So, picture this: I’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard this week, you know, trying to stay fit and all that jazz. But today, when I finally plopped down on my sofa after a particularly intense HIIT session, I realised something… my legs were not happy campers.
I attempted to get up, but it felt like my legs were staging a rebellion against me. So, naturally, I blurted out, “My legs are killing me!”
And guess who decides to chime in, none other than my wise little Chhori. She looks at me with this innocent expression and goes, “How can your legs be killing you? It’s not like they have a knife!”
Seriously, folks, I was speechless. 😂 Anyway, just another day in the life of a fitness enthusiast trying to navigate the hazards of post-workout soreness!
And just like that, my beautiful boy turns 5 today.
I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday you were a tiny bundle in my arms, and now you’re a big boy with a heart full of love and a spirit full of adventure. I love you so much, and I am so grateful that you came into our lives to complete our family.
Dear Chhora,
Thank you for choosing me to be your mum. From the moment I first held you, I saw so much in your eyes that it brought tears to mine.
I love it when you say “I love you” 100 times a day. Each time, it melts my heart anew. I love it when you shower me with kisses; every one of them is precious to me.
As you grow older, I see your personality shining through—gentle, fun-loving, and outgoing. I adore every bit of who you are becoming, and I am so proud to be a part of your life.
Your curiosity and zest for life are truly inspiring. Whether you’re building blocks, drawing your favourite characters, or simply running around the garden with boundless energy, you bring so much joy and laughter into our home. Watching you discover the world has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
I love how you always try to make everyone around you smile, whether it’s with a funny joke or a kind gesture. Your heart is as big as your smile, and you have a way of making even the simplest moments special.
I am amazed by how much you’ve grown in these five years, not just in height but in wisdom and kindness. You have a bright future ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will achieve.
Please stay the wonderful, loving boy you are. Keep dreaming big and never lose your sense of wonder. Remember that you are loved more than words can express, and we will always be here to support you, cheer you on, and love you unconditionally.
After our brunch at Muglan, we decided to take the kids to watch the planes take off and land at The Grand Parade in Brighton-Le-Sands. We used to live around this area, and it has always been one of my favourite activities.
Located just south of Sydney Airport, Brighton-Le-Sands Beach is part of Lady Robinsons Beach and is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a sunny reprieve with beautiful views. At the end of the beach, you are so close to Sydney International Airport that you can see the planes land and take off up close. I’ve always loved this spot. You can get some amazing landing photos of planes, and the area is surrounded by a beautiful beach. Parking here is easy, and the walk to the plane spotting spot is straightforward. The beach is lively, filled with people fishing, and the nearby rock pools are great to explore and spot wildlife such as crabs, fish, and seagulls.
We walked along the rocks and found a perfect spot where we could see the planes take off and land. We saw some big aircraft, and the kids got incredibly excited.
We spent some time just waiting for the next plane and then the next. The thrill of watching each plane ascend and descend was exhilarating for the kids and nostalgic for us.
It was a beautiful sunny day with a clear blue sky, making it the perfect time to spend with the kids. The weather was ideal for plane spotting, and the joy on the kids’ faces was priceless. The sound of the waves crashing and the sight of the planes soaring made it a memorable experience.
On the way back to the car park, we stopped at the kids’ playground where the kids had a blast while we took a moment to rest. The playground was well-equipped and safe, providing a fun diversion for the little ones. It was a really nice family time together.
Have you ever been to Brighton-Le-Sands for plane spotting? Share your experience!
For the autumn school holidays, we decided to take a trip to the Blue Mountains, a picturesque region located about 100 kilometres west of Sydney. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially in autumn when the landscape is adorned with vibrant yellow, orange, and brown leaves. The Blue Mountains have always been a popular destination for us to show to our overseas visitors. However, this time we decided to stay for a few days and explore the area ourselves.
We spent our days exploring the numerous attractions the area has to offer. One of the highlights was visiting the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, which provided us with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.
We also enjoyed a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, offering a thrilling descent through lush rainforest.
Another unforgettable experience was gliding between cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway. This 720-metre journey offers the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary, and Jamison Valley. Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, the breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor.
As they stepped onto the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway at Blue Mountain, the kids initially froze, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation. The transparent surface revealed the dizzying drop below, making their hearts race. Clinging to each other and to the railing, they hesitated, their nervous laughter betraying their fear.
However, as the initial shock wore off, curiosity began to replace their anxiety , they started peeking down at the forest and waterfall far below. Suddenly, the fear turned to exhilaration. They giggled and pointed out the tiny trees and winding trails beneath them, marvelling at the unique perspective. The glass floor, once a source of fear, became a thrilling experience, and they began to move around with increasing confidence, enjoying the breathtaking views from their lofty perch.
We also experienced the Scenic Cableway, a 510-metre journey that gently descends into the Jamison Valley before returning to the top of the escarpment. The fully enclosed cabin offers a unique vantage point for viewing iconic rock formations including the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, and Mt Solitary. It is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. The Cableway disembarks directly onto the Scenic Walkway, allowing visitors to experience the temperate rainforest.
We took advantage of the many walking tracks, such as the Katoomba Falls track, where we were greeted by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
The crisp autumn air and the crunch of leaves underfoot made our walks even more enjoyable.
One of the most exciting activities for the children was Gruffalo Spotting on one of the walking tracks.
This interactive experience brought the beloved storybook character to life as we followed a trail and used an app to spot the Gruffalo and other characters from the story hidden throughout the garden. The kids were thrilled to see their favourite characters, and the adventure added an extra layer of fun to our visit.
Overall, our autumn holiday to the Blue Mountains was a memorable experience, filled with natural beauty, adventure, and family fun. It was the perfect getaway to enjoy the seasonal splendour and create lasting memories with the kids.
Have you ever been to the Blue Mountains area? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience! If not, be sure to add this stunning destination to your must-visit list for your next trip to Sydney.
We finally took the plunge and headed to Bali, and I regret waiting so long to visit this tropical paradise. Despite Bali being a top destination for Aussies, it hasn’t always had the best reputation here. The Bali bombings and high-profile drug cases had made many Australians, including me, a bit wary about travelling there. But I’m thrilled to report that our trip was absolutely amazing, and I’ve got a heap of stories to share with you!
We explored stunning temples, breathtaking waterfalls, and lush gardens. Our entire family had a blast. But before we dive into our adventures, let me write about how we prepped for our Bali trip as a family of four.
Our Preparation Checklist for Bali with Two Kids (Ages 4 and 9):
Passport Validity: Made sure our passports were valid for at least six months from our arrival date in Indonesia.
Visas:
For us Aussies, we got a visa on arrival for AUD $52 each.
For AS with a Nepali passport, we sorted out a visa through a travel agent in Sydney, which cost AUD $390.
Travel Insurance: Bought comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected events.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions: Visited our GP and got all the recommended vaccinations, costing about AUD$500 for the whole family.
Medications and First-Aid Kit: Packed essential meds and a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Hotel Reservations: Booked our stay at the Bintang Bali Resort through Bookings.com for around AUD$185 a night.
Packing: Packed summer clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent.
Entertainment: Downloaded movies and series for us and offline games and movies for the kids, making sure everyone had headphones.
Travel Adapters and Chargers: Brought the necessary power adapters and chargers for our devices.
Money and Currency: Used our 28-degree travel card for most payments and carried some Aussie dollars to exchange for local currency.
Transportation: Arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport and help with tours during our stay for $60 per day.
Travel Documents Backup: Emailed digital scans of our important travel documents to ourselves for safekeeping.
Google Maps: Downloaded an offline map of Bali on Google Maps for easy navigation.
I hope this checklist helps anyone planning a family trip to Bali. Stay tuned for my upcoming posts where I’ll share all the fantastic places we visited. Until then, take care and happy travels!
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