Going back to Bali 2

One of our first days back in Bali after visiting the surrounding islands, we decided to book a day of site seeing. Phil writes about our full day of outings here. One of our stops was to the Satria Luwak Coffee Plantation. It was not what I expected but was a fine visit nonetheless. AsContinue reading "Going back to Bali 2"

Going Going Back Back to Bali Part 1

After leaving Gili Meno, we headed back to Bali, Ubud specifically. This time, instead of a hotel, we were staying at a home stay. There are many home stays in Bali and they are a walled family compound consisting of multiple living quarters, shrines, and communal areas for the family to cook, eat, socialize, andContinue reading "Going Going Back Back to Bali Part 1"

Indonesia: The Island of Gili Meno

After our young captain from Gili Air dropped us off on the beach, right in front of our accommodations (quite convenient, and worth paying a little extra to not have to lug our bags back to the port). We received a warm welcome from the staff (and a not so small lizard taking a beachContinue reading "Indonesia: The Island of Gili Meno"

Indonesia: The Island of Gili Air

We enjoyed our time in Nusa Penida, but were ready to be slightly more active and explore the Gili islands after our week of straight chilling. We said goodbye to the staff at Penida View Village and Mimi (one of the owners) and off we went with the driver, down the windy, bumpy road toContinue reading "Indonesia: The Island of Gili Air"

The Island of Nusa Penida

After our short stay in Ubud, we headed to the port in Sanur to catch a boat to Nusa Penida, a rugged and beautiful island off the coast of Bali, and is in the province of Bali. View of the port in Sanur The 40ish minute boat ride was cramped, hot and choppy. Luckily (orContinue reading "The Island of Nusa Penida"

Indonesia: Relaxing in Bali

We left Shanghai and headed for Indonesia; first stop Bali. Bali is an island in Indonesia and also one of Indonesia's 38 provinces. It is the only Hindu-majority province in the majority Muslim country. Indonesia is, in fact, the country with the largest Muslim population in the entire world (though most don't live on Bali).Continue reading "Indonesia: Relaxing in Bali"

Bonus China Post: Nothing but Food and Coffee

While the burial mounds post was going to be my last on our travels in China, I decided I had way too many delicious food pics (most Chinese food, some not) that I haven't posted not to share. I will do my best to remember what exactly the dish was and where we had it,Continue reading "Bonus China Post: Nothing but Food and Coffee"

Chinese Burial Mounds

We saw many Chinese burial mounds during our two months in China, the first of which were in Kunming. We'd gotten a bit off the beaten path (well, there actually was a path, to be fair) and found ourselves descending Biji Mountain down a winding trail through the woods (Phil writes more here). We assumedContinue reading "Chinese Burial Mounds"

China: Night Markets!

One of my favorite things about traveling through China was going to the night markets. The night markets are usually just a street, or dedicated area (kind of like a farmer's market) with tons of food stalls. On occasion you may find a vendor selling non-food items, but food made up 99% of the nightContinue reading "China: Night Markets!"

You’re Going to Get Some Stares, Panda Girl

In the locations we have visited in South and Southwest China, it is obvious that they do not see many western tourists. We get a lot of stares. I get most of the stares. Probably because from the back, or profile, Phil blends in with the other, dark haired fellows. I don't blend in. Also,Continue reading "You’re Going to Get Some Stares, Panda Girl"