We made it to the beach, twice!

We took some time in the mountains and we also took some time at the beach over the last few holidays weeks.  It was nice to get away from the big durian (Jakarta) and take some breaths of fresh air.  And let the kids and dogs run free for awhile. Eben was not so fond of the sand-in-the-toes/zizi feeling, but he liked the idea of it anyway.  Jaf was all about the beach especially building castles, and Zeric was surfer/body boarder extraordinnaire.  And, well, y'all know how I feel about the beach: it's a love-hate relationship.

While up in Puncak we took a day trip to the west coast of Java to surf.  There is little photographic evidence of it due to technical mishaps, but it was fun.. and there was even some standing-up-on-the-board action within the four hours of lessons.  Amelie and Jaffa had a blast with coconut shells and sand..

very far off in the distance, just between the girls' heads is Theda and O in their cabana.. trying [not] to eat the vendors walking by.  And being teased by young, giggly girls. <sigh>

We came home for a day to say goodbye to Colin and Copa (and do a ton of laundry), then jumped back in the car and headed to Sambolo to hang with Team Tomasek (Toni, Adam, Amelie, and Alex). They have a timeshare in a great house just on the beach.  We spent two days strolling, building sand castles, eating, body boarding, and playing games.  Fun!

Here are some pictures that narrate some of the highlights:

 It happens so rarely (me in small clothes), I guess Zeric needed to get a picture.  So here it is.  For the record.

Sibs beach strolling

the Krakatoa volcano and baby Krakatoa in the distance

wine, s'mores, friends and a fire on the beach

nice old lady who insisted that we needed pineapples to bring home.. they ended up being teeny and expensive, and wow she sure didn't take no for an answer

 beauty on the beach

fresh coconuts.. love the meat, and the water goes very well with rum!

exploring in the sand

boogie boarding!

taking a break and watching a movie

[under a tent in the house]

bottle rockets on the beach

fisherman - equally persistent about our hosting a baby octopus for an afternoon

not sure for what, it was too small to eat!

 Finally, we had two beautiful fish (and crabs and shrimp) for dinner one night.  Pak Yasim is master of the grill.  Eben was very tempted to kiss the fish first!

.. and now we're back to the grind.

[but there's something comforting about a routine!]