This year we are far way from home for Easter and therefore there is no chocolate, no eggs, no lamb, nothing of the tradition.
To comfort ourselves after arriving at The Laguna in Nusa Dua we visited the spa and made two appointments: the aroma warm stones massage for Wolfram (yes I'm jealous) and a fruit facial for me. With all the pimples on my face lately a facial could only do good.
Between scrubbing, papaya oil, clay and other treatment, the girl nicely massaged my face which is really really nice. Cherry on the cake, while avocado was resting on my face (in case you wonder I probably looked like someone who had guacamole spread all over her face), she gently massaged my head and arms. A gentle relaxing massage while the avocado was working its magic. That was a nice surprise and totally made my day.
Now, I need to find chocolate. I cannot not have some today :)
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Enjoying the cold wet towels one last time
We're leaving Komaneka today for Nusa Dua.
It's time for the beach!
It's time for the beach!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Monkey forest, where monkeys are aggressive
The other major attraction of Ubud is the Monkey forest.
We tried to get there early to beat most of the people and have the monkeys just for us but when we arrived there were already two large (and loud) groups.
As for the monkeys, they were everywhere where there where people. Those guys have figured out who can provide food much faster than whatever grows in the jungle. In no time there was one on Wolfram's back trying to open his bag.
It could have been cute but for me it was partially scary as they didn't look friendly not to mention I was concerned about any disease they might carry, e.g. the rabies.
Still it was an opportunity for quite some nice photos without too much trouble as the monkeys would just sit in plain sight. Even nicer, there were plenty of baby monkeys which is always cute.
Overall I didn't like the place. The monkeys were too aggressive and clearly had learnt where to find food (in your backpack). It didn't feel like seeing monkeys from the wild but more a pack of hungry monkeys. Next time we will go to a real natural reserve where animals are not somehow domesticated.
We tried to get there early to beat most of the people and have the monkeys just for us but when we arrived there were already two large (and loud) groups.
As for the monkeys, they were everywhere where there where people. Those guys have figured out who can provide food much faster than whatever grows in the jungle. In no time there was one on Wolfram's back trying to open his bag.
It could have been cute but for me it was partially scary as they didn't look friendly not to mention I was concerned about any disease they might carry, e.g. the rabies.
Still it was an opportunity for quite some nice photos without too much trouble as the monkeys would just sit in plain sight. Even nicer, there were plenty of baby monkeys which is always cute.
Overall I didn't like the place. The monkeys were too aggressive and clearly had learnt where to find food (in your backpack). It didn't feel like seeing monkeys from the wild but more a pack of hungry monkeys. Next time we will go to a real natural reserve where animals are not somehow domesticated.
More pampering, more feeling like a princess
Today we had the massage that was part of our honeymoon package.
Wile Wolfram had a Balinese massage which I requested to be hard :) to ensure he gets rid of all the stress at work, I had a tailored one to my "condition". For the first time I had a soft massage while lying on my side. I wasn't sure where this would go but actually it was quite nice and so relaxing I'm pretty sure I slept half of it.
Later was the candlelight dinner. Just the two of us on the terrace of one of the villas with our own exclusive waiter. Food was good but what was really special was the setting and the company. I wish we could do something like that more often.
Wile Wolfram had a Balinese massage which I requested to be hard :) to ensure he gets rid of all the stress at work, I had a tailored one to my "condition". For the first time I had a soft massage while lying on my side. I wasn't sure where this would go but actually it was quite nice and so relaxing I'm pretty sure I slept half of it.
Later was the candlelight dinner. Just the two of us on the terrace of one of the villas with our own exclusive waiter. Food was good but what was really special was the setting and the company. I wish we could do something like that more often.
Lotus temple
One of the things that I find fascinating in Asia is that a temple that looks ruined down by the climate can be 500 year old or 50. Unlike in Europe where you can estimate the age of a structure based on its architectural style and the state of the stones, in the jungle a "young" temple may look as old as an "old" temple.
The Lotus temple is Ubud is one of those. It looks old but it was built in the 1950s.
We had to fight with the rain and the numerous tourists to get decent pictures. But you know Wolfram, he would wait until the perfect shot :)
The Lotus temple is Ubud is one of those. It looks old but it was built in the 1950s.
We had to fight with the rain and the numerous tourists to get decent pictures. But you know Wolfram, he would wait until the perfect shot :)
A walk in the rice fields
Apart from art, Ubud is also known for hosting rice fields. For those who have seen Eat Pray Love, that's the type of landscape they promise in the websites.
I wouldn't say it looked like in the movie, but 15min from the town, there are indeed rice fields and if like me you have never seen them before, it is simply beautiful.
While the scenery was delighting, the heat on the other hand was particularly tough during our little hike. Consequently we completed only 4km instead of the 6 initially planned. No regret as we saw plenty to please the eye and this was we have a bit left for next time.
I wouldn't say it looked like in the movie, but 15min from the town, there are indeed rice fields and if like me you have never seen them before, it is simply beautiful.
While the scenery was delighting, the heat on the other hand was particularly tough during our little hike. Consequently we completed only 4km instead of the 6 initially planned. No regret as we saw plenty to please the eye and this was we have a bit left for next time.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Breakfast at Komaneka
Breakfast at Komaneka means choices. There are many options for breakfast: Indonesian, Balinese, American, vegetarian, healthy.
The choice is overwhelming actually and it takes a good 10min to read through all of it and decide whether you want to go classic or Asian, healthy or indulge yourself.
We both settled on the American one because of the banana pancake, which was absolutely incredibly good.
Tomorrow we will try something else.
Note: the fruit plate alone totally made my day :)
The choice is overwhelming actually and it takes a good 10min to read through all of it and decide whether you want to go classic or Asian, healthy or indulge yourself.
We both settled on the American one because of the banana pancake, which was absolutely incredibly good.
Tomorrow we will try something else.
Note: the fruit plate alone totally made my day :)
Good bye Teta
My grand mother, Teta Lamia, has passed away today.
It didn't come as a surprise because her health had been declining over the past year, but still we were all hoping she would make it until Rana's wedding in July.
It's because of her genes that I cry at every good bye. It doesn't matter where the good bye occurs, we just cry as if it was the last time we would see each other. Today as I'm saying good bye to her one last time, I've been crying a lot even if I know she is now in a better place, watching all of us from above.
So Teta, Good bye! Rest in peace and we will see you up there eventually.
It didn't come as a surprise because her health had been declining over the past year, but still we were all hoping she would make it until Rana's wedding in July.
It's because of her genes that I cry at every good bye. It doesn't matter where the good bye occurs, we just cry as if it was the last time we would see each other. Today as I'm saying good bye to her one last time, I've been crying a lot even if I know she is now in a better place, watching all of us from above.
So Teta, Good bye! Rest in peace and we will see you up there eventually.
A quick walk in Ubud
Once we were settled and had food, we took cameras and walked to Ubud to explore a bit the town / village.
There is not much to see in Ubud. There are lots of temples, smaller or bigger, nicer or less, but nothing really impressive. The town has evolved since the 60s as an art center and there are tons of art galleries, with more or less talent.
It was pleasant to walk around and get a feel of Bali's tourists but didn't feel like we've seen the true beauty Bali. Maybe tomorrow when we go to the rice fields.
There is not much to see in Ubud. There are lots of temples, smaller or bigger, nicer or less, but nothing really impressive. The town has evolved since the 60s as an art center and there are tons of art galleries, with more or less talent.
It was pleasant to walk around and get a feel of Bali's tourists but didn't feel like we've seen the true beauty Bali. Maybe tomorrow when we go to the rice fields.
Komaneka resort in Bisma
Or probably one step away from heaven on earth.
The resort is located in a green valley in the outskirts of Ubud. There are palm trees everywhere, there are rice fields within the hotel, there is a river. It's so green that the buildings are barely visible. Not to mention that they are built in the Bali style to blend in a maximum.
The view from the terrace would want you to stay there forever.
The resort is located in a green valley in the outskirts of Ubud. There are palm trees everywhere, there are rice fields within the hotel, there is a river. It's so green that the buildings are barely visible. Not to mention that they are built in the Bali style to blend in a maximum.
The view from the terrace would want you to stay there forever.
Honeymoon package
This trip is our honeymoon so we decided to stay at really nice resorts. The first one is Komaneka in Ubud, where we've asked for the honeymoon package.
Upon arrival they congratulated us on our wedding.
The bedroom was 100% honeymoon with flower petals on the bed, yes in the shape of heart, there were flower petals in the bathtub, although we never understood what to do with them, there was a card with wishes for a happy life together and we received a honeymoon cake.
They even have two hats, one for husband and one for wife.
Too much? Cheesy you may say? Maybe but that's a once in a lifetime trip so we might as well do it to its fullest.
Upon arrival they congratulated us on our wedding.
The bedroom was 100% honeymoon with flower petals on the bed, yes in the shape of heart, there were flower petals in the bathtub, although we never understood what to do with them, there was a card with wishes for a happy life together and we received a honeymoon cake.
They even have two hats, one for husband and one for wife.
Too much? Cheesy you may say? Maybe but that's a once in a lifetime trip so we might as well do it to its fullest.
The magic of wet towels
We had arranged for a pick up from the hotel and before we started our journey to Ubud, the driver offered us something to drink and a wet towel. One of those wet towels that are coming out of the fridge. They are slightly cold, perfumed with some aromatherapy oil, and extremely refreshing. Just putting it on your face or your neck as Wolfram gives the feeling of having taken a shower. Simply incredible.
What was even better is that they have them everywhere at the hotel. All you need to do is ask; which Wolfram never does often not to mention he wants the same at home.
What was even better is that they have them everywhere at the hotel. All you need to do is ask; which Wolfram never does often not to mention he wants the same at home.
On the way to Bali
As every good vacation, they started with an early wake-up. True, this way we can make the most of the day, but after long working days it's hard to wake up so early.
By 7:45am we were at the airport. We quickly checked in, bought US dollars for the visa in Indonesia, and went through customs.
With all of this done, we had a good hour and a half ahead of us and Wolfram treated us with breakfast at his favorite place (it starts with a S in case you wonder and makes coffee).
The flight to Bali was three hours that passed quite quickly thanks to reading and a bit is sleeping. We were flying with Air Asia, which thanks to my trips with Alice I know is one of the cheapest way to travel across South East Asia. As usual I was amazed by the very slim figures of the flight attendants. They all looked like they wear a size zero.
Once in Bali, we sort of quickly went through the customs after getting our visa. A new stamp on my passport :)
By 7:45am we were at the airport. We quickly checked in, bought US dollars for the visa in Indonesia, and went through customs.
With all of this done, we had a good hour and a half ahead of us and Wolfram treated us with breakfast at his favorite place (it starts with a S in case you wonder and makes coffee).
The flight to Bali was three hours that passed quite quickly thanks to reading and a bit is sleeping. We were flying with Air Asia, which thanks to my trips with Alice I know is one of the cheapest way to travel across South East Asia. As usual I was amazed by the very slim figures of the flight attendants. They all looked like they wear a size zero.
Once in Bali, we sort of quickly went through the customs after getting our visa. A new stamp on my passport :)
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Gardens by the Bay - Take 2
It has been several months since our first visit to the Gardens by the Bay and tonight we wanted to see it by night, especially because there is a light show within the Supertree Grove.
The light show was at 7:45pm and as we were a bit early we spent 30 minutes in the Flower Dome. The nice surprise was that they had put up Easter decorations in dome.
Between flowers and tress one can see Easter eggs and bunnies.
I was delighted, Wolfram was more doubtful about the whole thing. What can I say, in a country where there is no season, seeing Easter eggs reminded me that Spring is coming in many countries.
And with Easter, there is chocolate, one more reason to celebrate Spring :)
By 7:45pm we were in position to watch the Garden Rhapsody show.
I didn't bring a tripod with me (I never do) so I used the fence as support for my camera. I could only take a few pictures because I had forgotten to recharge the battery. I guess I'll have to go back another time to record in video the whole show.
Until then here are some pictures I took... obviously not the quality of the ones taken by Wolfram but good enough to me.
PS: as the show started, Wolfram disappeared. He decided that there was a better angle further down. He left me all alone which gave the opportunity to the tourist nearby to ask me where I was from and whether I had already been at the top of the Marina Bay Sands.
Now the funny part of this story is that this man, Lutz, was from Germany, passionate about photography and geared up with Canon lenses.
Once I managed to get my husband back, I introduced him to this potential playmate. A German who loves photography, that was an easy shot and the beginning of a much longer visit than I thought as these two started to compare their gear and their experiences.
The light show was at 7:45pm and as we were a bit early we spent 30 minutes in the Flower Dome. The nice surprise was that they had put up Easter decorations in dome.
By 7:45pm we were in position to watch the Garden Rhapsody show.
I didn't bring a tripod with me (I never do) so I used the fence as support for my camera. I could only take a few pictures because I had forgotten to recharge the battery. I guess I'll have to go back another time to record in video the whole show.
Until then here are some pictures I took... obviously not the quality of the ones taken by Wolfram but good enough to me.
PS: as the show started, Wolfram disappeared. He decided that there was a better angle further down. He left me all alone which gave the opportunity to the tourist nearby to ask me where I was from and whether I had already been at the top of the Marina Bay Sands.
Now the funny part of this story is that this man, Lutz, was from Germany, passionate about photography and geared up with Canon lenses.
Once I managed to get my husband back, I introduced him to this potential playmate. A German who loves photography, that was an easy shot and the beginning of a much longer visit than I thought as these two started to compare their gear and their experiences.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Pepper Lunch
In the spirit of trying something new, tonight we had dinner at Pepper Lunch.
Quid?
Pepper Lunch is a fast food chain from Japan that serves sizzling steaks at an affordable price.
We ordered at the counter and waited for our food to be served at our table. I ordered Beef Pepper Rice and Wolfram ordered Sizzling Curry Rice.
10 minutes later or so, the food arrived in a hot iron pan. From there it's simple: you mix it so it cooks and then add the sauce to your taste.
It was quite enjoyable to mix our own food and surprisingly good. I guess we didn't expect much from such a place so we were positively surprised.
In summary, a simple place with simple food that actually tastes good. We will go back.
Quid?
Pepper Lunch is a fast food chain from Japan that serves sizzling steaks at an affordable price.
We ordered at the counter and waited for our food to be served at our table. I ordered Beef Pepper Rice and Wolfram ordered Sizzling Curry Rice.
10 minutes later or so, the food arrived in a hot iron pan. From there it's simple: you mix it so it cooks and then add the sauce to your taste.
It was quite enjoyable to mix our own food and surprisingly good. I guess we didn't expect much from such a place so we were positively surprised.
In summary, a simple place with simple food that actually tastes good. We will go back.
90 minutes of relaxation
This week I was co-organizing a training for our new hires. After five days of being a trainer, a coach, a personal assistant, the IT support and more, I was exhausted. So exhausted that after grocery shopping this morning I had to sleep another two hours. I could barely keep my head up.
As a treat to myself and my poor body, I booked a massage in one of the many salons in Singapore.
90 minutes of soft relaxing massage with essential oils. 90 minutes that my body really needed and so did my mind. I feel so much better after that something tells me I will sleep long and well tonight.
PS: Wolfram kindly joined me and I guess he enjoyed it so much that he paid for both of us. If married life means my husband will treat me every now and then with a massage, I will look forward for the upcoming 65 years :)
As a treat to myself and my poor body, I booked a massage in one of the many salons in Singapore.
90 minutes of soft relaxing massage with essential oils. 90 minutes that my body really needed and so did my mind. I feel so much better after that something tells me I will sleep long and well tonight.
PS: Wolfram kindly joined me and I guess he enjoyed it so much that he paid for both of us. If married life means my husband will treat me every now and then with a massage, I will look forward for the upcoming 65 years :)
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Honeymoon is booked!
Destination: Bali for 6 days of pampering in 2 resorts.
First in the rice fields, then on the beach.
I can't wait to be there! and a VERY BIG THANK YOU to our family and friends who contributed to this trip.
Now, just need to survive 10 more days of work.
First in the rice fields, then on the beach.
I can't wait to be there! and a VERY BIG THANK YOU to our family and friends who contributed to this trip.
Now, just need to survive 10 more days of work.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
MacRitchie Reservoir
Right next to where we live is the MacRitchie Reservoir. Until now we've been too busy planning a wedding, buying a sofa or eating ice creams to visit it.
But not today. Today we got up early because with such a hot weather, it's better to visit anything outdoor in the morning. By 9am (which is already considered late by locals) we were at the Reservoir starting our hike towards the Treetop walk.
The MacRitchie Reservoir is basically a piece of jungle in the middle of the city. In Europe the equivalent would be to have a forest in the middle of a City. It is both surprising and amazing that they have managed to preserve a real jungle right there 3 km from where we live.
We had been told that we could see monkeys and other creatures and we haven't been disappointed.
It took us a bit more than 3 hours to complete the 10 km loop and on our way we encountered:
- trees and leaves, lots of them
- giant ants making us happy that the ones we have at home are 1000 times smaller
- a lizzard
- a extremely exotic animal which really caught us by surprised
-and monkeys. Plenty of them. If I daresay, monkeys in MacRitchie Reservoir are like squirrels in Yosemite Park. They are not afraid of human beings and they know that your bag contains food.
Still those little monkeys are exotic enough for us to spend quality time taking pictures of them. Next time, we will go directly to Jetulong Tower where apparently they have established their camp.
The Treetop walk on its own was nice but not exceptional. It's worth doing as it's always nice to walk higher than the trees, but don't expect too much.
Wolfram nearly enjoyed himself walking a hanging bridge 25m above the ground.
But not today. Today we got up early because with such a hot weather, it's better to visit anything outdoor in the morning. By 9am (which is already considered late by locals) we were at the Reservoir starting our hike towards the Treetop walk.
The MacRitchie Reservoir is basically a piece of jungle in the middle of the city. In Europe the equivalent would be to have a forest in the middle of a City. It is both surprising and amazing that they have managed to preserve a real jungle right there 3 km from where we live.
We had been told that we could see monkeys and other creatures and we haven't been disappointed.
It took us a bit more than 3 hours to complete the 10 km loop and on our way we encountered:
- trees and leaves, lots of them
- giant ants making us happy that the ones we have at home are 1000 times smaller
- a lizzard
- a extremely exotic animal which really caught us by surprised
-and monkeys. Plenty of them. If I daresay, monkeys in MacRitchie Reservoir are like squirrels in Yosemite Park. They are not afraid of human beings and they know that your bag contains food.
Still those little monkeys are exotic enough for us to spend quality time taking pictures of them. Next time, we will go directly to Jetulong Tower where apparently they have established their camp.
The Treetop walk on its own was nice but not exceptional. It's worth doing as it's always nice to walk higher than the trees, but don't expect too much.
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