Steps of Faith: Christmas in Lombok! (Kuta)

To be completely honest, one of the reasons for coming to Indonesia was for the opportunity to travel and see parts of the world that we never imagined being able to visit. We had been itching to go somewhere since the October break when we didn't go anywhere. Lombok did not disappoint!

We were in Lombok for 10 days, 5 nights in Kuta and 3 in Senggigi. While in Kuta we visited 5 different beaches, each with their own highlights. We ate out at different restaurants each day, "fought" off the locals trying to sell us stuff (sometimes by buying the product just to get them away), went for walks and had adventures along the way.

Enjoy!

Waiting at the airport.

Kuta

Alana felt like a princess with these mosquito nets in our room.

Beach #1

This beach was in walking distance from our hotel. We ended up coming here for the first day in Kuta when it rained all day. Instead of being cooped up in our rooms, we decided to brave the rain and headed to the beach.

Exploring

These mangy dogs were only a few of hundreds of dogs that were wondering the streets
and beaches of Lombok. Not a pleasantry to say the least.

Beach #2

On Christmas day we went to two different beaches. At the first one, we decided to hike along the beach to escape the locals and be completely on our own. The highlights of this beach were definitely the waves and the amazing landscape that surrounded us.

Paul and Alana took a hike out to a peak where they were able to sit and be splashed by
humongous waves. Alana was ecstatic to have this special time with her dad.

Beach #3

The second beach of the day was a surfing beach and a lot busier. The waves were great, but with that came garbage that the waves bring in from the sea. Plastic bags and other garbage can be right next to you as you swim. The kids didn't mind, however.

Here's a picture of me for those who are asking!

Vince made a few new buddies!

These school girls stood and watched Jolene playing in the sand. I think it's great
how it doesn't even phase her. She just continued to do her thing.

Paul playing a little soccer with the local boys.

Corn on the cob. Yum!

After two beaches in one day we still had to have our Christmas dinner. We shared a time of exchanging gifts with the Huizenga's and waited a very long time to get our food. Paul and I ended up bringing our food back with us.

Just a little tired!

Sasak Village
This is a traditional village that we got a guided tour of and where we were able to buy a few souvenirs.

So many little booths with woven fabric. Beautiful colours and designs.

Visiting inside one of the homes.

Beach #4
This beach was my favourite. There were no waves, but this is the type of beach I imagined Lombok having before we came. Very little garbage, white fine sand, and clear blue water. The scenery here was amazing!

Janessa and I were interested in buying one of these blankets thinking they were Rp. 100, 000 ($10). However, after we picked one out, the price was a lot more (Rp. 500, 000 or $50). We ended up talking them down to Rp 200, 000. We were happy with our purchase until a lady came by an hour or so later asking if we wanted to buy the very same type of blanket for Rp. 100, 000.

Alana's Mermaid Castle.

Our Drive to Beach #5

Mike and Paul rented motor bikes while we drove in a van with a driver.

Lots of beautiful rice fields.

Getting to this beach was an adventure. We went down a "deserted" road where we got stuck in the mud. While we walked the rest of the way, our drivers and Paul figured out a way to get the van out of the mud pit. However, we also had to go back again. On our way back to the main road we got stuck again, this time not as bad, but as we were getting out of the van Alana fell in the mud puddle and was covered. She's such a trooper because she just laughed about it. Unfortunately, I was not able to get a picture of her.

Beach #5
Because it took awhile to get to this beach and because it was extremely windy here, we did not stay long. This beach had a lot of garbage, but absolutely no one around to try to sell us anything or stare at us. We enjoyed exploring at this beach and swimming in the waves.