Honeymooning in Bali Part 2

During my honeymoon trip in Bali, I also did what most tourist would do. That is to sign up one of the local tour package. The only difference is instead of getting the package from the street, we booked it at the hotel and shared a nice little van with a Singaporean couple we met there. So, the itinerary for the day is

1. Barong Dance Show in Batubulan.
Frankly I didn't even know what is going on. At first when they came onto the stage (which is the tarmac floor on the centre) I was kind of excited with the costume and all. After that, it was a blur all the way.

2. After the Barong Dance, we went to Ubud which is famous for its arts and paintings. I managed to bargain a very nice painting from 2.2 mil rupiah to 400,000 rupiah. Ha ... I got 80% discount! You know what's the trick? Yeah ... be ready to walk out of it and they will call you back and start packing it for you.


3. Next stop, a very long drive up north to a mountain village in Kintamani. Actually I was really excited about this as I thought I am able to walk into the volcano. Guess what? We were dropped off miles away at a 'touristic spot' complete with a restaurant with the view of the volcano for afar. What a disappointment.

Behind us, Mt Kintamani

4. Finally, last stop of the day is the Elephant Cave. It is supposed to be a 11th century hermitage. Out of respect for the 'residence' inside the cave, tourist are not allowed to go in wearing bermuda and shorts. Hence you can see him wearing the purple sarong ... hahaha ...hilarious. What is inside? Same ol' same ol' ... cave with idol statues.

Other than that one day local tour, we mostly spent our days wondering around Kuta, soaking in their mystic atmosphere and lazing around our resort getting massage at the pool ... ahhh, its so good.

OK, my trip to Bali wasn't that interesting or adventurous cause there are actually a whole lot stuff to do there, like bungy jumping or surfing. But I'm too chicken to do any of those stuff and I bet most people don't as well. Ha!


Location: Bali, Indonesia

Honeymooning in Bali Part 1

Few years ago, I went to Bali for my honeymoon. Been telling myself I will go back there again but really haven't have the chance because the world is so huge and so I tend to plan going to places I haven't been too yet, supposed logically it works that way.

Anyway, about my trip to Bali, we (as in me and my hubby) flew off to Bali 3 days after our wedding. And for owning a timeshare membership, I managed to get few nights stay at Hotel Jayakarta Bali without having to pay anything. Good deal right? So that is our honeymoon patch for the next 4 days.

So, what did I do in Bali? Hotel Jayakarta is located in Kuta and so being a bargain hunter with a slight condition of shopaholic, I spent a lot of time shopping in Kuta.

This is me shopping in one of the stalls in Kuta. I couldn't remember how many days I spent shopping but stuff in Bali are really artistic and cheap.

Before we left for Bali, everyone told us that we must absolutely go to this one place that has the best seafood and best sunset in Bali, so how can we pass that right? And so we hired a taxi and make sure we arrived there before the sunset. Anyway this place is called Jimbaran Bay.

Frankly, the sunset wasn't that fantastic, the seafood wasn't that delicious either and the price is exorbitantly high. Ouchhh! In fact, we later learned that the best sunset is actually at the Tanah Lot temple, but too bad, we didn't managed to visit the place during our short stay there. And actually that is the reason why I keep telling myself I should return to Bali and I do hope to have that chance soon.

Location: Bali, Indonesia
Next,Honeymooning in Bali Part 2

My Faithful Friend

I consider myself very lucky
to have known one faithful friend
in this lifetime,
even if it’s only for a short eight years.

He found me one afternoon
in a wet car porch.
He’s hungry and in pain
from ticks feasting on his small frail body.

I fell in love instantly
Easily included him into my life
Feeding, caring and playing
becoming big part of my time.

The smell of his fur
The feel of his warm body
The loudness of his presence
clearly stuck in my mind.

He share my happiness
as well as my sorrow
He took time listening to me
as I have walking and bathing him

We have an understanding
though we did not share the same language
He learned of his name
I learned of his ever ready aim

Just about the time
when I take things for granted
he fell sick
and I knew he’ll never been the same.

My pastor asked during his sermon one day
where can you find a faithful servant
waiting for you to come home
even on second or third watch of the night

I yelled out inside my heart
“I have one!”
he’s not my servant
he’s a faithful friend of mine

That same night
he refused to stand up
I kneel in front of him
crying and telling him how much I love him

He looked at me
seemingly understands
he closed his eyes
and I know he has gone from my life

I dedicate this
to my faithful friend.
If you could look down upon me from above
Rest assured that you’ll be always be in my mind.

The greatest gift

I got it
The greatest gift of all
but I need you
Almighty, Almighty;
To guide me to love
as you have to us;
To give me the patience
as you have for us;
To teach me the perseverance
as you have in us.