The Resurrection Post - CBE to DE - Calm. Chaos. Cold.

Our 10th-standard group on WhatsApp suddenly became active, got in touch with some old friends, and reminded me of my blog. I was like Jake Peralta from B99: "Oh My God, I forgot about that." So I thought I should resurrect my blog, just like our group. Wow, I can't believe it's been almost 4 years since I wrote anything in this blog. And, man, so many things have changed in my life within this period. For example, was on bed rest, had a major surgery and moved to a different country, etc. Even if nobody reads this, I can always come back to it, like a journal.

So, let me skip some of the things and start the resurrection of my blog with a post about CBE to DE, landing in Germany. Yes, in case you haven't noticed, I have been in Germany now with my family for more than a year. 

The Journey Begins: After getting a job offer and installing Duolingo and applying for a visa and finally receiving it (that's a different story) and numerous shopping, packing and repacking and weighing the bags multiple times, we finally started from CBE on 23rd Dec 2024. The flight was Air India, before that tragedy, so I booked without any fear. CBE to BOM (Mumbai). The security check and our bag check-in went smoothly, so the weight was perfect. This was the first time we were travelling with a stroller, thanks to my friend who gifted it. It was so useful not just for our kid but also to carry the luggage and now even for grocery shopping here. We gave the stroller at the gate and were told we could collect it once we landed. But after landing, someone said to check the belt instead. We were confused, went back and forth, and it took a long time before we finally got it and rushed to catch our connection to Frankfurt. The gate wasn't near, and when we reached it, it looked like we were the last to board, and we literally ran and got into the plane. It was so big and not so crowded as well.

The Fever: Once we were settled and had some lunch provided, our kid started to take a nap, and we both decided to watch a movie on the plane, for the first time 😀 And, we almost completed 50% of the movie, and our kid was still napping, which felt odd. Then we realised she was running a fever, she had a runny nose in the morning when we started, and it looked like it had turned into a fever. And, we panicked because we bought all the medicines to last for a year and safely kept everything in the checked-in bag and nothing in our hand luggage. We asked the air hostess, and thankfully, they had fever medicine for the kid. We kept checking her after giving her the medicine, and it was a long flight as well. I was thinking how she would feel after reaching Germany in peak winter, should I make her wear all the layers because of the weather or shouldn't, since she's already feeling hot. I even started thinking, why did I decide to move to Germany? What am I going to do now? 

The Layers Battle: The medicine did work, and her fever came down. On the positive side, she was too tired, which actually helped us keep her calm on the long flight. And, the next problem, which continues even now, started once we were about to land, begging her to put on layers, a jacket and shoes. Everyone had already started leaving, and we were trying to convince her how cold it would be outside, and we finally managed to make her wear everything and finally landed in DE. Again, we waited for the stroller, but this time there were a few more families with kids with us, so we knew this was the right place. 

We Have Landed: After getting the stroller, we were just focused on finding the lift to get to immigration. We didn't even get to see the airport properly; we were too exhausted and too focused on just getting through the next step. But somewhere between the stroller and the lift, it quietly hit us that we had landed in a new country to start a new life. The airport, the people, the signage, everything was different. Daunting is the right word. We went through immigration clearance, and I was nervous for no reason, checking our passports and boarding passes every 10 seconds. It was so crowded, but luckily, everyone with a stroller went to a different line, which was shorter, and we got it cleared without any issues. We were officially permitted to enter DE. 

The Frankfurt Chaos: Now on to the baggage claim, we had too many bags, duh, we were trying to set up a new home, so I tried to get a luggage cart, but I didn't have any change, and also the forex travel card didn't work either. Decided to tie all the bags together, I had belts and hooks, thanks to the same friend who gave the stroller, 4 big checked-in bags, 2 more trolley bags, plus the 3 carry-ons we had with us, and drag them along with the stroller; it was so difficult. It was already cold, and we were tired, and on top of it, to drag all these, I can still remember my wife was already cursing me for landing here. And, to make it worse, she tripped and had a fall. Our arrival in this new country couldn't have started worse than this. 

The McDonald's Mission: We had enough time before our train to our city, where we would be staying. We were trying to find a place to eat something, and we saw a McDonald's board on the floor below. We were looking for a lift, and the mistake we made was asking someone for directions. He asked us to go in the opposite direction from where we headed, and we couldn't find a lift at all. Then, we finally came to the same place where we asked him, and this time we just went a few more steps, and the lift was there. We wish we hadn't asked him, we would have got the lift so soon. 

The First Meal in DE: And, our first meal in DE was a plant-based burger and fries; the burger was the worst thing I have ever tasted. And, one of my friends was coming to help us load the stuff into a train, since I wasn't supposed to lift heavy stuff yet. And, my friend finally came after taking so many connections, and then we went to the station. Oh boy, that's where we really felt the actual cold; it was too much for someone from India, even with all the layers and everything. And, the train came on time, it was almost midnight, and we boarded and got into our seats. And, thanks to my friend who helped with the bags and headed back home at midnight, taking so many connections again despite having a baby shower ceremony the very next day. Nanbenda. 

The Cold and the first ICE Train: Inside the train, we had booked 3 seats, and it was a cabin, and we filled it with our bags and slept. And, kept an alarm for 3AM to get down in our city and also to call another friend, whom I was going to meet for the first time. Since I got this job, he and his family have been constantly in touch with us throughout our preparation. We were so lucky to have someone who speaks Tamil in our city. And, he reached our platform right on time to help with the bags and took us in a taxi to his home around 4AM in peak winter. We will never forget this in our life and we couldn't thank him enough as well. And, that's how we landed on a Christmas Eve of Dec 2024 in Germany.

And, that's the CBE to DE journey and will continue the DE stories, I hope. Our stories about the first day, the first week and the first year to follow.

The trip I almost missed - Kanthloor and Kolukkumalai

Finally, after two long years things looked normal when I finally went on a trip. It all started with a simple forward in our WhatsApp group to remind us about our earlier trip and I replied "next trip when" without any intention of even going to a trip, but to my surprise everyone said yes. It was my previous company's gang, where no one is working there and few people are not even in Chennai now. But, everyone immediately said yes and I didn't even expect it.

The best pic of this trip was clicked by a random person - Kolukkumalai Sunrise Spot

We decided to go to Kanthaloor and Kolukkumalai, the Kolukkumalai Sunrise spot is the only place we all wanted to see. Actually I didn't even care about the places we are going to visit, I just want this get-together to take place since haven't seen most of these people since the lockdown. Unfortunately one person had to drop out at the last minute so 7 members were on for the trip. Everyone was coming to Coimbatore from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore on Saturday morning and we planned to start as early as 4 to 4:30 from Coimbatore to Udumalpet, where we will be picked by a jeep arranged by our travel agent. 

The Twist: Then comes the twist that I was expecting since the start, since everything was going smooth since the start, on Friday night I got a back pain and become so severe. When everyone arrived here at CBE, I was on the way to hospital. And, after getting some injection and in half mind I asked them to come and pick me up. I was in no position to even sit in that car and even my wife wanted to ask me to stay back, but since I was preparing for this trip for almost a month she didn't say anything. Our next stop was to stop and pick another guy which was some 10kms from my home. And, after reaching there I decided to come back home and took a call taxi. I know I am going to regret missing this since it won't be easy to get everyone together for another trip in near future, but my pain was unbearable. Right after reaching home I felt better, before even dropping the bag, I was like I would like to go back and join them again. My wife who couldn't even process that I came back was totally confused when I asked should I go back :D. Then, after thinking for about 2 mins, I decided to go back and join them at Udumalpet and asked my gang to wait. Luckily the calltaxi I came home was waiting in front of my home itself and asked him itself to drop me at Udumelpet, hoping I wont get the pain again since this trip has some trekking and off road rides.

Thoovanam Waterfalls

Day 1 - Thoovanam Waterfalls: Finally, I joined back with my gang in Udumelpet and they were also refreshed and waiting for our pickup in a Jeep. I was just in time as well. And, our first stop was at Thoovanam waterfalls. It needed a 3 km trekking, I was skeptical, but decided to go on. It was mildly difficult, mostly due to my weight :D.  But, it was all worth it, the waterfalls was too good to miss. It looked exactly like what we saw in the google. Once we reached, as usual after clicking some pics, we all went in to bath and luckily it was only us until we finished. Then, after another long session of photoshoot, we decided to go back since it started raining. The return wasn't as difficult for almost 80%, we took a shortcut to reach the road, which was steep and drained all of our energy. The first spot itself was the best and it was more than I expected from this trip. We didn't plan anything for the day other than reaching our stay at Kanthaloor, mud house. And, in the night we went on a most boring night safari after enjoying camp fire and barbecue, we were expecting them to take us into the forest, but we just rode in the same road we came and returned without seeing any animal. A lorry driver warned us there was an elephant while we were returning, but we didn't witness any.

Day 2 - The Otha Malai Spot: The next day we all got up fairly early and decided to go to see a spot instead of a waterfall. And, we packed our breakfast as well to have it there in a scenic view. Our jeep got stuck and so we were made to walk little extra than it was needed and decided to have our breakfast. That was not a good spot, it was full of leeches and we all were jumping and hopping and constantly checking each other legs to spot the leeches. Then, we walked even further to get to the spot and the view was spectacular. As usual no one came there, spent a little time there and we got back to our room and packed to go to our next spot Suriyanelli. And, we all tasted Passion fruit for the first time before leaving our room, it was too good. We stopped at Munnar town and it was freaking cold, had bajji, bought a jerkin. And, also stopped some of the spots on the way to take some pictures, like Lakham falls, and we reached our place, tent stay in the middle of a tea estate it was almost dark. Two more groups were with us for a common camp fire, but it was ruined because of the wind and after dinner we all went to sleep early by 10:30 into our tent, which wasn't good, so that we can all get up by 3:30 and proceed to the Sunrise spot.

Day 3 - Kolukkumalai Sunrise Spot: We all did actually getup at 3 and got into the jeeps by 4:30, which was really unbelievable in that freaking cold. Then, we proceeded towards that Kolukkumalai spot in an off road ride, which was easily the most off road I have ever traveled compared to my other jeep rides. It was literally just rocks and we reached the spot before 5:30 and had to walk a little to reach that Jaguar rock peak and we all waited and witnessed the Sunrise, this is the first time I have ever visited any Sunrise spot. The view was excellent and a little scary as well. We spent most of the time there in and around that spot and some photoshoots and videos, yes a newly added DJI Pocket Osmo from this trip for the videos. Then, came back to our tent, again took some pics and videos and left. We thought we could visit one more spot before leaving, but after reaching Munnar and finishing our purchase we didn't have much time. So, we all proceeded straight to the Coimbatore Railway station earlier than their train departure. We all had our last supper in a hotel and gave piriyavidai to everyone. 

Mud House Stay at Kanthaloor

Tent Stay @ Suriyanelli

Lakham Falls

Last Supper :D

I still can't believe what I started as just a text "next trip when" in a WhatsApp group actually ended up as a trip. Thanks to everyone who made from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore. And, I was glad I did go back and join them to this trip. Both Thoovanam Waterfalls and Kolukkumalai Sunrise Spot are not to be missed in our lifetime, especially the Kolukkumalai Sunrise spot.

Now, among the 123524513 clicks few of my favorites 

The(a) Vera Leval Trip 2.0

My third trip within two months, this time with the KONE boys. Yes, the sequel to our The Vera Level trip is here thanks to the guy who's back to India and another guy who's going to leave India, unfortunately, who couldn't make it to this trip at the last moment. He was the organizer of the V.L 1.0 and also the planner for this trip who never shared the actual plan till the last moment. This also turned out to be a sequel to my Vagamon trip which I went a few years back.

The Gang

The Plan: 

When a group was created out guys shared an extraordinary itinerary which I guess could take at least a week to cover, but after few days we booked a resort for a day in Vagamon and booked a tempo traveler. Other than that nothing was planned or at least not communicated to me till I boarded that traveler.

Plan vs Actual

The Start:

As planned we all started on Friday night from Chennai, the final count was 11 and the destination was to reach Kumbakarai Falls, which was the only thing planned. The traffic was too much on every toll gates even with Fast tags and it was 11:30 when we stopped for dinner near Chengalpet. We finished our idlies, chicken kuruma, veg kuruma, etc. But, before reaching I have been having all the "side dishes" which you can find in a shop near any Tasmac that too after having my dinner at home before the start. And, meanwhile, we were thinking about the plan for the next day.  I asked our driver about how long it will take to reach Vagamon from Kumily and he was like "what and where is Vagamon?". When we booked we communicated about Munnar and he had no idea we are heading towards Vagamon. So, I was like there is a change of plans we are going to Vagamon, but still, we are not sure where we are going to stay on Saturday.

Dinner Time

Day 1: Kumbakarai Falls and Vaigai Dam

After a few stops for tea and to sleep, we finally reach Dindugal for breakfast and to refresh. And, after checking all the possibilities and decided to go to Megamalai and stay there and canceled our plan of staying in Kumily. And, we reach the Kumbakarai falls and I haven't been there before. The place wasn't crowded at all so we had enough time to enjoy there and the first location itself was fulfilling so we decided to skip Surili falls from the plan. And, when we returned we found out we couldn't find a stay in Megamalai and it wasn't feasible to go to Megamalai and comeback to Kumily.
And, our driver suggested there's a farmhouse nearby and we can even stay there tonight, we were open to that plan as well. So, our driver was wondering whether we are going to stay in Megamalai or Kumily or in that Farmhouse since we are open to all the plans. Finally, we decided to stay in Vagamon itself and go straight to Vagamon after Vaigai Dam without stopping.

Kumbakarai Falls

After Kumbakarai Falls, we went to Vaigai Dam, the dam was so big and fortunately, it had so much water so it looked good. After the dam, we started to Vagamon itself and on the way, we booked for a stay on the way and also purchase for the barbecue again just like the last time. And, we will never forget the tea we had after Kumily before heading off to Vagamon. So, we kinda skipped Suruli Falls, Megamalai, Kumily, Thekkady and also Munnar from the initial screenshot. And, it was very late when we finally reached our resort. The weather was so good, it was very hard to stand outside in that chill weather and we booked two jeeps for tomorrow sightseeing and all were so tired and adjusted in the available place to sleep.

Vaigai Dam

Vaigai Dam

Day 2: Vagamon

We asked our jeep driver to come by 9 even though he said he will come by 6, but yet he reached there by 6 itself and made everyone to get up so early.

Finally, everyone got ready and started for our sightseeing maybe by 8 in the jeep. And, unlike the last time, our jeep driver was driving so fast even in those off roads. It was a thrilling experience, looks like this is also a part of the package. We stopped at Idukki Dam's backside view first, with so much water it looked like a sea. Then, we stopped at waterfalls, I've been there before, but this time we went a little farther in and had a fantastic bath, once again without anyone's disturbance. And, we were supposed to return to the room for breakfast, but there was an only shop at that waterfalls' entrance which had idly and Tapiaco with an awesome chilly chutney, so we all finished our breakfast there.

Idukki Dam View

Then, we stopped at few more viewpoints which didn't have any name and back to our hotel. And, we had a break before we head out for the remaining spots in our sightseeing. I've never had a break during the day whenever I was on a trip, but it was nice. We all gathered around outside our resort chatting and had some "side dishes" like chips, mixture and some fruits.

Another View Point

Tunnel near the Waterfalls

And, we head out for lunch, where everyone wanted to have lighta, but ended up eating as usual. And, it started the second set of sightseeing and this time the riding was more thrilling. We stopped at Kurusimalla and Murugan malai, didn't bother climbing any malai. Then we went to another viewpoint where our jeep climbed a mountain and he made a two 360 degrees spin at the top of a mountain which was an awesome experience followed by another viewpoint. After taking a few pictures we moved to Thangalpara, which I've been before and last time it was covered with mist followed by rain, but this time the weather was sunny and had a good view. And, the next spot was the same Vagamon Meadows which was less green than I saw last time and more crowded. 

Another Viewpoint

Viewpoint after the stunt

Thangapara

Thangalpara

Ayutha Ezhuthu pose since 2004 :D

After finishing the sightseeing, we went to the only resort which we booked before the trip. But, it wasn't easy to find since the roads were too bad and difficult to find as well. And, we somehow reached there once again late and we were expecting them to prepare the barbecue with the ingredients we bought, but they asked us to prepare. And, our chef Joeseph, just like last time jumped into action and meanwhile, we started gathering around the campfire, oops firecamp, with songs in BT speaker and "side dishes". It went for some time and we went to sleep after having that awful dinner given by that resort.

 

Another Viewpoint

That round is where the stunt happens

With our Jeep drivers who gave us thrilling rides

Day 3: The Returrrnnnn

The last day was nothing, but to return to Chennai. After getting ready and having the surprisingly good idly and chutney, which was a complimentary breakfast, took some photos around the resort and started our return to Chennai by at least 10 in the morning hoping to reach before midnight. And, of course, we had too many stops on the way, starting from Kumily where people bought Chips and stuff back home. Then, at a grape vineyard where we went and had a look around the grapes plantation, bought some grapes. Then, our people decided to have "lighta" lunch roadside, which was nothing but the ice-biriyani made from the rice provided for our dinner and finish the rest at Venu Biriyani Dindigul. 

The Picture Spot @ our Resort

We decided to play "Alex in Wonderland" to kill time in the TV available and it was the first time for many of us. But, sadly the audio format wasn't supported, so we connected the phone to the audio and played the video on the TV and took some time to sync both and we finally achieved it. It was my 3rd time and I've seen it live also, but it was still enjoyable and the process of syncing the audio and video was even more enjoyable :D :D.

Grape vineyard

And, we did reach Dindigul in the evening and the quantity of a biriyani was too little so we just bought one and everyone tasted it for the sake of reaching there and decided to go Trichy for dinner itself. 

And, we reached Trichy and had dinner and said goodbye to the NRI Ram and a guy did call him to ask "Romba Thooram Poitia Ram?" once he left and said goodbye to all of us :D :D. And, I didn't know whether they stopped after that before reaching Chennai, it was almost 3 or 4 am when everyone reached their homes.

Overall, another satisfying trip which was much enjoyable in a tempo traveler which started with a big plan or without a plan and without any tension of catching trains. Looking forward to the 3.0 next year. And, I've already started planning for my next trip with my Visteon guys.

Our first INTERNATIONAL Trip

My passport was supposed to get expired by next year and till now I've only used it to make photocopies to submit in my companies and as proof for getting a marriage certificate. Same fate for my wife's passport as well. But, finally, we have used it to travel outside India. On my last trip, I got close to a foreign country was Bangladesh border and this time I successfully crossed our border.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

And, the destination Bali was my wife's dream destination, I didn't even have any idea about this beautiful destination.

Day -1: The Start

Our flight to Singapore was on Monday midnight, we started as early as possible. While on the way Uber driver asked as "Domestic ah International ah?", we both were waiting for that question since we started and answered in chorus "INTERNATIONAL". Hearing our enthusiastic answer he would have found out it was our first time. And, after clicking selfies and check-ins finally found that lounge for HDFC cardholders where you can rest and also have a buffet dinner for a mere amount. It was like a myth to me since I've heard it many times and never experienced it. Finally, I found that lounge and had that buffet before boarding.

Day 0: SINGAPORE in a day.

The first stop was Singapore on Tuesday morning. Since our flight to Bali was on Wednesday morning we had 23 hours of transit time, we decided to use that time as an opportunity to make it as a Singapore trip. Singapore was not even in our plan, but this was the cheapest flight available to Bali so we have added Singapore into our itinerary. We have already booked tickets for two attractions in Singapore.

After finishing the immigration, our first country outside India, we decided to look around the world's best airport. But, we were able to see only that giant artificial waterfalls inside the Changi airport and we proceeded to our hotel. It was hot already and after having breakfast in a hotel full of Tamil people from Madurai we took some rest and went out to explore Singapore. We had too many places on our list, but too little time.

First, we visited the Red Dot Design Museum to collect our tickets to The Gardens By the Bay and decided to walk towards that. We visited the Flower Dome first since it was about to close. It was beautiful with so many flowers, we pretty much covered everything before they could kick us out.

Flower Dome

Flower Dome

The next spot was the Cloud Forest. Cloud Forest was too good with an amazing waterfall and the whole place was wonderful with amazing artificial falls and surrounded by forests on the clouds. And, it was airconditioned, thank god.

Cloud Forest's waterfalls

Cloud Forest

We were already so tired we still had too many places to visit. We proceeded to the Marina Bay Sands where we can get a view of Singapore from the 57th floor. The view was absolutely stunning. And, Singapore looks so pretty in the night. 

View from the 57th floor, Marina Bay Sands

That's the view of Gardens By The Bay from Marina Bay Sands

Now, we have to come back to The Gardens By the Bay to visit the final attraction of Supertree Grove, before 8:00, but the time was already 7:40. It's a long walk again so we were in a dilemma whether to try or skip that. But,  OCBC Skywalk above that Supertree Grove was one of the places I wanted to visit since we booked a ticket, we literally made a run for it. We were completely exhausted. When we reached the Sound and Music show was already started and everyone was laying on the ground and enjoying so no one was there to show the way to the ticket counter. Finally, we found it and gave us the next time slot and when we looked up after settling in the line the show was over. The lights were switched off, we were very disappointed. After waiting more than 30 minutes in the line, we went up to that skywalk. It was another beautiful view. And, when we were on that skywalk, they started that show again and it was spectacular to view it from the top as well. And, I was completely satisfied.

Supertree Grove

Supertree Grove, OCBC Skywalk

Marina Bay Sands from OCBC Skywalk

Supertree Grove

And, it was too late and we were too tired and we came back to the hotel. We missed that iconic Merlion Park, we were looking forward to that place. That place is similar to our Chennai Central, in every movie they show Chennai Central for Chennai and that Lion statue for Singapore.

When we reached the hotel our cab driver warned us it was not a good area and asked us to avoid staying here next time. After hearing this I was unable to sleep and waiting to leave this place and go to the airport. And, we started at midnight 2 and reached the airport even 3 hours before. And, after self-check-in which was a new experience, we wanted to look around all those attractions inside the airport terminals. But, they said the trains covering the terminals will open only after 5 and we were disappointed. But, at 5 we decided to go around on that train to see the Butterfly Garden, Enchanted Garden. We went around the terminals 2 and 3 covering those spots, but it was still dark. At least that Skytrain inside the airport was too cool and we were happy we at least made to those gardens before leaving Singapore.

Singapore Flyer

SINGAPORE

The people here were very helpful and polite. The traffic was heavy in the morning. And, it was hot even for a guy from Chennai. And, we should come back to have a look around all those places in leisure soon.

Day 1: Landed in Bali

The next day morning we landed in our actual destination Bali. Thankfully our guide was waiting with our name board. After welcoming us with garlands, we proceeded to our hotel while the guide spoke about Bali and also about him for some time. After, reaching the nice hotel, Jani's Place Cottage, we just roamed around that street which was filled with too many restaurants and spas. And, we couldn't walk much after our tiring day in Singapore and it was hot in here as well. We had dinner nearby and back to the hotel since we had to start early the next day.

Jani's Place Cottage

Day 2: The glorious and hot Nusa Penida

This was an awesome day and also one of the hottest days. We woke up as early as 4:30 to get ready by 6:00 to start to the harbor where we had to take a fast boat to reach the Nusa Penida Island. We were first to reach the harbor so we had to spend an hour there waiting to catch the boat. And, the boat ride was just 45 minutes. Once reaching that beautiful island it was clear that we are gonna get roasted in the heat. Our first stop was at Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, two beaches with some fantastic views. Just 30 minutes in that place we were dehydrated completely.

Angel's Billabong

Broken Beach

Then we proceeded to have lunch and next to "THE" destination of Nusa Penida, KelingKING Beach which was the mother of all beaches with some spectacular views. Number one in our bucket list when we decided to visit Nusa Penida. We can't believe we were actually there. The T-Rex shaped rock was mesmerizing to watch even from the top. But, because of the sun, we didn't have the energy to climb all the way down. But, still, even from the top the view was amazing which ends our day at Nusa Penida. Back to the harbor and back to the hotel which took longer due to traffic.

T-Rex, KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

KelingKING Beach

Day 3: Bedugul, North Bali

And, today we were on the Northside of Bali, Bedugul. Our first destination was the most Instagrammed Handara Gate where we were given 10 minutes for the pictures. Another destination which was on our bucket list.

Handara Gate

Handara Gate

Next place was Git Git Waterfalls. I didn't expect it to be this good. When we visited it was deserted and that tall falls were amazing which became my favorite spot in Bali. It was a little scary to get all the way near to that falls.

Git Git Waterfalls

Git Git Waterfalls

And, after lunch, we went to Ulun Danu Temple which was by the lake with some amazing views. Contrary to the previous day it started raining heavily which was rare in Bali. And, it was amazing to experience that as well. Overall, another satisfying day and bathing in Git Git was an unforgettable experience.

Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Day 4: Ubud

And, this day started with a visit to an art market, but things were costlier than the street shops. Then, next to Kopi Luwak coffee plantation place. Where we got to see the process and also we were given some 12 different varieties of teas and coffees to taste. Also, we tasted that famous Luwak Coffee and also bought some tea and coffee powders for back home.

The next stop was Bali Bird Park, which we expected to be boring, but it had many colorful birds and also they let some birds sit on you to pose for pictures.

BirdMan, Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park

And, the next destination was another one in our bucket list, Tegallalng Rice Terrace where we experienced that famous Bali Swing, it was really a must-try. And, that place had some amazing views.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Bali Swing, Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Followed that with Campuhan Ridge Walk, where two rivers join and we can go on a trek in that mountain with some amazing views. Then, we visited the local Ubud Market to do that much-needed purchase of our trip with our excellent bargaining skills :D:D. And, the last spot was Saraswati Temple, where there was no Saraswati Idol at all, but the architecture was good. Which ends our satisfying Bali trip.

Saraswati Temple, Ubud

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Day 5: The END

And, this day was nothing but to rest and pack our bags. We boarded our flight to Malaysia (adding one more country to our list :D :D) and spent a few hours at that airport before catching our flight to Chennai. And, the news back home, it was raining heavily on "December 1st" just like it was that famous day. We were hoping to land in Chennai safely and the sky was actually clear and it wasn't raining as predicted. And, that ends our first and successful INTERNATIONAL trip without any hiccups.

That's me at the end of our trip "FULLY BROKE"

Bali was hot and the people here were insanely polite and helpful. Be it any time of the day they always greet you with a smile and they all were very religious as well. Ganesh statues were all over in Ubud. And, looks like they have their own version of Ramayana where the places were changed. And, none of the hotels offer you free water, you were supposed to buy bottled water. And, the landscape especially Ubud with a lot of rice farms looked very similar to our Tamil Nadu.

And, finally, I am very happy and also relieved to finish an international trip. I was so afraid and nervous about my first international trip, but it turned out to be an awesome experience with a lot of sweet memories and we feel like we have achieved something big :D :D

These are very few pictures from a total of 3K pictures we have clicked so far on this trip :D :D.