do think it looks pretty amateurish, but all that really matters is that little Johke is happy with her butterflies; and she is. Phew!

I had so much fun doing this; I am already looking forward to the next one Alma wants in her baby boy's room.

My first orchid:

I have wanted an orchid, since forever. I've heard that they are really temperamental though and I have always worried that when we go away it will be dead by the time we get back. Also, I don't have green fingers at all... in fact, I've never been able to keep plants alive. Sad, I know.

I finally took the plunge and bought my first orchid last week.

I accompanied two of my friends to an Orchid market, near the Rangunan Zoo. The area is called Pasar Minggu and it is basically a huge plant/orchid market with one nursery after the other. The nurseries have so many different varieties of orchids, that it was really hard to choose one.

The market is definitely worth checking out if you are looking to buy plants. It is suppose to be a lot cheaper than any of the street stalls around Kemang.

Contact details of one of the nurseries: 0813-16299555 or 021-9817 1241

My beautiful orchid...Now let's see how long it will stay that way ;-)

Click here to learn how you should care for your orchids!

Diving - Alam Kotok

2009-06-01T19:26:00.013+05:30

Marc has been talking about wanting to do a couple of speciality dive courses, one of them being the rescue diver course for quite some time now. He finally "just did it" and enrolled him self to do the rescue diver through the Kristal Klear Dive at the Hotel Kristal.

Marc did the theory part of the course during the week before with a written test on Saturday, 16 May.

On Saturday, 23 May at 8am we departed from the Anchol Marina, pier 15 for our 1 night, 2 days diving weekend on Alam Kotok. Kotok Island is one of the 1000 islands (Pulau Siribu) and is conveniently only 1hour, 30min by fast boat from Jakarta.

We arrived on the island at 9:30am.

Like Putri Island which is one of the more popular islands, Alam Kotok is a package weekend, which is usually for 1 night/2days. The Rp.2.4 mil per person includes transport to and from the island, 4 meals and 4 dives. The Island is small and can apparently accommodate a maximum of 30 guests. There were only about 18 guests on the island when we went, so it was really peaceful and it almost felt a little deserted, which was great.

Like with a lot of places around Indonesia this rustic and what some might call run down resort is a very welcome break from the hustle and the bustle of the city.
The resosrt has very basic, but comfortable rooms with AC.

The rooms have semi-open air bathroom with hot water.

"Make sure you check before you sit down, Oh and keep the toilet seat closed" - I used the loo in the middle of the night and when I reached to flush the toilet I nearly had a heart attache when I saw a huge (almost the size of my hand) spider on the toilet seat. And yes, I imagine it was there when I sat down. I'm sorry I didn't take a photo of it, to proof that I am not just a ninny. It was really HUGE!! Les you would have died.

"Also, ensure that the AC is working when you check in". We had to move to another room in the middle of the night. It is no fun trying to sleep in extreme tropical heat. And opening the doors and window's didn't really help and besides, that wasn't really a good idea with all the creepy crawlys around, especially after what I saw in the bathroom.

The diving was "ok". Not the best though, but just to be able to "blow bubbles" in less than 3 hours from the time you've left Jakarta makes it all "OK".

There were 5 people in our group. The instructor spent time with the guys doing more theory and practical exercises before and after the dives.

The 1st dive we did on Saturday was right off the pier and as to be expected the reef around the island was dead/dull and because of this the dive was equally "dull"....boring. With the exception of seeing the toilet and kopaja (bus), which was quite different to anything I've ever seen under water.

The Toilet, kopaja and a couple of tyres were placed around the reef to try and create an artificial reef. But unfortunately it hasn't yet turned into anything that remotely resembles coral but rather looked like an underwater scrap yard. ;-(.
In between dives, we enjoyed a great lunch.
I gave the 2nd dive on Saturday a miss because of my ear but I was very happy to laze around on the deck just enjoying the fresh air and listening to the sound of the waves, snorkeled and cooling off in the clear ocean next to the pier.

Marc joined them for a night dive as well, which he says was fantastic. Something I am looking forward to trying next time.

We had a nice dinner and finally climbed into bed in the new room (see note above) at around 1:30am.

Sunday, 24 May we had breakfast early before the days diving started at 8:30am.

The semi-open air restaurant where all meals are served.

I was surprised to see a Monitor Lizard right next to the breakfast buffet table.

As it turns out, he is a regular visitor at breakfast and is also quite demanding. He was hissing until the waiter fed him his omelette.

After breakfast we were ready for the days diving.

Marc and Gregory taking it all in, ensuring they knew exactly what to do in a case of emergency.

Our 1st dive was around Kotok Kecil and it turned out to be a lot better than we expected.

We had a fantastic long, 65min dive with amazing, 20+meters visibility and great fish life and colourful coral.

Towards the end of our 2nd dive, Marc and Gregory (the two rescue diver students) finally had their knowledge and skills put to the test when they had to save Lucas, their instructor. If I didn't know any better I would have thought that it was a real life rescue: complete with the victim not responding under water, being brought to the service by Marc and Gregory, pushed and pulled onto the boat, "pretend" CPR was admitted during the boat ride to shore as well as on land until finally the victim was saved by the two very capable rescue divers Marc and Gregory.
It's a good thing Marc has been working out a lot.

Well done guys!

I must admit; witnessing this pretend rescue made me realise how tricky real life rescue situations could be and that we (I'm sure I speak for quite a lot of people when I say this) should probably be a little more "prepared" especially when we travel in such remote places.

And yes, though Marc does work for a Medical Assistance company, I still think it is very important to check the following:

Is there a first aid kit
Is there a first aider in your midst
Is there oxygen
What to do in case of an emergency, who to call: International SOS, DAN (Divers Alert Network) etc.

Aren't I lucky that Marc is now a qualified rescue diver!
With the 1000 Islands practically on our door stop, it is the perfect get away when we feel the urge to blow some bubbles.

Saying goodbye to the "Armid's"

2009-05-19T18:29:00.009+05:30

As we entered our 2nd year in Jakarta we are reminded again of how expat life though very exciting, it sometimes is a little nonconforming. After 3 years of living overseas; learning about new cultures, trying new cuisines, setting up a new home twice (in India and Indonesia) and all the other aspects that go hand in hand with living in a foreign country. There is one thing that has always seemed to make life easier… FRIENDS!

But even that, sadly comes with conditions. I suppose it is the “expat” circle of life. I’ve realised that it is easier being the one leaving than being the one being left behind. In the past 3 years we’ve been lucky. We’ve made and sadly had to say goodbye to a lot of great friends, now scattered all over the world.

Jav and Armid are another couple that we were very sad to see leave recently. Without them the past year in Jakarta wouldn’t have been the same.

There is so much we will miss about these guys, especially the fun Wii evenings at their house and of course Jav’s famous chocolate eclairs and brownies.

We’ve tried to squeeze in as many “nights with the Armid’s" (as we call them).

On Friday, 1 May we had a lovely dinner with a couple of Marc and Armid's colleagues at Eastern Promise, followed by a very entertaining evening at B.A.T.S. at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Oh, Jav...how I will miss our Blue Steel poses.

The very crowded infamous B.A.T.S. night club.

On Saturday, 2 May I arranged a surprise farewell for Jav and Armid. We enjoed a great dinner with close friends at Louwy followed by Karaoke at the FX Mall.

Jo, me and Jav.

The Jakarta Expat Boys.

The Jakarta Expat Boys, getting better at it ;-)

Myself, Jav and Armid doing our rendition of "Push the Button". Not an easy song choice I should add...

On Wednedsay, 13 May we attended Armid's wok farewell at Le Brasserie.
Armid was presented with a farewell cake, compliments of La Brasserie.

Armid (the pandemic specialist) will be missed by all his colleagues. Especially now with the "imminent" Swine Flu pandemic.

Jav and I were the only two roses between all the thorns.

On Thursday, 14 May Jav and Armid stayed with us and we enjoyed our “last supper” together.
Keon, saying his goodbyes to his nanny, Ibu Santi.

Em in front of the PC and Jav trying to squeeze one last item of clothing into the already full suitcase.

On Friday morning, 15 May we said our last sad goodbye to our dear friends.

Jav, Armid and Keon (our little man) “You guys will be missed. A sincere thanks to you both for your friendship and we wish you the best of luck with your new exciting venture in Baltimore. We look forward to hearing all about this new chapter in your lives”.

Wedding in Balikpapan, Kalimantan

2009-05-19T18:20:00.025+05:30

We flew Air Asia to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan (The Indonesian side of Borneo) on Saturday, 9 May to attend Harry and Lita’s wedding celebration on the Sunday, 10 May. We were excited to attend our first Indonesian, Muslim wedding.

There is not much to see or do in this industrial mining and oil town, so definitely not a place I would recommend for a weekend getaway. Unless of course you are planning on visiting the Orangutans. It seems there are two places where you could go see the Orangutans:

Samboja Lodge approx. an hours drive from Balikpapan or the Orangutan Survival Centre which is actually closer and this can be arranged through the hotel. The Hotel quoted us USD50 per person for trip incl. lunch, which I'm sure one can arrange for less if you contact the centre directly.

Our plan was to try and visit the Orangutans while we were in Balikpapan but unfortunately the lodge was full and they didn't have any guides available for a day trip. And to visit the other survival centre you have to book a day in advance which meant we missed that boat too; damn. Seeing the Orangutans is still very much on our to do list, so who knows...maybe we'll be back in this one horse town sometime soon.

After checking into the Le Grandeur Hotel, we went for lunch at Jack's Place (also called Jack's or Lyla's), which is apparently popular with expatriates.
The view from our table at Jack's Place. Which I can imagine will be perched on the ocean at high tide.

Saturday night we decided to have a seafood dinner at The Beach Restaurant at the Le Grandeur is a semi-outdoor restaurant in a lovely setting overlooking the ocean.

The view from The Beach Restaurant at the Le Grandeur Hotel.

Since Marc is able to eat crab after many years of a selfish allergy, we wanted to try the pepper crab and I was looking forward to eating yummy Kalimantan prawns (which Marc hasn't been brave enough to try just yet).

Marc enjoying the taste of grab.

It turns out that the view and the music is what one pays for at this restaurant though. We found that the food is heavily overpriced. Even though it is a four star hotel, I'm not sure how they could justify charging such absorbent prices. Especially when we compared it with the seafood we ate on Gili Island, that was half the price and a lot nicer.

On Sunday morning, 10 May I went for a cream bath and a blow dry at the salon, Magnolia Spa across the road from the hotel.

Address:Jl Jend Sudirman Ruko Dusit Arcade Bl L/4
Phone : 0542-744938

I was done just in time for the wedding reception that started at 11am, in the Ballroom at the Le Grandeur Hotel. There were approx. 150+ guests (Family and friends) and it was a happy and very colorful affair.

I got information on Muslim wedding traditions off the internet. And having spoken to people that have attended weddings in Indonesia there are many different accounts of what actually happens at a Muslim wedding. It seems that there are a lot of various wedding traditions that reflect the diversity of the Muslim world.

The happy couple actually had their legal service on the 5th of April. On Saturday, 9 May there was a public wedding party (Walima), held at Lita's family home for approx. 700 guests, which we unfortunately didn't make.

Lita and Harry entering the hall with Lita's mom on her side.

The bride and groom made their entrance, dressed in beautiful gold clothing, decorated with flowers around their necks and on their heads.
They were up on the stage for the duration of the reception (not a drink or a bite to eat). The wedding guests on the other hand had a selection of Indonesian dishes to choose from while listening to an excellent local band performing international covers. In between dishes the guests walked onto the stage to congratulate and to have their pictures taken with the newly weds.

"Congratulations, Lita and harry. We wish you all the love an happiness in the world".

At around 2:30pm we left the wedding reception and decided to check out the market at Kebun Sayur (Pasar impres) where we wondered through the market admiring the beautiful gems, jewellery and other Kalimantan handicraft incl. bead work items, wall hangings, rugs etc.

The Pasar Impres (Kebun Sayur) market.
Colourful beaded Kaltim purses that came in so many different shapes and sizes.
A mobile pet shop.

On our way back to the hotel we went past Magnolia Spa for a 1 hour foot massage. Later, we enjoyed drinks and dinner with Harry and Lita, hearing first hand about all the wedding preparations, and learning more about the Muslim Wedding traditions.

Early Monday morning, 11 May we returned to a very wet Jakarta.
They say when it rains it pours…well, in Jakarta when it rains it more often than not, floods. The streets turn into streams.

Driving home from the airport, Kemang Raya was so badly flooded that our taxi driver kept going "Oh, Oh-Oh-Oh" He kept looking around to see where he could turn as he was clearly not sure if he was going to get through the deep water.

I had visions of us having to get out and swim but luckily we made it home, dry.

Freedom Day Celebration

2009-05-18T18:21:00.014+05:30

The South African Embassy in Jakarta hosts a Freedom Day Celebration annually and we had the privilege to attend this years celebration on Wednesday, 29 April. The event, held at The Ritz carlton Hotel in Mega Kuningan was well attended by many of our fellow South Africans as well as other diplomat's from around the world.

I felt a sense of pride when the evening kicked off to the tune of our national anthem "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika....But, at the same time I felt a sense of embarrassment as I realised that I didn't know all the words to the first two verses of our anthem.

The embassy must have figured that there might be many people, like me, that don't know the words. They obviously wanted to avoid the embarrassment where people end up humming along and rather opted to play an instrumental version instead of letting us sing.

I've actually thought about this a couple of times before, when I hear the anthem. But, I just haven't made the effort; and it's sad! I realised again that it's only two verses that I need to learn "it can't be that difficult". I want to really try and learn and remember the anthem for next time.
Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned this...I hope it is not just me. Am I a terrible South African? I'm wondering; How many of my South African friends can sing the anthem?

So here goes:

South Africa's national anthem
Pulls together two anthems, five languages - and over 47-million people.

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika-South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.

Translation
The isiXhosa and isiZulu of the first stanza, the Sesotho of the second stanza and the Afrikaans of the third stanza translate into English as follows:

Lord, bless Africa
May her spirit rise high up
Hear thou our prayers
Lord bless us.

Lord, bless Africa
Banish wars and strife
Lord, bless our nation
Of South Africa.

Ringing out from our blue heavens
From our deep seas breaking round
Over everlasting mountains
Where the echoing crags resound ...

We enjoyed a fabulous evening with our South African friends, particularly enjoyed drinking South African wine and eating some traditional South Africa food incl. bobotie, boerewors, biltong salad and milk tart.

About Freedom Day: (I did know this ;-)

South African Freedom Day is celebrated on 27 April. It celebrates freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held on 27 April, 1994. The '94 elections were the first non-racial national elections where everyone over 18 from any race group was allowed to vote. Previously, under the apartheid regime, non-whites had only limited rights to vote.

Keeping busy with German lessons and Art Classes

2009-05-18T17:45:00.011+05:30

It has been a busy couple of weeks since we've returned from South Africa. Since the engagement in December my days have been filled with planning our Big day. My mind space was occupied with something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue....

I knew that I would need a couple of new projects to keep me busy when I returned to Jakarta as Mrs. Beuthe.

I also knew exactly what I wanted to do, I just needed to DO IT...

I got my "A" into "G" and managed to find a new German teacher and have been attending classes twice a week, since mid April.

I didn't want to do a course at one of the institutes. I preferred the idea of having a private tutor and I have been putting it off for the past year, in the hopes that another Anne will come along and that I can get back on the good German track that I was on in Bangalore.

With no disrespect to my new teacher; Anne "you were the best, thank you so much for getting me through my beginner Course. The foundation is there and it's good. All because of you"!

I am sure I will soon start picking the fruits of the new teaching methods of Ibu (Mrs.) Tjan. It will still be a while before I'll be able to do a blog post in German though. But, being able to understand as much as I do, is already an achievement and I believe with practice and LOTS more grammar lessons I'll get better at it. I look forward to when we go on holiday to Germany again and I can use my German for real.

NOTE: Should you be looking for a German or Indonesian teacher, please comment on this post and I will send you Ibu Tjan's contact details.

Since I did Marc's birthday portrait in November, I have also been talking about taking art classes which I have managed to start with and absolutely love....

My art teacher has a studio at home where a couple of us spend 4 hours, once (sometimes twice a week) drawing and painting and where I will hopefully be learning a lot from our master, Jazz.

I have only been for 3 lessons and I am hooked. I really enjoy it, and I can't wait for the next lesson. It is really amazing to see the progress in my work in only a few lessons.

The best of approx. 3 drawings, from my 1st lesson.

The best of approx. 5 drawings, from my 2nd lesson.

The best 2 drawings of approx. 4 drawings, from my 3rd lesson.

NOTE: Should you be interested in art classes in the South of Jakarta, please comment on this post and I will send you Jazz's contact details.

For everyone born before 1986!

2009-04-21T14:53:00.004+05:30

I know this is old...I remember receiving it in an email a long time ago. I came across it again in a magazine the other day and it really made me smile. I just love it and had to post it for those of you that haven't read it yet. It is brilliant and so true. Enjoy!

For everyone born before 1986:

According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 60's, 70's and early 80's probably shouldn't have survived because our baby cots were covered with brightly coloured lead-based paint which was promptly chewed and licked.

We had no child-proof lids on medicine bottles, or latches on doors or cabinets and it was fine to play with pans.

When we rode our bikes, we wore no helmets, just flip-flops and fluorescent 'spokey dokey's' on our wheels.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or airbags -riding in the passenger seat was a treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle and it tasted the same.

We ate chips, bread and butter pudding and drank fizzy juice with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing.

We shared one drink with four friends, from one bottle or can and no-one actually died from this.

We would spend hours building go-carts out of scraps and then went top speed down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.

After running into stinging nettles a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We would leave home in the morning and could play all day, as long as we were back before it got dark. No one was able to reach us and no one minded.

We did not have Play stations or X-Boxes, no video games at all. No 99channels on TV, no videotape movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no DVDs, no Internet chat rooms.

We had friends - we went outside and found them.

We played elastics and rounders, and sometimes that ball really hurt!

We fell out of trees, got cut, and broke bones but there were no law suits.

We had full on fist fights but no prosecution followed from other parents

We played chap-the-door-run-away (knock & run) and were actually afraid of the owners catching us.

We walked to friends' homes.

We also, believe it or not, WALKED to school; we didn't rely on mummy or daddy to drive us to school which was just round the corner.

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls.

We rode bikes in packs of 7 and wore our coats by only the hood.

The idea of a parents bailing us out if we broke a law was unheard of...They actually sided with the law.

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. And you're one of them. Congratulations!

Share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as real kids before lawyers and governments regulated our lives, for our own good.

For those of you who are not old enough, thought you might like to read about us. This my friends, is surprisingly frightening.. and it might put a smile on your face:

The majority of students in universities today were born in 1986........

They are called youth.

They have never heard of We are the World, We are the children and the Uptown Girl they know is by Westlife not Billy Joel. They have never heard of Rick Astley, Bananarama, Nena Cherry or Belinda Carlisle.

For them, there has always been only one Germany and one Vietnam.

AIDS has existed since they were born.

CD's have existed since they were born.

Michael Jackson has always been white.

To them John Travolta has always been round in shape and they cannot imagine how this fat guy could be a god of dance.

They believe that Charlie's Angels and Mission Impossible are films from recent years.

They can never imagine life before computers.

They'll never have pretended to be the A Team, Red Hand Gang or the Famous Five.

They'll never have applied to be on Jim'll Fix It.

They can't believe a black and white television ever existed.

And they will never understand how we could leave the house without a mobile phone.

Now let's check if we're getting old...

1. You understand what was written above and you smile.

2. You need to sleep more, usually until the afternoon after a night out.

3. Your friends are getting married/already married.

4. You are always surprised to see small children playing comfortably with computers.

5. When you see teenagers with mobile phones, you shake your head.

6. You remember watching Dirty Den in East Enders the first time around.

7. You meet your friends from time to time, talking about the good Old Days, repeating again all the funny things you have experienced together.

8. Having read this, you are thinking of forwarding it to some other friends because you think they will like it too...

Yes, you're getting old!!

Source : unknown, someone mailed it to me.

In loving memory of my Grandmother

2009-04-18T09:24:00.009+05:30

"Ain't life funny"...The past couple of weeks have been so exciting, with the birth of baby Beuthe, Marc and I getting married and celebrating love and life with our friends and family.

There was a sad end to our trip, when my Grandmother, Jacoba Petronella (Kota) Tolken passed away on Friday, 10 April.

As I was contemplating this quirk of fate, I was reminded that, its "the circle of life":

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle of Life

She was laid to rest on Wednesday, 15 April. And though, death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

"Ouma Kota, you'll be missed but you will live forever, in our hearts"!

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

To a loving Mother, Grandmother and Friend:

If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken love;
We'd have countless things to say.
If we could bring you back again,
We'd say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.
If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You'd know how much we miss you now,
And if we could, we would.

By Joanna Fuchs

My Gran with me and my Aunt Elizabeth (daughter) and my mom (daughter in-law)

For the ones she left behind:

Daughters, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and close friends

Words, however kind can't mend your heartache: but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.

Saying our "goodbyes"

2009-04-17T14:59:00.008+05:30

We got back to JHB around lunch time on Wednesday, 8 April; still talking about our amazing 3 days in "Adventure" country. Thanks to: Thaba-Metsi and Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours

The first sign that our trip was quickly coming to an end was when Marc started thinking about work. And when the thinking turned into talking about work and then wanting to download emails so that he could sort it out before Monday, I knew... it was now time to start packing and saying our goodbyes.

Rephrase: we don't say farewell...we just say "goodbye, see you soon". Even though that "soon" ends up being in another year+.

At least we have skype, facebook and good old fashioned email to keep in touch until then. What would we do without technology. So, though we are miles apart it always feels like we are just a phone call away, which really makes time fly. And, before we know it we will be planning our next home leave or better yet, our friends and family will come and visit us in Indo....

To those of you that mentioned possibly visiting us...we are going to hold you to it; start planning those trips!

We managed to squeeze in a couple of "last" dinners and breakfasts before we departed Jozi on Saturday, 11 April.

Mel and Austin - Big hugs, Melly...

Lesleigh, Sylvia, Tanya and little Theresa

Crazy chicks

Dean and Marc

Warren and Michelle, another two entrepreneurial friends.

They recently started managing the Auto Cradle Estate, a conference and exhibition centre in Magaliesburg. Warren also started WotzOn, a magazine where you can advertise events happening in your area. So if you are looking at hosting an event or want something to do, check out: Auto Cradle Estate and WotzOn!

Adventure "honeymoon" with friends in Magoebaskloof

2009-04-17T10:04:00.009+05:30

Sunday,5 April - Months of planning and now that we have said our I do’s it is all over. Just like that…. a bit of an anti-climax I thought. Which is exactly what I expected and that is shy we decided to have a weekend wedding celebration , allowing us to spend two days with our family and friends, celebrating our special day and it was great.

Marc and Tarryn, Lesleigh, Marc and I left Machadodorp around lunch time, for what can only be described as fun, fun, fun in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo province.

No honeymoon? you might be wondering….

We were not planning on having one. Besides we've been to so many honeymoon destinations over the past couple of years that I can't really say I feel cheated...It just felt right to rather spend the week after our wedding with our family and friends, as we don't get to see them that often.

Let's call it our Adventure "honeymoon" with friends then.

Tarryn and Marc None gave up their corporate careers about 4 years ago to pursue a new and very exciting life in Magoebaskloof.

What started off as an idea for an outdoor adventure company, many years ago has now turned into a large operation. And we were lucky enough to get a taste of what they have to offer.

Thaba-Metsi Adventures offers ab sailing, quad biking, kloofing, tubing, paintball and more to small and large groups. They have conference facilities and it is ideal for school groups, team buildings or corporate functions. They can accommodate up to 40 people in very comfortable, stylish self catering chalets as well as tented camps next to the dam. They can also offer alternative accommodation on a nearby family farm, Cheerio's

Forest chalet at Cheerio's where we stayed on the Sunday night.

So whether you are after a exciting adventure get away or a quite weekend away in the beautiful valley near Haenetsburg, Magoebaskloof, where you can have a "braai", fly fish and take in the fresh country air Thaba-Metsi is just the place for you.

They more recently acquired the franchise for Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours
Check it out if you are not familiar with it: http://www.magoebaskloofcanopytour.co.za/

This concept started in Costa Rica's rain forest and was soon brought over to South Africa - Magaliesberg, Tsitsikamma, Karkloof and now the amazing MAGOEBASKLOOF CANOPY TOURS.

Les, Tarryn and I in Haenetsburg, after a lovely breakfast on Monday, 6 April. Ready for our canopy tour adventure.

Marc N, showing us how it's done.

Marc B in his element.

Les and I very excited about the next slide, bring it on....
Tarryn, you may as well be one of the guides...

The team - We had great fun guys. We will definitely be back!

We couldn't stop talking about how much fun the Canopy Tour was. Definitely something everyone should experience.

Monday night we had braai under the stars in true South African style. We loved it, thanks T&M.

After breakfast on Tuesday, 7 April Lesleigh, sadly had to leave. Marc and I had so much fun that we decided to stay for an extra day of outdoor adventure.

We enjoyed a two hour out ride along the river in the afternoon. I knew all about it when I got off the horse and the next 2 days after that, though.

Late afternoon we went on a quad ride, which we really enjoyed.

On Wednesday, 8 April Marc and I said our goodbyes and headed back to JHB. Taking in the beautiful scenery...

The amazing African sky I mentioned in an earlier post.

With all the Thaba-Metsi activities as well as the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour only 4 hours from Johannesburg it is the ideal get away for the adventuress. BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW!

Contact Thaba-Metsi Adventures
Please contact Marc or Tarryn Noné on 083 866 1546 or e-mail us on:adventures@thabametsi.com or thabametsi@mweb.co.za for prices and schedules for individuals, groups or corporate team building.

Click here for Directions to Thaba-Metsi Adventures

Our Wedding Day

2009-04-17T07:32:00.017+05:30

I woke up with a big smile on my face on Saturday morning, 4 April thinking; Today I marry the man of my dreams, Today I marry my friend.... "I am one lucky girl".

Looking at my best friend, Les lying next to me, I also realised how lucky I was having her with me. Thanks so much for taking the time and making the effort to come all the way from Denver, Colorado to share our special day with us. It really means the world to me. You are a great friend and I LOVE YOU with all my heart.

Another reason I felt "lucky" is that unlike most brides that spend a fortune on hair and make-up, my make-up artist sister, Jacqueline did my make-up and my "always has perfect hair" cousin, Amori did my hair.

And as always Jacqueline, you know how to paint a face...thanks sis!

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

Amori did such a fabulous job with my hair. Mori, I really think you missed your calling. Well done and thanks a lot, I loved my hair do. Oh, and the glitter finished it off nicely.

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

So in between the girl talk and sipping champagne I was slowly titivating myself ready to walk down the aisle at 3pm.

So once the hair and make-up was done, all I needed to do was slip the dress on and run, I mean walk down the aisle....

Well, not without some small wedding hiccups though, right. When the DJ finally arrived an hour before the ceremony was suppose to start. Well, let's just say he did arrive but he was not ALL THERE . First he gave me lip about using my laptop and playing my play lists which is what I agreed with the venue. Lesleigh quickly gave him lip about being so full of LIP and we were finally ready to start the ceremony at about 3:10.

I’m going try and write this without sounding like it was a huge disaster, because even with all the little (ok, they were not so little but they made the wedding) mishaps this was still the best day of my life and I wouldn't change a thing.

As Lesleigh and the flower girls, Anje and Amone made their way down the aisle I realised that the DJ wasn't playing the right song. I figured it's ok, asked them to please just make sure he at least plays the right song when I walk down the aisle. And as we got the cue to start walking, of course it wasn't the right song...anyway.

By: Etienne Bester

As it turns out, the DJ playing the wrong song was not half as noticeable as the maid of honor and almost the bride, walking down the aisle without their bouquets.

Well, as you can imagine, that really broke the ice. The guests packed up laughing as my cousin ran up the aisle followed by my sister with the key to the room.

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

Two minutes later bouquet in hand with the right song playing (Only Time by: Enya), my mom finally walked me down the aisle towards my Mr. Right.

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

So if you think that was funny, wait...there is more:

And without explaining the pastors sermon or should I say "relationship advice" in detail, let's just say that it was not what we expected. Not at all what you see on TV....

By: Etienne Bester

We were kind of caught by surprise when he said "the bride and groom will now exchange their vows". We looked at each other, the pastor smiled, we laughed nervously, Marc said "are we not following your lead"?, and when the pastor then laughed nervously we knew that we would just have to wing it. And we did. I don't think we did a bad job as there wasn't a dry seat in the house.

Lighting the unity candle...

Kissing the bride...By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

And the one thing that we did discuss with the pastor was not to forget to say "you may kiss the bride", which he did forget and one of our guest had to remind him.

Presenting: Mr. and Mrs. Beuthe

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

So, though it was not a traditional wedding ceremony, it sure was a memorable one and I know that both Marc and I will remember it always, and so will our guests.

After the ceremony we proceeded to cut the cake, followed by the family and group photographs before Marc and I went off to take some bride and groom shots.

The best Made of Honor a bride could ask for. "Thanks for all your help with everything, Les"!
Group shot

Bride and Groom shots by: Fran Mc Kellar PhotographyBy: Lea van Coller

My favourite photo ;-) by: Etienne Bester

Just before 6:00 we entered the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Beuthe and for the rest of the evening our MC, Dean led us through what can only be described as a casual, fun wedding celebration which was exactly what we wanted. The speeches by the best man, groom and my sister were done in between courses and they were short and sweet but meaningful and very special. Good job, guys.

We had guests from near and far (as far as: Germany, London, Dubai and the USA). Thank you to all of you for traveling the distance to share our special day with us.

We did our fist dance at about 8:30, followed by the bouquet and garter toss, which meant there were no more interruptions from about 9:00 and we were able to celebrate and have fun.

By: Fran Mc Kellar Photography

By: Etienne Bester

So now let me get back to the DJ that was NOT all there....

It turns out he was enjoying the open bar too much, and to make a long story short half way through the evening we fired our DJ as he was the one causing unnecessary interruptions.
Luckily the venue did have a good sound system where we plugged my laptop into and the Party continued, until almost 2am.

Misty Valley Lodge was the perfect venue for the casual atmosphere we were after. The set-up was ideal with the small bar area right next to the reception area. It allowed the party animals to dance the night away, while some of the guest enjoy the late evening around the fire.

Thank you to the organisers and our guests for making our wedding day so special!

Check out our wedding website to see more photo's of our special day!

Click on the below link:

http://www.ewedding.com/sites/Deltolken

Below is the beautiful poem on the wedding program, that might not be very clear:

I love you, not only for what you are
but for what I am when I am with you.

I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself
but for what you are making of me.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out;
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart
and passing over all the foolish, weak things
that you can’t help dimly seeing there
and for drawing out into the light,
all the beautiful belongings
that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.

I love you because...
you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life
not a tavern but a temple;
Out of works of my every day, not a reproach but a song.

I love you Because…
you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good
and more than any fate could have done to make me happy.

You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.

Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

(Not just any) Trip to SA

2009-04-16T19:14:00.014+05:30

I have been on an amazing high (of excitement) the past couple of months. And as it turns out, I've also been very slack...I just realised that I haven't updated the blog since the post on our engagement in January. Oops.

So much has happened since, but I won't go into the details of the wedding planning and bore you with what kept me sooooo busy.

I had great fun planning the wedding and really counted the days until our BIG day, which was on Saturday, 4 April in the Highlands Meander, Machadodorp, Mpumalanga.

Dress in hand I departed for Abu Dhabi on the 12th of March. I decided to visited Amori in Dubai (which I will refer to as Legoland from now on), for a week.

I took the Etihad shuttle from Abu Dhabi to Dubai where Amori collected me. It was so nice to spend time with my cousin and I was of course so spoiled. Legoland is truly a fascinating place. Having been there before in 2005, I kind of knew what to expect.

Though one would associate Dubai with glitz and glamour I must admit it looked a lot like dust and sand to me.

I remember thinking "I'm missing something" when I visited in 2005, when I realised it's colour that is missing. No vegetation....not so pretty. Well, I guess it is the dessert after all, right. I am still trying to decide if the palm trees are real or fake.

Amori lives in a great area called Jumeirah Beach Residence where for a minute the real "fake" plants actually make you feel like you are in tropical paradise with the beautiful turquoise ocean on the one side, and a marine walk lined with cafe's and designer stores on the other but when you look up and you see all the cranes and the building and demolishing going on you are quickly reminded that you're not. Oh, and the camels are a dead give a way of course.

Apparently Dubai has 20% of the world’s cranes. No wonder the national bird of Dubai is the "crane". Hahahahaha! I like that joke...

The view from Amori's apartment on the 21st floor .

I went with Amori and her friend Angie to a Tiesto concert. Though not really my kind of music, I really enjoyed it. Thanks girls, it was fun!

Amori made sure that I visited all the big malls that Dubai is known for...Batuta Mall, Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall are some of the ones I remember the names of.

I don't think divers will see any fish life in the Arabian sea because they are all in the aquariums around Dubai.

A drive by the famous Burj Al-Arab Hotel.

My last night in Dubai, Amori wanted to show me the Atlantis Hotel Complex, The Palms, which now that I've read up on it a bit is pretty amazing. Still Legoland, but they get an A for effort.

On the Wednesday, 18 March I bid Amori farewell and headed to sunny SA, where I was looking forward to seeing green for as far as the eye can see. And knowing that when you look up, you will see the amazingly blue African skies and stunning sun sets. Which are really a rarity in Jakarta and I made sure I took it all in, in the 3 weeks I was at home. I was reminded again of what a beautiful country SA is and I felt truly happy with our decision to get married in SA.

The next couple of days, I spent with my mom and sister. Dinners with family, Shopping, ordering flowers, tying ribbons around favors etc.

Dinner with my mom, aunt and sisters.

I also met the new addition to the Beuthe family. I didn't just become a wife, I also became an Aunty. Natalee Beuthe is only 3 weeks old in this picture and really cute.

On Sunday, 22 March I woke up very excited, not just because the wedding day was getting closer but because I was going to see my best friend and made of honor Lesleigh again. Lesleigh moved to Denver a year ago, and when I calculated that we hadn't seen each other in a year and 8 months it made our reunion even more special. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

I just love it when a plan comes together. Our friend Julia returned from her weekend in the South Coast on the same day so the three of us met at the airport and we spent 2 days together catching up, being silly (how I miss that, girls).

Looking at the photos of our "1st night reunion", I realised just how silly we were when I couldn't find one that I could post. LOL ;-)

On Monday, 23 March the 3 of us went on a little road trip to Machadodorp to check out the wedding venue and to finalise the arrangements. And I was very pleased when the girls agreed, that it was indead a terrific venue.

Lesleigh and I spent one night with my Mom on the Tuesday, before she went to go soke up the KZN sun.

So finally after Marc arrived on the 28th of March and Lesleigh returned from her trip to KZN on the 30th, the final countdown to the BIG day began.

On Wednesday, 1 April it was Lesleigh's birthday (Happy Birthday, my friend) and between the b-day lunch, mani and pedi and a "braai" in Pretoria that evening Lesleigh didn't really have time to even think about how old she really is. Private joke...LOL ;-) Just kidding my friend. You don't look a day older than 25. Happy Birthday, Les.

It is not offen Marc gets to stand in front of a big "braai" like this one. Tanya and Les enjoying a beautiful Pretoria evening.

Meat, meat and a man must eat...something else we dont get alot of. Yummy!

Sylvia, our gracious host and the Birthday girl, Les!

On Thursday, 2 April. Lesleigh, Marc and I headed out to Misty Valley Lodge. We decided to go earlier so that we could finalise the seating arrangements and other wedding arrangements.

We were very happy that we did go up earlier when we were sitting around the log fire, sipping a glass of vino. Something else we miss...the cold.

Cheers...to a good choice of venue. "We like it here" ;-)

I was a little bit worried when we woke op on Friday morning and it was white with mist.

Friday, 3 April marc and I had to go through to Belfast to meet the pastor that was conducting our wedding ceremony. From about lunch time, our guests started arriving.

From around 4 the girls all met at one of the chalets for my lingerie "shower" that Lesleigh arranged. Kitchen teas sure are boring.....Go for the underwear girls its fantastic. I received so many nice things, I truly feel spoiled. Thank you!

So while the girls were sipping wine and chit chatting the boys were trying their luck fishing in the nearby dams. Some of the boys were luckier than others (Go Terry and Marius). But, one thing they all caught was a sun burn. So instead of a blushing bride, we had a blushing groom and loads of blushing men. LOL ;-)

We moved to the pub for another relaxed evening around the bar and in front of the fire, catching up with all our friends that we hadn't seen in a while.

So it went from saying "we are getting married in 4 months", to "we're getting married in a week" to "we are getting married tomorrow....YEAH!!! I could hardly wait....

Wedding and post-wedding posts to follow soonest.

Trip to Lombok, Gili and Bali plus 'a surprise proposal ;-)

2009-01-14T10:23:00.024+05:30

Amori left on the 12th and I spent the next week confirming bookings and finalising transport for our trip to Lombok, Gili and Bali. We left for Lombok on the 19th of December.

We stayed at the Novotel in Kuta in the South which is approx 2 hours drive from the airport. It was lovely but unless you are a surfer, there isn't really much to do there. We enjoyed riding around on a motorbike taking in all the sites. We spent 3 days, lazing around by the pool, snorkeling and enjoying the stunning sun sets.

We particularly enjoyed having lunch at Ashtari, a coffee house/resto located on the hill with the most fantastic view of the south cost. They serve fantastic vegetarian lunches and are only open from 8:30 - 6:00pm as they do not have electricity. Definitely worth trying, we loved it!

A Sasak Village, Sade where things haven't changed in a 100 years.

One of the beautiful secluded beaches in Kuta, Lombok.
One of the many rice paddies in the area.

Stunning sunsets to appreciate.

On the 22nd we took a taxi to the harbour, approx 2 hours drive from Kuta. We were awaited by the skipper of a small speedboat that took us to the Beach House on Gili Trawangan.
Our "James Bond" ride, which took us about 15min from the Lombok harbour to GiliT.

It was great...no cars, no motorbikes only horse carts which made for a truly fabulous experience. It almost felt like we were on a Greek island.

We had 3 days of sun shine, diving, amazing Seafood BBQ's, ...what more does one need!

Spectacular view from the rooftop area at the Beach House restaurant.

The biggest turtle I've ever seen under water

We found Nemo

We dived with Star Divers at the STAR HOTEL (Formally Dive Indonesia). We were happy with their service and would gladly recommend diving with them.

How funny....this kitty cat performed a balancing act, looking for some left over Christmas dinner.

Now this is the life...

Marc busy negotiating our ride to the harbour.

An Island Taxi, complete with all the bells and whistles.

On Christmas day we continued our journey to Bali. Because we were going to Ubud, we decided to go with the Lian Senggigi, fast boat to the Serangan harbour, which would have saved us about an hours travel, rather than one of the other more popular operators like Gili Cat or Blue Water Express that go to Bonao Harbour.

What should have taken about 1 and a half hours turned out to be 3 hours of absolute "HELL". We were the only two passengers on the boat, the other 5 people were crew. It started off okay until the waves started hitting the windows. Imagine the most scary amusement park ride
x 100. There were a couple of time where we thought the boat was going to flip until thankfully the skipper decided to go a bit slower. I don't know if that made it better or worse though..

Weeks ago, we heard that another boat had sunk between Gili and Bali. Today, as I was looking for the link to Lian Senggigi site to add to this post, I realised that it was in fact the Lian Senggigi that sank. YES, the exact same boat that we were on only 2 weeks before. OMG!!! So, I really had reason to be scared..."And I really was"!

There were 40 passengers on board the Lian Senggigi. The boat started taking on water and sank, 700 meters from Bali! It was really lucky that the boat was so close to Bali because many people had to swim to shore or were picked up by local fishermen. Click here to read the Jakarta Post article about the shipwreck.

Thank GOD we made it to the Serangan harbour where our transport was waiting to take us to the Biyukukung Hotel and Spa in Ubud, Bali.

We reached the hotel at about 3:30pm, seriously stressed and exhausted. We felt better after a refreshing shower though and was ready to explore Ubud. We hired a motorbike, enjoyed a latte in a fabulous cafe down the road from our hotel. By this time the stressful boat ride was almost a distant memory.

We went back to our hotel room for a cold beer, overlooking the rice paddies at sun set.

(Maybe I should back track a bit....
Since we arrived in Lombok Marc was looking for the right moment to pop the question. He apparently called my Mom to ask for my hand in marriege (I know, how sweet). He says that Lombok was too much like Sun City, the secluded beach near our hotel looked like the perfect spot and it was until the hawkers decended appon us and Gili was to growded....

Anyway, Marc says as soon as we arrived in Ubud he just had a sence of calmness and just knew that it was the place he was going to propose.

Little did I know that the stressful boat ride, "day from hell" was going to be the day that Marc asks me to be his wife.

So back to our our hotel room... (This is probably for the ladies only, as I don't imagine men are too interested in the details of the proposal)

Oblivious and non the wiser, I pulled out my tweezers and proceeded to pluck my eyebrows...

Marc asked me what my new years resolutions where and I started talking about how I need to get back to my German lessons, bhla bhla when he pulled my hand and said:

"Sweetheart, I don't know what my new years resolutions are yet but I do know what my life's resolution is and that is to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you be my wife?"

And at this stage he was on his knee and I was crying and laughing at the same time. And I of course said "YES"!

We really enjoyed our time in Ubud "what a magical place".
We visited the sacred Monkey Forest amongst the other touristy things that there is on offer.

Cafe Lotus is a very popular restaurant, where we watched young girls practicing their dancing. It was particularly fascinating watching the really young girls learning how to do the eye and hand movements, synonymous with Balinese dancing. I don't think many 4-5 year olds have that kind of discipline.

We watched a Wayang Kulit puppet show at the Oka Kartini Theatre which is one of the oldest Balinese performances. The story is about the sacrifice of Bima taken from the Mahabharata epic.

On the 27th we left Ubud around 10 O'clock. We used a very good driver named Wayan, Tel: +62 8133 862 3998, email: wbatuh@hotmail.com who we would highly recommend. He speaks English and is a very kind and sweet person.

On our way to Seminyak, he agreed to stop off at a couple of art shops, a silver factory and the Gunungh Kawi temple out side of Ubud.

Gunung Kawi, is an extraordinary 11th-century royal monument. A set of stone steps leads you down (way down....make sure you have something to drink) into a valley of sunlit waterfalls and palm-studded rice terraces. The Pakerisan River divides the towering Gunung Kawi temple complex, where rows of ancient royal tombs (called candies) are cut into stone, lining the riverbanks.

Wyan performed a blessing before we entered the temple complex.

We reached our hotel, The Pelangi in Seminyak at around 1pm. Much like my trip with Amori, we relaxed around the pool, enjoyed foot massages and all the other good things that go with a holiday in Bali.

We enjoyed one last Bali sunset at the famous Ku De Ta Bar/Resto in Seminyak, next to the Oberoi.

And our last dinner in Bali sure was a memorable one. We had a fantastic dinner at Mykonos, Greek Taverna in Seminyak which we can definitely recommend! In fact...don't go to Bali without trying this restaurant. By far the best Greek food I've eaten outside of Greece.

We returned to Jakarta on the 29th of December.

It is nice to know that Bali and Lombok are fantastic get away options, on our door step. Though Indonesia has a lot more amazing places to offer, we sure hope to plan another trip to Bali and Lombok during our stay here.

Amori's visit

2009-01-14T09:01:00.018+05:30

Our first visitor has come and gone. Our birthdays, Christmas and New Year has come and gone and so have our fantastic holiday in Lombok, Gili and Bali (x2). Wow, where do the days go!
I have to rewind my mind a bit. It has been such a jam packed couple of months.

I'll start with Amori's visit from the 2nd to the 12th of December, which was a great birthday present. "So was the lovely gifts thanks Mori, we loved having you here".

As mentioned in the last post, I didn't have a lot of time to set-up the spare room. But, the proof is in the pudding....

The guest room, decorated and ready for Amori.

Amori and I spent a couple of days around Jakarta. Paid a visit to the Museum National with our own personal tour guide (Thanks, Tamera). Amori tried a couple of Indonesian dishes, a day trip to Bandung, a pamper session at the salon and a night on the town.

Amori and Tamera at the Museum National

Me and Amori

Ryan and Marc

We enjoyed a "very late" night on the town. We of course did not enjoy having to get up at 4am after only about an hours sleep, to catch our 6:30am flight to Bali on the 5th of December.

We reached the Kumara Sakti Hotel in Ubud at about 12am where we spent 2 nights.

We had the most heavenly 2 and a half hour Ayurveda massage later that day.

We watched a Legong show, which is very interesting and entertaining.

I don't know what was more entertaining...The Legong dancers or Amori's reaction every time she saw or heard a gecko "chik-chak", well, anything that looked like it moved! Hehehe!

While we were sitting at our breakfast table on our veranda we heart a thump, wondered what it was but dind't pay much attention. We were about to leave our room when the cleaning lady came up the steps and screeched "SNAKE". It must have fallen out of the tree, and was lying on the step. Well, you can just imagine our reactions. Just glad the cleaning lady found him first and we didn't step on it, going down the steps.

A temple next to the Lotus Cafe, Ubud

Monkey Forest Road, Ubud

The Market in Ubud

We visited a silver factory on the way to Sanur.

Amori was very happy to check into the Puri Santian Hotel in Sanur, which appeared to be a little less overgrown.

We had a very relaxing facial at the Hotel Spa, sipped a mojeto at the pool bar and just enjoyed the day in and around the pool and on the beach lounchers.

We spent the last 2 nights in Seminyak at Pelangi Hotel, doing pretty much the same as the first 3 days.

The Pelangi Hotel, restaurant and infinity pool.

We had lunch at Poppy's Restaurant in Kuta where Amori tried their Barong Pina Colada.

The memorial site in Kuta in remembrance of the October 2002 bombing.

The famous Kuta beach, lined with surf boards.

Bali is truly great and there is something for everyone. Whether you are after the nightlife in Kuta or the tranquility of Ubud.

It was my first trip to Bali and I loved it and I believe Amori loved it too. Well, what is not to love...

Especially the shopping that kept her very busy.

Season's Greetings!

2008-12-17T16:46:00.003+05:30

To all our family and friends, whether near or far, you are always in our hearts!

We look forward to hearing your news in 2009. May it be tales of GRAND SUCCESSES, GREAT LOVE, BIG MIRICLES, GOOD HEALTH and ULTIMATE HAPPINESS.

“May you live the life of your dreams”!

We wish you love and light,

M&A

Counting down 2008

2008-11-30T18:58:00.009+05:30

We are fast approaching the end of 2008. And what a whirl wind, "happening" year it’s been. The static blog is not due to a lack of things to write about but rather that it has been a busy month and I’ve been putting off posting, thinking I'll do it tomorrow and well, a month later I’m finally able to sit down and write about the past month and the very exciting month of December around the corner.

Marc has been to Banda Aceh, Sumatra and Balikpapan, Kalimantan on business trips over the past month and will be traveling to Papua this coming week.

Below are a few photographs' narrated by Marc himself:

The best part of my job is that I get to see parts of the world - that most people only see on the Discovery channel.

We all saw the images in the news of the Tsunami, but won does not appreciate the size and the destructive power of this wave. The outlying islands formed a funnel that channeled the wave until it reached five stories high when it hit the coastal city of Banda Aceh. Approximately 160'000 lives were lost in Banda Aceh alone. The above photo is a barge that was deposited on top of three houses and a vehicle by the Tsunami 4km inland!!!It is now used for power generation.

The drive from Banda Aceh to site took 8 hours for 200km the road was completely destroyed by the Tsunami.

The Airport in Cilang - We took the Cessna Caravan back to Banda Aceh a 30 min flight

A beautiful day for a flight up the Aceh coastline. The Tsunami was so powerful that it changed the geography of the coastline.

Coffee Shop on the way to Cilang

Dr Andre and myself enjoying a cupuchino and the view

I got to ride up front with the Pilot - what a cool day at the office

Sunrise in Cilang -Fishing boats leaving for the day

Wild Kalimantan

Shorebase in Balikpapan -Kalimantan

Marc and I are looking forward to our 10 day trip to Lombok, Gili and Bali on the 19th of December. I spent the past couple of weeks finding accommodation, researching transportation options around the islands and just when I finally finalized the itinerary and received the last booking confirmation my cousin, Amori told me that she wanted to come and visit us early in December. This meant I had to put my “travel agent” hat back on and plan another 5 day trip to Bali for Amori and I. I know; tough life, isn’t it ;-)!

It also meant that I had only little more than a week to furnish the spare room, buying furniture, bedding etc. I had visions of Amori having to sleep on the floor on a mattress but luckily I managed to find a furniture store in Kemang, able to manufacture a bed in a week. Or so they say, let’s see. The bed and side tables are supposed to be delivered tomorrow and the bedding should be ready for collection. So, if all the ETD’s are met, Amori will be sleeping in her newly decorated room on Tuesday night, 2 December.

I have and exciting 10 days planned for Amori including a shopping trip to Bandung, a trip to the national Museum, a cream bath, spa treatment or two and a night out on the town on Friday and on Sunday, 7 December we leave for Bali.

With the upcoming trips, and other activities happening around Jakarta I will have a lot to blog about soon so watch this space for updates ;-)

For those of you traveling in December, take care and travel safely!

Happy Birthday, Marc!

2008-11-30T16:07:00.013+05:30

"A birthday is just the 1st day of another 365-day trip around the sun. I just can’t believe that we have completed yet another trip".

Happy Birthday, Marc!

In the weeks leading to Marc’s 33rd birthday on Friday, 28 November, I needed to come up with a b-day gift idea for the special man in my life. I decided to do a nude painting of myself, well, it’s not really a nude, call it a nude back painting.

Painting has always been a hobby and I have done fabric painting, acrylics on paper over the past 10 years. Stuff that ended up, to my embarrassment on the wall in my mom’s bedroom, some as scatter cushions on a colleague’s sofa and other stuff rolled up in a box somewhere in the garage. I don’t exactly fancy myself an "artist" but I do think I have a creative side that I tend to use from time to time until I sadly box it up for a couple of months (years). This interest flared up in India where I did a couple of water colour paintings. Since we arrived in Jakarta I have been toying with the idea of going for art classes to actually pursue it as a possible full time rather than part time hobby.

I have a South African friend, Emily that is a very talented artist and I asked her to help me with Marc’s b-day project. I wanted to do something a little “bigger”, good enough to actually hang on the wall. So with Em’s guidance and artistic supervision I did my first portrait in acrylics on canvas, which I have to say I am rather pleased with. Not bad for my first attempt!

This project has sparked an even bigger interest in art and I look forward to actually learning and hopefully improve my skills when I enroll in art classes in the New Year.

Em, thanks for all the great tips and tricks and I look forward to you being my unofficial art teacher and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from you in the future

For enquiries about Emily’s work and portrait commissions, contact: emily.stainer@gmail.com

A birthday is not a birthday without presents, cake and b-day celebrations with friends.

Our maid, Siti is so sweet. When I got home on Thursday there was a gift bag for Marc on the kitchen counter. To: Marc Beuthe From: Siti

A gift box with coffee, two little funny stuffed dogs (not to sure about their purpose).

I still need to translate the Bahasa but I think it has something to do with wishing him success.

My friend Jav kindly offered to help me bake a birthday, Marble Cake. Her offer was greatly appreciated as I am seriously a useless baker. So bad that even with Jav by my side; it still flopped. And no, Jav don’t blame yourself…it’s my fault for filling the cake tin to the top. What was I thinking…of course it has to raise and where did I think it was going to go but over the sides, LOL ;-) I clearly wasn’t thinking after the few glasses of Champagne I had at Simon’s b-day lunch.

Not all was lost. We manage to salvage the centre, and though it burnt a bit and sunk in, it still tasted good ;-)

The very tasty but sad looking birthday cake

After the little Cake ceremony, Marc and I went for dinner at our favorite German restaurant in Kemang, Die Stube followed by drinks with some of our friends and Marc’s team at a very trendy resto/bar in Kuninghan, Loewy.

Some of the team members

On Saturday we continued the b-day celebrations at an English pub in Kemang, Eastern Promise where we spent the evening playing darts and pool.

It was a fun evening, that Marc says reminded him of his youth.

Shaun, Emily and Ryan

Marc, Viani, Armid, Shaun and ryan trying their hand at darts

Jav, Emily, Pascale and I were onlookers until we decided to give it ago ourselves

Dianne, me and Janice played darts until early hours of the morning

Dan, Jeff, Ross and Marc

Taking a bajaj home at 4am was definitely something that we haven’t done in ages, and probably won’t be doing again in a hurry.;-) The 4am bit that is...

It was a great night, thanks guys!

Island style - Diving weekend on Papa Theo Island

2008-11-10T11:51:00.024+05:30

What better way to experience diving in Indo than on a private island. Yes, that's right...we were fortunate enough to be invited to spend the weekend on Papa Theo, which is one of the Thousand islands (Pulau Seribu). Papa Theo is approx 2km in circumference and has only 5 houses (bungalow's) amidst swaying palm trees. By private I mean, really private, small island in the middle of the ocean "private"...it was fantastic.

On Saturday, 1 November we left the harbour in Jakarta at around 7am and arrived at Papa Theo at about 8:20am.

Our transport - 7 of us, the skipper and a boat boy
The resident island doggy

Fishing boats on the small Papa Theo beach

We got off the boat and headed to the bungalow. By the time we finished admiring the amazing location and views around the island and commented on how good it was to breath fresh air, the island "porters" arrived with our bags and cooler boxes filled with the weekend's supplies of food and drinks. As there is no restaurant on the island, we were tasked with providing lunch on the Saturday, Paulo and Nadine took care of dinner and Chris spoiled us with breakfast and lunch on the Sunday. Thanks guys...I would go back just for the food, yum!

Our accommodation

Hundreds of swaying palm trees on the island

The view from the veranda

The guys went over to Sepa, which is a short boat ride away, to collect the cylinders for the planned dives on Saturday.

The first dive was what you can call; Diving in style. We kitted up on the jetty and just stepped into the clear blue water. It was a easy dive along the reef, almost on our bungalow's doorstep ;-) We went to about 13m and after 20 minutes we turned around and surfaced at the exact spot, where we started. After lunch, we returned to the jetty to kit up and head out again, this time with Chris's rubber dingy.

The diving couldn't have been any easier or more convenient. We just left our gear on the jetty for two days and when we showed up for the next dive our gear had been rinsed off and full cylinders were ready and waiting for us to just kit up and dive in.

Relaxing in the water in front of the bungalow between dives on Saturday

Okay, now I'm really relaxing; on my lylo in the ocean.

A shower is always great after a dive, especially in a setting like this :-)

On Sunday morning we arrived at the jetty and kitted up for what looked to be yet another day of perfect diving conditions. Kitting up on the boat is the kind of diving that we are used to, minus the bumpy boat ride of course and the added bonus of clear blue water where you can almost see to the bottom of the reef. But, what we didn't bargain on was a water spout (small twister) approaching us on our 1st dive.

After carefully inspecting the mini tornado and deciding whether or not we should be worried, we were very happy when we notice that it started dispersing and we were good to go. Phew, we luckily didn't have to race back to the island to send SOS warnings about a hurricane on it's way.

We returned to the jetty, changed cylinders and headed out for our last dive, which was a wreck about 15min boat ride from Papa Theo.

Underwater photographs taken by Paulo

We went down to approx 30meters and started swimming up, along the side of the massive ship and finally settle at about 16 meters on top where we stayed for approx 20 minutes, just admiring the fish life and colourful coral with fantastic visibility of about 20 meters. I always find wreck dives a bit eery of course but it's amazing and so much fun to see these vessels under water.

Marc in his element, giving us the thumbs up after the dive

We returned to the bungalow, ravenous after two dives. We enjoyed a fantastic spread of Alaskan cold and hot smoked Salmon, cheese and crackers, Sate Ayam (Chicken) and peanut sauce, Kalimantan prawns (spoiled, thanks Chris).

Marc and I volunteered to return the cylinders to the Sepa dive centre so that I could see what it was like.

The beach on Sepa Island

Marc helped the guys off load the used cylinders

Heading back to Papa Theo

By 3pm we were packed up and our stuff was loaded onto the boat for our return to Jakarta.

It is rather depressing, looking at the amazing pics of the island, on the camera and the next thing, you look up and you are staring into the grey, muggy sky and grey, dirty and smelly water at the harbour. What a contrast...

What more could you want....an escape from the city; socialising with friends, spectacular, easy diving, swimming and relaxing in warm, clear blue water and just chilling "island style".

Thank you Chris, (Tamera, we missed you), Paulo and Nadine. We had a fantastic time and we look forward to the next trip.