Elyse & Jonathan travel the World

I don’t even know where to start with this dream of an island.  Some may say it’s an overrated tourist destination, but I thought it to be the best combination of third world Asia and a tropical paradise.  It changed me forever.  

We were here long enough to fully convert over to relax mode.  Yoga, meditation, walks and lots of sunshine helped us clear our minds and slow down a bit.  This leg of the trip was focused on leisure and self care.  We enjoyed various cuisines and frequent therapies (massage, acupuncture, facials, etc.), we really went all out on the R&R in Bali.

Of course it wouldn’t be right without some exploration of this wonderful island.  We ventured from east to west stopping at some places along the way.  We had an excellent tour guide we met named Putu (name given to the first born in Balinese culture).  Putu took us around to some unbelievable sights and even took us to his house to show us what traditional living looked like in Bali.  We met his family and his animals.  Traditionally, the entire family lives on one piece of land, with a compound of houses. Throughout the compound, there are livestock, crops and a family temple.   Per my request, we even went to a local hospital, met the labor and delivery nurses there – I loved seeing the similarities and differences. 

We ventured to a wild monkey forest and saw a few temples where we were blessed by monks.  There were so many beautiful sights to see here, and being in this lush nature was very healing for the both of us.  

“Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home.”

We came back to the states earlier than expected for family circumstances.  Traveling the world was an amazing adventure, but the the ones we love will not always be here, and we must be there for family when they need us.  For me – family, much like Love, will always come first.  But the adventure never ends, there is beauty in the unexpected and around every corner.  I will not be sad that it’s over, but rejoice in the memories made and the opportunity of a lifetime.