Bali without the 'Balaks'

Our 2 little balaks, aka our dear daughters have always been a part of our travel itinerary wherever we go. We have been less adventurous in choosing our destinations ever since the kids arrived and always pick and choose places with beaches, parks and all other things that kids like. Our travel themes have also changed from being pacey and partying to laid-back and relaxed. From the nightclubs and the pubs we have now moved to beach houses and amusement parks. From musical concerts and DJ weekends to sundowners and special brunches, travel has taken a different course.

I wouldn't say I wasn't enjoying this sort of travel style. The kids were cooperative mostly with the usual small hiccups here and there. So we had settled in a pattern of travelling where the whole holiday would revolve around a beach destination with lots of sand toys, multiple swimming costumes, several beach hats and umpteen smiles and laughs. All for that perfect family holiday. I loved it that the kids loved holidays. But something, somewhere was amiss.

It was the 'WE' that was missing from the Family Holiday. I might not be too young anymore(after all  being on the other side of 35 has its disadvantages) but I still have that small romantic bone in me. I missed those couple moments where you'd drink the bubbly watching the sunset(without being disturbed for a diaper change) or you managed a early morning cuddle for that one extra minute(without being asked to feed them milk) or you drank yourself silly(without being bothered about who looks after them the next morning).

All of this coupled with the fact that we were hitting the all important milestone in our relationship- the coveted decade together fuelled my insides that were already yearning for a couple trip. I took the very difficult decision to take our first trip sans the kids in 7 years. Getting the caregivers ready(aka Dadi, Nani, Bua and Nanu) was the easiest task. Having the kids onboard(lured by a massive gift wish list) was also surprisingly easy. The toughest task was deciding where to go. Everywhere I looked(and believe you me, I did check everywhere), I saw travel spots which were either too beachy or too far off for a 4 day vacation or too familish....I aaas hell bent on doing a trip which was otherwise tough with the kids.

I set upon finalising an itinerary to see the Northern Lights though I soon realised that my limited budget for this extra bit of sudden pleasure didn't allow me that. From Finland to Norway to Seychelles to Krabi to Croatia. I travelled the world in my thoughts. Endless late nights checking midnight travel deals later, we arrived in Bali. Thanks to the lovely travel experts of gofro.com who did all the tough task of scouting through the flights and villas for me. Finally they found me the cheapest yet shortest flight to Bali with the most perfect pool villa in the most happening spot in Seminyak.

They gave me the luxury of a night flight(something I don't like with the kids) and slept like a baby through the flight. We arrived in the city with Mohit all charged up for some holiday partying and me all worried about what's going back home. A few Rose's later life started settling down in our exclusive pool villa and we were all set to party.

Party Party Party!!!!!

Without getting into any censored details, the three days and nights that followed went about in a trance. Literally! We danced the nights away to music we couldn't hum. We ate food that we hadn't tasted earlier. For a change no pasta, no pizza, no french fries! We drank liquor concoctions that we'd never had before. We slept for hours on the beach, we danced the nights away and we almost re did the vows.(well, thats another story altogether). I almost lived an entire couple lifetime in those 4 days.

While I was almost embarrassed when people asked me, 'how my second honeymoon was?', I was in two minds to genuinely give them details. I admit the first one might have been all about 'lust'(Blush...blush), this one was all about Love(Proud, Proud).

A lot of preparations and a huge amount of effort went in from our elders in holding the fort at home and I cannot thank them enough for this amazing break. My verdict on whether I recommend a vacation for couples without their kids- You bet your horses I do. (That doesn't mean I don't love my kids or don't enjoy our family vacations).

P.S Dont let my kids read this!