Five year later

Two "Firsts"

I'd never seen a wok as a wash basin before.

First time Jason ate crabs 

Dinner with Regina's Family

 The company was wonderful as was all the food: shrimp, crab and whole fish

Every McDonald's should have this view!

 We needed to use WiFi, and the malls don't open until much later, so we sat at McDonalds.  And yes, they have the same menu as us- but I didn't eat anything.

Our day trip to Lihago Island off the coast of North Sulawesi

After a long and windy car ride we arrived at the "port" That's our boat, and the pigs were roaming free, since this is a predominately Christian area and pork can be eaten. 

Enjoying the beauty and tranquility of an uninhabited island

I just sat and watched the storm clouds roll in.  

Lihaga Island - a tiny piece of paradise

This is an uninhabited island that took us about 30 minutes to reach.  The sand had a pinkish hue to it. 

The water is so clear, even from the boat you can look down and see to the coral below

Enjoying the beauty and quiet of Lihaga Island

 These young boys were busy singing, and exploring what was found in the small coral as the tide went out.

I'm not sure I would be comfortable, but he was snoring quite loudly!

A mix of the old and new

Diving boat in the background, local in the foreground

Gangga Island Resort

On the tip of a small island near Manado in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, lies  Gangga Island Resort and Spa. The resort's fifteen wooden bungalows are discreetly set on the edge of a long, white sand beach in the shade of coconut trees. More importantly - you are not allowed to dock and just walk around.  So this is as close as we could get to the lap of luxury.

House of Kitty Bakery, Tomohon Indonesia

Need I say more???

Sunset in Manado

Walking back from the massage I stopped to admire the beautiful sunset.

Magnificent Massage in Manado

The young lady in the black t-shirt gave me a wonderful aromatherapy massage.  Not only did she walk on my back, legs, and arms, she cracked my neck. After the massage I was in the sauna followed by a wonderful hot shower.  Besides feeling wonderful after the massage, it was made sweeter by only paying $10.00 

Sunrise at Mount Temboan in the village of Rurukan

Situated in the mountains, at the foot of Mount Mahawu, Rurukan is a very small village. It can be cool and misty which it was for our sunrise adventure.  It was still peaceful and tranquil and well worth getting up at 4:00 a.m. refreshing. 

There is a small building at the Mount Temboan that had traditional instruments.  Regina's nieces performed a song for us. 

Mount Mahawu

After seeing the beautiful sunrise, we went to the crater lake. There is a road allowing us to drive close to the top of the volcano. From there we  hiked for 15 minutes to the top. 

Although I thought it was warm, Regina and her family bundled up for the trek up the mountain.

It was spectacular, even though the lake was rather dry, you could still smell the sulphur.

Gardinia Country Inn

A resort situated in a beautiful garden, along with freshly-prepared organic food, we just stopped by after our morning adventures to enjoy the peaceful serenity and drink coffee.

Avocado ice drink with red beans

 Chocolate syrup is on the bottom of the  ice with sweetened condensed milk and....

avocado and red kidney beans.  Actually quite tasty, but very sweet.

Private Property

 As we were trying to find the hotel, we inadvertently went in some one's beautiful compound.

 Since we were already trespassing, we thought we'd take some pictures!

 I loved the delicate bamboo hedge that surrounded the house.

Tasha and Regina posing in the owner's garden

Private Garden's of the owner of the Green Garden Hotel

 We came to this restaurant to eat, but they allowed us a special visit inside where the owner lives. 

The view from the restaurant towards the owner's garden.  We also sat at a table while a Christian service was being held.

Jhoanie Hotel Tomohan

 The towels look too beautiful to disturb at the hotel

Mountain view near the hotel

Early morning stroll  in Manado.

Twelve hours of traveling, but I was rewarded with this from my hotel balcony.  

I'm ready for a vacation!  I've worked two days and we are now off to Manado to visit Regina's family.  While we are there, we will be visiting the small village that creates the local traditional house of the area, which are then knocked down and ready to ship. We also will be snorkeling and go on a volcanic trek. 
However, before we get there, we will be travelling by train, bus and plane to get to this part of Indonesia- a long day of travel - but so worth it!

More dancing!

While a Fillipino teacher sang Abba's "Dancing Queen" the elementary school teachers did a line dance 

The nursery and kindergarten teachers do their version of gangnam style

End of school year teacher gathering

The second to last day for the teachers allowed them to get their groove on!  The top picture is the kindergarten and nursery school teachers dancing to a Korean song!