Author Archives: cindybrownmiller
Komodo Island, Indonesia October 18, 2016
We flew from Bali to Labuan Bajo, Flores yesterday so we could take a full-day tour of Komodo National Park. I didn’t want to come all the way to Indonesia and not see Komodo dragons. The dragons are found in Komodo National Park which stretches across several Indonesian islands. The easiest way to see them … Continue reading
Bali, Indonesia October 16, 2016
We started our day at Tanah Lot, a famous rock formation on the southwest coast with an ancient Hindu shrine. The rocks are popular at sunset, but we were there during the day at low tide when you could walk out. We then went to Gunung Kawi Temple, which was just down the hill from … Continue reading
Bali, Indonesia October 15, 2016
Today I hired a private guide from Bali Traditional Tours. Whenever we travel I like to visit schools and orphanages, so I asked to stop at an elementary school. We brought pencils, erasers, paper, stickers, folders, and Play Doh for the kids. It’s Saturday, so I wasn’t sure if the kids would even be in … Continue reading
Bali, Indonesia October 13, 2016
Today we took a tour of Sebatu, the village where our resort Puri Gangga is located. Our guide, Erma, was a young woman who grew up in Sebatu and was excited to show us her home. Erma took us to her family’s home where we met her grandma and uncle who make handicrafts to sell … Continue reading
Bali, Indonesia October 12, 2016
We finally made it to Bali! I’m pretty sure we’re on the exact opposite side of the earth. We flew over the Pacific Ocean – through Denver, Tokyo, and Jakarta – and the total travel time was 29 hours plus a night at a Jakarta hotel. If we’d flown over the Atlantic Ocean through the … Continue reading
Isla Mujeres, Mexico August 18, 2016
We took the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres today. We hopped on the bus which stops right in front of Beach Palace and took it to Puerto Juarez from where the ferry departs. The bus is 10.50 pesos each way (60 cents) versus a taxi which is around $40 each way. I always like … Continue reading
Cancun, Mexico August 16, 2016
Today we relaxed at the hotel. Beach Palace has a fun schedule of activities every day beginning with yoga at 6am and ending with themed shows nightly. There is a large pool with a large screen they lower at night for movies and shows. Tonight’s show was a tribute to Michael Jackson. I also really … Continue reading
Cancun, Mexico August 15, 2016
We took the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and then a private car to our next hotel, Beach Palace. Beach Palace is in Cancun’s hotel zone, which is an area of high-rise hotels with great beaches. The sand is powder white and the water is turquoise blue.We stayed at Cozumel Palace for the … Continue reading
Cozumel, Mexico August 13, 2016
Today my son and I went scuba diving! I’ve never been diving before and we are not certified, but we took ScubaTony’s 2 tank Discover Scuba course. This course allowed us to dive with an instructor to no more than 40 feet. We took a taxi to the marina and met our instructors Javier and Liz and … Continue reading
Cozumel, Mexico August 12, 2016
We relaxed at the resort today. There are four pools – an infinity pool, an activity pool with water basketball, volleyball, and aerobics, a shallow pool next to the grill, and a children’s pool next to a small playground. Although there is no beach, there is sand, beach chairs, and palapas on either side of … Continue reading