More hanging bridges

One evening in Miri we took the kids to the City Park before dinner. The park has a good playground but the attraction for us are the hanging bridges which are very high up and pretty thrilling for the kids and me!

This picture was taken last week

We came here on our previous trip to Miri in August and took the pictures below but I never got round to posting them. It's only been five months but note on the pictures below how much younger they all look.

I see a little Donncha 

Donncha and Sitty chose not to join us!

New Friends

One of the things we love about being on holiday is the possibility of meeting new people and the children making new friends. So on our first day by the pool we were delighted to met Dara and her parents John and Linda I'Anson who had come to holiday in Borneo all the way from Santa Monica, California! Jack and Dara got on immediately and played the whole holiday with the exception of a couple of days when the I'Anson's made a trip. Iman, Jack and Ayden all missed Dara while they were away and we were all happy to see them again.

John and Linda - it was great to meet you guys and Dara. We can't promise we will be in California anytime soon but keep in touch and we hope to meet again.

One lobster too many...

On the Sunday we were in Miri, some friends drove up from Brunei and we had lunch at Dragon Seafood, a fantastic and inexpensive seafood restaurant. So good was the place that we went back another 2 evenings with the kids. On this afternoon we had prawns, squid and four big lobsters, well there were 14 of us in total! 

All admiring the first lobster before tucking in! It was so good.

Miri Pt2 - the pool

Most of our days were spent by the pool and the kids had a ball.

Most days we would have to drag Ayden out when he got too cold. He was wanted to "wim".

And jump in and out

Jack too had new tricks

Iman did well to master her new snorkelling kit though I just did not want to know what she could see in the kids pool!

After a couple of days Jack got confident and even took off his floaties in the kids pool 

The "noodles" were a great idea and a big hit with all!

And Iman got better tackling the giant "sea monster" pool inflatable

Miri Pt1 - The Lambir Hills

During our week away in Miri we were very lucky with the weather and only had one morning that was too wet to spend by the pool. But the weather further away looked promising so we packed everyone into the car and headed out to the Lambir Hills a National Park with trails and waterfalls just outside Miri.

The kids loved this suspension bridge

But not everyone did

This was the first waterfall of a series of 3

The Latak Waterfalls - the main one on the trail we followed. It was gentle walk up and well worth it. On the way back I felt adventurous and decided on another trail for more waterfalls but after 10 minutes walking we rechecked the guide and this "shortcut" would have taken over an hour! So we swiftly turned around and by the time we got back to the car it was very hot and the kids just wanted to go home!

I

Probably our last holiday with these two. Narima wants to go home this year and Sitty is pregnant so will be taking some time off.

New Year's in Miri

The McCarthy Family wishes all our family and friends a Happy New Year and all the best in 2009!

We have now been away for five days which explains for the lack of posts. Most days have been spent by the pool - today was a record for us staying at the pool from 10am to 5pm with only Ayden going up for a nap. We have also had a couple of fantastic dinners at a nearly seafood restaurant. We're here for another couple of days before heading home Friday. Donncha heads out Sunday and Iman and Jack go back to school Monday. Till then we're still chilling.

Our Christmas Day

Here are pictures from the big day. The kids had a fantastic day and it was great to see them so excited. Our day started with Santa's presents at 6:30 am - the kids loved their presents - thanks Santa, till next year! Lunch was fairly straightforward and stress free except Donncha did have a turkey moment! We then had family presents time which has become a regular feature on our Christmas days. The kids then spent the rest of the afternoon playing with their new toys. And in the evening we had friends round for more food!

The moment the kids have been waiting for - Santa's presents are under the tree!!!

"Wow", "A fire scooter", "Roller blades", "Golf", "Cool"

On Skype to Grannie and Grandad in Ireland

Jack can't wait for lunch

Roller blade queen!

Nearly ready

All pose for a family photograph but Ayden has other plans!

Patiently waiting for presents

And Ayden get's the first one

Iman and my mum make bracelets from the kit Aunty Eilis and Aunty Mairead sent

O Christmas Tree

I just snuck downstairs and it looks like Santa's just been. So many exciting gifts under the tree and I can't wait to see the three little faces in the morning. Good night everyone and Happy Christmas!

Christmas Hash

It was my first Christmas hash last night. The run was good but the OnOn that followed at Siggy's was excellent. We sang some songs and also did the "Secret Santa" - everyone that came brought a wrapped gift - no less than $10. When your name was pulled out the hat you got to rummage and choose a present. The hares and hosts then treated us to a fantastic turkey dinner which was superb - hope my turkey turns out that good on Christmas day. On on!

The hares - Gaby, Siggy and Bettina

Face to face with a green serpent!

Yesterday was probably one day in the jungle that I dreaded would ever happen. We were up on the Mentiri road, probably one of my favorite walks. I have previously ran the area once on a hash followed by marking it on a walk. I am familiar with the walk now and yesterday was able to lead it confidently. We started off on a fab note, we saw baby spiders in a web and birds were singing for us. It was a cool morning and the jungle was more beautiful than usual. About three quarters way through, Carolyn and I were chatting in front when Margaret came forward to swiftly push us ahead and get the other 3 to come through quickly . None of us knew what was going on or what Margaret had seen but she stopped us and said that we had all just walked past a snake on a branch basking in the sun. 

I WALKED PAST IT!!!! All I can say is I am glad that I did not spot it first cos I would have screamed and screamed!!! 

Seven years Margaret has been walking in the jungle and she has never seen a snake. Of course she wanted to go back so she leashed her dog and Carolyn held on to her whist I stood there shaking. Meanwhile the others crept back to admire the snake and take pictures. I was happy to walk away and even thought of passing my camera to one of the others but I would never have forgiven myself to pass the opportunity so I crept us off the path and shakily took the pictures. What a beauty but so much fear in me! Naj said she wished she took a picture of fear in my face. Following opinions from others we reckon it was viper but one that had just had a big meal thus no interest in moving. I must admit I suddenly lost my nerve walking freely in the jungle and needed a helping hand but what do I expect it is a jungle with wild creatures afterall!

A gathering of friends

Last saturday Donncha and I hosted a pre-Christmas party. It was raining cats and dogs and we couldn't use the outside area we had fabricated so we had our 50 guests crammed into the house. Surprisingly it worked really well and we had excellent reviews of the evening. And the fish and chips served fresh from the van was a real winner. Thank you to all that came and made the evening a good one for all of us. Till next year!

Jan, Siggy, Yurgen and Nellie

Ulrich and Naj

Fanny, Emmanuel, Eleanor, Zeina & Donncha

SanSan, Bettina, Donncha and Tina