Wrapping Up 2024

 Not too many New Year's Parties or celebrations to show, though what a year of celebrations and so much gratitude and blessings. 

Rania graduated from ISKL.  Reeve graduated from Case Western in May before then finishing his final semester in December.  We had trips to Thailand, Indonesia, Gabi saw so much of Europe and a ton of Greece during her semester abroad, Rania got settled in Chicago for University, and the 'empty nest' started in Kuala Lumpur. 

Truly, so much to be thankful for and so many blessings.  It is also fitting to wrap up the most blog posts of any year (500+) and the month of December having the most of any month (70+).  Some of that is inflated significantly by spending less time curating videos and just uploading clips to YouTube to embed in the blog - perhaps less engaging, though much, much more efficient given the number of views to our blog is usually in the single digits. 

 So on that note, it is the final picture from the final day of a really spectacular year, for which we have so much to be thankful for. 

Airport Goodbyes

We transferred through Bali because there were no direct flights for the return.  It was time to say goodbye to Jannis Limbacher - so so wonderful to get to know him and part of the stories of making deep and incredible connections with people during memorable trips and experiences. 

He was staying in Bali for a few days before returning to Switzerland.  Gabi and I were heading back to KL for a late night arrival after a trip to remember. 

 

Return to Labuan Bajo

 The ride back to Labuan Bajo was a bit eventful, when our boat ran out of gas in the middle of the ocean.  Thankfully, we were in cell phone coverage, so he called someone from a nearby village to bring a small boat out with some extra gas so we could make it to town and to our flight. 

 

Goodbye Komodo

 It was hard to say goodbye after spending such a wonderful time at the National Park and having such a skilled guide.  

 

Returning to our boat after stepping back in time. 

On the way back down, we saw a wild boar running at the edge of the forest.  

Views!

 Wrapping up our time at the viewpoint, seeing some really incredible sights and enjoying a bit of the shade when brave enough to be close to the side of the gazebo without bothering the dragon!

Starting our walk down the path from the viewpoint. 

The colors of the ocean were absolutely stunning and the pictures do not do them justice. 

Looking down at the visitors center. 
 

What a viewpoint!

 This was a viewpoint for all viewpoints.  Combine the majestic view overlooking the bay and nearby islands with the fact that the gazebo was commandeered by a Komodo Dragon enjoying relaxing in the shade.  Wild! 

We sure were in for a surprise as we walked the short way up to the top to see a Komodo Dragon leisurely enjoying the viewpoint. That's what happens when the 1500 or so dragons on the island are free to roam wherever they want, which is as it should be in the natural world. 

So many incredible views!

 

 

Komodo Dragon Smelling & Sniffing - December 2024

Here the dragon stops for a moment, to sniff and smell, perhaps our smelliness, or perhaps to get bearings. This sequence was a definite highlight of a really special trip.

Komodo Dragon Walking - Rinca Island - December 2024

Here is another short clip of the dragon walking behind the visitor's center at Komodo National Park. Wow, what a sight!

Walking Dragons

 What an absolute treat, as the previous two videos (somewhat) show, to see a dragon walking.  Wow. 

Here are some pictures while the dragon got up and started walking away. 

We followed it for a very short time (as it walks slowly, it isn't too hard), and had a wild story to tell with Doug's camera - see previous video as well, even if was a close miss.)