Returning to the land of smiles...

It was 22 years ago that we were on Phi Phi Island on honeymoon. I can't believe it took that long to come back and enjoy this magical paradise. It sure does look a little different from those days but they have also gone through a lot of changes, growth and rebuilding after the tsunami. Right now the island is thriving with lots of boutiques, tourist shops, restaurants, bars and dive shops. And plenty of tourists!!

We found a lovely little resort to stay in, Phi Phi Villa Resort, with nice comfortable bungalows and a lovely swimming pool as well. The days were sunny and warm with blue skies and gorgeous sunsets too. We spent our days swimming, exploring and relaxing, just what we all needed.

The Thai massages were amazing and you were left feeling so light and relaxed, a perfect combination. We indulged ourselves. And the food - oh, Thai food to die for. We loved it all.

After 10 days on Phi Phi it was time to head back to Bangkok in time to fly back to Dubai. Again in a big city, we decided to spoil ourselves with a really nice hotel, this time the Sheraton Royal Orchid hotel on the river. Beautiful. It was also a wonderful surprise when our friend Joy showed up for a visit. We had last seen each other almost a year ago in Roatan, lounging at our pool side. This time we were lounging pool side in Bangkok. It was great to catch up and find out about all that she has been up to and vice versa. Loved it.

So it was time to leave the land of smiles again. Happy and so glad that we had made the trip to Thailand, what a wonderful way to end our journey. Saying good bye, not knowing when, if ever, we would be back again but grateful for having had the time we had. The kids really enjoyed their time and were a little sad to say goodbye. But as they say, all good things come to an end, and here we were, at the end. A once-in-a-life-time experience, well worth all the effort, all the ups and downs, the good times and the hard times (as you can imagine traveling with a family can be), all so much appreciated. A fantastic learning and growing experience that we will keep with us and remember forever!!

Heading back to Denmark for christmas with the grandparents, the kids are hoping for a white christmas but no snow in the forecast. Oh well, perhaps you just can't have EVERYTHING all the time!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING US ON OUR JOURNEY. IT HAS CERTAINLY BEEN AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE THAT I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THE UNIVERSE FOR. Much love, as always, from us xoxox

Incredible India

Aaah, India. Incredible India.
We arrived in Mumbai 2 weeks ago and after the almost 2 hour taxi ride from the airport to our hotel it was late and dark. The kids were not happy with the hotel and even more unhappy after we left our rooms to look for dinner. The dark, busy, dirty streets of Colaba, Mumbai were not very appealing to them. So we decided to head south first thing in the morning, looking for the beach and a more relaxed environment.
We landed in Goa and headed to Palolem Beach (south Goa) where we hoped to find a nice bungalow on the beach. However we ended up in a local family run guest house just back from the beach which, although not the most attractive accommodations, was the most comfortable as it was 3 rooms connected (lots of space), air-conditioned (great for sleeping in the heat), and very cheap.
We settled in to life on the beach in Goa, enjoying the beautiful ocean, playing in the waves, and watching some amazing sun sets. Life in Palolem, as we learned, was very seasonal. All the bungalows and restaurants along the beach were temporary structures, erected at the beginning of each season and dismantled at the end. This makes them very basic, simple structures with not too many comforts, although very cheap and overall very charming.
We are happy to have finally made it to Goa. It was something Henrik and I wanted to do over 20 years ago and altho I am sure it would have been quite different then it is amazing to be here now. It is a very special place.
Alas, life in paradise has it's downside...and when Natasha and Henrik get sick with fever, chills and diarrhea we decide to change our plans. Instead of going further south we decide to head back to Mumbai to the comforts of a 5 star hotel!! From here we decide to change our itinerary and fly to Bangkok, again looking for paradise and returning to Koh Phi Phi, our honeymoon island from 22 years ago.
I am disappointed about not going to Amritapuri (Amma's ashram) but I realize that some of the family members are simply not ready for the ashram and rather than have a bad experience we will keep this adventure for another time. Since we all got to see Amma in Milan I am content about our decision.
I am happy we came to India, to see her, feel her and embrace her, for the short time we could. India holds so much it is impossible to explore it all, it has to be in small doses, bit by bit. The kids feel like they have seen enough and I am just happy to have been here with them.
India remains in my heart a very special place with so much to give and so much to learn from. I take what I can, feeling blessed for it all, knowing that I will return again and again.
With love from India xoxoxox