Pura Luhur Uluwatu: Monkey Temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu: an 11th century Balinese sea temple built atop stunning 230 feet sheer cliffs over the Indian Ocean, on the southernmost edge of the Bukit peninsula. Beyond it's incredible architecture, the Uluwatu Temple has also gained popularity with tourists because it's occupied with an amazing amounts of grey monkeys- super, super cute but with a naughty side!
One Week of Luxury
We decided to treat ourselves to a resort lifestyle in Bali after living in a camper van for a month in NZ. We spent one week at the Komune Resort and Beach Club, which boasts two pools, two restaurants, full bar, spa, hair and nail salon, air-con gym and yoga classes. Everything you can dream of for a week of luxury. Also, Komune hosted the surf contest at Keramas that Shaun competed it, so it was super comfortable and convenient to stay on-site for early morning heats.
A Slice of Heaven
Bali is unreal! After only one night, we were already researching how to extend our visa. It's that good! Our first stop is Keramas in East Bali- a quiet, local area with black sand beaches, world-class waves and an abundance of rice paddies.
The Catlin's Coast
The deepest south we explored in New Zealand... only 2,600 miles from Antartica! The rugged Catlin's Coast is genuinely an eyeful with the turquoise ocean lined with whitewater, sharp cliffs, and scattered islands. It's worth the windy gravel roads to explore.
The Month Long Road Trip
32 days and 3,000 miles later, we returned our camper van! I'm sort of in disbelief that I just lived an entire month in a vehicle. I had doubted my own stamina to endure such a long time living in a van, feeling confident we would have had to get an Airbnb or at least a motel room a few times to break up the month... Nope! I have survived the month long road trip, loyal to the camper van.
Dozens of Millions of Sheep
After driving past literally thousands of sheep every day, we developed quite an adoration for the fluffy creatures and a yearning to cuddle 'em! Luckily, we stumbled across Smith's Family Farm in Marlborough Sounds where we camped for the night and finally got up, close and personal with the cuties.
Wine Tasting in Marlborough
The Marlborough region on the South Island of New Zealand is a major hotspot for wine. In fact, 80% of New Zealand’s total wine production is in the Marlborough area. So, of course we had to go tasting! We (last minute) booked a four to five hour “medium tour” with Marlborough Wine Tours, stopping at a total of five wineries and even a chocolate factory for the finishing touch.
Exploring Abel Tasman
Everyone told us that Abel Tasman National Park was a must-do / must-see in New Zealand, and I strongly agree! This gorgeous and nearly untouched park spans over dozens of bays of golden sand, 140 sq. miles of lush green bush, crystal turquoise ocean water, and a handful of islands with fur seal pups. We chose to explore both land and sea; first kayaking from Marahau to Anchorage Bay (roughly 4 hours) and then bushwalking/hiking back (12km/8mi - 3 hours). My arms feel like Jell-O as I type this up…
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Yesterday, I completed a 19.4 kilometer (12 miles), seven hour hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing! It’s said to be New Zealand’s best day hike and I can see why. It was 1°C / 33°F (!!!) with strong winds, and it is definitely the most difficult hike I’ve ever done. Alarm clock at 4:30 am, meeting for the shuttle at 5:25 am, and starting walking at the crack of dawn 6:30 am. Alpine Crossing complete at 1:30 pm. Gnarly!
Land of the Endless Lefts
On the west coast of the North Island lies Raglan, a sleepy surf town with a old town feeling renown for it's surf. Downtown Raglan is inland set on the harbor, with Wainui Road leading ~ 15 minutes out to Manu Bay and Whale Bay for seemingly endless point breaks. Shaun had been looking forward to coming to Raglan for a long time!
Mount Maunganui Summit Hike
Quick but gorgeous hike up the Mt. Maunganui summit! Roughly 90 minutes roundtrip, with views over the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga peninsula and nearby islands.
First Impressions: Life On The Road
I was nervous to book a camper van for 32 days. Where would I shower? Where will I pee? Will it be cramped? Where will we park for the night?... But today is day 5 and it’s been fabulous so far!
Kia Ora! Introduction to New Zealand
New Zealand! Part 1 of our adventure has ended (Australia) and we're embarking on Part 2 in NZ - starting in Auckland. We only spent 3 days in the cosmopolitan center and we spent a fair amount of time exploring, despite the torrential weather.
Exploring Coolangatta
Coolangatta is the southernmost point of the Gold Coast, right on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. The area maintains it's small beach town feeling despite the several high-rise complexes that line the coast. Cooly is home to a handful of scenic beaches and iconic surfbreaks - including Snapper Rocks, D-Bah, Greenmount and Kirra.
Film Roll no. 1
Shaun has a fancy for film photography. The photos below are from our first roll developed abroad featuring Bondi Beach and Coolangatta...
Quiksilver Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks
Today was the Finals Day for the Quiksilver Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast. Australians took out both the men's and women's events but two Californians came awfully close. The competition drew an audience of thousands, and we were lucky enough to enjoy the event from the competitors' area.
The Penthouse Airbnb
Back in Coolangatta! Thankfully, we booked accommodation months ahead of time for these two weeks because the Gold Coast is jam packed for the WCT Quiksilver Roxy Pro surf contest. We totally lucked out and booked the most amazing Airbnb - 14th floor penthouse apartment with a gorgeous balcony with full ocean views.
Cronulla's Hidden Gem
Collecting seaglass might only be an American trend (??) because we were the only two people gasping at the vast amount of perfectly tumbled seaglass covering a secret beach's coastline.
Bondi Beach Street Art
The esplanade along the famous Bondi Beach is a colorful stroll full of cheerful murals and unique pieces of art. If you're staying in Sydney, it's worth a day trip to Bondi solely to check out the street art.
