Lizards and Monkeys and Birds, O My!!

Here is a little "titbit" of a sign for you. Take a good look and see if you can figure out what they're really trying to say. Hmmmm. I love 'lost in translation' signs!!

We spent the day today at the Bali Bird Park, Reptile Park and also the Monkey Forest. I think this was one of Matthew's dream days when it comes to 'hanging' with animals. Abby was pretty thrilled, too!

Check out this monkey family. Don't they look adorable? NOT REALLY! They're actually evil, greedy little creatures that only want what you've got for them. They sure look cute, until you see them in a photo that you accidentally took of your son. Check this out...can you believe it???!!! Matt complained later that the monkey bit him, but we thought it was just a little itty bitty wiping of his lips on Matthew. Look closer!

By the way, no animals or humans were harmed in the making of that photo. No blood, no broken skin. Just a really surprised almost-13 year old. You know who else got a surprise?? This time Tris was attacked by a water-stealing monkey who grabbed Tris' water bottle out of his backpack, UNDID THE LID, drank a few sips and turfed the bottle. Hilarious! When we all got home everybody stunk so bad...

It all started when our family rented a car and driver for the day to have a 'family day.' It began with a tour of a batik-making factory, where women and a few men hand-draw, wax, dye and weave batik. Very interesting, but obviously the store inside was priced for "bule" (white) tourists, or those willing to pay a pretty penny. After that we went to a silver/gold jewellery making shop, but it was so touristy and expensive that we asked our driver to pass by those kinds of things and just take us to the Bird Park. It was still "touristy" and although we saw monkeys and reptiles today, Matthew says he loved this park the most.

After the bird park we had lunch and headed to the reptile park just next door. It was much smaller but we got to hold reptiles...the staff were practically throwing them at us! I think it had something to do with the photo shop at the entrance...if you downloaded a photo from your camera onto their computer they'd print it on a shirt for a price. We held iguanas, turtles (big ones!) and blue-tongued skinks. Check out the tongue on Abby's forehead.

Ever held an iguana before? I held this in honour of Kathleen and her boys! This iguana was kind of warm from the sun, scaly and dry. I could feel him breathing and just wanted to take him home with me. Matthew hung with a Monitor lizard and would like to have one for a pet, still. Things haven't changed much in that area. Abby was way braver than I'd expected her to be. She had a hoot with the lizards!

I was pretty surprised as well when it came to Abby bartering for a skirt she wanted to buy. She's one tough cookie, and wouldn't back down for anything. I saw the makings of a politician or a lawyer in her today...she knew what she wanted, the means to get it, and she applied those tools. Eventually she walked out of the shop with a wrap skirt that was originally priced at 95,000 rp and that she got down to 50,000 rp. Indonesian living is rubbing off on her.

It was after the Parks that we went to the Monkey Forest, but I just had to show off those photos first. It was definately a highlight of this trip, especially when Tris was attacked by the monkey who stole his water. Needless to say, by the end of this "animal trek" we were hot and sweaty-tired. We were definately shiny, happy people!

After the forest we went to our last stop, a Hindu temple that was unearthed in 1923, and is thought to have originated in the 10th century. At one point our self-appointed guide was trying to get us to wash our faced in the holy water for good luck, but we weren't into luck so we discreetly moved on. I've got something better than luck!

The stone statue that had toppled to the ground was incredible. The thought of it standing 100s of years ago was quite a thrill. Notice Tris' skirt? He and I had to put on a covering so as to remain respectful to the worshippers.

To end the Coles' notes version of an incredible day, I have included a photo that I have been trying to take since we moved here. This is a common mode of transportation for a family of 4 or 5, but they move so quickly that I usually cannot pull out my camera fast enough. Thanks to Tris and his fast action with the camera, I get to share this with you, finally!

Thanks for reading!