June 2011
Throughout the year we had our mothers helping out with parenting duties. But a trip meant taking care of an almost one year old without any help except each other. That in turn meant agreeing fully with each other and sticking together, no matter what - the hardest part! Ary was solely our responsibility hence forth and taking him to a new country was a big challenge indeed.
I had tailored this trip in my head ever since Ary was born, I guess and was looking forward to it the day I started working again.We had missed out on travelling the last year because of my pregnancy and I really wanted to make up for it.
The week at work just before the vacation was super busy as usual. I was so waiting for a breather. I wanted to pack Ary’s stuff really well this time, along with mine…but I knew I had to be easy on myself. It’s just impossible to look perfect while travelling with a baby! At least let the baby look perfect ;)
My mom was supposed to leave for India the night before we would travel. I was worried about how Ary would deal with parting pain, adjusting to a new country, new weather , new time and his first air journey! But dear grandma went away silently as he slept and by the time he woke up, he was already at the airport. I successfully changed his clothes and fed him in the car. Great job partner – same team, same opponents, same game plan.
The flight was of three hours. So far, so good. Ary was amused, looking out of the window and playing with the touch screen. I let him keep sipping on water for the takeoff. That trick seemed to work. Kris and I took turns at eating and entertaining Ary. Last night he was a bit unwell. We hoped he would be fine throughout the trip. Fingers crossed.
16 June
Larnaka - Pafos
We reached Larnaka by noon.The place is an hour behind Abu Dhabi in time.Ary was in a good mood. I was relieved. Kris had booked the ‘rent-a-car’ beforehand. We picked the car from the airport parking lot. Foresighted Kris had made arrangements for the car seat as well! I was impressed. I fed Ary homemade rice and he instantly dozed off. We were heading towards Pafos through the winding country roads. I could see the Trodos mountains at a distance with the windmills on them.The sky was a clear blue with white cottony summer clouds.We drove past fields with rolled grass bundles. Oh, it was these that I had seen from the flight and wondered what they were! I took random pictures from the car. Balancing between Ary and the camera is going to be tough for me as Kris was clearly enjoying toying with the GPS.I fed the left over parathas to Kris as he drove and mumbled to myself, “I am not going to play mum to two boys!”
We reached hotel Avanti at Pafos by late noon. It seemed to be a decent place. We strolled by the pool café till evening as Ary got a feel of the place with his baby steps---one…two…three and then back to crawling, as that was faster!It was just two weeks before the trip that Ary had taken his first steps... He was walking!!!...of course it was still a wobbly walk. We had not realized how tired those tiny legs were with the overwhelming number of steps taken out of sheer excitement. The flight journey and weather change was quite a lot for him. He went off to sleep with a slight fever, not even ready to wake up for dinner. I was a bit worried. I gave him milk.
Meanwhile Kris went to Pafos harbor to enquire about the cruise options for tomorrow. He grabbed food on the way and a bottle of wine. I wasn’t too keen. I hope Ary is alright today…and he was! It was just travel fatigue. We had been careful, not to forget any medicines.
17 June
Pafos - Akamas
Avanti resort was at a good location. It had tastefully designed landscaped gardens all around the pool. We had an outdoor breakfast under the pergola with pink bougainvillea. Ary sat on his high chair enjoying bun and feta cheese. I gorged on a mushroom omelet and muffins, while Kris indulged in fresh fruit and cereal. The weather was just perfect --- sleeveless sweater less kind. A cat came crawling down a tree and Ary’s eyes lit up. There were so many birds and butterflies for him to see as we relaxed later under neat pine trees adorned with pine cones, on lounges arranged on the dew wet lawn.
We set out towards the Akamas peninsula, halting at many beach spots. But the water was too cold for a dip, especially for Ary. The roads were lined with pink nerium oleander. The streetscape gave equal opportunity to vehicles and pedestrians with two lane roads and bike paths, proportionate to the low rise architecture. My favourite grass bundles were scattered around the fields.
We stopped for an ice cream uphill where the sea view kept changing at every turn. The roads were crazy and so were the wind and the waves. We halted at the pebbles beach where the most beautiful white waves splashed onto grey and white perfectly rounded pebbles. Ary seemed to like it.
The next stop was going to be the baths of Aphrodite. Ary started falling asleep. I realized how the journey now needs to go ahead as per the baby’s routine. For some reason I thought the baths of Aphrodite would be a waterfall and we kept going ahead, asking strangers and searching. We bumped into a beautiful cliff overlooking the sparkling blue sea and decided to end our search right there and head back after a break under the trees. And to our surprise, later we found out that the same spot was in fact the baths of Aphrodite!
We had lunch at a tavern on the way ---roast chicken and Cyprus mezze with local wines from the wineries around. It was a relaxing setting …only for a while. Our struggle with the stroller and sleepy Ary seemed never ending. It was late noon and we decided to drive back to the hotel.
The high point for Ary was distributing plums to the fellow travellers around. He started crying when a woman politely declined the plum and stopped only when she accepted it! We continued to wear our half embarrassed smiles …
18 June
Pafos
Next morning we woke just in time. In another hour we were supposed to be at the bus stop to be picked up for the cruise. Surprisingly, we made it---getting ready, day packing and breakfast all inclusive!Not to mention the circus with the stroller and Ary…
The weather was balmy. I was enthusiastic about the cruise. And the minute we climbed onto the upper deck of the bus, Ary was delighted too. A huge Pirate ship was waiting for us at the Pafos harbor along with plenty of toddlers and pirates , busy planning the song and dance routine.
It was windy on the deck with sea waves splashing onto the sides of the ship. With the breeze in his curls, Ary was super excited. He loves water.I could now relax a bit as Kris and Ary enjoyed the fun and games for kids. Ary was doing good so far. I made him wear full a sleeved shirt and pants to keep him warm against the sea breeze, even though ideally he should have worn shorts and a vest! We had a meal of chicken and salads in the backdrop of the sound of the sea. By noon, Ary was so tired that he fell asleep in his pram(luckily for us) as we cooled off with an icecream. The bus ride back to the hotel was fun as Ary, now up and active was interacting with a bunch of grannies on the back seat, in his own language of sounds and actions.It was quite a bit of an achievement for the tiny body. I decided to unwind with a swim in the pool as Ary and Kris played on the grass and in the hammocks. I showed off my swimming strokes and Ary got so excited that he almost jumped in!
The public realm of the city was well designed. Nice and cozy eating places lined the sidewalks as music and mood lights dotted the ambience.We strolled around (this time actually in the stroller!) and had a great dinner of steak ,grilled vegetables, mashed potato and mushrooms. Ary was alright all along but as usual when it was my turn to enjoy the dinner, he got cranky. With such small babies on the trip only one parent can sit back and enjoy some drinks and food. I had to gobble up hurriedly and go back to put Ary to bed. We slept with the images of the lively night life and all that we had to give a miss this time. With parenthood , itineraries become simpler and unpretentious. Some activity by day and retire early to bed.
19 June
Limassol
Next morning we started our drive to Limassol. It was a very long drive. All drives seem never ending with babies. We reached early evening---tired, irritated…longing to sleep.The hotel room wasn’t that impressive. Only the sea, calm like a lake floated beyond the balcony. The eucalyptus leaves drooped down to kiss the water as their reflections danced. The mango coloured sun peeked through the branches before he merged into the mirror at the horizon. I could be at ease only because of the soothing view. It was the first time on this trip that the poet in me was coming back. Motherhood just keeps your mind so tied up with worries that creative thoughts seldom surface. I really had to train my mind to let go and be selfless. Food was a bit of a struggle for Ary who was midway in the transition to full solids. He mostly had milk and bread, cheese, apples. He never liked the cereal paste however convenient it may be for those yummy mummies on their effortless trips. I was getting a bit worried about his not eating well. But as we walked by the sea side promenade,the highlight was when Ary explored the beach on his own like a cute little sailor with a fisherman's hat and bright yellow beach boots!
We luckily found an Indian restaurant that night and immediately packed some dal and rice for Ary and his Baba. His love for rice is exactly like his father's!
We luckily found an Indian restaurant that night and immediately packed some dal and rice for Ary and his Baba. His love for rice is exactly like his father's!
The bed was too high and with a big gap in the middle. Poor Ary was falling into it. Hence I had to exchange places with him and tried to grab some shuteye. It was a night to remember with the countless permutations and combinations that each one tried for better comfort --- all in vain!
They did not have any extra baby cot. We survived the night somehow.
The time I gave to my travel diary and the camera was minimum on this trip. Its better when you do not keep high hopes.
20 June
Limassol
It was Arhaant’s first birthday! The day that all parents look forward to. Like a prize for all the hardships that have gone into the making of a toddler from an infant.
Ary was a bit unwell in the morning. I absolutely did not want to take a chance. Hence we decided to take him to a doctor so that by evening he would be in good shape to atleast have some fun on his birthday celebration! There was no doctor in the city. The hotel owner, a kind old lady , told us to go to the general hospital as it would be much cheaper. It was far, but we had the car. And thus, on the morning of his first birthday, we were at the Limassol general hospital, Cyprus!!!
I was feeling so bad,but Kris, in his spirit, came up with the 'silver lining'---how many kids would be celebrating their first birthday at the general hospital?! He is a lucky boy (wink)
It wasn’t that serious. Just a throat infection. But it was ‘our first throat infection’ as well! We started with the medicines just in time. But secretly I decided not to tell about this incident to our folks back in India. Well maybe …later…if the trip would be fantastic to look back at,then I would disclose it.
We had a good Indian lunch and a nap. By evening Ary was much better. I began to see some hopes for that ‘dreamt of’ birthday celebration!Ary wore his new clothes with a smile and I was happy to at least get time to comb my hair! It was a quiet breezy evening at the Pebbles beach café. The sea was serene , the sky, orange. The setting was like I had imagined. Ary cut his chocolate coated , nut sprinkled birthday muffin with one candle! I had always wanted a first birthday cake to be proportionate to the small age. It was perfect. I made a wish for all of us. A wish for good health and togetherness…more than anything else. Ary was exploring the place. He seemed happy. I was a bit pensive. My idea was to have an intimate cozy family experience for his first birthday. The fact that we were sailing together through thick and thin was more than enough. We saw the sun go down with the first birthday blow. It was memorable.
This idea was a gamble. What if things go terribly wrong. What if everyone is badly sick…But I prayed and it went well. Usually they say that nine out of ten kids are sick on their first birthday because of the excitement and activity that goes around planning of the event. So he was one of those nine!
We had sandwiches, pasta and memories of a lifetime preserved for years to come. By the time Ary would be 18, he would look at his birthday pictures and feel happy for what his parents tried to do for him. Well, the least we had was two decent individual birthday pictures clicked by each other. The one of all of us together was of course not clicked well by the waitress. Why do I even expect!!!
Bigger picture,half full cup,silver linings---all the positive optimism ...ya ya I know!
21 June
Limassol – Kykkos Monastery
Next morning we started our drive to the Kykkos monastery. It was a road riddled with surprised, I had read. The journey on the winding mountain roads through pine forests seemed to have no end. I kept feeding juice and biscuits to all to keep up the energy levels . The roads took us to a small waterfall . We could see it jump into the valley. Neat wooden steps took us to the stream. Water is undoubtedly the best mood booster for Ary. Carefully dodging the stones, I carried Ary to the water. He was over joyed! He did not want to leave the place. After much coaxing, he agreed.
Our next stop was at the town square of the hill station. There were cafes bursting with tourists and artifact shops bursting with souvenirs. My kind of place. But of course food comes first.
We had a bowlful of vegetable soup …hurriedly needless to say…as Ary now wanted to explore the play area amidst the town square. He rode the spring rider as I, in futility, tried to feed him the cereal first..then some fruit…
It was a well-designed play area with all wooden play equipment placed under the cool shade of pine trees. We finished the exploration and headed for Kykkos monastery soon to be back before dark.
The monastery looked like a castle from a distance. It was in old brown stone with colourful paintings adorning the inner walls. The play of light and shadows through the arcades was magnificent. We could take a relaxed look at the art between quick feeding sessions and medium crankiness.
Everyone was super exhausted by now. Ary did not want to sit in the car seat and I had a tough time managing him on the curvy roads. We made it in time , with Baba so efficient at the driver’s seat.
I was feeling a bit feverish myself. The thought of packing and leaving the next day ,bearing the flight journey seemed impossible to me. We somehow managed to eat, feed, change, bathe, pack and sleep, thanks to Kris.
The next morning I was totally down. I was giving up. But something inside, probably motherhood instinct, told me that I was not allowed to give up at this stage. I had responsibilities. And then almost a miracle took place. I went down alone for breakfast, almost shivering, but came back without a sweater, almost running, sweating, panting! I was totally fine! Ready to rock n roll!!!
I was in a power daze. We packed, drove, enjoyed the flight too. It was much easier than I had imagined. Ary was waiting to go to sleep in his own bed. It had been the most strenuous trip so far in our lives.I made fresh rice for dinner and my sweet boys ate happily.
Travelling with babies is indeed a mammoth task. Nonetheless we made it work with our partnership. It was a new inning in parenthood. We feel much more confident now to handle difficult situations ahead. But nothing like home sweet home. I can’t wait for the pictures. Hoping to have a few good ones for my memory lane. It was a unique first birthday after all!
Tips while travelling with a one year old ::
- Baby is the top priority… not your clothes!
- Carry lots of wet wipes and spare baby clothes for each day.
- Keep a stock of biscuits, energy bars, chocolates as ‘mood improvers’ for all.
- Carry sweaters and blankets even in summer… for ‘just in case’ sickness.
- ALL medicines even if they take up your shampoo and conditioner space ;)
- Remember, there is no time for arguments with the husband!
- Rather use any extra time to ‘just qualify’ towards your dream holiday look!
- Carry a rucksack for ‘handsfree’ comfort for the rare occasions when the baby likes the stroller!
- Zero expectations (you will never be able to do everything on the itinerary)
- A five – six day trip is more than enough with a baby! Phew.
- Be prepared to miss out on the hip n happening party places, thanks to Mr. Baby Boss ;)
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