Hayley Duncan

One weekend in April 2008, Michael told me that we were going on a short trip to celebrate our third anniversary. He said he couldn’t tell me where we were going, or what we’d be doing, just that my boss knew I’d be away from work and I needed to pack a small bag with normal clothes, bathers and a nice dinner dress. 

I was very confused and annoyed because I’m not a huge fan of surprises. I bugged him like crazy to tell me where we were going but he wouldn’t give any hints.
When we arrived at the airport he led me to the check-in counter for Garuda Indonesia. Looking up at the check-in screen I asked him “Where is Denpasar?” to which he responded “Denpasar is Bali babe.” Needless to say I was ecstatic and very overwhelmed!

During our few days in Bali we did a lot of tourist things, one of which was a visit to a mountain side covered in rice fields as far as the eye could see! We were standing out on the mountain ledge when Mick started acting a little strange, pacing back and forth, looking flustered and panicked. 

I couldn’t work out what was wrong and when he looked at me, he smiled nervously and got a bit teary. I was a bit concerned because he’s not an emotional person and I suggested we head back towards the car.

Once we got back to the hotel, in the safety and comfort of our room, Michael calmed himself enough to present me with a gorgeous engagement ring and ask me if I would do him the honour of being his wife. I was so happy that I wanted to kiss him even before the ring was on my finger!

It was the best anniversary gift ever and I felt so incredibly spoilt that I got a proposal and a trip to Bali to celebrate our three years together.

- Hayley Duncan