been to Manado and back

after the crazy week at work we went to Manado (i think it was 2 weeks ago) with our neighbour Kevin & partner. Had lots of good laugh, lots of beer (was too hot to drink anything else), waking up to catch the last call for the big breakfast buffet, went for a dive at bunaken - very relaxing dive, just what we needed - and ate a lot. they had this particular porridge (congee) with green veg, long beans, egg yolk... was very yummy. not too sure if its local specialty it was such a comfort food. there were lots of beautiful churches and christianity makes up 75% of the community there. we didn't see a lot of the the place as it was just a short trip. we will be back. it was such a welcome change to not have anyone barking across the street "transport?" or "sunglasses?" :)... no one asked us to buy anything! its our first time visiting another island in Indonesia and i believe we will be doing a lot more such trips :).

i had my brother and jim over when i came back to bali which was great. he came with his care-pack always which i never take for granted. i missed my family. it was really good to see at least one of them! (SB: the retin-A is doing its thing! it's fantastic!!! my skin looks so clean and is glowing :) ) the best part of having bb & jim around was that they like to order lots of food and share. :) i love the communal feeling at meal times :)

i don't feel i have rested, been feeling exhausted all the time. am hoping to have my chinese lunch tomorrow and have an early rest in the evening chilling out and reading the rest of the magazines from my care pack :)...

have a lovely weekend my peng yous :)