Family Mellmann

Today, after lunch, we went to the Batu Cermin cave. According to the priest who found the cave (it had been discovered but its location was unknown), this cave was once under water. Imagine scuba diving this great space! Now, the rough surface of what was once corals can still be touched. Inside the cave are the calcium buildups (stalagmite and stalactite) from the limestone rich environment.

Tonight is our last night with the Mentor Graphics tour. Today we went whitewater rafting in what can only be described as a scene out of Indiana Jones; it was spectacular! Our final "gala" dinner is at a temple and feels like a mix of wedding (linen-covered tables and covered chairs) and Indiana Jones film set. The final show included this dragon and monkey acting out a story that I don't yet know.

Today we have a cruise and beach day at a private island off Bali. Jörg and I plan to scuba if it's available. Tonight, dinner will be a beach party and a seaside social club. But first I can enjoy this view as I finish my breakfast. sent from my Project 365 app http://bit.ly/5G0JwQ

Dinner on this night was a festival at the Taman Ayun Temple. It was an extravagant affair with a processional of music, candles, men, women, and young girls - all dressed in traditional Balinese attire - leading to a traditional temple ceremony and a dinner. We learned later that the entire village came out to greet us, and that the village chief met with the president of the company. The dinner was served in a highly choreographed style where servers would each carry one plate to each person, then in one motion everyone is served. This happens for each course of a four-course dinner. And almost all of our 200+ group was dressed in traditional Balinese fashion. sent from my Project 365 app http://bit.ly/5G0JwQ

Today we toured Bali. First we saw a traditional family compound, then this temple, a market, and lunch on a mountain from which we could view the valley and rice paddy fields.

This morning, after a traditional Chinese breakfast, Peter, Suzanne, Jörg, and I went for a nice walk through the park across from our hotel before heading out to the airport for our five hour flight to Bali.

We have arrived in Hong Kong, enjoyed an evening on the town, and a good night of rest. Today we fly to Bali. This is the entrance of our hotel.

Homework in the front yard.