Happy Holidays! In honor of the joy and happiness suffusing the holiday season I invite you to join me on a photo stroll through the markets and streets of Ubud, Bali, where the whole city smiled at me. From the cheeky grin of mischievous children to an open, toothy smile from market vendors, an openness and joy is …
Moving to Bali is the stuff of travel dreams. The Indonesian island has a reputation for its gorgeous setting, delicious food, and fascinating Hindu culture. Popular culture has done a wonderful job selling the island’s most idyllic aspects, but there’s a bit more to Bali than simply an island paradise. While many expats have chosen …
This sweet little girl hid behind her mother for the full ten minutes that I was chatting away and purchasing my bright red shoulder bag at the market in Ubud, Bali. Her little brother hammed it up for the camera with barely recognizable peace signs and grins, but this little girl flatly refused all of …
The grandmother figure at my guesthouse in Ubud didn’t speak a lick of English, but her friendly smile—coupled with a gentle beckoning of the hand—was the only invitation I needed to sheepishly shuffle over to the assembly line of family members weaving and plaiting palm leaves into tiny three-inch by three-inch containers. The little pallets …
About time I posted an update from Bali! I actually broke my laptop my first day in here—and by first day I mean within hours of landing in Bali after 36 hours flying from US my laptop simply would not turn on—so with some initial tears and “holy crap, I’m screwed” thoughts rolling through my …