This past month, I took my sewing machine into a shop. I thought the needle was off but it only needed a new power cord and it’s been humming along! First, I finished a mini duffle bag made of out sail cloth. I had to mess with the tension and look up a video on how to sew in a zipper but my sewing knowledge is still up there in my brain. I’ve still got it!

Next, I noticed a corset pattern I’ve never used and some vintage lace fabric I bought at a thrift store years ago. Some nude stretch nylon fabric I used in my senior collection worked perfectly as lining. I cut out the pattern pieces for a style with a lace up front, bows at the shoulders, and a back peplum piece.

The lining and front pieces faced each other and were bound in the lace fabric. The fabric was hefty enough to add some structure to the silhouette. I wanted to add some purple elements so added a purple embroidery stitch to the peplum and sourced purple cording from the local JoAnns closing sale.

When my needle broke twice because the fabric was too thick I cried out in frustration. My boyfriend told me to relax, that it would take time for me to perfect my craft again. I solved the issue with some new heavy duty needles that worked like a charm.

Over a few hours long sittings, I completed the construction on the corset. The only step left was to apply the eyelets, small metal circles laced through with the cording. When the March weather was overcast and cold, my boyfriend went to multiple stores to find some eyelet pliers for me. He found a pair at Home Depot and we experimented with them until we figured out how they worked to compress the back section without misshaping the front circular embellishments.

Laced up, the corset looked complete. I tried it on and was happy with the way it hugged my body. At the hotel on my layover, I pressed the peplum so the pleats were crisp. I wore the top in San Diego out with my cousins to lunch in La Jolla and dinner at a rooftop bar downtown. It paired nicely with jeans, shades, and Birkenstocks.

Hooked on seeing my ideas fleshed out as a completed product, I made a second corset out of leopard scuba fabric and black linen fabric as lining. I made a midi skirt out of the leopard print fabric years ago so envisioned the top pairing nicely with the skirt.

I made sure to press the lining fabric so the trim created a clean outline effect. The linen added more structure to the stretchy scuba material but was still light enough for summer temperatures. I chose the most simple corset silhouette without shoulder bows or a peplum so it was simple to construct albeit slightly different steps I had to decipher.

The corset came together even quicker than the first and I added a silver eyelet at the bottom, a zig zag stitch at the bust, and black cording on this one. I tried it on excitedly. The shoulder part is looser but looks nice hanging off the shoulders. It pairs well with the print skirt as well as black skirts and jeans. I’m looking forward to wearing it to events and outings this spring!

My enthusiasm for sewing and the thrill of the process has been reignited. I plan to make either a resort style skirt or shorts out of the black linen fabric I have left over and I also have some floral print stiff fabric I might make an overalls style romper out of. I also plan to make a wide headband out of the leopard fabric. I can see myself making more corsets, bags, and potentially swimwear next. Maybe I’ll reopen an Etsy shop someday soon.

This turn of events happened during the crazy astrology of March which included simultaneous mercury and Venus retrogrades in Aries. Aries is my 5th house of creative pursuits and hobbies so I can see how my past creative projects have resurfaced. I’m so glad they did and excited to create more unique wearable garments in the coming months.

I hope your March was magical and not too dismal. I’m looking forward to April outings, warmer weather, and my brother’s upcoming wedding I’m a bridesmaid in. I hemmed my dress and need to press the hem and make sure it looks good. Until next time.

Xx,

Megan

Our first outing, we rented gear at a local shop and headed up to Brainard Lake. A light sprinkle of snow fell steadily during the drive. I’d never been cross country skiing before so had to get used to the way the boots hook into the skis.

We skied the road up to the lake. Cross country setups allow your heel to pop out so you can glide forward on flat snow. The motion is closer to ice skating and a good workout! The path had a track that we followed and snow kept falling, creating an icicle in my boyfriend’s beard.

We took a break up at the lake to take in the view although the sky was still white and snowy. I saw people coming up a trail through the woods so we decided to check it out. The start was pretty steep to cross country down so Tom got frustrated. Cross country skis are so skinny so it’s hard to go down and steep incline and feel stable.

Once we got past the steep part, it was easy cruising. The trail through the trees was so gorgeous and snow covered! It felt like we were in a ski film! The only annoying part was our skis went over a water patch and the water froze so the bottom of our skis felt sticky on the snow and we couldn’t glide.

After our expedition, we got cocktails at the Stanley Hotel lounge. It’s an old elegant hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. My boyfriend gave me the book and I’ve been reading it recently. We also watched the movie.

We also skied with my brother, fiancé, and cousin at Caribou Ranch when they visited for a weekend. The views were nice and it was super warm out. We also went to a fun sauna cold plunge place in Denver called Portal.

My boyfriend and I went back to Brainard Lake this week and the powder was perfectly soft and fresh. It got warmer and wetter on the way back. We stayed in the trail through the trees called Waldrop the whole time because it was really windy out.

Next, we want to rent backcountry setups and do some downhill skiing at Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ve also never been to Breckenridge or Aspen so would like to see some of the Colorado ski towns even if we don’t go to a resort there. I’ve been loving the snow and want to keep going into early spring. I hope you’ve been getting after some adventures this winter whether you’re in a warm or cold climate.

Xx,

Megan

The locals have been kind to me so far. I tried taking a bus and a random guy used a translator app to help me find a taxi. My taxi driver tried to talk with me but I don’t know Portuguese so we got a few words across via Spanish. He kept saying lounge - your hostel is very far away! I don’t have cash yet so he waited to charge his card reader at my hostel.

I like how active people are here, the lush green mountains, and the blue tropical cloudy sky. I was looking for an ATM and this older guy working at a shop tried to explain to me how to get there. I walked down the street but somehow ended up circling back around. He walked me there himself, the ATM was in the grocery store. He was so friendly and kept trying to converse with me.

On the way back, I bought açaí in a cup for $1! In Brazil, they eat açaí like it’s ice cream and I got some granola and fruit on top. The açaí was a dark plum color and tasted fruity and cooling.

That afternoon I ate a beef pastry, coconut, checked into my hostel, laid on the beach, and surfed in the rain. The waves were breaking at a steep angle so I couldn’t catch much but loved taking in the scenery. One tall local guy caught almost every wave, he paddled so hard and positioned himself perfectly. Some people tried to talk to me but I don’t understand Portuguese.

A friend recommended a hike to me so my 3rd day I took a motorcycle Uber to the base of Dois Imanos, the gorgeous green duo looming over the side of Ipanema and Leblon Beach. I paid the entrance fee and hiked through the jungle to a stunning view above Rio de Janeiro. In the distance I spotted Christ the Redeemer, the iconic massive beaches, and other jungle land and mountain peaks.

Hiking down in just Birkenstocks and socks was a bit challenging but I made it and took a motorcycle ride to Leblon Beach. I ordered some file peixe, a traditional fish lunch. The restaurant forgot my order and I got hangry but eventually ate and felt satiated.

The sky became overcast but after leaving my stuff next to a couple, I immersed myself in the water. It felt cold but soothing to my sore muscles. I walked down the beach, taking in the umbrellas and tourists. While walking back, the wind picked up and rain pelted the crowd. I made my way back to the restaurant I ate at before and they gave me a free cocktail, a Caprihini. It was strong so I was buzzed the entire rainy moto ride back to Macumba.

Once I finally got back to my hostel, I showered and got a burger at the cafe. An Argentinian gal I’d met and another girl were going out to a samba night in the city so I decided to hop into their Uber.

The event looked like a carnival with drink stalls and a live band in the square. We got dragon fruit cocktails for $4 and I also had a Redbull for energy. We danced and our Brazilian friends sang also to the Portuguese tunes and beats. It was a blast and I chatted with my Argentinian friend Tina about family, astrology, and relationships on the ride home. She’s a Gemini and runs a roller skating company for kids.

The next morning, I woke up to a DJ set and community tree planting activity by the beach. I surfed with the friends I made and we all caught some smooth baby waves. The sky was overcast but we all laid out, talked, and got coconuts. I went in the steam sauna, loving how it opens up my lungs, hydrates my skin, and relaxes me.

On Sunday, I woke up with low energy. One of the girls in my hostel room had a sniffly cold that I seemed to catch. I took the day to mostly rest and the sauna was open in the afternoon. I met some local Brazilians who had a membership for the pool and sauna. One of them spoke to me in English and the rest chatted passionately in Portuguese.

By Monday the rainy weather finally passed and the sky was clear and blue all day long. I surfed, read, and went to the sauna. A German friend of mine also wanted to check out Rio so we made plans to go into the city.

After breakfast we booked an Uber. The car seemed old and falling apart and we got stuck in traffic since we couldn’t weave around like the motorcycles. The ride to the Christ the Redeemer statue was supposed to take an hour and a half but ended up taking almost 3 hours! I didn’t have enough coffee so immediately found a cute coffee shop.

We got tickets to the train up to the statue. The ride up was so pretty as the statue is situated way up in the hills surrounded by jungle foliage. Some of the nearby architecture looks like Italy. By the time we got up, it was closer to mid day, super sunny, and packed with tourists.

We walked the steps up to the famous statue of Jesus. It is quite impressive how they got such a massive proud looking Jesus perched up so high over the city. The views were spectacular and we walked all around looking down on the favellas, beaches, and jungle. Rio de Janeiro is very beautiful and unlike any city I’ve been to before.

To cool off, we hightailed it out of there and got some water and lunch nearby. I tried a tapioca, basically a savory crepe with cheese and ham inside. We got an Uber to Copacabana. The beach was filled with the colorful summer crowd but the water there was very dirty.

We walked over to a rocky tidal pool beach and dipped in the water and sat in the shade to cool off. There was this amazing outdoor gym where we tried out some weights and watched locals use it and play soccer. I wanted my daily coconut fix so found one for only $1.50.

We walked along Ipanema, checking out the jewelry venders and sitting on the sand. I love that beach and think it’s so gorgeous with the two green peaks I climbed the other day in the distance. The lighting got glowy and I bought a light scarf that I can use as a skirt and beach towel with a cool pattern of the city on it.

The sunset was gold and purple. I love the tile pattern on the sidewalk and seeing such a busy city beach. It’s so vibrant and alive with music, food, and sports! We got food inland and headed back to our hostel. My young German friend and I talked about work, Peru, and the economy. He’s in a grad school supply chain program and trying to find a remote job after he completes his studies.

My last day in Brazil, I surfed not very well, got food at a local buffet with friends, and got too much sun laying on the beach and taking in the sunset. I’ll miss the green and yellow flag, friendliest locals, tropical ocean waves, and fresh açaí and coconuts! I also had a last açaí snack before I flew out.

I’m back at work now but my trip inspired me to stay fit by doing more cardio and sticking to a diet of more fresh fruit and proteins. My boyfriend and I went cross country skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park and have been going on long walks. The trip opened my eyes to a vibrant community oriented active culture and gave me renewed energy to focus on my fitness, goals, and ideal lifestyle.

Happy full moon in Leo! We are near the end of the Mars retrograde so things have been slow, frustrating, and dark at times. I was supposed to go to Hawaii with a friend during this time but had to change my plans last minute. I am also considering relocating there for a job but I’m waiting to see what happens. I hope this year improves and I’ll take the inspiration I found in Brazil to keep pushing towards my ideal lifestyle, destiny, and higher purpose.

Since Jupiter went into Gemini in the spring, there’s been more social energy, concerts, short trips, and for me personally growth within my partnerships. The energy has been fast and chaotic so that’s why I’m calling it a brat year in honor of Charli XCX’s album of the same name. Brat to me is living life the way you want, being a bit dramatic, partying and having fun, and not giving into societal pressures or pleasing everyone.

January: My boyfriend Tom and I rang in the New Year at a concert in downtown Boulder with some friends. We danced and partied. I got cold and tired around 1am so was happy when we went home. We had a game night with friends, I made a collage vision board that I framed, and I observed dry January by giving up alcohol.

The month was snowy and cozy. We made soups and fires. During a snow storm, Tom and I took a bath and made cute snow angels. My cousin Dan and I went ice skating in Evergreen.

During the end of the month, I visited Michigan. My sister and I went to a winter festival and silent disco night with friends. We danced the night away and got a cocktail at a rooftop bar downtown. We hosted a game afternoon with friends and celebrated a birthday.

Afterwards, I flew straight to Miami to visit a coworker. We swam at the beach with his mom and got smoothies at a cool fruit farm. I wanted to see Little Havana so we walked around and got Cuban food. We also went to the Versace mansion for a drink in South Beach and walked around the arts district. I love the architecture, colors, and water landscapes in Miami. It’s a very fashionable city!

February: Tom’s friend Suzy and I went skiing at Arapahoe Basin during the week. Our boyfriends were jealous they couldn’t join us. We zipped around and drank mini champagne bottles on the lift. After skiing all afternoon, we got a drink at the resort. While walking up the stairs, my old ski boots from the 90s sadly cracked. I still need to replace them!

My boyfriend and I went bowling and watched the Super Bowl together. He moved out of his friend’s house and moved into his own apartment by the start of March. I started a remote side job teaching creative writing to an AI model so got into the swing of that.

I started doing a yoga studio week trial and to get in shape. My boyfriend and I went to a sauna cold plunge in Boulder called Portal. He bought me a gorgeous orchid and some cute gifts for Valentine’s Day but I had to work that night and he was moving so we didn’t do too much for it.

March: I had a quick layover in Vegas and saw some cool Chinese New Year decorations. My boyfriend and I went to the climbing gym one day and he settled into his new apartment.

We took a weekend getaway to Salida, a cool mining town south of Denver. We visited a hot springs, walked around, and went to his friend’s bar for St. Patrick’s Day. A band played and we stayed at a cute hostel in town.

During the end of the month, we flew to Boston to meet Tom’s baby niece in New Hampshire. We celebrated Easter at his sister’s cool cabin house in the woods. The food was good and I met some of his extended family too. We stayed with his mom and at his sister’s house one night. His family is athletic, silly, and was very nice and welcoming towards me.

April: I started doing some content marketing work for a new underwear brand so enjoyed working on a creative project. I was planning on going down to Texas for the total solar eclipse but the flights looked too full so I watched it at a science center in my boyfriend’s neighborhood.

The weather started warming up so I did some cold plunges in the Boulder Creek. I went on a winter hike to a lake that was frozen over and shot some content for the underwear brand. I was sick during my scheduled vacation time so didn’t travel anywhere but my boyfriend and I went to my first Red Rocks concert! We saw Jungle and danced the entire time to the groovy disco music.

I did some fun hikes and flew back to Michigan for a surprise party in Muskegon for my best friend Sophie. We stayed at an Airbnb, went bowling, thrifting, got food, watched Mama Mia and reminisced about high school and our families. I also toured my best friend Nicole’s house she just bought and hung out at my aunt’s house during their dog’s birthday party.

May: I had some fun layovers in Chicago and DC. I laid out at the beach in Chicago and got some sun. In DC, I visited some cool art museums and got a cheesesteak sandwich.

On my off time, I went on a brief trip to Hawaii. I surfed Waikiki and got an açaí bowl and some poké. Hawaii reminds me of a mix of California and Asia. I also went on a hike and met some people at a hostel. I wish I could have stayed longer!

Tom and I traveled to Taos, New Mexico for our friend’s Suzy and Blake’s wedding. We set up our tent on the hill of the grounds. The weekend kicked off with a disco party. I donned a purple sequin dress and leather jacket. We danced and Tom had a music jam session with some friends.

The next day we explored the town. Taos is so artsy and southwestern, it’s a beautiful place! We attended the gorgous ceremony and watched the couple drive off on a tandem bike. The reception was a blast and ended with a bonfire until it got rainy and we hid in our tent.

Tom’s birthday was right after the wedding so we hung out at a reservoir beach and had dinner together. It was low key since we were tired out from the festivities.

June: I met up with my friend Jorge from grad school in Barcelona for Primavera Sound, a music festival! I hadn’t been to Europe since before covid so it was nice to revisit such a vibrant lovely city! We checked into our hostel and walked to the beach taking in sights along the way. That night, we saw Phoenix at the venue.

The next few days we got tapas, went to museums, the beach, and got ready for the festival. It was on Barcelona time so started late afternoon and went until early morning. We saw Vampire Weekend, Lana Del Rey, Trove Sivan, Disclosure, SZA, and Charli XCX preform among others. We ran around, danced, and had a blast drinking aperol spritz cocktails, Red Bulls, and beers. The food was good and I enjoyed seeing everyone’s outfits.

After the festival, I got sick from people in our hostel. I got on flights back to Denver but had to sleep off the cold. I had a day before I had to go back to work so was able to mostly recover. I moved in with my boyfriend so packed up and started moving my stuff into his place.

July: We went to a brewery on the 4th of July and road around on Tom’s motorcycle. I had to work later on and picked up Tom from a party on the way home. We hiked to a nudist creek in the woods and Tom fished. That night, we got dinner with my Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike who were in town in Golden.

Tom and I met his family in Cape May for a week long beach vacation. We laid on the beach, explored the Victorian town, cooked yummy dinners, watched the sunset at the beach, and went for night bike rides. I surfed at a cove in town and Tom road the skim board from his youth. We had a lovely time and I got to know his family better on the trip.

Tom’s bike was stolen from the balcony so one of his friend’s gave him a cruiser bike. We went on a group bike ride together, weaving through the crowds and stopping in a field for a dance party. The Olympics started and I watched the surfing competition in Tahiti religiously.

August: For my birthday, I went on a trip to Singapore and Bali! I had the time off and have never been to Asia, just the Middle East so that was on my bucket list for 2024. I originally planned to fly through Australia but needed a pre-approved visa so wasn’t able to. I had to adjust my plan and fly through Singapore instead. I had a night there and then arrived in Bali.

The traffic was crazy on the way to Canggu. I watched sunsets at the beach, did some surf coaching sessions, and took in the sights of little temples everywhere. The boutique hotels and restaurants were so cute! I went on an island snorkeling tour, out at a bar with friends from my hostel for my birthday, and to a beautiful waterfall.

The time change was drastic so hard to acclimate to. It’s 14 hours different. My boyfriend fell off his bike and injured his ribs so I wanted to go home and check on him. I flew back through Singapore and explored during the day. The flights were all full going back because of a typhoon in Japan but I managed to fly back through London to Denver. The rest of the month, I worked and helped my boyfriend was recover from his injury.

September: I got my hair trimmed and went to the dentist. I visited my family and friends in Michigan for 2 weeks. I spent time with my best friends there and visited my dad’s lake house. My brother Christian and I went kayaking with his friends in Ann Arbor and I met his girlfriend.

My sister showed up and we drove up to the Upper Peninsula. We passed over the Mackinaw Bridge, got pasties, and hiked at Pictured Rocks National Park. We stayed with our cousin Rob in Houghton and went off roading in the woods, swimming in Lake Superior, and hunting for yooper lights, rocks that glow in the dark under fluorescent light.

Christian’s buddy showed up and we flew in a seaplane to Isle Royale. For the next few days we hiked around the island, swam in Lake Superior, slept in tents and wooden shelters, and made yummy freeze dried meals. We watched the full moon eclipse rise, played card games, and watched the sunrise at Scoville Point one morning.

After our backpacking excursion, we stayed with my aunt and uncle in Marquette. We hiked to a waterfall, a cool viewpoint of the lakeshore, and ate fresh perch at a restaurant. On the last day, we went sailing on Lake Michigan. I hadn’t been sailing in a while so it was a treat to steer the ship and glide through the water.   

October: I really wanted to go leaf peeping so my boyfriend and I went to Golden Gate State Park. The yellow Aspens and orange hue trees were so gorgeous and romantic. We also saw Goth Babe at Red Rocks around the time we first met each other a year ago.

My Prius Ruby was shaking and making loud noises. I put off taking her in but eventually took her in for a checkup. The auto shop said the right front wheel bearing and axle was worn out, shaking, and ready to break off.

They quoted me at $1300 to fix it. My car is a 2005 and close to 300,000 miles and also has other pending issues so I decided it was time for a new vehicle. I searched on Facebook Marketplace and test drove some different cars.

I found a 2018 Subaru Impreza with a nice sound system and leather interior for a good price so I bought it. I went on one last little road trip with Ruby before I posted photos and sold her.

End of the month, I went on a spontaneous trip to Mexico with my friend Jorge. We met up in Puerto Vallarta and took the bus to Sayulita. We got seafood, surfed, and attended a festive Halloween Dia de Los Muertos parade.

November: Tom and I did a gym membership trial to use the sauna. The election results were definitely shocking for us so it took a while to process. Right after I got back from Mexico, it snowed here so that messed with my body.

I had a fun work layover in San Diego and went to an art museum. Tom and I went to a cool Where the Wild Things Are art exhibit in Denver and had an early Thanksgiving dinner with my cousin Dan. We also went to my coworker Kelsey’s place for a Friendsgiving.

I was supposed to work Thanksgiving but called out of it so went to Tom’s friend’s house for the day. The food was amazing! They cooked duck and brisket. Tom and I went for a pretty trail run that weekend around sunset. I had to get new tires on my car so that was pricey but I got one free as a Black Friday deal.

December: I worked the most hours so far as a flight attendant, 90 flight hours with 6 layovers! I enjoyed having longer layovers in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Orlando. I went to Chinatown in SF with a friend, Park City, and Disney Springs but some of the early mornings were tough to wake up for.

My boyfriend and I went to Michigan for Christmas. The trip was quick but Tom was able to meet a lot of my family. We went to a Christmas market with my best friends, hung out with my cousins, got brunch with my dad, went to a Christmas Eve party, and hung out with my sister that night.

We had to leave on Christmas because I had to work that night. We didn’t make the first flight which was stressful so I booked Tom on a Southwest flight I was able to fly standby on. We made it back that afternoon and got some Chinese food. I rested until I had to go in that night. I had to work the next 4 days and had a layover in Los Angeles. I got lunch with my family there and we walked along the beach. I’m feeling pretty tired out from the lead up to Christmas and busy work schedule so looking forward to a relaxed New Years.

Overall 2024 was a wonderful year of adventure and growth for me. I have some goals, ideas, and travels planned out for 2025 so I’m excited to see how it all pans out. Astrologically I’ve been hearing a lot of changes and shifts are coming in 2025 so I am preparing to go with the flow and keep progressing towards where my life is headed and the next chapter ahead! Happy New Years! Let’s enjoy all the little moments, seize the opportunities, and prioritize the things that matter most.

Jorge lives in Mexico so he was instantly in! We talked on a Thursday and by the next Monday morning we both hopped on flights to Puerto Vallerta. The airport is small so we spotted each other and caught the bus to quaint Sayulita. Talking the entire time, we caught up about work, family, and how we’d been since we last saw each other in Spain.

End of May we attended Primavera, a music festival in Barcelona. We saw SZA, Charli XCX, Vampire Weekend, Lana Del Rey, and countless other stellar bands for only $230 3 day passes. The festival opened up late afternoon and went until the early morning so it definitely ran on Barcelona time! The time difference from the states actually made it easy to stay awake into the wee hours of the night. I should do another post on that trip!

The bus ride felt quick and our Airbnb was close to the stop so we walked over. We booked an adorable bungalow with an outdoor shower, sink, and patio. The space was perfect for the two of us with a cozy kitchen, bed on the main floor, and upper loft bedroom. We settled in and changed to get some food.

The weather was sticky humid and hot. Sayulita was noisy with construction and preparations for the Dia de Los Muertos celebration that coming weekend.

I visited the town before in March 2021 a few months after my grandma died. Feeling heartbroken, lost, and stuck, the trip made me feel alive and hopeful again. I connected with local multicultural people and other travelers and got my confidence and vibrancy back so the town has a special place in my heart.

Sayulita seemed busier and more touristy than my visit 3 years ago. Maybe it was just because of the upcoming holiday but it felt more Americanized with pop music and older tourists. My friend and I found a cute central restaurant and got some yummy fish tacos.

We walked to the main beach and the surf looked choppy and inconsistent but tempting. I was eager to paddle around on a board so we rented foam boards. They ended up being super water logged and slippery so neither of us could catch much of anything. Jorge hadn’t surfed in a while so he was just trying to get the hang of it.

Nevertheless, it was wonderful to be in the ocean watching the sunset. The water was so warm it felt like bath water. We gave up on the shitty boards and turned them in. That night, we had some drinks on our patio and listened to music. Later on we grocery shopped and made ham and cheese quesadillas and tea. The travel tired us out so we went to bed early.

The next morning, we took the bus to La Lancha, a local pristine surf beach. We walked down a jungle tree-covered path to view the surf before renting boards. The waves were glassy and long so we hurried up to get boards. I went out with a crowd of a few people and Jorge took already crashed waves closer to shore. I took some nice long waves I could carve on. Boy, it felt amazing to be doing what I loved on a nice longboard.

After a satisfying session, we chowed down on yummy parrot fish burgers at a local café. The area was definitely more expensive than I remember but from what I’ve experienced, inflation has impacted every corner of the globe. We got a car ride back to our bungalow and took a little nap. That night, we walked in town to see the sunset and got supplies to make spaghetti. After dinner, we watched The Boy and the Heron, a heartwarming animated Miyazaki film.

The next morning, we had a quick breakfast and headed back to La Lancha. The tide was dripping lower the day before so we wanted to get into the water earlier. That day the surf was more disappointing and inconsistent so we tried an area slightly to the right by a rocky reef area. The waves were ok and I scored some but they were trickier and smaller. I gave up since I was on my period and Jorge stayed in a bit longer.

Back in town, we got açaí bowls and made more quesadillas. It didn’t feel too humid out so we laid on the beach until sunset watching the surfers gracefully cross-step almost into the sandy beach. We didn’t want to cook so we split a pizza at a restaurant near our Airbnb north of the main downtown.

My boyfriend was caught off guard when I told him I’d be gone for a few days and bummed out that we wouldn’t be together on Halloween. I was in town the weekend before but was working and planned to fly back Friday, the day after Halloween. I made sure to call him every night and he got to talk with Jorge too. My travel lifestyle is hard on him sometimes because he loves having me around, not a bad problem to have but I wish his schedule would allow him to accompany me more often.

That night felt heavy to me. Scorpio season was in full swing. Death and rebirth themes were prevalent and honoring the dead was top of mind. Every boutique was filled with artistic depictions of skeletons as couples and with unique outfits and faces. One night, Jorge and I walked through the square and noticed a huge skeleton woman statue being painted. The skeleton in the square with palm trees in the background was a sight to see!

Halloween morning, we got a drink and pastry and decided to venture out to a nearby town called San Pancho. It felt like Sayulita before it got more touristy. We ventured in some cute shops and set up our towels and umbrella on the beach. The waves were strong and crashing close to shore so it wasn’t great surfing.

We swam out a bit enjoying the water and order some spiked coconuts. For some reason, Jorge’s coconut was way more spiked than mine so he got a bit tipsy. We found some souvenirs and ceviche in town but it took forever to come to us. By the time the sun was setting, we got a ride back to our Airbnb.

Along the way, we noticed people lining up for the parade and men with painted faces on horses. It was cool to see a sneak peak of the Halloween parade. We showered and got dressed for the festivities. I wore a purple sparkly 2000s slinky party dress and black furry silver sparkly fairy wings.

While on a walk in my neighborhood, I noticed someone left out a rack of free Halloween costumes, clothes, and accessories. Both pieces were from the free rack and I scored some other treasures. Jorge and I walked through crowds to the square to see what was going on. I was worried we’d miss the parade but it hadn’t start yet.

We walked around noticing the stage, skeleton lady statue, an orange flower archway, and multiple drink and street food venders. I got a big mango juice for only $2! The parade finally started and contained lots of Mexican contemporary and heritage elements including skull faced couples, mariachi bands, fire stick dancers, and horses. I thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant display of culture and spooky touches.

After the parade winded down, Jorge badgered me to get food at a Peruvian restaurant we got free margarita coupons to. We walked up the street from the square and found the spot. The place had a modern disco vibe and was pretty empty besides some employees hanging out taking shots. They gave us free shots too!!

We ordered classic margaritas and they tasted delicious. We also got a potato appetizer and lomo saltado which is a beef stir fry with fries. We split the dishes and everything was decadent and stylishly plated. The staff were so nice and friendly to us! The food brought me memories of volunteering and living in Peru a few years ago.

After dinner, we wandered around and got drinks at YamBak. I remembered the spot from last time. A DJ played some techno house beats. It was ok but I was starting to tire out so we went back to our place. I called my boyfriend so I could show him my costume and tell him about the parade. I missed him and was looking forward to going home.

The next morning, we got coffee and a pastry at a local café and walked to the beach. The longboard surf competition was on again so we sat on the sand and watched. I love how surfers in Sayulita maneuver their boards and cross step. It’s so artistic and graceful!

I saw a souvenir last night I wanted to get for my brother so Jorge and I walked down the main stretch of shops. While grabbing the gift, I got something for myself too. I almost wanted to swim one last time but needed to finish packing. Jorge and I went back to our bungalow Airbnb and threw our stuff together.

I said goodbye to Jorge. He was staying a couple extra days at a place nearby. Besides, the AC unit in our place was leaking in our kitchen so the place needed some maintenance. I got on the bus and just made it on the afternoon flight back to Denver.

When I got home, my boyfriend got me a succulent in a skull pot, a candle, and a cute card. My trip to Sayulita was a blast and nice getaway while Colorado was starting to cool down. I wanted to surf more in town but wasn’t able to with the surf competition. Flying back, I reflected on my ancestors since it was the Day of the Dead. I’m grateful for my ancestors and the legacy and life they gave me.

Sayulita is a gem especially during the northern winter and spring if you ever get the chance to visit. Thanks for reading and enjoy the holidays!

Xo,

Megan

I started writing the post but can’t seem to finish it so I’m going to mix it up and just write an update on how I’ve been feeling and doing these past 2 months plus an astrological perspective.

I was off work half the month of September which allowed me to see some family and friends as well as a tour of the Upper peninsula of Michigan which I’ve never really seen before, including Houghton, Marquette, and sailing Lake Michigan with my aunt and uncle. My cousin also took us off roading and looking for glow in the dark rocks called yupper lights.

During Virgo season in September we had the first Pisces eclipse in years. Pisces is my 4th house of family and foundation so I think that’s why I was home seeing my father, siblings, and some extended family as well. I was reminded of where I came from and the way my family goes about life.

Eclipses can bring pivotal shifts of destiny in certain areas of our lives and collective shifts in power. My brother was contemplating getting engaged at the time and is now engaged so eclipse season brought forth some pivotal shifts occurring in my family structure and dynamic. His now fiancé is wonderful so I’m very happy for him.

The trip was quite long so I was relieved to see my boyfriend and have my own space back. Right away, I had to work and also attend recurrent flight attendant training. The day was very long and stressful completing CPR and evacuation drills but my roommate and I both made it through.

The weather suddenly dropped in temperature. After such a hot dry smoky summer, I welcomed the cool brisk air. While I was in Michigan, I scored a deal on some OnCloud running shoes at REI so I started going on short runs in the morning.

Libra season was a nice time to connect with my partner and see the changing leaves. They were spectacular this season! Libra is a sign and time of the year when we focus on equality, partnership, and fairness since it’s represented by the scales of justice. It’s a Venus ruled air sign so can be indecisive and intellectualize beauty, pleasure, and connection

During the Libra new moon eclipse, my beloved car Ruby broke down to the point that I didn’t want to put any more money into repairing her. Since springtime, my tire and axle began shaking and making a grating noise. I got an oil change and they glanced at it and said nothing was wrong.

I needed an oil change so I also got my car inspected since the sound had become worse to the point where something was definitely wrong! They said my front right axle and wheel bearing was falling apart to the point where the tire could snap right off and the car would go tumbling. They quoted my at $1200 to fix it and since my car is a 2005 Prius with other issues brewing, I decided to look for a new vehicle.

I currently live in Colorado so need a car that can handle snow and mountain driving. Ruby managed through but slipped around in bad weather and hated switchback mountain roads. Right away, I scoured the market for a newer vehicle with all wheel drive.

My boyfriend and brother both suggested a Subaru Impreza to me. It’s the same size as a Prius but higher from the ground and more practical in snowy conditions. Subarus are great outdoorsy cars, reliable, and super popular in my area. I debated getting an SUV but they felt too big to me and I loved the feel of a Mazda3 but that wasn’t as great for snow driving.

The Imprezas I test drove didn’t impress me interior-wise but they handled nicely. I looked at a white 2018 one in my area through a private seller with leather interior and a bomb sound system. I was immediately sold on it! Practical but also refined with a luxury interior feeling, the price was a steal too! I sent a downpayment and over the next few days completed the sale with cash to pay for the rest of it.

My boyfriend and I saw Goth Babe in concert at Red Rocks. That was the first event I drove my new car to. Right away, I cleaned up Ruby and put her on the market making sure to list out the multiple problems she had or could happen.

I bought that car in 2017 so she lasted a solid 7 years for me! I got incredible mileage and drove her out to California, surfing and camping trips, up to Seattle, back to Michigan, down to Florida, and one last long trip to Colorado. I took some glam shots of Ruby with the spectacular yellow leaves and I received messages from countless interested buyers sending me their best offers.

I sold Ruby in only 6 days to a guy who just moved up from Arizona and was willing to put in money to fix her up. Seeing her drive away was sad but she’s on a new adventure. I named the new whip Pearl because she’s white and shiny! ✨ The rear view mirrors soften strong headlights behind me and the car is cozy with heated leather seats so I really can’t complain! Since I’m a summery Leo, winter is not my favorite so having a car that handles it well is a godsend!

I’m still getting used to finding Pearl and knowing she’s my car and not a red Prius. Mercury Retrograde is around the corner and one of my tires just popped. The two front tires were quite worn out when I bought the car anyways so I think it’s time to replace them. Mercury Retrograde can bring travel and tech delays and issues so I’m hoping this is the worst thing that happens to me during this time.

On the Aries full moon, I did something fun that I haven’t done in a while, modeling in a photoshoot. I met a local photographer and we met up in a neighborhood with pretty leaves around sunset so the shoot was very natural. I wore outfits that reflected the colors and textures. It was fun to put together the looks and be involved in image making again. The photos came out cool too!

Besides the end of the Ruby era, I’ve also been contemplating acquiring an established business. I’ve been hearing and reading that many baby boomers are retiring and want to sell their small businesses. A lot of essential businesses such as laundry mats and accounting firms make a lot of profit and do well despite challenging economic conditions.

I’m a flight attendant but would love to own something that I have more control over. I could use my fashion styling and marketing skills to improve the advertising. I’ve been talking to my boyfriend about it and he wants to make sure I get a business that I’m passionate about, not just one solely for profit.

One night, we came up with the idea to buy a bed and breakfast. We could run it, interact with guests, and cook a mean breakfast. Both of us are creative so we’d enjoy decorating, maintaining the place, and socializing with guests from different regions. Tom has family on the east coast and I want to be near the ocean so somewhere like Rhode Island would be cool. We’d also both enjoy Hawaii.

Astrologically, we are about to enter into a Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius which is my first house of self and the energy I project and a Mars Retrograde in Leo and Cancer. I’m a Leo sun and moon so I know this transit will heavily impact me. Mars has a heated agitated quality but helps you take action towards goals and pursuits.

Since we are heading into these transits, I’m taking time to really consider if this is the right path for me. I found a program that would guide me through the business acquisition process but it’s a large investment so I’m deciding if it’s right for my situation.

I have placements in Virgo and that’s my 10th house so I know when the eclipses move into Pisces and Virgo, it will affect my career and public life as well as my home and foundations. I feel like I’m on the cusp of big changes but the timing has to be right. I’m open to whatever the universe has in store for me. As a Sagittarius rising, I’m up for whichever adventures are calling my name.

And of course, I have to acknowledge the election results. I was thrown off that Trump woke up but Pluto was back in Capricorn for the last time in our lifetimes. Capricorn is more about tradition and the patriarchy so of course the conservation more male focused viewpoint won out.

I don’t love him or how he emboldens hateful people but I try to look on the positive side. The stock market and crypto exploded. I have some stocks and ETFs. Capricorn is my 2nd house of wealth and possessions so with Pluto there my resources have been transformed and I’ve been forced in a way to look at my relationship with money. I’ve been learning about the stock market. It’s a bit daunting but seeing your money passively grow is awesome so I’ve become a bit obsessed with following it recently.

Pluto finished its last transit in Cap and it’s in Aquarius for good now. Aquarius is about technology, the collective, and innovations so of course AI and tech is looming on the horizon. I’ve definitely felt a shift in energy with Pluto moving and Sagittarius season starting. 2025 is going to be a wild year but first we all have things to reflect on before it begins.

My work schedule is quite busy in December with more layovers so I’ll be focused on that and seeing family for the holidays if I have time. I forgot to add, I went on a spontaneous surf trip to Mexico with a friend so my next posts will probably be about that trip as well as the Michigan trip.

We just ended Scorpio season and that’s my 12th house of hidden life, spirituality, and alone time. I felt lower energy so maybe that’s why I wasn’t able to finish any of my posts. I feel better now that Sagittarius season has started and I’ll try to post more consistently. I enjoy writing it in a journalistic style. I hope y’all are enjoying the holidays and staying warm out there!

Xx, Megan

After an hour or so, we arrived at the entrance. My driver said he’d wait for me there. The terrain was filled with dense tropical trees as far as the eye could see. I hiked down to the cascading body of water. 

The view was stunning and the stream was elegantly long and thin. Against the lush dark greens, the water looked majestic. I got in line to get a photo up next to the waterfall. A family went in the water and up to the stream so I followed suit. While I was walking over the muddy rock, I slipped and scrapped my lower leg on the rocks. I didn’t let it stop me and made it into the pool and under the falls. The sound was soothing and the water was refreshing. 

Once I made it up top, my driver drove us back to Canggu. I went in the pool at my hostel and attended an empowerment yoga class. The class was longer and included some meditating and journaling practices. I cried during the session and it felt surreal that I was in Bali across the world. I loved exploring the island of the Gods but also missed my boyfriend who fell off his bike and injured his ribs the day before. 

The next morning was my last in Bali. I had breakfast and walked down to the beach one last time. My taxi driver got me to the airport quickly but the flight I tried to get on was full so I had to wait until later in the day. Since I didn’t get to see any temples, I decided I wanted to go on one last excursion. I found a willing taxi driver and headed towards the Uluwatu Temple. Traffic got heavier along the way so my taxi driver took me to GWK Cultural Park. 

The park was spacious like a theme park. A stone path led to a tranquil temple with a light blue pool. I met a Moroccan guy on his own so we took photos for each other. A charming group of musicians and singers in traditional Balinese clothing paraded up the stairs.

My friend and I followed them up the stairs that led to a big statue of the Hindu God Vishnu. He gave me surreal Atlantis vibes. We followed the path to a view of the massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in which the God is riding an eagle-like creature named Garuda. I didn’t totally understand the Hindu backstories but the visit was culturally fascinating! 

My driver navigated back through traffic to the airport. To my relief, I got on the later flight to Singapore. I slept there overnight and tried to get on the morning flight to San Francisco but they had a weight restriction so couldn’t take me and another couple. I was partly glad because I wanted to explore the city! 

I took the modern subway line downtown and get off near Merlion Park. Singapore is so modern and clean, it has a financial city vibe and since it was a British colony felt like a tropical London to me. My phone was about to die and I used a different charger port in Bali so I went to Starbucks and became friends with a student there who let me use his cord. 

We walked over to the fancy mall inside Marina Bay Sands and went up to the SkyDeck view 57 floors up. From that high up I could see all the skyscrapers, modern architecture, bay, ocean, and Gardens by the Bay. Just above the observatory deck is the world’s largest infinity pool, the one in Crazy Rich Asians. 

I wanted to check out Chinatown and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple so we took a ride share car. The temple had such cool architecture and lots of people praying and meditating inside it. I loved taking in the bright gold and red decor and all the intricate Buddha statues. Then we walked around the Chinatown market. I got some little souvenirs and bubble tea. The architecture was colorful and cute. I wanted to try all the foods but we got food at the mall earlier so I wasn’t super hungry. 

Since it was afternoon, I needed to head to the airport and see which flight I could catch. Once we arrived, I checked in with the United gate to San Francisco. Japan was anticipating a typhoon so passengers were being rerouted through Singapore so all the upcoming flights were filling up quickly. 

I walked with my new friend over to the mall with the waterfall and we charged our phones again. I got hungry and he had to go so we parted ways. I found a ramen restaurant and order some tonkatsu ramen. The hot dish soothed my soul and renewed my energy. I called my pilot brother and talked through my options, considering purchasing a confirmed ticket instead of standby. 

At the last minute, I listed on a British Airways flight to London that night and the had just enough seats for me and a few standby passengers. I felt so relieved as I boarded the flight and settled in. I watched a movie while they fed us, slept on and off, and woke up for breakfast. We landed in the London early the next morning. 

I had to get on a flight to Denver to work that night but my credit card wasn’t working. I went out to the United Help Desk and a kind man let me use his phone to call my bank. I didn’t let them know I was traveling beforehand so they froze my card. I was able to book my standby ticket and make it on the flight. I slept as much as I could and finally that afternoon, I made it back to Denver and drove home to my apartment. 

My boyfriend was relieved to see me and hugged me for a long time. I took a nap and he put more gas in my car and made me dinner. I had to work a red eye that night but actually had energy since I was still on Asia time, 14 hours ahead so it felt like daytime. 

My trip was epic and I accomplished my goal of making it to Asia this year, but I also encountered a lot of the setbacks that come with flying standby, not planning ahead as much, and culture shock. Bali is so charming and healing! I’d love to go back in the next few years and will definitely make it to Lombok for the incredible surfing. Singapore was so clean and modern, it makes a nice layover but it’s more expensive so would be pricey to stay there longer. 

The next places on my bucket list in Asia are the Philippines and Japan so perhaps I will make it there in 2025! I’m slowing down on traveling abroad for the rest of the year so I can spend time with my friends and family over the holidays. Thanks for following my travel saga. Up next I’m going to write about my trip to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. I went backpacking with my siblings in Isle Royale and it was spectacular so stay tuned for that. I’ve been enjoying the fall colors in Colorado so have been a bit slow on writing this but I hope you’ve been enjoying it. Until next time. 

Xx Megan

Bright and early the next morning, I meandered down to the beach at 6:30am. I found a place to rent a surf board and ended up going out with a surf instructor. Since I was in a new country, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to have someone to guide me. I’ve surfed for many years now but don’t get to regularly living in Colorado.

The instructor was encouraging and positioned me into waves. I surf with a longboard leisurely style so lean back as I glide along. The instructor gave me pointers to lean forward and bend my knees when I wanted to speed up. I caught some gorgeous clean cruisey waves along with another guy who went out with the instructor.

Surfing famished me so I ordered breakfast at the attached beach restaurant. Local dogs wanted a bite of my egg croissant and I got a green tea too. I called my boyfriend since it was my birthday in Asia.

Afterwards, I walk back to my hostel and did some shopping along the way. In a cute boutique, I found a chunky necklace with different color pearls. I love pearls and the necklace stacked nicely with the gold chain and beaded necklaces I was already wearing. I also found a crochet tote bag with Bali black embroidery so thought it made a good souvenir.

Back at my hostel, I took a shower and laid down for a bit. I got hungry so wandered out to get lunch. I ordered a traditional Bali stir fry, egg, veggie, chicken, and egg dish and juice. Then I walked down to the beach towards Finn’s, a famous beach club.

I decided not to hang out there but on the sand nearby. Two locals were trying to get me to buy fake Prada sunglasses and bracelets. I wanted a bracelet but didn’t have enough cash left so went to a nearby ATM. I got the cash out but feeling tired from jet lag, I forgot my debit card there which ended up being super annoying since I couldn’t take out any more cash after that.

The jet lag was really hitting me at this point so I went back to my hostel and lied down to nap. I watched the sun setting from the balcony window and I met a Turkish guy and a Brazilian woman who planned to go out that night so I told them I’d join. I took a long hard nap until nighttime and got up to get ready.

A group of us went out to Mexicola, a Mexican restaurant that turns into a club at night. 2000s pop music blasted from the speakers and the place was decked out in neon lights and Mexican decor. I ordered a watermelon cocktail and danced with my hostel friends.

Since I never had dinner, I ordered some tacos at the bar. I felt reenergized and ran into some friends at met at the beach the night before. We sang along to the throwback hits and groups of kids danced on tables. The crowd was young and friendly. I scheduled a tour early the next morning so headed out around 12:30am.

Family and friends started blowing up my phone since it was now my birthday in the states so I didn’t sleep that well. I woke up bright and early to go on a tour of Nusa Penida. A tour van picked me up and drove us to the port to catch the ferry.

I met two cool women who were napping in the van. Gio is Albanian and lives in Rome and Anais lives in Paris. The island has stunning white sandy beaches. We hopped on a boat and snorkeled in different inlets. The water was super choppy so we didn’t see manta rays but did snorkel near schools of colorful fish.

During lunch, my new friends and I shared stories about traveling, work, and dating. As modern career women who solo travel, we related to each other’s stories. They are both single and find it hard to date in big cities.

Driving up windy bumpy roads, we made our way to some super scenic beaches: Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach. The views were gorgeous but these spots were overrun by crowds of tourists. At Kelingking Beach, we spotted a cute monkey running around.

After the beaches, we took the ferry back to the mainland and got stuck in traffic driving back to Canggu. I was starving so ate a vegan burger from my favorite restaurant called Kynd. Afterwards, I got a 30 minute massage for only $6. It was soothing and I slept soundlessly that night.

Sunday morning, I surfed with a friend from my hostel and caught a few waves. Then I took a motorbike ride to a farmers market at Brisa, a posh beach club. The crowd was dense so I decided not to stay long.

I was eager to check out Uluwatu and see if I wanted to stay there so I called the guy who gave me a motorbike ride to pick me up. In Bali and other Asian countries you can hire care and motorbike drivers through Grab and Gojek apps. Available drivers on the road will also ask you if you need a ride.

My driver aggressively weaved through the traffic and got me to Uluwatu in an hour or so. Feeling hot and hungry, I ordered a smoothie bowl and took it down to Padang Padang Beach. The walk down goes through a rock tunnel.

The beach had beautiful white sand and rocks. Surfers were out in the water but the tide was getting low so the waves were pretty flat. I met an American teacher who was into scuba diving and a couple from New Zealand. I laid out watching monkeys eating food they found on the beach and taking it up on the rocks.

The couple suggested I go to Single Fin for the sunset so I ordered a motorbike over to the cliffside club. The views from the top of the sunset and waves below were stunning! I got a beer and made some friends in the infinity pool while the sun set and a DJ spun disco music.

I didn’t want to leave Uluwatu that night but had to go back to Canggu so I messaged my driver and he picked me up. On the way back he told me he has a family and inflation has made the cost of living go up so he drives on the side to make ends meet. You really can’t escape post-Covid inflation unfortunately.

I messaged the surf instructor I met about going to Lombok, a nearby island to surf, but it was a far trip to only go for the 2 full days I had left. I wanted to get some surf photos so the next day I went out with Suko Surf, a shop that takes videos and photos and analyzes your surfing.

The waves we went out in were fairly big, 3-4 feet and powerful. I was a little nervous but our instructors were encouraging and took us out to our own area. Two men who have been surfing also went out so it was a good mix of intermediate surfers.

I rode a medium sized board but would have preferred a longboard. The midsize had enough length and was easy to maneuver. My instructor helped me work on my pop up. I typically pop up onto my knees and stand up fairly slow so I’m glad I had the chance to improve my skills.

My instructor noted that I surfed with longboard relaxed style with my hands up and leaning back. He told me if I want to gain speed down the face of the wave, to lean forward to stay in the curl. I had a blast practicing my pop up and carving along the shape of the wave. Afterwards, my instructors gave me feedback and said I’d improved and they could tell I’m experienced in reading the wave and have my own unique style.

That afternoon, I got lunch with 2 friends from my hostel, a guy from Turkey and one from Brazil. They told me about other travels they’ve done in Asia and the remote work they’re doing. We all got yummy burgers and fries for only $5. I told them about my background and hoped I’d get the chance to come back to Asia and stay longer next time.

The next morning, I had to switch hostels because mine filled up and I forgot to extend for the next night. My hostel had a sister hostel focused on yoga and vegan food. The receptionist was kind to me and ordered a guy to bring my luggage down the road.

My friends from the Nusa Penida tour moved to a villa they rented in Uluwatu. I wish I moved over there so I could spend time with them but since I couldn’t get any cash out and the ride shares wouldn’t accept my card, it was hard to get around. That day I had just enough cash to hire a motorcycle ride to a waterfall since Bali is known for its stunning waterfalls.

This concludes part 2, there will be one final part so stay tuned and have a great upcoming week!! Thanks for reading along.

All of my knowledge about Bali comes from the movie Eat Pray Love, its digital nomad networking reputation, and friends of mine who’ve traveled there to surf. I wanted to see for myself what the Island of the Gods is really like and make it over to Asia this year. I had time off during my birthday month and August is during the middle of the dry season so it’s a good time weather-wise.

Before going, I asked friends where to surf and watched some Vlogs on surfing in Bali versus the island next door, Lombok, and staying in Canngu versus Uluwatu. My friends suggested Lombok but I also wanted to see Bali first since it’s so iconic. I decided to book my first hostel and go with the flow of where I wanted to spend my time. I only had a week so not long enough to see every area on the island.

After working a red eye, I slept, gathered my luggage, and flew to LAX to board the flight to Melbourne. I was stoked to touch down in Australia on the way to Bali. After running through several terminals, I reached the international terminal and got to my gate 30 minutes before the flight left. Alas, the gate agent adamantly denied me entry because I didn’t have a pre-approved visa. I researched applying for a visa in Indonesia but completely forgot to look into Australia. I was deflated to lose precious travel hours since it’s a long two-day trek to Bali.

I quickly weighed alternative routes. My best bet was to fly to Singapore the next morning via San Francisco. A flight to SFO left an hour later so I boarded it and tried to sleep. I spent the night curled up on a leather couch with my windbreaker coat draped over me. Traveling on standby benefits can be unpredictable so you have to be prepared to spend some time in airports. I listed on the United flight to Singapore for $125 and the economy cabin was wide open so I got a row all to myself. I watched a movie, ate lunch, and tried to catch some shut-eye during the 16-hour flight.

I walked across thick patterned carpet, through digital scan customs machines, and out to a tropical jungle garden installation. The Singapore airport is famous for the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. I flew in at 7 pm and was exhausted so traveled straight to my hostel in Joo Chiat and decided to see the waterfall later. The neighborhood features quaint pastel-hued 1920s Peranakan architecture with floral tiles and paneled windows. It was dark when I arrived but I took a walk down the street to the ocean and got seafood soup at a local restaurant. I heard karaoke and spotted dense tropical palm trees and ancient trees.

In the morning, I took the subway train back to the airport. Singapore is very modern and clean with high humidity. The streets looked stunning in the morning sunlight. Singapore was a British colony and the metro reminded me of the tube, very efficient with city slickers going about their days. I paid $90 to list on a Jetstar Asia flight to Bali and made it on the flight, chatting to Australian flight attendants as I checked in. I napped on the flight and saw the blue ocean out the window.

The customs line took over an hour but I wasn’t asked many questions and paid the $35 visa fee. I walked outside to colorful restaurants and Sims card stalls. I bought a local SIM card and negotiated a taxi for about $23 to my hostel in Canguu. The traffic just leaving the airport was stop-and-go and gets insane in the afternoon. The street is full of cars and motorbikes going in all directions, scarily close to each other. I caught glimpses of Atlantis-style mystical water fountains, jungle foliage, and temples along the road. I needed some water so my driver stopped for me to buy some as well at an ATM to take cash out. I finally reached my hostel around 6 pm.

My hostel Seabreeze Bali, was modest with wood floors, comfy couches, and cute beds on the floor with mosquito nets. You can see red brick tile roofs and open-air intricate temples outside the window. I immediately opened my suitcase, put on a cheetah print bikini and a crochet skirt, and meandered to the beach for sunset. I glimpsed so many cute Instagramable shops and restaurants along the way, tiki jungle-style healthy juice bars, boutique hotels, and surf shops with stylish chill vibes.

The sun already set by the time I reached the beach and pastel colors filled the sky. Next to the sand was a red tile roof Hindu temple with an open floor and carved stone ornamental gates meant to protect from wild animals and evil spirits. I’ve never seen a temple next to the ocean before so that was super unique to me. I walked along the salty yellow/black flecked sand and noticed the crescent moon as the sky turned deeper shades of yellow, purple, and blue.

I walked past classy thatched-roof beach clubs taking in the scene and got hungry. I ordered a roasted corn from a guy on the beach and spoke with two guys from Australia who also just arrived. One of them said the surf would be good the next morning so I resolved to get some rest and wake up for a surf session at dawn. On my way back, I ate some veggie egg rolls and got a strawberry cocktail from a cute pink restaurant called Kynd that became my favorite. Feeling relaxed and exhausted from all the travel, I settled into bed feeling disoriented from the jet lag but fascinated with the culture and beauty of the place. Bali was more vast and bustling than I imagined and I couldn’t wait to explore more of the island and catch some waves on my birthday across the world!

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Although I have a background studying and working in fashion, travel makes me feel the most alive and able to live in the moment. Entering a new country and observing the people, culture, food, and fashion is exhilarating and I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to adapt to a new place. I love traveling so much that I decided last summer to try out an entirely different career as a flight attendant. My brother is a pilot so hearing about his spontaneous trips around the globe thanks to benefits from his job helped me take the leap after I was laid off from my last fashion styling job. Using my flight benefits, I’ve traveled to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Barcelona, and Bali as well as locations in the states to visit family and friends. 

My recent trip to Bali in August and layover in Singapore was my first time in Asia. I’ve never been that far away and didn’t know what to expect. Some of my friends who have surfed in Bali gave me recommendations on where the best waves were. I watched vlogs and tried to plan out the trip but since I had limited time, decided to go with the flow of what I felt like doing. It worked out for the most part but next time I visit Bali, I’ll know better how to plan out my time. Singapore was so clean, modern, and almost felt like you were in a video game. Bali was culturally magical and dense with some of the most stunning beaches, waterfalls, Hindi temples, and clubs. It was the ultimate mix of spiritual enlightenment, yoga retreats, health food, motorbike traffic, crystal blue waves, and all-night jungle raves. 

The reason I chose Bali as a destination was for the incredible waves. Surfing is an obsession of mine. I find it so aesthetically pleasing, energizing, and calming at the same time. I grew up on a lake in Michigan and have always been drawn to clear sparkling waters. Although I didn’t grow up surfing, I first paddled out on a board during a summer in California nannying my cousins when I was 18. During grad school in London, I joined a surf club and went on trips to Newquay, England, Morocco, and Portugal. After grad school, I moved back stateside and eventually ended up in California where I surfed regularly with a women’s surf club and during the pandemic I surfed every other day for a few months. I built up my upper body strength and back muscles through paddling and popping up. I’ve surfed in 10 countries in total. I currently live in Colorado but go on surf trips as often as I can. 

Another obsession of mine is Astrology. I’m a fiery Leo sun and moon with a lot of planets in Virgo so I have picky, frugal, and grounded earthy energy but also dramatic, charming, and headstrong attributes. My trip to Bali took place during a Mercury Retrograde that started in Virgo and moved back into Leo so it definitely hit my chart hard. I experienced rough travel delays and issues after losing my debit card. Mercury impacts travel, technology, and communication and helps us rework and reflect on the area of our lives it’s transiting. Mercury started in my 10th house of career and public image and moved back into my 9th house of foreign travel and philosophy. I was born with a Retrograde Mercury in Virgo so felt like my best and worst traits were reflected during my trip. I can be overly optimistic without proper planning, over-analyze my image and choices, and act too independently, making it hard for me to connect to others on a deeper level. At the same time, my optimism helps me stay calm in chaotic situations, my fun-loving wanderlust takes me on exotic journeys, and my indecision keeps me remain flexible if my plan A doesn’t work out. Nevertheless, I’m proud of myself that I traveled during a challenging time and went on the trip despite the setbacks I faced. 

Sky Mermaid Musings will be an excellent creative outlet to pour my stories, stoke, and knowledge into. This bi-weekly newsletter will encompass topics such as my travel adventures, surfing sessions, flight attendant work, fashion style, and current astrology. I also wrote a fictional book a few years ago based on my time studying fashion in London during grad school so I may include excerpts and insights into my writing process while I am still working on publishing it. The name of my newsletter highlights my multifaceted nature working on a metal tube in the air as well as riding ocean waves. My boyfriend Tom calls me mermaid because I grew up by the water and enjoy being in and around water any chance I get whether that’s in a mountain creek, glacier lake, or ocean body. I hope Sky Mermaid Musings entertains you as well as offers some valuable insights into foreign cultures, the aviation industry, and current demure and cutesy fashion and astrology happenings. 

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