A Very Beachy Christmas

Christmas Day in Perth was a scorcher! High was around 37 degrees Celsius, which translates to about 98 degrees Fahrenheit.  While at home in the states, everyone was enjoying 37 degrees Fahrenheit! At 37, the best way to spend the day is on the beach or in the air con. And that's exactly what we did!

We rose early (who sleeps in when Father Christmas has visited?!) and went for a run around Subiaco. The streets were dead. Birds roamed the streets, croaking loadly and probably wondering where everyone was! Then we packed a mini cooler and headed to the beach, where we enjoyed fresh, delicious muffins and champagne on the beach. We accidentally forgot the sunscreen and only stayed for an hour and half. Good thing.... we were both burned! Keep in mind when you come visit, the sun is strong over here! Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world.

The theme of our gifts this year was definitely BEACH! Ricky gave me beach lounge chairs and plush beach towels from David Jones (Saks of Australia). And Ricky received paddle board beach game, boogie board to ride the waves, bathers and sunnies!  Have I mentioned Aussies abbreviate everything? Bathers are swimsuits and sunnies are sunglasses. Here are some more fun slang Aussies phrases http://www.dunway.com/html/australian_slang.html.

My parents gave me a really awesome camera! So look forward to more high quality pictures!!!

Merry Aussie Christmas!

We didn't send Christmas cards this year. Well to be frank, Ricky and I have never sent them for just the two of us. But next year, once we're reunited with our boys, we'll send a cute one via the mail. For now, please enjoy a fun electronic version of our fam! 

Ricky and I enjoying Christmas day on the beach

Gus and Fred celebrating Christmas in Dallas at Gramma Kim's (a.k.a Kimmie's Kennel). 

Happy Holidays! Rocking Christmas lights in Perth

Getaway to Bali

Ricky and I had a very relaxing getaway to Bali after Thanksgiving. It seems pretty crazy going from our Perth paradise to another, but well worth the quick flight. Only 3.5 hours in the air until we were on the tropical island of Bali. Perth is very dry and warm similar to Southern California, whereas Bali is hot, humid and tropical similar to Miami.

For a quick snapshot of where Bali is in relation to Perth. 

Here's a pic of our beach at the Conrad hotel. It's located on Nusa Dua, peninsula on the very Southern tip of Bali.

Enjoying our second honeymoon. This is the foliage we woke up to every morning. Very lush!

(please pardon our pale bods. we hadn't turned golden brown yet)

Typical lunch in our pool cabana. BinTang is the local beer. We enjoyed fresh salads and hummus while reading magazines and playing on iPad by the pool!

My hubs in full relaxation mode. 

Enjoying a traditional Balinese meal ....

while watching Balinese dancers in full costume!

No Starbucks in Australia. BUT I managed to find one in Kuta, Bali!

Sushi dinner

Instead of saki with our meal we tried Shochu, another Japanese liquor meant for sipping. Please see "Re Lento Kokuto Shochu" listed below. We read they played classical music while this shochu aged.... similar to Baby Mozart right? We had to order!!!

We stayed in the Conrad suites. It was an exclusive wing of the resort. We basically had the restaurant, pool and lounge to ourselves! Here's a pic of the area lit up at night.

We learned about the Hindu religion and culture. This is a temple wear Hindu people come to pray and bring offerings.

BOOMER SOONER! This is how we watch OU play in Bali.... BinTang and some sweet sunnys. 

On our last night, we went to the Ritz Carlton's Rock Bar. The bar is built on a large cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Sipping sparkling wine at Rock Bar and enjoying beautiful sunset on our last night

Gorgeous views

More pics of the Conrad

Hope you enjoyed!

Fly Solo

Fly Solo and the leave the Garmin at home.

The GPS and I have become very close since I moved to Perth. Occasionally I let ole Garmin rest at home, especially when I don't have to be anywhere anytime soon! When I'm not following instructions from a sexy Aussie telling me to take the second exit in the upcoming roundabout, I choose which way to go on my own. It's a pretty fun way to feel adventurous in this city, which is made up of very safe, quaint neighborhoods, the friendliest people, an active Swan river and gorgeous Indian Ocean.

Here are a few views I've stumbled upon while flying solo.

Swan River Brewery

Lovely view of downtown Perth

Kings Park

Surfer Dudes at Cottesloe Beach

Cute boutiques in nearby neighborhood, Claremont

When Life Gives You Lemons,

Make tasty cocktails, grill fresh fish and highlight your hair!

I just discovered a lemon tree in our front yard. So far, I've enjoyed 4 delicious lemons from our very own tree.

Cheers!

Off to Bali!

Here we go on our second honeymoon to Bali!! Just a quick flight from Perth. 

Sampai jumpa nanti ("see ya later" in Indonesian!)