Magazine and CD Covers

Something I’m excited to share.  I have been selling photos through a stock agency for the past couple of years and have finally found where some of the photos are being used.  One of the photos was was used on the cover of a German magazine called FACTS.  Another photo will be used on a CD cover.  I don’t have all the facts on the CD yet, but as soon as I do I’ll be the first in line to buy a copy.

From Seminyak to Ubud

Walking down the street in Seminyak.

Ramp leading up to small temple in Seminyak.

This temple is near La Luciola.

Every time we come to Bali we end up staying at the same hotel in the same small town, Seminyak.  It’s comfortable, we know the restaurants, we like the beach there and it’s easy to get around.  Everything about it is just right for a vacation.  When we talk with friends about Bali the usual conversation usually goes:

Friends: Oh Bali, we love it there.  Where do you stay?

Us:  We always stay in Seminyak.

Friends:  Have you ever been to Ubud?

Us:  No, maybe we’ll stay there next time.

The truth is, we never change our plans and always end up at the same hotel in the same small town, until this time.  We decided to give Ubud a try and we’re glad we did.  Ubud’s been described as Seminyak in the mountains.  From what we’ve seen so far the description is fitting.  It’s a small town made up of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.  Ubud is made for strolling with occasional stops for hour-long foot massages for $5.

Laura checking out our new place in Ubud.

We are staying about 15 minutes out of town in a beautiful, small hotel called Komaneka at Tanggayuda.  They have another hotel in Ubud, but this one was recommended by our good friend.

This bathtub is very impressive to see in person; they must have built the villa up around it, because it’s been carved out of a single piece of stone.  There’s a fish pound with some friendly frogs on the other side of the window.

This market off the main road is where you can find just about any kind of Balinese craft or souvenir to take home.

Enjoying a little shade and some chicken satay with peanut sauce.  Delicious!

Hey Erika, this photo’s for you.  Laura wanted you to know that the black hat and sunglasses made it.

Selling tickets to a traditional Balinese performance.

Back in Bali

Feels great to be back.

Hello Bali!

School is out and there’s only one place to go to relax, Bali.  Bali’s casual, laid back atmosphere is perfect for lounging around by the pool, taking a walk on the beach at sunset (gag, how cliche–but it really was nice), and taking long naps.  We decided to break our tradition of staying at the Oberoi and stay at a place next door called the Elysian.  There are 26 secluded villas each with a private pool.  Both hotels are in Seminyak which is just north of the main city in Bali.  Kuta is a large bustling city with lots to do, while Seminyak is much quieter and features mostly small boutique shops.

Our home away from home in Bali.  The living room is the part in the center of the photo and the bedroom is on the far left.

Some Balinese enjoying the sunset from the beach.

Roll out of bed in the morning and right into the pool.

Getting some gas for the scooter from an old bottle of Absolut.  That bottle was 7000 Rupiah, or about US$0.70.

Looking out from the living room toward the pool.  The windows/walls slide back to expose the entire living room in case you want to dive from couch straight into the pool.

This is some good corn.  The cob is roasted over a fire and then you have the choice of a sweet glaze or a spicy, chili glaze.  I went with the sweet and didn’t regret it at all.  We’ll see later if I end up suffering from Bali Belly.

Sorry if there are lots of typos, my editor is fast asleep next to me.

Photo and Movie Gallery

We’ve been working on a photo gallery for a few weeks and finally added some movies too.  Since we don’t have a dedicated video camera, everything has been shot with a digital still camera, hence the poor quality.  Anyway, it’s something a little different.