compleanno felice pops

We interupt this blog for a Happy Birthday announcement... Bella's dad, Peter, celebrates his birthday today and unfortunately, again, we cannot be there. Until we see you again in the flesh, dad, we hope you have a wonderful day. Don't eat too many cakes else you may have to pay a visit to this place.

sweet tooth hq

around Bali and Lombok

a few friends we met in Bali







spec savers

Our last port of call in Bali was a beach on the southwestern peninsula called Bingin close to the famous temple at Ullu Watu. The temple is perched atop stunning, sheer limestone cliffs and is home to a troupe of boisterous macaques who have perfected the art of the optical ambush, much to the financial benefit of the locals who will kindly recoup your raybans for a tidy fee.  You have been warned.

don't be fooled by his innocent grin...

...he's after your varifocals



monkey man

 Unfortunately the sunnies stealing wasn't limited to the temple and the very same morning we lost both pairs of our sunglasses, plus our beloved mini games compendium, from our balcony. Luckily both pairs of glasses were later recovered, albeit with some hefty bite marks and scratches, but the travel draughts and backgammon were lost forever...damn those clever chimps.

the last shadow puppets

Back across the water in Bali we headed to Ubud (setting of the book, Eat, Prey, Love) to take in some culture. We went to a shadow puppet show that went on far too long...and with some really bad tourist and fart-related puns, but at least we got these pretty pictures despite a total lack of understanding of the plot line.

Everywhere we went in Lombok there was a pre-teen entrepreneur trying to sell us something. Usually a handmade bracelet or fifteen... But these kids were happy just playing paparazzi with Bella’s beaten-up digital camera.

now the global family is nearly complete

COOL riders

Yeah that’s right, we picked up this speed machine in Kuta, Lombok, and took to the world’s most uneven roads in search of the ultimate ride…check us out.

work the bike

shortly before we ran out of petrol. Slick.