Unfortunately, as with most good things, it had to come to an end (at least for a bit). After a few great days in Singapore, I left Peter in Singapore to set off on my own to Bali. To be honest, I wasn't as excited as I had been in the past for this trip. Yes, I wanted to explore a new place, but I was a bit sad to be doing so without my favorite travel companion and didn't quite feel like making new friends either. As with everything, there are pros and cons to long-term travel. The pros are pretty obvious: adventure, seeing amazing things and meeting fantastic people, trying new things, pushing the limits and learning about yourself, etc. What most people don't talk about is the down-side. I know the "grass is always greener" and I am completely grateful for this opportunity, but it doesn't mean that I'm not human and I don't feel the burden of this trip as well.

Although I'm constantly surrounded by people, there are many times that I feel alone. It hasn't hit me as hard until Bali since I've been traveling with great friends and Peter. This is the first time that I'm truly alone and I'm feeling it. Before the trip, I thought the hardest part would be the food, not working out, the heat, etc. Although those things can get to me at times, by far, the hardest part of travel is being away from my family and friends. While I've lived far from them for years, I've never been THIS far away, and for this long. There are times when I wish I could just go home for a bit. Even just for one night—to eat one home-cooked meal with my family, jog around Centennial Park or Mission Bay, and share an evening chat with friends.

Some days are better than others and last night was a tough one. Of course, I am fully aware that this "isolation" is self-imposed since it's allowing me time to do the self-reflecting I had hoped for on this journey and haven't always been able to do. I just want you all to know that I miss you dearly and think of you all the time. And while I do love my adventures, it doesn't mean that I don't miss you just as much. It's a constant pain I carry with me, even while enjoying the sites. Please know that I love and miss you LOTS and DO look forward to seeing you soon. Please keep up the FB comments, "likes", and all the other ways you show your love and support—they mean the world to me-- THANK YOU!