Located in the mountains of Central Bali in the Bedugul region, Lake Beratan is considered a holy place by the Balinese and is a major water source for all of Bali.

When we heard that Bali was a short, inexpensive flight from Western Australia, we were intrigued. And not deterred by the statement that it was full of Aussie tourists getting drunk on cheap beer.

The Balinese solution to a heated up motorbike using an opened-up cardboard box has the advantage of being free, and you don’t have to carry it along with you.

Some full grown species of kangaroos can weigh as much as 90 kilograms (200 lb). You don’t want one coming through your windshield. They are completely unpredictable and may suddenly jump in front of your car.

Aussies like their beer. Although most things are more expensive in Australia than in the U.S., beer is particularly pricey. Local beers cost AUS$18 per six pack! So, we began our exploration slowly.

The town of Denmark in Western Australia appeals with it’s wooden boardwalks and cute shops and art galleries. There are amazing beaches and natural wonders nearby.

Growing our own vegetables while house sitting in Australia was an unexpected treat. House sitters can still do lots of activities they did at home, sometimes with unexpected results!

We’ve seen pelicans before, but were never able to get this close. These birds in Australia are huge-fully three feet tall! They have these enormous eyes that look like they were painted on.

In the classical Balinese dance called Topeng Tua the dancer performs slow dramatic gestures, including some, meant to be humorous. Performances are filled with stunning costumes and unique music.

The White-breasted Waterhen is a common sight in the rice fields of Bali, Indonesia. They feast mainly on the insects in the shallow water.