It’s raining in Bali.

Sitting on my bed in the Coral Villa I’m sharing with my sister and her family, my view is of the raindrops hitting the pool outside my room. I’m sitting on my bed after eating a delicious breakfast prepared for us by Lily, the wonderful woman who is looking after us here at our holiday home in Seminyak. 

The courtyard has palm trees and pink flamingoes. A pagoda with drapery and a hot shower for after swimming. Stepping stones past the pool from the ornate gate to the villa lead to this oasis of luxury.

The rain is lovely. The sound it makes on the tiled roof was so comforting to sleep through.

Yesterday was spent on the flight from Auckland. Watching the Australian below was mesmerising. 

We flew over Melbourne. The closest I’ve been to my dear friends in a long time. I was only 11 kilometres away did you see me? I waved! It was cloudy so you probably didn’t see. We flew over Adelaide, over small townships, roads and beaches. The land slowly turning from green to browns to reds. The country below was so beautiful and mysterious; better than any movie offering.

Landing at Denpensar airport in the early evening and we were ready to disembark after our nine-hour flight. Super trip with Air New Zealand and a great start to a long-awaited holiday.

We are here for my cousin’s wedding. 35 years ago he was the pageboy at my own wedding. See how time works? Children grow up and roles are reversed. He is no longer a child, but a father with children of his own.

I couldn’t imagine a better holiday than to be able to stay with my sister and nieces and cousins and friends. I am very fortunate to have such good company for blood relations.

And here we are in Bali, a tropical paradise, and it’s raining. And it is forecast to rain the entire time we’re here - no matter where we are. I don’t mind. Not one wit.