I just came back from Bali on Sat. It was an 8 days trip with my kids and I had the best fun ever. Teachers usually dread going for work trips cos we are responsible for the kids and it is a pretty heavy responsibility. But I actually looked forward to the trip cos my kids were all going with me. And the trip did not disappoint.

For 8 days, I saw the most beautiful scenery ever. And the hospitality of the Balinese was amazing. People in Bali are not very well to do, but the the extent of their hospitality puts me to shame. We visited one of the schools in Bali, and the students there were so generous, and kind, and went out of their way to make my kids and me confortable. The Balinese students even bought me gifts! I was so embarrassed cos I was not expecting anything from them so I did not bring anything from them.

Bali is spectacular. I dont know why it took me so long to visit. The beaches were amazing. We went to 4 beaches altogether: Sanur Beach, Gumicik Beach, Kuta Beach and Uluwatu Beach. I have to say my favourite was the Uluwatu Beach cos the scenery was mind blowing. Reminded me a little of Melbourne's Great Ocean's Road. I was actually disappointed with Kuta Beach cos there is so much hype about it, but it was overly crowded and things were so expensive there! Rip offs. I also lvoed Tanah Lot, with the Temple by the water. Really beautiful.

We also managed to watch the traditional Balinese dances. One was the Kecak Dance (I was actually firghtened by the experience cos the dancers looked a little possessed) and the other was the Barong and Kris Dance. The dance, costumes, movements, they were all so intricate, with a lot of attention to details. Really interesting. They took a lot of stories from the Mahabaratha and Ramayana, a lot of Hindu influences. Not surprising as Bali has a 97% Hindu community.

We also did a lot of shopping! Which I loved, of course. The sundresses there were like crazy cheap. Given my skills at bargaining, I managed to cut prices to half price! LOL! I am such an auntie. So I managed to buy about 6 sun dresses, each dress costing approximately $6. Crazy cheap. And I bought a lot of other random things as well, gifts for my family, singlets, t shirts, accessories. :) I was a happy camper.

One of the most memorable part of the trip was the trek up the mountains. This was at Kintamani. We had to wake up at 3am, and started the trek at about 4am. It was cold, and we were all bundled up in jackets. The climb up the mountain was supposed to take 2 hrs. But cos I wanted to be with my boys, I did the trek with them. My boys are made up of rugby players, basketball players and track and field members. So they are supremely fit and were really fast. And cos I wanted to keep up with them, and of course, I didnt want to fall behind amd make them stop with me, I went as fast as them. But my boys are angels. There were 2 boys in front of me, and 3 boys behind me. Just to make sure I was ok and protected from the front and back. And every now and then, they would ask me, 'Ms Khai, u ok? Wanna stop?' :) How can I not love them? Of course, I kept up with them (thank god for all the gymming and running that I do), we managed to complete the whole hike up in an hr and 15 mins. I was drenched in sweat but the view from the top of the mountain was just spectacular. So worth the climb. With my boys, I saw the sun rising in all its glory, and they were all seated next to me, drinking hot tea, taking pictures, and at times, just keeping silence, enjoying the view, and for me, the company of my kids. :)

So yes, the trip was a really good one. Didnt feel like a work trip at all. Great shopping, great views, great scenery.....But the best part of the trip for me? Being with my babies. :) They were so wonderful. Kept me entertained in the long coach rides with countless of stories, made sure I ate properly, served me food on my plates during meals, had long conversations with them at night, where they shared stories with me, the experiences we had together will always be something I hold close to my heart. I was constantly laughing throughout the trip, and never once did I lose my patience or temper with them. Each and everyone of them, made the trip so memorable, always making it a point to make sure Im always laughing, and happy, and well. Always offering to carry my bags, picked up flowers for me cos they knew how much I loved flowers, taking pictures of me when I wasnt looking, always talking above each other to tell me stories, I was so happy during this trip. And when we had to leave, I was actually sad cos I had to say goodbye to them.

So yes, I had a wonderful trip and I thank God for bringing my kids into my life. I love them all very much! :)

At the Bali Airport, when we first reached.

The boys, in my room at Kuta.

With Mr Teh and Kathy, the teachers who accompanied the kids with me.

Waiting for the kids at the hotel pool.

At Gumicik Beach, the Black sand beach. Waves were huge.

Sanur Beach

The girls. Adorable.

Tanah Lot

Bali Cultural Centre

Bali Bombing Memorial

Kuta Beach

With the Balinese students

My kids, learning the Balinese dance.

Lunch at this gorgeous place.

Bali Cultural Park

Uluwatu Beach

Jimbaran, where we had dinner by the beach. Stunning. Probably one of my favourite places.

Tanjong Benoa, where there were huge turtles. And lots of birds, which I was mortified by.

The boat ride to Tg Benoa

My kids had a blast playing the water sports. Wanted to join but was stressed cos they were in the water and I wanted to make sure they were alright.

The hotel we stayed in at the foot of the mountain. Spectacular view.Toilet was disgusting though.

Hot springs

At the top of the mountain. I looked gross!

The guide who helped me up the mountain

Our stay in Ubud was at this beautiful and quaint village known as Ketut Place. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful with all the greenery and flowers.

Dancers from the Kecak Dance

The door to at Ketut's Place with its intricate wood carvings.

Breakfast by the pool. Banana pancake and juice. Yum.

We also stopped by a Batik painting where I got my singlet hand painted.

The final product. Free hand painting. Took the lady less than a minute to draw this for me.

On our way back at the airport with the two teachers, together with our local guide, Duna who was wonderful and Kumar our Singapore guide who was a riot. :)

My babies, exhausted on the plane home.:)