The Bali Diaries

Why Did I Decide to go to Bali?

Well, I’ve always known that I wanted to take the month of August off to do whatever I wanted. It’s my new favorite tradition as an adult and I’ve made it my reason for working the rest of the year. I know I can always look forward to August even though this tradition started off in a sort of tragic sense.

Last year, my bestie Stephany was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was slated to have her stomach, spleen, kidney, and part of her esophagus removed. Upon hearing this news I knew I had to go to Denmark. I was there from mid-July till mid-August and not only did this experience give me so much gratitude to life and to the life of those around me. It also showed me that escape was possible.

I decided to always escape in the summer and this is now my second summer doing so. In a much less tragic sense.

Thankfully, Stephany is doing really well and she has been cancer-free since her surgery last year and I’m super grateful for it all.

But still, why Bali?

I had been debating on a euro trip and although that’s always exciting, I’m exhausted.

It’s been quite the year. The year of really going for it and getting things done. My career has been growing and it’s been wonderful to make money through means that I feel passionate about. But I feel like I needed a true break instead of another backpacking trip throughout Europe sleeping on friends couches.

Another stream of thought is that I’ve been a yogi for quite some time. Basically as long as I’ve lived in my apartment. Once I discovered Om Beats Studio and my favorite teacher, Johan Blanco, I dedicated at least once a week practice to yoga.

Anyway, about a month before August I made my final decision as to what I was going to do for my month-long vacation, I was going to get my yoga certification in one of the capitals of the practice, Bali.

And on the day that I left for Bali I even received an email, a congratulatory anniversary email from my yoga studio, commemorating my 6th year at the studio. How surreptitious!

India would also be really cool but I’d prefer to do that with a companion (I hope next year’s August vacation encompasses a partner) since I’ve heard it’s not as safe as Bali.

I’m about to touch down in Dubai, the first leg of the journey (16 hour flight from Miami) is now complete. I had the whole back row to myself and slept for approximately 13 hours while being fed some actually good food and even given an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, and toothbrush/paste. What luxury! Emirates has received my vote of confidence.