Ubud wrap up

Hope everyone had a very happy thanksgiving! We sure did. Eleven of our friends came over to celebrate. Some were skeptical about the holiday seeing as we celebrate a peaceful meal with the native Americans and then proceeded to slaughter them, but by the end of the night we had converted everyone to the amazing ness of the holiday. Hannah and I slaved all day over our 2 gas burners and minimal Utensils to make the meal. We made tempeh manis (a sweet soy sauce fried tempeh), stuffing consisting of bread ramen soup seasoning (closest we could get to veg soup stock) apple and shallots, green bean and carrot coconut milk casserole, and very garlicky mashed potatoes. We were able to purchase a phenomenal pumpkin pie at a bakery which was the most expensive part of the meal but crucial. Our friend gusti got 4 local bbqed chickens which came with heads and feet still attached. Hannah and I made him "carve" them up because they kind of freaked us out. They were a little dry for my taste but still cool to try something new. Since we didn't have plates we all ate on banana leaves with our fingers. I forced everyone to share what they were thankful for and it was really amazing what people had to say. And that was our celebration!

Our last week in Ubud was filled with lots of time with friends seeing live music and going out to our favorite late night place, cp lounge. During the day we would drive our motor bike through the country side and rice fields, lazily sip ice coffees at cafes in town with eccentric expats, haggle with the locals in the markets, so overall not too shabby. We had a huge meal with our good friends from France of many local dishes and I took photos and notes. I'm hoping I'll be able to recreate some dishes for all of you. We are both bummed to say goodbye to the magical world of Ubud and all our friends, but know we will be back one day.

On a side note Hannah and I realized just how scared of giant spiders we are. One appeared in our living room the size of my outstretched hand. It was black with big pincers and super fast. Hannah ran away to our room while I took a broom handle and tried to kill it. The spider was to fast though and started jumping so i turned heal and followed hannah's lead. We hadn't eaten dinner yet but both of us refused to leave the bedroom so we ordered delivery...who knew you could get delivery in Bali! We then proceeded to climb in and out of our window to retrieve said food and didn't realize quite how ridiculous we looked until the delivery boy asked what we were doing with a very confused look on his face.the next day we wearily went into the rest of the house and fortunately it was gone.

We are now in kuta, the most touristy area but close to the beach and airport. We have two days to get tan on the beach and soak up warmth before we leave on sat for china! We decided to go cheap to save money but so far it has been a brutal transition from private house to dingy, smelly, dirty hotel room that looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a few years. Oh the life of a backpacker. We are about 2 min walk to the beach though so cant complain too much.

Once were in china life will go to the fast lane. Hannah and I are attempting to go to 8 or 9 cities in china and Laos before seeing our friend spiro in Beijing for new years. Hoping to have some photos uploaded once in hong kong but will keep you updated. Much love to you!