visa trip: successful

We got home this afternoon after quite the adventure to Sulawesi. Despite volcanic eruptions, seemingly archaic computer systems (for the actual visa process), and agonizing flight "schedules" (if anyone should DARE call it a schedule...), we are home safe and sound. Long story short, our visas are all set for another year. Yay! And... we were so happy that we had friends to travel with.

The saga really began as we attempted to depart the capital city (where we fully enjoyed ourselves for 2 full days). Here we all are (except for Paul), waiting for our flight... we waited like this for 8 hours. They were understandably antsy and restless, but even still, our kids did such a good job behaving themselves while we waited. We were told the reason for our delay was that there was a "crash at another airport, which has messed up all our schedules". Upon further investigation, we discovered that there was no crash - just a mid-flight explosion... over a small Indonesian island. Everything was fine for that flight, and it safely landed... in Singapore. (?)

Due to some technical difficulties at the immigration office, we had to sit and cool our heels while we wondered if our visas would be renewed or not. Here Nadia plays with some new friends. It's always so amazing (and wonderful) to hear her chatting away in Indonesian.

The older girl is trying to tell Nadia that "the water comes out that end there, and don't point it at me when i turn it on." Nadia didn't quite get all that. :)

Sulawesi is known for its beautiful snorkeling locations. We mostly just swam (swum?) and enjoyed a morning at the beach - while still waiting on our visas. It was a nice way to wait.

Early this morning we left Sulawesi for home. While in transit, passing through Jakarta -Surprise! Delayed again. But never fear - Dunkin' Donuts is here! Well... there... at the Jakarta airport. Reportedly, our flight was delayed this time because President Obama's flight was coming in, and all flights were being put on hold until he was safely landed and disembarked. I highly doubt, however, that his plane took 3 hours to land.

Either way, Nadia enjoyed her "pink donut", and i enjoyed some yum coffee (no, i have no idea why i'm holding the cup that way... maybe so phil could capture the entire logo? i don't know). I even had a donut! (my dad is shaking his head in wonder right now...).