January 7, 2009

Sights, sound and taste of Bali

We rented a car and a driver and went to Goa Gajah Temple, Volcano and Batur Lake.
















We stopped by an Agricultural cafe, where Terry & Jenny didn't, but Matt and I had some Kopi Luwak (pronounced [ˈkopi ˈluwak]) or Civet coffee is coffee made from coffee berries which have been eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). The civets eat the berries, but the beans inside pass through their system undigested.

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world, selling for between $120 and $600 USD per pound, and is sold mainly in Japan and the United States. It is increasingly becoming available elsewhere, though supplies are limited; only 1,000 pounds (450 kg) at most make it into the world market each year.(From Wikipedia)

This animal in the cage is Luwak.



















Gekko is a genus of colorful and diverse Southeast Asian geckos commonly known as true geckos or calling geckos. Although species such as the Tokay Gecko are very widespread and common, some species in the same genus have a very small range and are considered rare or endangered. (From Wikipedia)

This is a Tokay which was stuck on the wall of our bathroom.

















Last dinner at Masaic Restaurant in Ubud

January 2, 2009

and then to Ubud...


















We stayed at Alam Shanti again.

Matt and I stayed in the same room , while Terry and Jenny stayed in the room above our room.

There are about 10 or so rooms in this two story cottage hotel so it is very quite and personal. The organic breakfast is great too. And for U$150/night with the size of the room, it's paradise! What more, the spa the hotel runs is so reasonable and soooo nice!


We love this place so much that we tried to book for my next birthday (June) but it's fully booked!