Weekend in Bintan, November 3 - 5

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We spent Judie's birthday at Nirwana Resort in Bintan, a small island in Indonesia. It's only an hour ferry ride from Singapore, so we left Friday evening right after work and returned Sunday evening.





The resort was lovely with a whole complex of various pools.
Although this was a cloudy day, the temperature still remained in the 30's. It's always hot here!













While Judie enjoyed keeping cool in the infinity pool,







Wayne relaxed on the hammock.















A tour of a local village showed us that life outside the resort is quite different.








We could have been staying in this hotel.








If we'd choose to move here, we might have a home like this.










Three local fishmen live in this water front home.
They have no education, no identity cards, therefore, no state support.
They live from day to day on the fish they catch, fruits or vegetables from their garden, and meat from the chickens or pigs they raise.






Fishing lodges like this are common along the river. This is about the only local industry other than tourism.










These boys are not in school, but they are most likely learning how to survive.








We asked our tour driver to show us some local schools.
Quite different from where we teach!









Imagine this on a school playground!















We visited a fish hatchery.











We enjoyed the tea served by the owners.













We stopped at a beach bar for a drink of fresh coconut milk to quench our thirst.








So refreshing!












We had lunch at a local seafood restaurant, and it was very delicious!










Hard to believe that it came from this kitchen, and we didn't get sick!














We also enjoyed a Mangrove Adventure Tour the next day.







Although we didn't see much wildlife during the mid day heat (only a few poisonous snakes, one monkey, and variety of colorful birds), is was a wonderful boat ride through the mangrove swamp.








We must admit, coming back to our luxurious resort made us realize once again how much we have compared to so many.

Could they imagine a swim-up pool bar?






A final buffet breakfast ended the weekend celebration of Judie's '49th'!
Wonder where she'll be at this time next year?




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