Fun in the sun

An eagle
see all photos »

Maribel and I recently returned to the Philippines after a week long trip to Bali, Indonesia. We had an amazing times despite getting off to a rough start! We encountered our first problem in the airport at Clark International Airport (formerly Clark AFB). We had packed our bags expecting our weight limit to be the standard 50 lbs. We did not realize that because we were flying with a "budget" airline (AIr Asia) and not a national carrier we were only alotted 15kg (33 lbs) per bag. After some extreme re-arranging we boarded the plane with what might have been the heaviest carry-on bags the world has ever seen!

Our arrival at Rama Beach Resort
see all photos »

The problems continued upon our arrival at Densapar Internation Airport in Bali. Before arriving we were aware that a visa was required to enter Bali and that it could be purchased at the airport. When given the choice between Non-Visa upon Arrival and Visa upon Arrival which would you choose? If you thought like us you chose Non-Visa you couldn't have been more wrong! We found this out after standing in line for 20 minutes of course. This was our first lesson in Indonesian to English translation as it can sometimes be a bit confusing.

Checking the bed for lumps
see all photos »

After a short taxi ride to our hotel (Rama Beach Resort) we were greeted by a smiling staff and tropical drinks. After exploring a bit of what the hotel had to offer we set out an a walk to downtown Kuta and were quite amazed at how many people want you to buy something! Store clerks, restuarants, taxi drivers and tour guides galore! We were definitely in a tourist haven. After exploring some of the sights and sounds of the city we decided to walk back along the beach. It was virtually empty since it was night time, but the water was surprisingly warm and our long trek made it so that a good nights sleep was inevitable.

Maribel & a Hindu God
see all photos »

The was our first trip to the Southern Hemisphere and I was amazed to see that what I had heard was true. The water in the toilet really does flush the other way! Bali is very close to the equator so its climate is vitually the same year round (the only exception being its rainy season). Every day was about 90 degrees and rain came and went quickly

The next day we decided that it was time for me to try surfing. It has been something that I have been wanting to try for a long time and I was excited to say the least. After renting 2 HUGE beginner boards I set out with my wife/instructor Maribel who showed me the basics. Between her help with technique and knowledge of how to choose the right wave (thanks to years of bodysurfing with my Dad!) I don't think I did TOO bad! Granted I got destroyed more often than not, but by the end of the day I was standing most of the time. I'm at least the best surfer in East Canton, which isn't saying much! The waves at Kuta Beach were great. They broke a couple of feet over my head and I'm 6'6" if that gives you any idea. The beach is well maintained and the government does a good job of keeping beach vendors up along the boardwalk.

Josh at the hotel pool
see all photos »

Later that day we talked the travel agent at the hotel into cutting us a deal on parasailing, snorkeling and turtle island (basically an exotic animal petting zoo) in nearby Nusa Dua. Parasailing was a first for both of us. After a short tutorial, we were in the air in no time! The view was amazing and we both felt it was well worth the money (although we both agreed we could have stayed up for a lot longer!). Next up was snorkeling. I had been once before with my family in the Florida Keys, but it was Maribel's first time. After renting an underwater camera to capture the action we set off. My wife showed no signs of hesitation and was the first one in the water. What a trooper! There was a great variety of tropical fish along the coral, although getting a good picture proved a little more difficult than expected. Finally we set off to Turtle Island where we got to hold and feed the sea turtles (some as old as 45 years). Tragically Maribel was bitten on the foot by the same turtle, TWICE! Oh well, no harm, no foul. We also handled bats, snakes, monitor lizards, eagles and hornbills. New experiences all around.

A flower arrangement on water
see all photos »

Our next big adventure was whitewater rafting. Yet another first for Maribel. We rafted down the Telaga Waja River and had an excellent time. We highly recommend it to anyone visiting Bali. The fun factor was high and the views were amazing (tropical canyons and waterfalls). Keep in my mind that when in Bali EVERYTHING is up for bid and no price is set in stone. This is true in shops, for transportation and especially tours. Every tour we went on we heard people talking who paid twice as much as we did! Do NOT book tours ahead of time online as you can definitely get them cheaper. Always haggle and if you don't like the price, walk away, they WILL call you back!

Maribel with the tropical plants on our porch
see all photos »

All in all the trip was great. Although we had nothing to compare it to my wife and I got the impression that Bali had no fully recovered from the terrorist bombing in 2002. It's a shame because it is a beautiful island full of hospitable people. The architecture and statues are amazing (Bali is the only Hindu society in Indonesia) and between the beach, nightlife, shopping and tropical plants/ wildlife there is something here for everyone.