Bali Owes Us Nothing!
On June 9th I embarked upon an amazing adventure to Bali, Indonesia at the invitation of my walking crew girlfriend, Yolanda Alexander. Last year, during one of our weekly Tuesday and Thursday morning walks, Yolanda shared that she desired to go to Bali to celebrate her 60th Birthday. Since Bali has been on my travel bucket list for several years, it was easy for me to sign on.
Yolanda gathered all of the information and invited us all into a Zoom information meeting. After she presented the information, she sent us a link to begin making our payments with the travel agent. When we began planning our trip in the summer of 2024, this trip seems so far away. The days, weeks, and months of planning were exciting as Yolanda kept us together with a countdown ticker via the Bali Birthday Group text thread that she created.
We all shared ideas for clothing, excursions and restaurants we were viewing on social media by people who had recently visited Bali. On those days when we were overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities and work, we encouraged one another with humorous videos and memes about girls’ trips, travel, or a random “I can’t wait to go” text message. Before long the months turned into weeks, the weeks turned into days, the days turned into hours, and we were off to Bali!
International travel is not new to me. I’ve traveled to 5 of the 7 Continents: Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Europe. I have visited several countries such as Canada, Costa Rica, Belgium, Ecuador. Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Greece, Mexico, Spain, Kenya and South Africa. I’ve enjoyed the uniqueness of the Caribbean in Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Vincennes. Much of my international travel has been related to ministry, mixed with leisure and touring, with the exception of Greece and Bali which were solely pleasure.
Of course, the lengthy flight time was something we all dreaded, but I must say the travel to and from Bali became a major part of the adventure and fun. For example, one of things that made the trip enjoyable was the access we had to the airline lounges in the Nashville, TN., Vancouver, Canada and Taipei, Taiwan airports. I have several thoughts around this experience:
I had 7 lounge passes with my Delta SkyMiles account. Why? Because I hardly get to the airport in time to sit very long before boarding my flight.
Four of us had access to the lounges which also gave us passes for a guest. With each stop we made sure the other two had a pass.
In every airport lounge we were the only black women in the lounges. Our thought was, if one of us had access we all had access.
I’ve been leaving some privileges on the table literally and spiritually. I need to slow down and take full advantage of the access God has granted me always leaving room to take another woman with me.
We had the most unforgettable adventures surrounded by nature, soaking in every magical moment! In Ubud we visited the beautiful rainforest, exhilarating water falls, water temples and temples of worship. We enjoyed learning about the people of Indonesia, their family and faith traditions. We ate delicious foods and drank fresh juice and teas made from the beautiful trees in Bali.
Here are some of my most memorable Bali Moments:
Day 2: The Bali Swing Dress Excursion! People who know me well, know I do not engage in activities where I am suspended in mid-air. I prefer activities where my feet are firmly planted on the ground such as walking, running, hiking or bike riding. The Bali Swing Dress Excursion was an exercise in facing my fear of heights and pushing me past my comfort zone. The breathtaking views of Bali on the swing was worth every moment…
Day 3: What a day of adventure! We went from riding elephants in the morning to ATV’s in the afternoon!!! Riding elephants was another fear I faced in Bali. Before we left Atlanta, I told Yolanda, I was not going to participate in this excursion. I not only rode an elephant, I fed an elephant, and allowed an elephant to hug me. It was so much fun!!!
Day 5: On day 5, we transferred from the beautiful Westin Hotel in Ubud to the exotic Peppers Resort in Seminyak. I don’t have the words to fully describe the beauty that surrounded us there. The trees, flowers, and plants were life giving. That night we enjoyed a beautiful sunset dinner cruise while dancing with the locals and others who were on holiday in Bali.
Day 6: June 16th, Yolanda’s 60th Birthday! Every day of the Bali birthday trip was amazing but the floating breakfast, poolside rest, relaxation and reflections while feeding the fish that resided in our villa’s fish pond, was simply the best! And that night, we celebrated the birthday girl with a photo shoot all dressed up in orange, yellow and pink over a beautiful sea food dinner on the Indian Ocean front! We understood the assignment… ☺
Day 7: After a beautiful outdoor breakfast at the Peppers Resort Restaurant, we set out for a day at the spa, beach and some retail therapy! The full body massage, sea salt scrub, and Bali flower bath was rejuvenating, refreshing and recalibrating for our minds, bodies, and souls. If you’re ever in Seminyak, Bali check out @halobalispaa on Instagram. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxing. Thank me later. 💕
In my 62 years of living, I’ve been on some amazing trips but this was a trip of a life time with 6 Beautiful Black Women who decided to go on an adventure together. I’m committed to using whatever time that I have left on this earth doing the work of ministry with my husband, leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren, serving my community, coaching women who desire to grow, change and evolve, make a lasting impact on the lives of others, traveling, seeing the world, challenging my fears, and having a great time with my family and girlfriends in beautiful places like Bali!
By the way, who said married women can’t have fun? Follow on me Instagram @DrToniGA and on YouTube @DrToniGA.
We are so thankful to our husbands for supporting our trip to Bali!
Dr. Toni, on behalf of the Walking Crew…