I've read a lot of JBR's over the past few months while catching up on the latest tips, shopping & eating guides, valuable info from forumites so thought I would write my BIG (Before I Go) Report.
The things I am looking forward to seeing again, seeing for the first time, looking at & doing on this trip because for the first time I am taking my son (11 years) with me.
I guess for a lot of us there are things that I am not going to miss for 10 days, having to turn the heater on because we had 5 degrees last night and the house is cold this morning. Having to wear a tracksuit and socks. Having to go to work, cook, clean & iron. Having to make school lunches. I guess though if I didn't go to work I would not be on the forum writing this because I would not be able to afford to go to Bali on Wednesday morning but still I won't miss is for 10 days.
The things I am looking forward to doing include getting up at 3am Wednesday morning for a 2 hour drive to the airport (thats if I can go to sleep Tuesday night). Seeing the excitement on my son's face as we wave Dad good-bye and head for the departure lounge. His face when we finally make it out of the airport in Bali and the sea of faces that greet you. His face on the drive from the airport to the hotel. The memory of the smell that has been forgotten but takes an instant to remember. Trying to convince him not to spend all his money on the first day. Going to the school to meet our sponsored child for the first time. We have bought him a soccer ball and yoyo, hope he likes them. Giving all the kids at the school a chuppa chup. Seeing their smiling faces. Giving the books we have got to the teachers. Know that this experience will be remembered by us for a long time. Don't know if my camera will have enough memory for all the photos I would like to take.
Taking him to the elephant park and him convincing me to take a ride on the elephant with him. Spending the day at Waterbom Park, again him convincing me to go on the slides etc. Going shopping for all the dvd's he has listed, computer games and lollies for all his class mates back here.
Going to Amed to Lean To school, a Rotary Project, and taking all the goodies the community we live in has given us money to buy from liquid soap to pens & paper. To see a village that has only just got electricity & proper well, toilets in the school but is so rich in a lot of things.
It's going to be Mother's Day every day for me. Not only will I be having a holiday with my son I will also be spoilt by having breakfast, lunch and dinner made for me every day, I won't have to iron or clean either, for 10 days. I can swim and relax by the pool, when I'm not shopping or eating. Son can't wait to have bacon & eggs for breakfast every day not just on Sunday like at home. #1 son is also treating me to a massage & spa and taking me out for dinner. Who wouldn't be looking forward to that!!!
So roll on the 7th.