Throwback Thursday: Bali with Mom

Mom loved to travel. We traveled a lot when I was growing up. We always went to the beach for family vacations. We used to go to Bicol a lot and spent summers by the beach. She particularly loved to go to the beach because that's where she grew up. 

We had a family vacation in Bali a few years ago. We got a villa since it was cheaper than booking several hotel rooms. Kuya, Ate Joy, Sweetie's Dad came too and Tita Rose decided to join us last minute. It was a fun, relaxing vacation. We enjoyed the private pool and spent most of our time in the villa. We were pampered since the villa came with helpers and they would prepare food for us when requested. 

Since we've been around Bali already, we just went out a few times. We went to Ubud and ate at a farm along the way. Skipped the monkey sanctuary since there were monkeys in the villa already. We just went to the market and walked around. It rained so we didn't stay too long. We luckily had a great driver to bring us around (a referral from a friend). 

It was surreal to eat by the beach again. We used to eat there a lot in 90s and only stopped going to Bali because of the tragedies that happened in the early 2000s. Also because the airplane we took crashed a week later. I remembered the family trips we used to do. The kids were all so small back then and it was always a riot making sure no one got lost. I felt sad that so much tragedy happened where we had so many happy family memories. 

Mom was so happy during that trip. It was our last big family vacation together. The year after we went to Tagaytay and then the pandemic happened after. We wanted to bring her with us to Bohol last year, but she didn't want to leave her house. It was a blessing because the boys were infected with the coronavirus from the plane ride home. 

Dinner by the beach.

We have good memories from Bali and I'm glad we were able to do it that time. I realize I never blogged about that trip since I was so busy at work and I faced a lot of health issues after that trip. I miss Mom and I know she's watching over us with Dad. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Dusk in Bali

My forehead's peeling! I don't recall this happening to me ever and I didn't even swim when I was in Bali. I just spent approximately 15 minutes by the sea shore of Kuta Beach to catch the sunset. It's a sign though... I need a real vacation!

My First Camel Ride

It's been quite some time since I tried something new (minus trips!). I was doubtful at first about riding a camel. I've seen them in zoos and photos. Thought it would be the same as riding an elephant which I did in Taman Safari in Jakarta a few years back.

I watched Henky and his brother get on the camel first. Took some photos and then they went around for a short ride. One thing I noticed though, the camel sounded like it was complaining. They were both bellowing/growling (not sure about the right term).



It was kinda scary, but I gamely got on the camel. I held on for dear life when the camel stood up. It took its sweet time to stand on all four legs and the caretaker told me to lean back so I don't fall off. And I finally got up with a flourish!

And more photos with Henky and his brother (doing the Henky pose of course!).

There was a newly married couple who were having their nuptial photos taken by the beach. Met two folks who were part of the entourage and so we took the chance to have photos taken with them. The photographer was Henky's wedding photographer (what a small world!).

Oh, and wanted to greet my dear friend, Chare a happy, happy birthday!