Bali

Our first proper family holiday in years was always going to be special and Bali didnt disapoint.

We have a soft spot for Bali and it was the perfect place to take Darcey for her first proper family holiday. 

Getting there was interesting. Qantas decided to change our flights at the last minute and didn't let us know. Go Qantas. Mel only realised this when checking our points for something else. They decided to send us to Melbourne first, and then to Bali. Not the best start. Then when we got to the airport, the plane was delayed. How can a plane be delayed if it hasn't come from anywhere? Pilots! Stress levels began to rise as we only had forty minutes to change planes. So, we waited and waited. The departure time for Melbourne came and went and our plane was still not ready. The realisation of losing a few days in Bali was starting to creep in.

After a few hours, we boarded our plane and hoped for the best. Thankfully, (for us) Qantas decided to hold the plane in Melbourne. On landing, we were given the VIP quick treatment to the plane. Think Darcey thought it was all very entertaining. We just wanted to get on board and get to Bali. Been almost two years in the making and we needed this holiday.

After a long day of travel, we finally arrived to the humidity of Bali. Tired yes, excited very. Just wanted to check in, sleep and start again.

Our first few days were about settling in, with lots of Buffet breakfasts, pool time, relaxing and hair braiding. Darcey went through every colour of braid during our stay. We got Darcey a floaty swim jacket and it was incredible. Totally recommend. She was able to have some independence in the water, albeit supervised. With the help of her jacket I think she spent most of the time in the pool and definitely improved her swimming skills.

Unfortunately, Bali was still reeling from the pandemic and the lack of tourism. When we arrived not much was open, but things started to pick up and when we left, things were getting back to normal. The only shame was the fact that the Hotel was running at reduced capacity, so not much was available in terms of hotel restaurants and food options. Thankfully, just outside on the main road were numerous food and entertainment options. We didn't go wanting.

Despite all this, Padma Legion is an amazing resort and somewhere me and Mel had been before. We always said to ourselves that this was the place to come with kids. You have kid's clubs, adult pools, and of course family ones. Great location and something for everyone. If the numerous pools were not enough, the beach was just outside. We made friends with a local bar owner and their dog Lau. We thought Mabel was cute with an underbite, but Lau was next level. We’d always end the day with a beer and a sunset.

We had planned our trip to coinside with our friends coming over, who were staying just down the road. So, we decided to have a day in Ubud and visit the monkey forest, which didn't disappoint. Darcey as always loved it, despite a run-in with some overzealous monkeys. I was worried they would run off with my camera or something. Afterwards, we headed to a resort-style restaurant in front of a waterfall. We then spent the evening on the beach drinking beers and building sandcastles. Can definitely get used to this way way of life.

The next day, Darcey saw a princess outfit and wanted to wear it all the time. Not often do you see a princess walking down the high street in Legian waving a wand around. The locals loved it almost as much as she did. 

Our remaining days were spent by the pool and the beach, relaxing and getting braids done. Darcey, not me. I wish. Bring on Bali next year, can’t wait to take Harvey there.