Greetings from the pristine waters of Bali and Lombok! It's September 30th, 2023, and we're excited to share the latest updates from our nautical journey of our Pacific Passion. In the past two weeks since our previous blog post, we've been on a quest for tranquility and underwater marvels in this stunning corner of the world.
Tranquility Amidst the Bustling Bali Scene: While Bali and the Gili Islands in North Lombok are renowned for their bustling party scenes, our hearts are set on something different. We find solace in the serenity of these islands and the vibrant sealife that surrounds them. Our journey is fueled by a passion for exploration, especially for our youngest crew member, Chloé.
Chloé's fascination with underwater species runs deep in her blood, as her father is an expert and dedicated enthusiast in ornamental and exotic fishkeeping. Since her childhood, Chloé was surrounded by exotic fishes. In light of this, we've decided to embark on a new adventure by arranging a PADI Open Water Diving Training for her. This training will equip her to join us in our upcoming dives as we seek out the elusive Mola Mola, sharks, turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures in Balinese waters.
Passport Adventures and Lessons Learned: Meanwhile, Philip found himself in a passport predicament. As the expiration date of his passport approached in March 2024, he stupidly missed that many non-European states, including countries in the Far East, require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the visa's expiry date. To resolve this, Philip had no choice but to make a dash to Belgium, his home country, to obtain a new passport. Fortunately, Belgium offers a special super-urgent procedure that allowed him to return to the Pacific Passion within four days. A valuable lesson learned: always check passport expiration dates!
Sail Repairs and Sustainability Initiatives: During our stay at the Serangan anchorage in Bali, we took the opportunity to address some important matters. We needed to have the outboard engine of our Nano Silver dinghy overhauled for which we found a workshop in Serangan. Our mainsail needed repairs, and we entrusted it to Ibu Juli Artiningsih, the first and possibly still the only female sailmaker in Indonesia. We'll have to be patient as for many things the Indonesian rhythm is a bit different of what we are used to... But these repairs will eventually allow us to enjoy smooth sailing with a full set of sails.
Kristin's Determination and Culinary Ventures: One of our challenges is Kristin's limited mobility due to her recent accident. She continues to work diligently on revalidation exercises to regain flexibility in her left ankle and strength in her left calf. While she can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, going ashore remains a logistical challenge. Nevertheless, her spirits remain high, and, together with Chloé, she's taken up cooking and baking, much to the delight of the entire crew.
A United Crew for Future Adventures: As we sail through Indonesian waters, the crew has formed strong bonds filled with humor and camaraderie. This unity is vital for the adventures that lie ahead as we explore the magnificent Indonesian archipelago in the coming months.
Stay updated with our journey by following our blog entries on [www.pacificpassion.org](www.pacificpassion.org) and check out the reels, stories, and pictures we share on Instagram [@pacific.passion](https://www.instagram.com/pacific.passion/).
Terima kasih dan sampai bertemu lagi! (Thank you, and see you again soon!)
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