October Break

On October 5 we came down off the mountain for a few weeks at lower altitudes and warmer climates. Our journey began with 3 days in Sanur, Bali where Dave attended an IB conference with his colleagues while I explored Sanur's beautiful beaches and visited the Bali Green School. Following the conference we traded in our swanky accommodations at the Paradise Plaza Hotel for the minimalist Puri Sanur hotel - where we first met 10 years ago!

At the Puri Sanur Hotel, where we first set eyes on each other!

 After the conference we spent a day exploring around Ubud. The highlight was while visiting Goa Gajah we found ourselves on an unexpected and unpopulated trail leading down into a beautiful river gorge. Here we explored quarries where presumably the people of the 9th century cut out the stones to build their sanctuary.

Dave standing near the river with a very curious cave behind him.

Crouched in a quarry!

 After our explorations in Bali we hopped on a flight to the Island of Sumba which is located in the NTT province southeast of Bali. Our time in Sumba was all about reconnecting with old friends! This is where Dave lived and worked as an English teacher for 2.5 years and where I spent 2 months as a student with EduVenture 10 years ago. It had been 8 years since Dave had seen and communicated with most of the people from this period, but time didn't seem to matter, he was received so warmly by all of his old friends and colleagues!

Day 1  - Arrived in Waingapu and walked to visit D's favorite multi-purpose shop and favorite shop keeper.

Day 1 - Dinner at Prailiu with my homestay family - Mama hasn't changed a bit!

Day 2 - A sweet reunion with Musa, Mama Andri and family!

Musa and Dave in front of the family business - a small shop.