Bintan!

I intended to wait for the photos before blogging about the trip. But since I am so bored now, I shall not wait.

Compared to the previous trip, it is not as eventful. It is more relaxing though. The resort we booked (Angsana) specialises in spa and not much emphasis is placed on other activities. It can be seen from the holidaymakers there. Most of them are couples with young children or retired couples. It is a great place to relax with the other half. Pity JW is a guy. HAHA! Spoilt the entire romantic setting. ;=p
Btw I was there in a group of 4. 2 guys 2 girls.

The thing I enjoyed most on the first day was playing in the sea. The red flag was up. Rain had just stopped. The waves were big and majestic. I had never played in such big waves before. Before jumping in, I wondered if it was safe. There was this couple far out who seemed oblivious to the distance they were from shore and the large waves crashing in. I soon understood why. The seabed was shallow for a long way out and the further out you go, the more fun. We had this surfboard with us. In order to ride on the waves, we had to venture far out where the large waves were just forming. As I wandered out, the force of the waves on me got stronger. I never felt so alive when they pounded on me. The force of nature was on me! Unfortunately, wave riding is a skill not easily acquirable in a matter of minutes. There was only once when I successfully timed it correctly and the wave brought me about 50-100m . If only I could describe that feeling...

Second day was by the pool. Eager to be tanned, I lay on my back exposing my glorious body to the ever-willing sun to cook. And I fell asleep! Guess what happened next. The effects were not felt immediately. But if you can imagine the last time you had sun burn on your face or back, you might be able to understand what I'm going through right now. Sun burn on my face, neck, shoulder, chest, tummy, thighs. I had trouble sleeping last night. But it was heavenly sun-tanning by the pool. Eyes closed and hear the sound of the pool and the roar of the waves. Bored? Grab a book and read while the sun works on you. When it gets too hot, just jump into the pool of a quick swim or massage. When swimming and tanning has taken its toll, just sip the cocktail beside you and look at the girls walk past in anonymity under a pair of sunglasses. Bliss!

Talk about bliss. I never thought I would spend S$100 on a single 90min session of spa. The people there are very nice. I felt like a king. My spa was done outdoors. Full body Javanese massage. The masseurs used their fingers and palms.
Imagine this setting:
1. Soft mind-relaxing music playing.
2. Sound of waves in the distance.
3. Smell of flowers.
4. Gentle breeze on your body.
5. Very very polite masseurs massaging you.
I mean, what more can one ask. It was money well spent. At that point in time, my mind just went blank. Nothing and I mean nothing else mattered. Even if a tsunami started to stalk Bintan, I would just remain there. Such a pity it ended so quickly.

This trip is just perfect to ready myself for the start of a new year, for the start of school as well as a reward for breeezing past 2007. Relaxation? I know the meaning of it and now, I experienced true relaxation.