McDonald's and Islam

I love this photo. It was taken from the foodcourt of the main shopping centre in Mataram, the capital of Lombok, an island in Indonesia. To me it encapsulates everything about Indonesia and how it is incorporating western materialism and values while still retaining its Muslim heritage and traditions. The fast food place was well patronized and staffed and run by locals. The mosque is very beautiful and the imposing volcanoes add a dramatic effect.

New South Wales sunrise

A beautiful sunrise over New South Wales shortly before we landed in Sydney.

Ubud reflections

Very peaceful and serene scene at Ubud in Bali, houses behind a rice paddy

Ubud rice paddies

Very tranquil scene

Ubud compound

A large villa between rice paddies in Ubud

Sunset in Ubud

What a sunset. Much better in real life, but at least this gives you some idea!

Ubud paradise

The river running through our hotel in Ubud, Bali, the Bali Spirit Hotel. Beautiful, quiet, peaceful.

Relaxing in Lombok

I have just returned from a wonderful relaxing two week trip to Indonesia and Malaysia. Heaven. Relaxing, suntanning, having long cheap massages. I can recommend it. This is the view from the Sheraton Singgigi on Lombok, where we lazed for three nights