She is working on three things right now.

Her life. Her peace. Her next trip! 

She is me! 

I’m always working on my next trip. And even the one after that. And right now, I’m not just working on it. I’m finally on it. Yay!

Embarking on a journey is always so exciting- travel is my very favourite thing. For me, it’s a feeling; a feeling I carry from one place to another. It’s hard to explain but it’s excitement and awe and a little bit of crazy… and an awareness of my privilege. Every destination holds new adventures. Whether I’m exploring hidden gems in bustling cities or finding peace and tranquillity in untouched landscapes, it’s not just about seeing new places… although I love that. It’s about experiencing the world in all its vibrant diversity… the thrill of experiencing cultures different to my own. New flavours and traditions await everywhere. And on this trip, I will be wandering through ancient streets, feeling the history beneath my feet as well as standing in awe before natures breathtaking creations. I hope this adventure will also be about making connections with people as I walk a Camino trail, and I am anticipating the stories that will be shared, and the memories we will create along the way. I will let my curiosity lead me to places I’ve never dreamed of, and let the journey shape a part of who I am. The world is vast and full of wonders and I’m very ready to explore again. Another adventure of a lifetime is just beginning. 

My first stop is somewhere I have been several times, but not for many years- and it is very much changed. I can see that from the minute we arrive… the airport is now big and impressive and pretty organised where it used to be more “shackish”.

BALI!

Some see it as a paradise, and some see it as a nightmare. I tend to err on the side of paradise… maybe with a little bit of nightmare thrown in with its soul crushing traffic jams, rubbish everywhere and unclean drinking water. But these things are common to much of Asia and the third world. And there’s something about arriving in these places… a shift in sensory perception and cultural experience. It’s kind of a mix of overwhelming and intriguing as you encounter the vibrant street markets and chaotic environments, bustling crowds, loud noises and strong aromas… diverse traditions and symbols. It can be a bit of a sensory overload when you’re used to a calmer Brisbane setting. It doesn’t really have that Eat, Pray, Love feeling to me, but you have to surrender to a new place and embrace all the feelings that it brings. And I love it… from the chaotic powerlines growing like wild vines ready to collapse under their own weight…

… to the often bougainvillea covered shrines on every second corner and the little offerings left everywhere on the streets… to the curved archways and the intricate handmade details of the penjors that line and decorate the streets… a Balinese symbol of gratitude, prosperity and the connection between heaven and earth. These details somehow speak to me on a deeper level.

Such a contrast with the often stunning boutique stores…

… beach clubs, resorts, cafes and restaurants…

… that are also now commonplace in modern Bali. 

This enchanting restaurant Penny Lane had a kind of Moroccan fairyland vibe and was just up the road from our hotel… and I did drag the kids here one evening because I couldn’t possibly leave without experiencing it’s ambience.

We also visit the famed Motel Mexicola… a vibrant and colourful Mexican restaurant that is right up my alley. Its exterior is an incredible riot of colours, instantly transporting you to the streets of Mexico and beckoning you with promises of fiesta and fun… and I’d heard it gets pretty wild here. As we walked inside, we were greeted by the lively beats of Mexican music and I was wowed once again. Anyone who knows me knows I love colour and detail and embellishment… and the interior of Motel Mexicola is a visual feast, with every inch adorned with Mexican-themed decor. It felt like I had stepped into an authentic Mexican hacienda, complete with ceramic tiles, vibrant textiles, and flickering candles… there’s even a beautiful picture of the Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico.

We had an early night, leaving before the evening transformed into a lively party venue… but Alex and Liz and friends returned late on another night when the music was louder and the energy levels up and they danced the night away literally on the tables (apparently this is normal here) soaking up the vibrant atmosphere… and the spicy margs.

I think Bali really is a place that offers something for everyone… adventure… parties… nature… spirituality… culture…massages… awesome food… cocktails. Although this won’t be my usual kind of adventurous trip… or even one filled with rejuvenating spas as I am here as a meemee/babysitter 😊…for Harvey and Grace while Alex and Liz enjoy adult only activities centred around their besties’ beautiful destination wedding.

We are staying in Canggu, which I don’t think even existed when I was last here… but it is a paradise famous for its long stretches of black sand beaches with perfect waves, clear blue waters, and chilled vibes… amazing beach clubs, street art, markets, rice fields and of course an endless number of cafes and restaurants… and day spas… and sunsets! With cocktails! And I can definitely be very happy in this humid climate to just swim everyday in our lovely resort pool and drink a cocktail or two while I watch the kids. With an occasional therapeutic aromatherapy massage thrown in. 

I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite parts of traveling is checking out local markets! Give me a good market any day over a big soulless mall. I love browsing through the artisan goods and chatting with local vendors. And there are lots of markets here selling everything from organic produce… clothing and accessories and cool home decor items (although strangely I have been unable to find a shell cross for my cross wall at home, when they used to be everywhere in Bali)… There just happened to be an amazing weekly market on at La Brisa the day we visited, which supports local vendors selling a vibrant mix of local handcrafted products and organic goods… all set among the palm trees and other tropical vegetation with definite beachside/jungle vibes.

I am included in the weddings welcome party and Liz has hired a local nanny to accompany us and watch the kids so we can all relax and enjoy the “white” party at The Lawn… one of Canggu’s many beach clubs.

More cocktails, nibbles, surf and music… breathing in the fresh ocean air, with the soundtrack of the waves rolling in… and the slowly setting sun.

I have a very early night but many of the fit30s beautiful people  definitely don’t… and end up decidedly worse for wear the next morning. 

So fantastic… but so crowded…

… and I was in awe’s even before I stepped foot into the beach club itself.

Surprisingly I was very self controlled and didn’t buy anything at all… although maybe it wasn’t so much self control as being too rushed and sadly, having no room for extras in my luggage. Travelling light is not conducive to shopping! 

La Brisa- seriously one of the coolest and most stunning places I’ve ever been!

It’s HUGE… with two pools…

… and offers comfy beanbags or cool individual group seating areas…

… delicious cocktails….

… mouthwatering tapas or pizzas and a unique blend of vintage, hippie, nautical and artistic design styles- sounds weird but it so worked for me. This enchanting rustic decor includes shells, hand-crafted materials, fishing nets, and reclaimed timber from more than 500 old fishermen’s boats. And it just radiates a perfectly magical, holiday feeling especially combined with the sun, the ocean breeze, the rolling surf and the swaying palm trees.

It is just breathtaking and I would have loved to stay for the sunset but… so much to do and so little time. 

One day I take the kids to Legian for some ‘cousin time’ as Chrissy, Danique and the kids happen to be holidaying here this week too. Mookiland keeps them busy and happy for several hours.

We also go to a local play cafe- Mai Main to pass some time without being in the pool and sun all day.

And just like that, my meemee duties are over and I’m off on a little solo adventure before flying again to Europe and meeting up with my beautiful friend Annie.