Hoolies in Paradise

We've noticed a lot of growing up in our little nugato's this week. Until we got our bearings a little bit, we've been pretty hard on them in the listening and staying close department. They have both done well and are now regularly reminding us to wash our hands and not touch the dogs.

While Shepy has the occasional stubborn moment, he has proven incredibly resiliant to the heat and changes in schedule. He's tough, and is learning that his 'blond and blue'novelty factor has its perks. He's started playing to the crowd with coy smiles and waves, this results in a small novelty or chocholate bar about once in ten people... he has noted this and this has significantly slowed our path through shopping areas.

Cadsie has literally grown... we'll confirm it on her growth chart when we get home, but we're guessing it could be an inch. Luckily, she is a good body type for Balinese local clothing.

We've been here almost a week, and I'm just today finding my western intensity being overcome by Balinese sensibility. They are such a kind people, it is hard to ajust to. (A sad acknowldegement) Initially it reminds one of the 'too friendly' sales people in the mall, you know they don't care about you, just the potential sale you represent. Here it is opposite, many staff prevent us from viewing their wares in favor of chatting and sharing.

We head to Ubud tomorrow, about a two hour drive inland. Ubud is the cultural center of the island, so we are looking forward to seeing some dances and doing some of the handi-craft work ourselves. Lindsay plans on Batik'ing (a special wax/dyeing process on fabric) and I'm hoping to try my hand at silversmithing... should be a blast...