Around the World in 33 Hours aka Ballin in Bali

The start of our journey to Bali found us shuttling through traffic to board the first of four flights that inevitably brought us to Denpasar. While we all knew the journey was long, 37 hours from door to door is always a surprise, no matter how prepared you are. From JFK to Frankfurt, Germany to the billion-dollar super mall that is the Singapore airport and finally into the 35-mph van, our group arrived in Ubud still ready to rock. Meandering down the snake-like stone-path we emerged into a tropical paradise at the Swasti Eco Lodges. Outfitted with a pool, on-site restaurant, and baaing sheep: we all dropped our bags and took our first breath of Balinese air. After indulging ourselves in local cuisine, we took to the first task, lying down. While our in-flight experience was luxurious, it should be noted that there is a substantial difference between a bed and a plane seat. After allowing a few vertebrae to realign the group was ready to move again and we all took to the local streets sitting down at a local restaurant that bordered the Monkey Forest. Between wolfing down delicious food and watching the monkeys jump from branch to rooftop, our laughter and energy winded down as all but three students were asleep by the end of the meal. After a brisk walk home, everyone crept into our wooden cottages and fell soundly asleep. For those who woke in the middle of the night, they heard the soft pitter-patter of raindrops as the wall of humidity was cut through producing a cooler and all-around more pleasant temperature. (There are rumors that some of us even used a blanket) While the travel was long, smiles and laughter got us through, and we all are so excited to be in this magical place for the next few weeks.