Tag Archives: M from nepaliaustralian

Our Bali Adventure: Preparation

Posted on May 29, 2024 | 7 comments

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):

  1. Passport Validity: Made sure our passports were valid for at least six months from our arrival date in Indonesia.
  2. 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.
  3. Travel Insurance: Bought comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected events.
  4. Vaccinations and Health Precautions: Visited our GP and got all the recommended vaccinations, costing about AUD$500 for the whole family.
  5. Medications and First-Aid Kit: Packed essential meds and a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
  6. Hotel Reservations: Booked our stay at the Bintang Bali Resort through Bookings.com for around AUD$185 a night.
  7. Packing: Packed summer clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent.
  8. Entertainment: Downloaded movies and series for us and offline games and movies for the kids, making sure everyone had headphones.
  9. Travel Adapters and Chargers: Brought the necessary power adapters and chargers for our devices.
  10. Money and Currency: Used our 28-degree travel card for most payments and carried some Aussie dollars to exchange for local currency.
  11. Transportation: Arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport and help with tours during our stay for $60 per day.
  12. Travel Documents Backup: Emailed digital scans of our important travel documents to ourselves for safekeeping.
  13. 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!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Read my other pots from Bali .

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Vivid Sydney 2024: A Festival to Remember!

Posted on May 28, 2024 | 1 comment

Vivid Sydney is back for its 14th year, and they promised that it’s going to be epic!

This annual creative festival truly captures the soul of our city, bringing together the most brilliant and boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, and musicians from around the world. From 24 May to 15 June 2024, Vivid Sydney lights up the city with mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, exhilarating live music, all set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney.

This year, we decided to mix things up and take a boat cruise to watch the lights—it was an absolute blast!

Our adventure began at Circular Quay, where we boarded a two-storey boat with a fantastic outdoor space. We were handed drinks as we stepped on board, and our 90-minute cruise kicked off. Gliding through the harbour, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Sydney’s skyline illuminated by Vivid lights, including a stunning display on the Opera House.

The boat cruised over to Darling Harbour. While we didn’t catch as many Vivid details from there, the stunning night skyline of Sydney more than made up for it.

After disembarking back at Circular Quay, we took a leisurely stroll around the iconic Opera House, which was buzzing with people enjoying the cool evening and amazing light displays. The kids were over the moon with the happy atmosphere!

We made our way to Customs House, where creativity and innovation were on full display with lasers and 3D video projections—definitely a highlight for the kids. They were so mesmerised that they didn’t want to leave!

To wrap up the night, we grabbed dinner at a nearby food mart and headed home, still buzzing from the incredible light show.

I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Vivid, especially the displays at Darling Harbour and other areas we haven’t seen yet.

My posts from past Vivid 2013 2014 2016 2017.

Have you been to Vivid yet? Does your city host anything similar?

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Where Do We Belong?

Posted on May 23, 2024 | 2 comments

Ever found yourself caught between two worlds, not quite sure where you truly belong? I think many of us can relate to that feeling, especially if you’ve been born in one country, spent part of your life there, and then moved to another to settle down. The sense of belonging can be incredibly confusing.

When I first came to Australia, I felt like I would go back home to Nepal one day. At that time, Nepal was home. But now, when I think about home, it’s Australia. You know that feeling you get when you reach home? It’s definitely Australia for me.

Nepali flag

I’ve touched on this topic before, but as I grow older and add kids to the mix, the complexity of it all only deepens. I’ve been living in Australia for over two decades now, which means I’ve spent more time here than in Nepal, where I was born. So, when people ask me if I’ll ever go back to Nepal to live, my answer is a straightforward “No.” This response often surprises people, as it comes out so easily and without hesitation. But it’s the truth.

My emotions and feelings about this are usually pretty black and white, and in this situation, “No” seemed like the obvious answer. There’s no need to be diplomatic or politically correct about it. Some people might get offended by my answer, while others are simply surprised. But how can I be true to myself if I say “Yes” when I know in my heart that it’s “No”?

Australian Flag

Yet, there are moments when I question if I truly belong in Australia. Sometimes due to some people’s reaction to the the colour of my skin I feel a pinch in my heart. I occasionally find myself not getting the humour, which can make me feel like an outsider.

If you ask my Chhori (daughter), she’ll say I’m Nepali and she’s Australian. That’s the general perception people have of us. But then, when I visit Nepal, everyone tells me I’m more Aussie than Nepali because of the way I think, talk, and view life. This contrast only adds to the confusion as I grow older.

The concept of belonging is complex and personal. For me, Australia is home now. It’s where I’ve built my life, my family, and my future. That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten Nepal or that it doesn’t hold a special place in my heart. It always will. But when it comes to where I belong, where I feel most at home, it’s undeniably Australia. And that’s okay. Each of us has our own journey and our own definition of home.

I think one of the main reasons for starting this blog was because of this same feeling. I want to connect with people in similar situations. As the world gets smaller and we travel and migrate more, sharing how we feel will help us stay grounded and feel like we are not alone in this complicated world.

If you’re in a similar situation, tell me how you feel. How do you manage your emotions? How do you find contentment amidst the confusion? Sharing our experiences might help us all feel a little more at ease in our chosen homes.

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Emotions, Nepal, Personal

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Exploring Sydney’s South Coast

Posted on May 23, 2024 | Leave a comment

Hello everyone,

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting my cousins visiting from the USA and Nepal. It’s been an exciting whirlwind, catching up after more than a decade, especially since we all live in different continents.

Watching my kids connect with my cousins was heartwarming. No matter how much you talk about family, it’s not until they meet in person that they truly realise they have relatives scattered all over the globe. As we get older, especially when living far from home, the value of family, culture, and community becomes even more precious.

One of the highlights of their visit was our road trip down the beautiful Sydney South Coast. Let me take you through our adventure!

Helensburg Temple

We kicked off our journey at the peaceful Helensburg Temple. I’ve written about this place before, and it never disappoints.

We entered this magnificent temple adorned with numerous Hindu idols. As we wandered through its sacred halls, we took time to pray and immerse ourselves in its tranquil atmosphere. The serenity you feel inside, with the soft murmur of prayers and the gentle waft of incense smoke, is truly on another level. The peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the rhythmic chanting and the soft glow of lamps, creates a profound sense of calm and spirituality that lingers long after you leave.

The vegetarian meals at their canteen are an absolute treat, and my cousins were equally impressed. We all left with full bellies and happy hearts, ready for the next leg of our trip.

Stanwell Tops

Our next stop was the stunning Stanwell Tops. This place is a real gem with its beautiful coastal, escarpment, and cliff views. The natural hills rising sharply from the coast to the escarpment, coupled with strong air currents, make Stanwell Tops a prime spot for hang gliding and paragliding. We snapped some fantastic photos and soaked in the panoramic views of the ocean, the escarpment, and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

Grand Pacific Drive

After having some ice cream at Stanwell Tops, we hit the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic route takes you through coastal rainforests and quaint seaside villages, and traverses along the iconic 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge. The bridge itself is a marvel, snaking majestically over the Pacific waters. With the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to cruise along this stunning coastline.

Nan Tien Temple

Our final stop was the tranquil Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, just 10 minutes south of Wollongong. This Buddhist temple complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after a day of exploration.

The architecture of the temples is stunning, but there are also beautiful gardens and a museum to explore. The museum houses a 1,000-year-old wood carving that is so intricately carved, it’s hard to believe anyone had the patience to create it.

The ornate decorations inside the temple are breathtaking. The gardens are lovely. The gratitude bell by the Buddha on top of the hill is wonderful and offers a stunning view of the pagoda.

A Day to Remember

Overall, we had a fantastic day filled with laughter, great conversations, and some much-needed family bonding.

If you ever find yourself in Sydney, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the South Coast. It’s a brilliant way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

 And if you’ve visited any of these spots, I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Until next time, cheers!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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Chhora said : Rain !!!

Posted on May 21, 2024 | Leave a comment

Driving with my little guy is always an adventure, especially when his imagination kicks into high gear!

Case in point: one night, as we’re cruising along, he hits me with this gem:

Son: “Hey mama, where’s the button to spray water and clean the car?”

Me: “It’s over here on my side,.”

Son: “Push it, Mama!”

Me: “Not right now, sweetie. I’m driving, and it’s dark out. It could be dangerous.”

Son: with all the confidence in the world “Don’t worry, Mum. The car will think it’s raining, and the wipers will do the cleaning for you.”

And just like that, he unveils his genius solution made me realise just how limitless a child’s imagination can be.

Please read other Chhora said here .

Have a nice weekend !!!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

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