Taipei, Taiwan

Unfortunately, we (i.e. Keith) procrastinated a little too long on this post and I am eager to post about our Bali trip while it is still fresh in my mind. We still need to write about our three week whirlwind adventure back to the states, including a quick rendezvous with my brother and sister-in-law to Singapore during their honeymoon. Oh, how life loves to get in the way. In any case, I will do my best to recap our Chinese New Year holiday spent in Taipei. I have to say that we LOVED Taipei and as you read I think you'll see why... 

This was our "first" trip out of Malaysia since completing our time in tax jail except, of course, flying back home in December. We were so lucky that our friends invited us along. It made for a less stressful and more enjoyable time. We had a few hiccups at the airport with visas and booking errors, but alas we were finally on our way...

 

 

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby with her mama

... to Taipei! 

Ubud, Indonesia ~ Part 2

We arrived in Ubud. Ubud had a completely different feel than the trendy surfer beaches in the southern part of Bali. Ubud has a historical, serene energy that you feel as soon as you step onto the streets. I loved it! 

 

 

Our Little Piece of Heaven

We stayed at the Mansion Resort in Ubud. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. You felt as if you were on a Bollywood movie set and tucked away in every corner were small delights and surprises. It was a true unexpected escape like walking in a cross between the Secret Garden and Alice in Wonderland. 

 

 

 

 

We had just as much fun exploring the hotel grounds as we did in downtown Ubud! 

Monkey Forest 

 

 

 

Lunch and wifi at Clear Cafe

 

The second day in Ubud, we hired a driver to take us around on a "temple tour." I know I certainly will not remember the names of these, but each was lovely and unique. 

 

I think this was the Elephant Temple.

 

 

 

Another temple...

and another temple...

 

We had a wonderful local lunch overlooking the rice terraces and stopped off at a spice garden.

  

Not sure what day we are up to now, but our last full day in Ubud was spent on a bike tour with Eco Bali Bike Tours. I would recommend the company, but NOT our guide (Win). He was quite physical and slapped me across the arm twice. 

After the van picked us up...

we started with breakfast looking out at the volcano Mount Batur.

 

  

 Ready to ride! 

 

Next we stopped at a Tea and Coffee Plantation where the boys tried the infamous Luwak coffee. (a.ka. poop coffee)

  

 

Tour of a traditional Balinese compound and rice fields...

 

We ended our Bali trip with a fancy, but worth every penny, dinner at Bridges restaurant in Ubud and a shopping trip in the Ubud market. 

 

 

 

I love this piece! It perfectly captures my feelings on Bali.

 

 

 

On onto the last day... so sad to leave! 

 

I really have loved all of our travels and every place is special, but Bali will always hold a place in my heart. 

Beautiful, beautiful Bali.