we must dash — Blog — Just a Blonde in Buffalo

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.” - Anthony Bourdain

Earlier this year I decided I needed a change in my life, with a lot of things - both in the my professional and personal life, so, when Stephanie and Brandon from We Must Dash posted that they were offering a new tour in Bali I decided this was something I had to do. Bali had been on my bucket list of places to visit and I feel like I needed a life changing moment and that was indeed what happened.

I have always loved to travel and most of my travels have been with friends or family. Sometimes I would travel solo, but would always end with meeting someone I knew at my final destination. This trip was different though, I was booking a trip, really not knowing anything or anyone (yes, I knew Stephanie from We Must Dash and Katie from BkindCity but didn’t really know, know them). I was travelling half way across the world and meeting up with strangers, strangers who turned to into really great friends.

The Bali Reset was a 2 week trip that traveled throughout the island of Indonesia exploring rice terraces, visiting temples, climbing an active volcano in the middle of the night to catch the most amazing sunrise you will ever see. Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, learning to surf, learning to cook Balinese food and bringing home recipes you can make for your family and friends and seeing some of the most beautiful beaches and views in the world. Simply breathtaking.

The trip was comprised of 15 amazing human beings, people who are from Buffalo, Montana, Massachusetts and Las Vegas. And all of us were on this trip for a reason, some to find some sort of clarity, some to celebrate life, some for both. I came on this trip hoping to get answers to things in my life that I am constantly looking for. Not ever seeing or reading Eat, Pray, Love but knowing the concept of it, a lot of friends referenced that to me throughout the months leading up to the trip. What happened though is I didn’t find those answers to things I’m looking for, but I instead came home with a clearer mind, more appreciation for the life I have and a better understanding of knowing things will always work out and align in the manner they are supposed to at the time they are supposed to. This trip made me be more present and enjoy the moments and experiences in real time and not through my phone.

What started for me as being anxious and scared because I didn’t know if I’d “fit "in” or if people would like me turned into me learning to embrace each unknown, each new experience, wanting to see as much as I possibly could and getting as uncomfortable as I could knowing I would learn more about myself. This trip made me want to extend my trip longer so I could learn more about each person in our group. And what helped me with all of this were the people in our group, whether they know it or not each one of them taught me something and helped me become a better person and for that I am so grateful.

I can’t say enough about this trip and about We Must Dash. Not only was Bali Reset a trip full of adventure, new experiences, relaxation and exploring but Stephanie and Brandon literally are the best business owners and look out for their travelers. They are there for you 24/7. Like when my ATM card got sucked into the ATM machine in Ubud, Steph was there to re-assure me everything would be ok or when someone in our group lost her cell phone in the taxi, Steph was able to get it back (she is literally a miracle worker) and when I got really sick in Sanur, Steph showed up to my room with medicine. She is the ultimate trip Mom.

People say they don’t have the time or money to travel or we just simply get to wrapped up our everyday life that we forget there is so much out there in this world, what I’m here to say is you need to put yourself first. Traveling is one of the best things a person can do for themselves. It clears your head, fills your heart, and gives you a new perspective on life and this world.

The whole trip was magical but you really do learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together or a car or ferry ride for that matter. I learned a lot on this trip and one of my favorite moments was learning about the people in our group and singing out loud with each other in the car rides. It was like we were having the time of lives, because we were! Hiking Mt. Batur and snorkeling were runners up in my favorite moments if I had to narrow it down. At the end of the day I could sit here and share pictures on pictures and stories on stories, but the best thing I can tell you is to experience a trip like this yourself, you won’t regret it.