June, 2015

Ah, travelling. My love for it never dies and nothing will stop me from doing it. And rightly so, it looks like Ava is taking after me…she walked those rough and busy streets of Bali like a boss. She rode an elephant like it was a Shetland pony. She climbed up and down hillsides to see far-flung temples and the only complaint she made at the end was “wow, I’m really sweaty!”. She captured the heart of every single person she met….often being called “Princess Arva”. She did reply once that no, she wasn’t a Princess but was a blue dragon, causing confusion all round.

I never ever wanted to travel to Bali, until a last minute decision back in 2008 led me there. This was my 3rd trip there – I keep away from the real touristy areas and I have fallen completely in love with its beauty, and mostly with the people. I have been to over 40 countries in my travels, and the Balinese are without a doubt, the friendliest lot I’ve encountered, and have the most beautiful smiles possible. I was lucky enough to share this holiday with my oldest friend (we’ve been friends since kindergarten!), and I’m happy to say she has inherited the same feelings.

Sunrise in the rice fields

We stayed just out of Ubud in a village surrounded by rice fields.

These girls saw Ava and ran over to ask if she would be in their photo.

Hindu devotees being purified in Holy Water, Tirta Empul Temple

Mt. Batur Volcano

Tanah Lot

Ava after receiving a blessing from the local elders. Tanah Lot.

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot