After a great visit with my family in Munich I once again boarded an aircraft to slowly make my way home. My first stop was in KL - only to catch another flight to Bali where I was meeting up with my gorgeous Becky for 10 days. We had a wonderful invitation to say at a friend's beautiful Balinese villa for the duration. One of my favourite parts of this villa was my outdoor bathroom and shower. 
Daily I stood under the blue sky and relished the waterfall coming out of a statue that was my shower. It was just heaven and in the evening listening to the sounds of the jungle just over the wall enhanced every minute. I had never stayed in the Ubud area and was just mystified by its beauty and earthiness. In previous visits to Bali, we always stayed in Kuta or Legian just like all the other tourists, but Ubud is really something. Its busier now of course but the village is filled with really healthy cafes and restaurants. It is now a mecca for the health conscious wanting "green" smoothies and organic food. I was in my element!!!
Becky had just completed her "500 hour" Yoga Instructors course (most instructors are 200 hour) with another add on to her qualifications specializing in yoga for pregnant women too! You go girl!!! She is now offering classes in Singapore where they have now settled for a while. Her 30th birthday was imminent so we celebrated early.
The night started with sunset cocktails at a DIVINE beach bar and then the two of us got changed into our "dinner clothing" and ate at a very swanky restaurant in Seminyak with tables right on the beach! I had booked a "table for two" water front and we sat lavishing the wonderful Balinese night sipping cocktails and devouring a sensational seafood platter whilst she unwrapped her box of birthday gifts! Much to her embarrassment the staff all came out singing "Happy Birthday" with a dessert, candles and flowers! It was a memorable night!
Our stay in Ubud was just heavenly. We enjoyed regular Balinese massages, our daily swim and yoga exercises, (yes, I am learning them!) shopping in Ubud and visiting areas of Bali I had not seen for years, like Uluwatu....the famous surfing spot.
We rode around on the scooter Bec rented. I knew my friends would be horrified at me riding pillion behind Bec - only singlet, shorts and thongs. Nothing to protect us but our simple helmets. I had total faith in her bike riding ability and we "hooned" around amongst the crazy 1000's of Balinese bike riders laughing all the way. I just adored Wayan, the housekeeper at the villa and she invited us to her home and meet all her family. Her husband took us for a long river walk. I didn't realise he meant we would be walking IN THE RIVER, but often with no track we had to wade in it.........it was magic, being in the mountain areas, rather remote and without tourists around. It was a part of Bali that I am sure many visitors never see.
The photo below is of Wayan and her family on their motor bike! Side saddle with thongs and no helmets........Balinese style!
Our Balinese visit came to an end so we headed back for another flight to Singapore and their new apartment. Their breezy two-level apartment is on the tenth floor over-looking their HUGE swimming pool and a beautiful art deco building across the way.
AJ had just moved them in, so the two of us finished off much of the settling in with a decent nudge of items bought at Ikea. I never realised what a super place Ikea can be.....great for linen, kitchen bits and pieces and decorator items. The three of us had a wander around Singapore and I took them out for a very delicious Sunday brunch at an art deco cafe/restaurant in Singas central! That week seemed to fly by and before I knew it I was in a taxi wiping away tears as I waved good-bye to my gorgeous two young ones.......It felt so good seeing them, their life is well on track, they laugh a lot and you can feel the love between them. They are getting married here in Melbourne on Sunday 3rd March at a magnificent white Victorian National Trust home........bring it on I say, bring it on!!!
As you can see - Singapore is a very modern city!!
How gorgeous is my girl and her adorable man!!!
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