Hiking

On Saturday morning Max and Simon joined three other young ex-pats to hike a mountain on Java Island in Indonesia.

Mount Merbabu is 3142 metres high. Thankfully it was an overcast day. Unfortunately, it started raining so the boys only went 3000 m before turning back. We have a great video of them slipping their way back down the mountain -- in half the time it took to go up.

They returned home tired, sore, and very muddy.

Simon is 15

Today Simon turned 15 years old. He celebrated at a local Indonesian restaurant. His present was a pair of Christmas Kobe 9s -- just released today!

Merry Christmas

We are celebrating Christmas with Don, Vicki, Brittany, and Hunter. We had great fun opening presents this morning. Now we are going for a swim! And later... a ham dinner!!

Cooking Class

On Tuesday, while the boys were diving, Lisa participated in an Indonesian cooking class. She worked alongside two wonderful Australian women and learned how to make mi goreng, corn fitters, tempe, and curried chicken. It was delicious and educational.

Under the Sea

This week Tim is fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning to SCUBA dive. Simon, Max, and Tim have taken the PADI theory course and are completing their open water dives this week. Today we all went to the island of Gili Air for diving, sunbathing, snorkeling, and a great lunch!

Fruit extravaganza!

We have been thrilled with fruit available in Indonesia. Mango and papaya are in season now and so sweet. We have also tried snake fruit, dragon fruit, jack fruit. And today our favourite is ramtangin. Rattan means hair in Indonesian language. Seems appropriate for this hairy fruit, which has a white flesh inside (like a lychee) and a small pit.

Arrived in Indonesia

Yesterday we arrived at the Sengigi Beach in Lombuk. We spent today relaxing by the pool.

Out with the old.....

One of the interesting things about living on a compound is fitting into the maintenance routines. Daily garbage removal, weekly gardening, monthly fire extinguisher check, annual smoke alarm testing. And last week it was time for a "furniture exchange" -- which happens every 4 years.

A large truck and team of movers rumbled down the street, going from house to house, removing living room sofas, chairs and tables. Then, a few minutes later, another truck and team of movers brought in new sofas, chairs, and tables.

Last MInute Guest

This week our friend Deanna, who lives in Abu Dhabi, came for an unexpected visit! The U.A.E. celebrated its 43rd National Day on Dec 2 so Deanna had a few days off in the middle of the week. She came to Doha for some Professional Development activities. Yesterday we had some free time and spent it well!

We shopped for a bit at Villaggio Mall then sat in Aspire Park enjoying the green grass, perfect temperature, and setting sun. After a delicious burger al fresco we attended the FINA World Swimming Championship at the Aquatic Centre.

Bow Tie Tuesday

Every Tuesday the male teachers in the Middle School at Qatar Academy Sidra celebrate by wearing a Bow Tie! The Elementary School celebrates every Thursday by wearing a particular colour. Tim is happy to oblige because he has shirts and ties in every colour!