The Princess is home

Well here we are again. I’ve come home to Bali after yet another life changing series of events. Its seems every time things start to go pear shaped, I run back to my island home to regroup before I can go out and attack life again. I was to be picked up at the airport by dad’s new driver, who I had never met. So I was vaguely curious when I got off the plane as how it was all going to work out. Once I’d drifted out the arrival doors I was met with the usual throng of pushy punters and hotel drivers all eyeing me expectantly. I was ever so grateful that he had thought to bring a sign with him… Miss H has arrived!

My dads house – the only permanent/unchanging address I’ve had since aged 5 - has unfortunately been sold and this may be my last chance to come home to this wonderful haven. I’ve made it my mission to soak up as much of the experience as possible, knowing any future visits home will just not be the same.

Home is made up of a series of buildings - what we call a compound really. At our front gate a large Buddha statue sits in a protective cove, performing the double task of welcoming visitors as well as concealing the sanctuary within. As you walk around the statue, the first series of buildings are revealed. My father’s quarters to the left, the laundry and villa office to the right and the large open living room directly ahead. A short path curves around a small bamboo and pebble garden and takes you to the main entrance of the bale (Balinese open living space). A raised platform topped with thin mattresses and scatter cushions runs along the only half wall of the building, leading the eye up to the slightly elevated dining area and kitchen up to the left. The raised lounge is the very best spot in the compound, what Dad likes to call his “power spot”. You can sit there all day, gaze at the sprawling gardens, listen to the bubbling waters of the lotus ponds and contemplate your belly button. As long as you slap on enough mozzie repellent!

The garden also holds the lap pool and guest rooms - which, when not occupied by the princess are rented out. I love my rooms, ridiculously soft and comfy king size bed complete with romantic hanging mozzie nets, bathroom suite and a little front patio. I’m always so enthusiastic about morning laps, yoga in the sun etc when I first arrive. That is until I fall completely into a lazy lifestyle and am quickly over it, preferring to veg out in the living room and absorbing all the green. I love the familiar sounds, doves cooing, water bubbling, chickens crowing and the occasional temple drums or gamelan (Balinese orchestra) carried from the village across the ravine at the back of our property. Ahh, bliss… time to let my mind unravel and let it all in.