The Rowley Polies: Bali, Baby

Being not only my father's child, but also his protege in all things travel, Tom and I have been sitting on a surplus of frequent flier miles. Since our five-year anniversary was coming up, we tossed a few ideas for a trip around until we landed on the one: Bali. We started planning at the very beginning of the year when my dad was sick but not yet hospitalized. He had already made a complete itinerary for Bali and I can still hear his voice telling us he was jealous.

So after all was said and done, we somehow managed to peel ourselves away from Claire while she stayed with her grandmas. I may have shed a tear while talking to the ticket counter employee, but after that I was good!

As a bit of a tribute to my dad, we did a lot of the things on his list but also made it our own. We stayed at a really nice, four-star hotel in Ubud that set us back a whopping $30 USD a night.

On our anniversary, we booked a full-day couple's spa package that included a four-hand massage, body scrub, flower bath, spa lunch, facial, hair treatment and pedicure. That cost us $70... Wha?!

I've never been so relaxed in my life.

We topped off the day by going to the best restaurant in Bali, Mozaic. The food was unreal. The chef incorporated tons of flavors that are native to Bali, so there was so much that was unfamiliar yet knee-bucklingly delicious. Plus, one of the courses was described as pre-dessert so how could I not love a place that understands my needs so well?

Indian Ocean tiger prawns

We spend the rest of time exploring the Elephant Cave Temple, Mount Batur, rice terraces, and monkey forests while fitting in some one-on-one time with the beach.

Rice terrace

Elephant Cave

Friendly neighborhood temple pt. 1

Friendly neighborhood temple pt. 2

Breakfast at Mount Batur

Monkey Forest in Ubud

I won't lie though, I was ready to bid the humidity adieu. So we made our way to Sydney. We were both so surprised by it. It was so clean and clear and beautiful, and I couldn't get over the architecture. Not only were there amazing New Orleans-esque homes, but really old and craggy looking buildings all mixed in with modern skyscrapers. Oh, and that one unforgettable bit of architecture...

I didn't think I would love Sydney as much as I did. I could bathe in the accents and the friendliness of the people and stare at Bondi Beach all day.