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Trikora

In what would have been our first wind-chasing trip since the kids came along, Trikora in Bintan was to have given KK his first rip-roaring gusting taste of kitesurfing. (Yes he has to go overseas to learn it) 

Our reality: A beach so still a piece of tissue wouldn’t flutter. 

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* KK and kiting instructor discussing the dismal state of wind as someone tries pathetically to have a go outside But we are oh so good at making the best out of the bad. 

THE BAD: The Bintan Cabana, a two-bedroom villa with scummy sinks and so little furniture we had to eat sitting on the floor.  

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BUT: The bedrooms had aircon! It was so great I took five hours worth of naps on Day 1 (and three hours on Day 2) and the girls gushed about being able to sleep in aircon. 

THE BAD: Food at the Bintan Cabana which consists of stale bread, what looks like leftovers from the day before and bad buffets. 

BUT: We bring our own gas burner to cook! Instant noodles and Campbell soups! It was so great the girls gush about how the (junk) food was one of their favourite parts of the trip! 

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* And lots of junk (ice cream and chips) from the convenience store 

THE BAD: Nothing to do. Devoid of the usual entertainment of all kind. There is no Internet, no Tab, no iPhone, no recreational facilities and very few people. It is a very, very quiet resort. 

BUT: We entertain each other! Day discovers the lovely mudflats unearthed every time the tide goes out and spends hours in the water searching for fish and crabs. We see starfish, hermit crabs and other creatures which make the girls squeal and wail. We all have a go on the swings hanging from the trees by the beach. 

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* Tide's out

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* Tide's in

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* With cup in hand, checking out what the adults are trying to catch 

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We actually all had a very peaceful time. 

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