Our own little fantasy island...or Paradise Village

I may be showing my age but I remember Saturday nights watching Fantasy Island....didn't it come on just after the Love Boat? Who didn't love the part where Mr Roarke and his side kick Tattoo would say, "Welcome to Fantasy Island."

I felt like I was reliving my Fantasy Island watching days when, in March of this year, we visited Paradise Village. Our own Mr Roarke and Tattoo....well actually the resorts' owners Nanni and Federica.....met us with welcoming drink in hand as the boat docked said, "Welcome to Paradise Village and our family." 

It wasn't the easiest trip getting from Delhi to Paradise (Delhi-Kuala Lumpur, taxi from int'l to domestic airport, 9 hour layover, Kuala Lumpur to Pagang, 2+ hour twisting van ride across West Sumatra, 15 minute speed boat) Once we were on the boat our bodies started to work out the stress and kinks from life and the long travel time. Then, as we sped across some of the bluest waters I have ever seen, I started to smile.  

We pulled up to floating villas in front of jungle covered mountains. 

The beauty is very difficult to put in words....breathtaking, amazing, awe inspiring. 

Our bodies started to unwind and relax before we even disembarked onto the dock.

The staff at Paradise Village is friendly and welcoming while being a calming presence and very unobtrusive during the stay. The adorable young men who work as cooks, cleaners, fishermen go about their day full of smiles. The Paradise family is complete with Marco, the dive master, and Dominique, the hotel manager. Each and every one of them made our stay exactly what we expected. 

 

The bungalows are just steps away from the beach and calm waters of the lagoon. 

We slept each night cocooned in mosquito netting, listening to the waves lap upon the shore, lit by the moon peeking in through the windows.

We dined at communal meals of fresh fruit and veggies, fish that had been caught and delivered in small junk-type boats that morning, and amazing desserts. 

The families became one as the children bonded and started running around as a group. 

We sat on the porch listening to the surf and watching the kids romp in the water that was a calm as a swimming pool. We read, played games, told stories, and focused on a purely family holiday. Even if it weren't named Paradise Village, I would still say it was pure perfection.

We swam and snorkeled each day then slept like rocks each night.

We watched sunsets and sunrises. 

 We collected shells and took long walks.

 

We fished with the island boys.  

 We read books after dinner.

We lived in the moment and didn't think about work, school, house keeping, staff, dust, Delhi, or what was to come next. We left satisfied and relaxed and wishing for a just a few more days in Paradise. 

Isn't that the best way to leave....always wishing for a little more?? 

So, welcome to our own little fantasy island!

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If you are interested visit the website for more information and photos

http://www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com/index.asp

or email them for more information at 

info@cubadak-paradisovillage.com

Home Visit - Texas Leg

It was hard to believe that another year had passed and we were on the way for a "home visit." I tried to find a definition of home visit as we use it in the expat world. None found....for us a home visit is simply a trip to the United States. We don't actually own a home right now so our home visit is different each year. Thankfully, we have very welcoming family who never complains when we show up on their doorstep with six or seven bags, jet lagged and weary. This year we started our visit in Dallas. The girls were more than thrilled to find an American Girl store just minutes away from their Aunt and Uncle. Daughter #1 had been saving rupees (exchanged for dollars) for a year and took her time perusing the pink coated shelves and racks of the store until she found just the perfect purchase. I thought this would be the highlight of the trip for both girls.

It made me so happy to have both girls say that the highlights of their trip were cooking with Aunt Katie, playing marathon Monopoly games with (and winning over) Uncle David and Daddy, and getting to know their cousin Evangeline.

 The week went quickly....

trips to the zoo,

blueberry picking,
music concerts at the botanical gardens,

game playing,

and

just hanging out with family.

 

Not the typical girls' weekend

Late summer 2010 a friend proposed a moms' only trip. Woo-hoo! We had been in India for three months. I hadn't been out of Delhi/Gurgaon. I thought, It's about time for a nice relaxing, pampering beach vacation. Then she said, "I'm thinking Dhaka in Bangladesh." My reaction must have been wide eyed and a little shocked looking. Bangladesh had never even been on my radar. I wasn't even sure if I knew where Bangladesh was. Safety, health, visa issues, and on and on went through my head. Then the adventurer in me took over and said, "Ok, Bangladesh. This could be interesting." So Bangladesh it was for a much needed long weekend away without kids or spouses.

We splurged a little and stayed at a nice hotel which had a lovely restaurant and nice spa services. The massage was much needed after taking the above ride on a bicycle rickshaw.

What can I say about Bangladesh?

It's dirty, noisy, smelly, and altogether foreign. At the same time, it's amazing. The people were warm and welcoming. They were kind. They were helpful and interested in us. From what I can see Bangladesh still does not get many foreign tourists. The people aren't jaded and thinking about what they can get from these "wealthy foreigners."(Yes, all over the world people assume that if you are American, British, Australian then you must be filthy rich) More often than not, the people wanted to know why we were visiting their country, what we thought of it compared to the west, and if they could show us around. It was extremely refreshing.

Before traveling multiple guides and people said to be sure and see the Bangladesh Rickshaw Art. We searched and searched, walked up and down many streets and back alleys, asked, pointed, and tried to find the street where this is all done. No luck but just visiting and traveling around Dhaka is a live, moving gallery of Rickshaw art.

The drivers are very proud of their rickshaws and the artwork on them. These men in their dhotis or what looks to us like a wrap-around skirt work very hard for small fees ferrying locals and tourists alike around the city. In among the traffic, smells, and noise, they zipped and got us from place to place. It was nerve wracking at times but a fabulous way to see and feel Bangladesh.

Stayed tuned from more photos and observations from Bangladesh....

elephant washing

One of my favorite parts of being in Corbett was our late morning and afternoon by the Kosi River. While eating breakfast after the early morning safari, one of the rangers walked up with a huge grin on his face. "M'am, girls, would you be interested in accompanying me to the river. We will be washing the elephants at eleven a.m. Maybe you could help us." Really, we can help? Of course, I said yes immediately. I was THRILLED. I think even more excited than the girls. We followed our guide to the beautiful riverside. (Unfortunately, this was the only day that Dan had to work while we were on holiday. We left him carrying his laptop around looking for a wireless connection.)

As we near the river, there they are, being led by their handlers through the water. It was an amazing sight to see. So big, so strong, but also so calm, and so peaceful.

They brought them right up to the shore where we could get up close and personal with the elephants. Two female elephants right in front of us. The handler said that the males can be aggressive at times so they only use females for work with people. Rebekah was very excited about touching the elephant. Rachel stood back and had no desire to get very close. They use flat rocks from the riverbed to scrub the mud and dead skin off the elephant. These huge ladies thoroughly seemed to enjoy the bath/massage treatment.

The handlers would have allowed us to get in and help wash the elephants. I tried and tried to talk the girls into it but had no takers. Below she is helping to rinse herself....just beautiful

The girls decided that it was more fun and interesting to play in the river. They used sand, rocks, and sticks to build. We ended up spending almost three hours watching the elephants, building in the sand, and just hanging by the Kosi.

After they finished washing the elephants, the men wrapped themselves in towels, stripped down, bathed themselves, and also washed their clothes in the river. That's one way to get all your chores done at the same time.

Tiger Camp

We arrived at Tiger Camp safe and sound thanks to our wonderful driver Nemlal. I know you are probably tired of hearing me gush about him, but we are just so thankful to have found him. The girls love him, he is kind and gentle, and most importantly a safe, cautious driver. He is quickly starting to feel like one of the family. So, enough about Nemlal, back to the trip.....after a seven hour drive through small villages and cities, fields and farms, over bumps, and around ox, horse, and donkey carts we finally see the sign. Woo-hoo!! It's Tiger Camp!!

The wonderful, courteous staff led us to our own little cottage nestled among the trees. I was sold as soon as we turned the corner and were greeted by this relaxing front porch. Thankfully, the inside was just as nice and comfortable. The girls enjoyed sitting on the porch with their Barbies and a snack most afternoons.

After unpacking and being refreshed, our guide took us on a tour of the property. Again, I can't say enough nice things about him. He was with us throughout the stay at Tiger Camp and had amazing patience with the girls.

Following the path down to the Kosi River.

Such a beautiful sunset over the mountains and river. This is one of my favorite photos of Rachel from the trip. She was relaxed and watching some ponies being led to the river for an evening drink. We were able to capture her serenity at just watching the nature around us. This place is a bird watcher's paradise. Our guide is very knowledgeable on all the flying wildlife around Corbett. As beautiful and serene the river front is, we were specifically told not to go to the riverside after dark. We found out why when on our elephant safari later in the trip.

Along the path to the river, there was tons of elephant poop. Rebekah was jut obsessed with the size of it. She kept asking, "Is it real or pretend." Here she is comparing the size of one elephant patty to her foot. You should have seen how excited she was when we actually saw an elephant pooping. Oh....the little things that entertain the mind of three year old ;)

letting go

I love my daughters. I always wanted to be a mom but never realized the love that a heart can hold for two little people. (There is room for more too, if it is God's will) My heart is so full and content and blessed. Out of the myriad of jobs I have worked, before, during, and after college, being a mom is the first one that feels like just the right fit.

Who knows where and when the desire to be a parent began for me. Working with the kindergartners when I was in sixth grade? Babysitting in high school? Working as a nanny while in college? Meeting my beautiful nephews and niece? All of these experiences were fuel for making me the mom I am today. Sometimes, I am a good, patient, creative mom. Some days, I am a yelling, short-tempered, not-so-nice mom. On these days, I am embarrassed and feel guilty about not having patience. Thankfully, they are fewer than the good days (or at least I tell myself).

Slowly, I am starting to realize that in order to be the "good" mom more days than not......I need to step away and be hands off once in awhile. This I am not good at. Even when Daddy is home, I tend to step in and do everything and always be hands on. I guess I am a little OC about our children. This said, Dan and I are getting away for a week which causes much anxiety and worry for me. I know the girls we be loved and well cared for with their grandparents. It is just the fact that it won't be me. Any advice on how to handle this, relax, and enjoy our vacation will be greatly appreciated.

foreshadows

I should have known at an early age that I would be leading this type of life. My mother loves to travel, learn, and experience new places. She took my sister and myself on many interesting and educational trips during early years. Being a teacher she always found the historic and educational places to stop on the excursions. It didn't matter if they were day trips or multi-week trips. We would find and see all there was to see. As a child, my sister and I would roll our eyes and razz Mom about "another educational" stop. (Can you hear the groans and see the eye rolling while we said this?)

Thanks to my mom, I have been up and down the eastern part of the US. We were in Seattle when Mount St Helens erupted. I went to various parts of Mexico in fourth grade. (With the high school Spanish class too!! My mom was a chaperone, and I thought I was so cool to be traveling with the older kids. I learned some things that had nothing to do with Mexico or Spanish on that trip.) In high school I made my own trip to Germany with the school and after college returned to Europe for over two months. Needless to say, traveling seems to be in my blood.

One time, at about nine years old, we were in the airport, and I saw the flight attendants walk past. They were pulling their suitcases, laughing, and tossing their hair. I saw them, looked at my mom, and said, "That is what I want to do someday. Where do you think they are going?" It seemed so glamorous and exciting to be able to travel for a living. Many years later I did just that. Believe me the life of a flight attendant is not nearly as glamorous and exciting as it looked to my nine year old self. I rarely felt glamorous and usually felt tired and in need of a shower. But, it was fun and interesting and sometimes exciting for the few years I flew. The parts I enjoyed most were meeting the people and the great friends I made.

Jump ahead to 2004.....Dan and I are on a plane to China to meet our first daughter. When I look back, it seems so obvious that I would be going half way around the world to start a family. Another educational trip to add to the list. More of the traveling gene coming out. I asked Rachel at age four what she wants to be when she grows up. Her answer, "A world traveler, of course." I just nodded my head and said, "Why of course."

Another jump to 2007.....Dan, Rachel, and I are on a plane again to Qingdao, China. Not just a vacation this time but we are moving there for his job. The plan was to be in China four years. We ended up being there only 18 months and were sad to leave. We accomplished quite a bit in our short time though. Here's a quick timeline of our first three months.

-Thanksgiving Day 2007 we are on a flight from Chicago to Beijing.

-December 6, 2007 we are living in a hotel waiting for our apartment to be ready. We get a call from our adoption agency that we have been matched with our second daughter, Rebekah.

-January 4, 2008 We move into our apartment with one set of sheets, a frying pan, a pot and six suitcases. We borrow a blanket, a couple towels, some flatware, and a few plates (thank you Lisa).

-January 6 Rachel starts Pre-k at a new school which gives me a few hours each morning to start learning Chinese and getting us settled.

-A week or so later our first shipment of goods arrive from the US.

-February 18 we meet our second beautiful little girl.

-End of February our big shipment arrives from the US.

Can you say Crazy??

I know, that has nothing to do with traveling but I just wanted to give you a feel for the first few months of living in China.

While in China we did make multiple trips to Beijing and Shanghai, saw and walked the Great Wall at three different locations, went to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Soldiers, went to Changsha in Hunan province where Rebekah is from, went to Chongqing and Fuling where Rachel is from, and spent a week in Guangzhou while waiting on adoption paperwork to be finalized. We only made one trip out of the country to the beautiful tropical island of Saipan during Spring Festival 2009. (I am ready to go back there today while looking at the snow outside our Minnesota window.) Dan was able to see more parts of China as well as a couple trips to Korea for work. We had an extensive list of places we wanted to visit during our four years in Asia. Unfortunately, the stay was cut short. We will have to save Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, and New Zealand for a later date.

Why am I rambling about traveling and living in China? (I wanted to say "Why am I waxing poetic?" but realize this is not nearly the case) Partly, I am just documenting so I don't forget. Also, I have just recently realized that every day is an adventure no matter where you live or what you are doing. It makes me wonder what the next step is for us as a family. Dan and I will soon have been married 16 years. This is our sixth location to call home. Again, my early love for traveling and new experiences should have been a foreshadow to the life I am leading today. Thanks Mom for all the prep work........