TRI-ATHLON (trifactor series 2009)

BALI RETREAT (28-30 Aug 09)

When we work, we work hard, we earn and feel that mission accomplished.

There is no need to act how busy and how deligent, boss sure knows how to judge. For that we were on flight to Bali for surprise retreat.

Once we were in Ngurah Rai Airport Denpasar, I could immediately notice Eric Li, with his shiny bald head trademark and a huge cheeky smile that makes people so comfortable.

2 SUV cars with the 'Heavenly residence' decal were in the parking lots waiting for us to load our 'barang-barang' in. Phew!! glad we were here!

The drive to 'Heavenly Residence' was pleasant, full of excitement in the car, we only noticed that we were in the middle of nowhere once we hit the quite uphill road without much light, we were there about 8pm (it's dark already). Passing thru winding road, finally we were in the entrance of secluded Villas with a very strong aroma of the sea.

Getting of the car, quiet sense engulf us, a buttler approaced and showed us the door to on of the villa. Once I stepped in... the only words came out of me was: 'Oh My God' (which was also the actual name of the Villa). It was beautiful, a huge private pool with jacuzzy overlooking the calmness of the sea below. A romantic 'Balai-Balai surrounded with Tiki Torches and comfy long dinner table readyfor us. We were greeted with cheerful familiar faces. Soon we were entertained by the gracious baliness dancers. Beautiful!

Once we were seated, dinner was served menu of the day was the sumptuous Babi Guling (roasted whole pig baliness style). Champagne and wine flowing freely along with the spicy wonderful meal.

The people, atmosphere, the propes.. the sea the scents.. everything was so perfect. We were chatting till very late. When everyone finally decided to call off the nite, I decided to hang out a little in the pool area. I couldn't resist not to swim, I swam quite awhile till I could feel my shoulders heavy.

That nite I was too excited to sleep. I went out a while, sit around the pool reading my Clive Cussler. I guess I needed to knock off too, went to my bed and almost went to my dream when I heard knocks on the door, Susan my roomate opened the door and there was Albert, with his pillows, saying he was afraid of the dark, Goodness. We let him curl on the floor, soon he snored like crazy and at the end I couldn't sleep.

Early morning I decided to don my running attire and had a good hog around the hills. It was a very wise decision, I enjoyed so much, occasionally there was a number of school children ran along and greeted me with their innocence smile. This was wonderful life! The area was deserted, the air was so clean and the few villagers were super friendly.

Follow on our stay in the Villa, we were treated really like stars. Eric and Clara as well as the Staff were such a great people. We trully enjoyed the retreat, not to forget to mention, dr. Wong and Mrs Wong who have always been very nice and understanding Boss.