Upon graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, where I lived and studied for 5 years, I felt extremely lost. While sitting down to do law school applications reluctantly, I somehow accidentally booked a 3 month trip to Bali instead. Well, maybe not so accidentally. I needed an extended break from the chaos that was the present state of my life, so I could think about what I truly wanted. After working overtime to save for my trip, I left for Indonesia three months later.

A few nights into my travels, I was walking along the most amazing secluded beach on the island of Nusa Lembongan. With the smell of incense burning in the Balinese night air, I came to the realization that the idea of a lifetime corporate 9-to-5 wasn’t one that was enticing. I needed to make a change. About a week or so later, while lounging on Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, I met a boy from 7,000 miles away. It’s a story as old as time…we of course fell in love.

For 3 months the two of us traveled all around the island, staying at over 21 hotels, villas, and Airbnb’s. We ate the best food, drank espresso martinis every night, and kissed under mist of the tallest waterfall in Bali. Mixed in with many visa extensions, mishaps, and laughs. I also quickly found that law school was no longer my dream.

It was nothing short of magical.

During my time in Bali, I was able to make lifelong friends from around the globe, reignite my passion for photography, and take a deep breath from the fast-paced Western world. I found a clarity I had never felt with a career in law before- I wanted to work online and travel the world. So I did.

Bohemianbela.com is where I share all my tips & tricks for planning the perfect getaway, exploring cities like a local, and finding the most stunning destinations to spend your vacation in.