It’s been a while since our last update so there’s much to fill you in on. Julie managed to pick up a bug a several weeks ago which took her out of action for a few days. We’re not sure what it was or if it was food related but it certainly gave her a hard time. It’s to be expected that eventually we’ll pick up bugs living here. I’ve got something this week which is not agreeing with me so now it’s my turn.
Last week Harrison started his golf lessons at the Novotel resort where we live. He indicated he’d like to try golf so we arranged with the golf shop for some lessons from the resident Pro. He did very well and wants to continue with them so he’ll be back tomorrow for another lesson. At $2 a lesson we’d be mad not to encourage him. There could be a Tiger lurking in our midst.
Harrison's swing
Last weekend we went back to Tasik Ria for my birthday. Julie arranged a lovely weekend at the resort, complete with a surprise dinner, cake and decorations at the Jetty Bar. We spent the afternoon sitting in the pool, mainly around the bar, where we enjoyed a few cocktails and a swim. After all that strenuous exercise, we needed a massage and luckily they have a Spa at the resort that specialises in massage and treatments.
It's a hard life...
Entering the Spa is like stepping into a sunken cave, but first you have to cross a lagoon pool via stepping stones. Once across they have little nooks set up for couple’s massages which are set back into a rocky wall. Luckily Harrison was entertained by one of the staff while we went for our massage, but we did get a few visits from him just to make sure we were OK. He then decided to settle into the bowls they used to wash our feet outside the door before entering, as he thought this would be fun. We could hear him asking them for more hot water as he was getting cold but they weren’t getting the mix quite right. Couldn’t quite escape him no matter how hard we tried.
That evening we headed to the Sunset and Jetty Bar where we watched the sunset before enjoying a nice entree of grilled eggplant and a garden salad, with the main meal being grilled calamari, red snapper and prawns – all locally caught that day. It was very nice and cooked to perfection by the chef in his charcoal grill – probably one of the best meals we’ve had so far. The table had been nicely set up with cutlery, napkins and candles, including balloons and a banner for my birthday. After the meal they presented me with a birthday cake on the house. We had a few slices after dinner but I’m sure the rest didn’t go to waste as it went back to the workers after we’d left. They deserved it as they looked after Harrison most of the evening teaching him to play their local wooden instruments and pool on the pool table. We never got a bill for a felt replacement so he must have done OK.
Sunset from the bar
Dinner is served...freshly frilled calamari, snapper and prawns!
Jason's birthday cake
That night was spent in the Owner’s Villa (it’s the owner’s residence when he’s there) which is a 2 room private villa on the beach complete with a separate lounge room and glass cabinet full of deep sea fishing rods as a showcase. The villa also had an outside shower which was quite refreshing – nothing like showering and watching the stars! It was decorated with various local arts and craft which gave it a traditional touch. Very relaxing atmosphere!
Doug has left to go back to Australia and enjoyed the diving very much. I’m sure he’ll be back again – in fact he’s probably already got the accommodation booked for next time at Tasik Ria. I’ve started my PADI open water diver course through Tasik Ria and I’m just about to complete the theory component online. On the 3rd March I’ll do my first few pool and ocean dives and return the following weekend to finish off the course which I’ll hopefully pass. Some of the people at work have decided to do theirs with me so the course is being put on just for us. Another excuse to return to Tasik Ria often for the great diving.
