Beach Trip

We took the Swans Senior out to our favourite beach while they were here.
It takes about 20min by boat to get across the bay.
Almost there..

We rent a pondok for the day for about 100,000 rupiah ($10).

Aussie Friends

After much anticipation, our friends Shane, Mel, Bethany and Isaac arrived in Malang for language study.

Phil cut some bamboo to construct mosquito net frames for their beds.

Their house needed a bit of work before they arrived.

We did some fun things as part of orientation, like visiting a local waterfall.



Reuben and Bethany got reacquainted.

We also went to a zoo/theme park up the mountain. Despite the arctic temperatures Soren and Phil braved the pool.

I love Soren's crazy zany side.





Something appears to have happened to my family.

Phew, that's better! Soren on the tractor ride, ready with his cup of carrots and apples to feed the animals.

Mel's mum Raelene came and helped out for their first few weeks, which was fantastic.



We were ambushed by an overly friendly and slobbery camel.
Not sure what Spongebob was doing in the acquarium section. Not sure where Reuben's other thong is either.

Sydney December 2010: Shelley Beach

It was a glorious day for the beach.

Father and son..

..and grandson!



Papa offers a helping hand..



..and the two of them wander off..

..and back..

..Papa shows him how it's done..

..precious times.

A day at the beach

We drive about an hour from Sentani in convoy with a few other families to where a boat picks us up and takes us the 20 minutes to this beautiful beach. On a clear day the water is a pristine blue and the view of the mountains surrounding the bay is stunning.

The boys head straight for the water.

There is plenty of opportunity for snorkeling, exploring and collecting sea creatures.

Berenang (to swim)

Ok, time for a bath!

Or better, a swim, and then we can skip bath time!

We love our local pool

Mount Cyclops in the background is shrouded by afternoon cloud.

And soon the mist is rolling in.

Getting here

Ready to go: Melbourne airport, November 2009.

Soren chilling out on the plane.

Breakfast at Bali resort. We stopped there for a few days on the way to Sentani. Mmmm, yum.

Reuben enjoying the beach.

The beach again.

Bali aiport, 1am, trying to sleep before 3am flight to Sentani. No success.