Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 49 years married
We get a note from Paulina, wondering if we want to stay overnight at Chanaya Resort, her beautiful mountainside getaway. Sure. We don't know what to expect, except that we've eaten there on the way back from hiking. We had wonderful pasta made by Chef Daniel on our anniversary last year. Paulina confirms that he's working today. Cool.
First, we get a call from the hiking group. They're done in the hills, so would we like to meet them for lunch? Yes, please! I call a few other "missing" hikers and we eat together. It's a treat to see everyone after so long. They've had a hot sunny hike, typical during dry season. The food is good at
Ayam Balarasa across the street from the Project. The group surprises us by buying our lunch as an anniversary gift.
I've got follow-up appointments with a cardiologist and a neurologist in the early afternoon. My brain skipped 2 hours last week; I have no memory of that time but I asked W what happened. (Not much, some repetition and I forgot part of the past weeks.) Since I process "late" after trauma, I was expecting something to show up but had no idea what was coming. W lost his speech 6 weeks earlier so the episode was right on time. My brain needed a break and a reset, I guess.
I stayed overnight in the hospital. All tests were normal. However, the docs asked me to wear a portable ECG for 3 days. "Take it off Sunday," they said. "We'll pick it up Monday." And that's what happened. Today we picked up the ECG results at the hospital clinic and took them to the doctors' offices.
At separate appointments in the same clinic, the doctors smile and tell us: "There's nothing wrong. You're doing very well. For our records, do you still prefer to eat chia seeds instead of taking a blood thinner?"
Thanks for the good news. And yes, chia over meds any day. We're done in no time, praying a blessing over one of the doctors before leaving.
We head for the mountains above the city and are checked into a beautiful cabin at the 5-star resort.
The villa is secluded, nestled among towering trees and swaths of enormous bamboo.
Inside, it is spacious and cool despite the hot weather. We turn off the air conditioning and take our key out as we explore the natural surroundings. No need to waste electricity.
"We're too old for a tent," we told Paulina. The villa is one of three that share a warm plunge pool but the other guests are staying in various glamping areas tonight. The water is warm and soothing. After a busy few weeks, we totally relax.
Chanaya Resort Bandung is an animal lover's paradise. As we walk through the grounds, we spot a civet clinging to a worker's shoulders.
The spotted deer enclosure is large. They're shaded by many kinds of trees.
We have vouchers to feed the animals, but choose to admire as others feed them. There's an owl stand.
The peacocks and owls are put to bed in a huge aviary.
The sheep, happily roaming during the day, come baaaack to a big paddock for the night.
Even the guinea pigs hunker down in their long enclosure.
The chef says they'll serve dinner poolside. The table is decorated for our anniversary, the barbecue is on, and as the sun sets, we step onto the landing.
The candles light the way.
We feel spoiled and cared for.
The chef explains each of the four courses. They are skillfully presented: the colorful plating makes everything taste doubly good!
The main course is a new steak and pasta dish that will be added to the menu in a few weeks. W hasn't had beef in 7 weeks, so he's delighted.
At evening's end, we agree that this has already been the most romantic gift we've ever received.
Friday
We wake after a very comfortable night. W checks the mattress brand. Ours is wearing out at home and it may be time for a new one.
We walk up mostly even concrete steps (not a given here) to breakfast.
What a view!
I overlook the egg station but the noodles are delicious.
We walk back down a stone path through another part of the forest.
A shuttle passes and the driver asks if we want a ride. No thanks. Feels good to move, though it's 15 storeys up and back. Thank God for healthy knees.
The surroundings are peaceful and sooo so green. It feels like we're miles from anywhere, a mere 25 minutes from our home
I relax in the pool while W reads nearby.
Nia is a fantastic masseuse. W treats me to a massage from the spa. Nia knocks on the door at 10. Oh! owww! That's arguably the best work-over I've had in years. After she leaves, W urges me to take a final warm plunge in the pool. It doesn't take much persuasion.
With late checkout, there's time for a shower before we walk down to lunch in the valley below. The spinach fettuccine is amazing. After yesterday's big meal and this morning's breakfast, I ask to take half home.
For dessert, we sip Forest Blend tea and enjoy a shortbread cookie with a real pansy centered in the icing. The presentation of every dish is a work of art. As a visual person, I feel indulged by the thoughtful details. Who chose the little teapot and cup? Who decided on the wooden rounds for the strainer and the cookie? (And who designed the logos and spaces?) It's a vacation for my soul.
Rather than walking, we take the funicular rail to the check-out desk at the top of the resort. The young staffers are friendly and fun to talk to. They amuse us all the way up.
Before we leave, we're handed a traditional game of
congklak. Variations are played by children across SE Asia. It is perfect for the upcoming Games Night. (Will I finally learn the rules?)
As we put our carry-on luggage in the car, we can hardly take in what we've experienced. "No one deserves this kind of gift," we say to each other. We have reflected on the goodness of God and the joy of family. We have prayed for those around us. We have eaten beautiful, delicious food. And we have rested.
How much we appreciate the love and kindness of our friends, starting at lunch yesterday through today. Their unexpected thoughtfulness has allowed us to pause, breathe deeply away from our obligations, and share an unforgettable anniversary with each other.
Daniel sees us to our car and says, "Next year at 50, come back and let us really spoil you!" We don't know how more would be possible. He lives near us so we hope to host him and his family at the Project sometime soon.
Thanks be to God! for the good news of my ongoing health. And thank you, dear hiking friends, Paulina, Daniel, Nia, and the Chanaya team for renewing our spirit with your generosity.
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From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 Worship him, who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water. Revelation 14:7
Creator God, from dawn to dusk, your name is worthy of all praise. You formed the heavens, the earth, and the waters deep. May our worship rise like the sun, declaring your glory in all creation, now and forever. Amen.
