For a while now, I've known that my destiny in Bali paradise was soon coming. I'm not going to fib in saying I was jumping up and down in joy for the several weeks prior to. Actually, aside from my Indie-gogo campaign, I was overwhelmed with all the arrangements needing to be made: Sublease, cat-sitter, rebuilding my transmission, storage, bills, packing, loans, etc. It was physically, fiscally, and emotionally stressful. I drove down to LA, and the trot didn't stop. While there, a tsunami of memories held me over, on top of all last minute necessities that I needed to gather. I could barely give anyone a clear answer, let alone comprehend that I was about to take the biggest journey of my life. To be honest, I was shit scared. I've always loved to travel, but this was different. I haven't been anywhere further than Europe, and the idea of being on my own in a foreign country was mind-blowingly frightening. I knew I had this unique purpose in setting out to learn about Indonesian culture & silversmithing, and to strengthen and discover more about my aesthetic and artistic capabilities. Though, the questions that flooded my mind followed with doubt and worry more so than pure excitement. I mean, off course, I was thrilled that everything I had dreamt for was coming to life, but I wondered if I was truly ready for it all. It wasn't until I boarded my 23 hr journey to Denpasar, Bali that I felt at ease. And, I mean, seriously. I felt like I had been holding my breath for eons, and suddenly there was this blissful release. I was heading to paradise. No turning back. Gladly!

I don't think I've slept so well on a plane before, regardless of being smooched in the middle aisle at the back of the bus. I awoke an hour or so before landing in Taipei...What a trip! I was in a different world, and already with a different outlook. Stoked, amped, & pumped! I blasted my way through Taipei International Airport (which, by the way, puts Heathrow Airport next to Alvarado street) with my FLUME, XXYYXX, ODESZA, BONOBO playlist while waiting for my connecting flight to Denpasar, Bali. My destiny! I was no longer frightened but eager to meet what was at the other end. So intent that I got motion sickness on the flight over, lol. Arriving in Bali was pretty indescribable. The aroma, gamelan greetings, rustic rich colors, flowers, smiling faces, and warm beautiful weather assured me that my dream was no farce but more than I could've imagined for. Unlike most tourists who meander around Kuta/Seminyak/Legian, I opted to spend my first 4 days in a remote beach banjar (village) named Balian Beach in Tabanon. (HUGE Thanks to my landlords, Brad & Grace for recommending it, I love you, guys :)) My driver, Agung Josh, hooked me up with an Indo mobile and enriched me with spiritual & cultural knowledge of the balinese life as a whole. We set out for the 3 hour journey to Balian on a cloud 9 high :)

It makes sense that Balian means 'Healer' in Bahasa Balinese because I've never smiled so much in my life. Anyone that knows me is well aware that I'm a sucker for sunrises, sunsets, and long strolls along the beach. As you can see, thats pretty much how I spent my first day. I drew, vinyasa flowed, swam, and enjoyed every minute of being alone. The spirit is magical. Everyone is so kind; not a mean face in site. Smiles all around and all positive vibes. The Hindu religion is really something special. The endlessly beautiful offerings and power of belief in myth and symbolism gives one hope for something more than just $$$$ signs & success. Im not a religious person, but as I'm greeted by every balinese person with praying palms I can't help but feel the spirit & compassion. Thank you to them, and thanks to all of you who believe in me and this journey I've embarked upon. Your support has brought here, and I'm ready for this destiny. Namaste!

&nbs… — Day 1 : Joglo Yoga Studio at Pondok Pitaya in Balian

Day 1… — Day 1 : Joglo Yoga Studio at Pondok Pitaya in Balian

&nbs… — Day 1: Offerings to all Gods & Goddesses

&nbs… — Day 1: Palm trees and surf gazing

&nbs… — Day 1: Balian River ( Biggest River in Bali)

Arrival Day: Royal Flush. I couldn't resist...mainly because the colors are just so cohesive!!

&nbs… — Arrival day: spiritual bodyguard

&nbs… — Arrival day: Tiles to drool over...I think I did a little.

&nbs… — Arrival day: Pondok Pitaya surfer suite

&nbs… — Arrival Day: Pondok Pitaya in Balian Beach