Christmas Day 2016

It was certainly different for Susan and I to awake with 3 kids chatting about Santa (day break, 5:50am).  In fact, the first thing I heard was, "Santa did not come!"  Turns out it was so windy Christmas Eve that Santa had to leave presents in a protected area in the kitchen.  It was sorted out and Christmas festivities began.  Meet the Kee's.

Peter and Melia with Samuel, Erin and Isla

Christmas Staff Party 2016

Villa Cengkeh staff, Susan and the Kees

The Khee family: Peter, Melia, Sam, Erin, Isla, are visiting from Penang and were instrumental in a very successful party for the Villa Cengkeh staff.  Our staff are all Hindu, so the rites of Christmas festivities were a bit new, but the kids did a great job setting the tone and keeping things on the light side.

Mr. and Mrs. Buda who made the nasi kuning

In traditional Balinese style, nasi kuning (yellow rice) made by Bapak Buda of Buda Bakery was served as the main dish.  This was followed by pineapple upside-down cake made by Susan.  The nasi kuning was accompanied by seafood, meats and lots of vegetarian dishes.

After the first course, various games were organised by the Kees and a good time was had by all (Dana took photos so did not have to suffer actually being a game participant).

Things got quite for the pineapple upside-down cake

Susan baked lots of goodies for presents

Christmas 2016 at Villa Cengkeh Bali

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here.  Very green!  There has been a lot of rain and the countryside is lush and our new gardens are prolific.  The garden staff is BUSY.  Wida and Putu are also busy inside Villa Cengkeh.  The Khees from Penang Malaysia are coming on Monday for the Christmas break.

Susan's baking goodies for presents for the staff and the kids (and me). Most of the shopping has been completed after trips to Carrefour and Toko Rejeki.  There's beer, wine and arrak.  Decorating is planned for the coming week.