Bali was one of those places I never wanted to visit. Marred, in my mind, with visions of drunken tourists in Kuta wearing Bintang singlets and behaving badly. But as I learnt more about the place, and realised that it sounded like a place I might really like, I thought perhaps I should give it a chance. The opportunity arose in 2014 when a dear friend from London told me she was going to be staying in Ubud for an extended length of time. The opportunity to spend some time with her and find out what Bali was really like for myself, was too good to refuse. It is also came at a time when I was feeling in need of a change.

Bali seems to call to people who are feeling a little lost, in need of nurturing, of self inquiry, of change. Call it the Eat, Pray, Love phenomenon if you will! Which is how I found myself feeling after nearly three years in Sydney, having moved from my beloved London, and never quite feeling like I had found my place. I had suffered a major blow to my life plans, that of a miscarriage. I had also made the big decision to leave my job and begin working with my husband on his business, as well as devote some time to my writing, photography and design portfolio. The universe seemed to be pointing me to Ubud, so off I went! Needless to say I fell in love with the place. The beautiful people, the spiritual nature, the deep sense of ritual, gratitude, connection, the pretty rice terraces, character-filled accommodation, gorgeous homewares and amazing food. It quickly took up a place in my heart.

My days with my friend were spent eating breakfast on the balcony, attending yoga classes and retiring to cafes with new friends, wandering the shops, exploring the countryside, chatting to the friendly locals, indulging in massages, as well as some more active adventures (stay tuned for blogs on our trek to see the sunrise atop Mt Batur, our cycling trip through the countryside and my tour of the art gallery). I am very grateful I was able to have this experience in Bali whilst footloose and fancy-free.

The next time I was to return, just a few months later in mid 2014, it was with my husband, and my 13-week pregnant belly.

In the turmoil of the time, the dissatisfaction with my career and our location, and the general feeling of being a little lost, we decided we would take the plunge and leave Sydney. Having a husband whose business is location independent can be a wonderful opportunity for adventures, but having the choice to live anywhere can be crippling as well! Especially for two people who are notoriously bad at making decisions. We had spent many hours (days even!) fantasising about living in log cabin in the middle of Sweden, moving to the French Alps or buying a riad to renovate in Morocco. We were not sure what would come next, but for the time being we packed our belongings into storage and decided to spend a few months living in Bali. We spent the time in Bali working and making the most of the opportunity to experience living somewhere with a vastly different culture, environment and lifestyle to our own. Oh and preparing ourselves the best we could for the enormous change which was about to occur in our lives!

Now, two children later, and a world full of great and not so great experiences, we are heading back to Bali. It feels in a way we are turning full circle.

I look forward to showing your more of our Bali life and travels, from way back then until now.