We've Arrived!!

Here we are! Alive and well! We flew to Bali via Taipei. On leaving Vancouver, Shep fell right asleep while Cadsy, true to her "night owl" self remained chatty until after we ate on the plane (2 a.m!!). We slept in piles on one another accross the ocean. It was an older plane and was surprisingly spacious. When we awoke we ate and watched movies. The kids were chatty and loved having their own TV screens. J and I were surprised everyone did so well.

We went right through the Taipei airport, boarding a train to transfer terminals and all. It was 5:30 a.m. local time and very hazy and cloudy. We were expecting it to be very humid and mentally prepared for that-- but it was actually cool, 20'C. We went to our gate right away and enjoyed people watching. The kids and I ran around and played on the chairs until boarding.

The next flight was quick. We were all getting really hungry so devoured our yummy chicken lunch and landed in Bali 2 p.m local time. The flights went so well. It was long, but we all were rested and I think avoided much jet leg. We felt like it was a long road trip and have been delighted that the kids have handled it well.

Now the humidity came when we got off the plane in Bali. It was already 3o'C and sunny. It took a long time to go through lines for Visas etc. and the whole crowd felt so restless. We loaded the kids in their strollers and used carabiners to hold them together. Jeff took luggage and I pushed the kids. Its funny, they didn't sleep at all on the second flight, but immedietly both of them slept when the heat hit them. They were so out, we just propped their little bobble heads and proceeded on.

When we got through, Wayan was waiting with a very neat little mini van. He takes care of the villa we are staying at and is very kind and a Grandfather himself.

Bali is beautiful. We still can't believe we are here. Really here. It almost felt too easy. The villa is great. Small kitchen, pool, two bedrooms. We already had a welcoming frog in our shower last night. Wayans family is sooo nice. they dote on the kids and have offered help with everything. They made us supper (rice, ginger chicken, something like mixed vegtables and omlet) very good. Both kids wanted to keep sleeping despite our trying to wake them. That led to an early 5:30 wake up. At least now we can say we saw our first sunrise.