Viva la villa

Quite the contrast! Two weeks in Myanmar, a country struggling to emerge from decades of isolation and repression followed by a week in Bali, an island that knows how to offer a good time to backpackers as well as the most well-heeled pleasure seekers.

The Sawatzky family had long talked about a tropical Christmas rendezvous but it took the perfect storm of Rob & Anjali's move to Singapore, our decision to travel and everyone else's ability to find both the time and resources to cross the globe, to make it happen. That and Anjali's commitment and organizational zeal.

So, our cast for the week in Bali:

I'd like to say that we discovered how the other half lives during our week at the Villa, but I think the other one percent would be more accurate. The Villa Samadhana is a fully staffed private resort that catered to our whims. The kitchen staff went to the market, purchased our groceries and then prepared meals and drinks for us as per our requests. Much to my pleasure, they learned how to make a proper iced espresso rather quickly (most establishments make them far too sweet, IMHO).

Everyone enjoyed the pool,

and the water balloon fights,

and the pool table and the personal massages and the Balinese dancers and the amazing meals.

Okay, enough about how we were totally spoiled while snow storms brewed back home.

Outside of the existence of extravagant accommodations which, really, you can find almost anywhere, Bali is known for beaches and diving as well as its distinct culture. Primarily Hindu amidst the world's largest Muslim country, Bali bursts with ornate temples and with stunning public ceremonies.

Thomas wonders why people say, "Clean as a whistle", when whistles may have been in someone else's mouth and are likely full of germs.

Tourists posing by a temple.

Resemblance?

Unlike cathedrals that require near silence, this temple had many musical noise makers. Note Max playing away.

We saved a lot of money by not purchasing some amazing carvings.

And then ended up spending on other ones.

Photo by Thomas. Aunt Tam in background.

Our architect giving final approval for a future table top.

Of course no Bali trip would be complete without diving or snorkelling. The most avid diver of the group, Elle arranged two days of rental equipment and instruction for all of us--all the way from four year old Fischer's supervised snorkelling to Open Water certification for Fischer's grandfather, John.

John started a course in Winnipeg and finished it in Bali.

Before Cynthia got her mask figured out.

Half human, half borg, Max readies for descent.

Diving was not without it's complications. John, probably as a result of something he ate, got ill underwater and found out that a regulator *will* expel liquids as well as intake air. Asked by his instructor if he wanted to surface, John championed on.

My own experience was less heroic: after feeling quite comfortable with "resort dive" lessons in a pool, I lasted only minutes in the ocean when, in an effort to equalize pressure, I blew out my ear drum. End of dive.

Last, we tried out our GoPro underwater--it is blurry, but otherwise quite effective. Here is a short clip of Cynthia and Max exploring a wreck.

Our next post will feature guest hosts, Elle Flanders and Tamira Sawatzky. I'm looking forward to it!

Greg

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