George and I took a ferry from Singapore on Sunday, Nov 5:

George cleverly set up a day long tour with Din. He took us around his island (Batam) in an air conditioned car and was an informative and friendly guide. Also my mind was blown, I may have mentioned that.

Here is Din:

Welcome to Batam (Din took most of the Sarah/George shots below):

First stop: huge Buddhist temple with multiple happenings including a room full of children singing (and proud parents observing), gift shop (too overwhelming to buy anything), huge buddhas all over, and even a wedding:

Next stop, Magical Bird Nest which apparently promotes wellness. this was George’s reaction (we did not spend money here either):

Then on to the really, really tiny houses (really!):

Next stop, coffee!! We did purchase some of that yum!

Then a lovely batik store:

Next was yet another feast for the eyes (and the nose), the wet market:

Can you tell I could not stop taking photos? So many things in such small stalls!

OK, next, finally lunch – with a view of the sea – oh so lovely!

On to the bridge that goes to another island, but that has become a hangout spot – one whole lane devoted to parking, hawking, fishing, and partying (that is Din on the left).

And a final stop at a small village where Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians coexist peacefully.

That wasn’t even everything, but a good taste of the tour. Now I’ll drop in photos taken mostly from the car or nearby our stops. Yes, more mopeds than Singapore.

Last one is a cool design from the morning at the ferry port in Singapore. I have to stop somewhere, right, oh, maybe one more of awesome clouds (and cute structures) coming into Batam. LOVED both ferry rides! What a great adventure and peek into another country. Thank you, George and Din!