Bali-Licious Beach Babes

At Chilli's in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

looking up at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas

Skyline in Kula Lumpur

The Bangkok, Thailand airport.

Exploring Bali

We tore ourselves away from the beach to explore the country side of Bali and experience a little of the culture.

This is a Barong- (the most commonly worshipped Balinese Hindu god) and us standing next to it. We went to see a cultural dance with this barong as the main character.


These pretty ladies were also part of the cultural dance. We thought they would make us look pretty- so we took a shot next to them too.

This is us in front of a Balinese temple. You can see the Barong again on each side of us.

The beautiful rice field we found!

The Mount Batur Volcano. It was beautiful!

The volano without us blocking it!

Where's waldo...i mean alicia? I am hidden there. This is a traditional open market. I am really going to miss Asian markets!

Dreamland Beach

One day, we took a road trip an hour south to Dreamland Beach. This beach was breathtaking and BEAUTIFUL. This is the beach that those who stay in the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons go to... so we felt we were a little out of our league, BUT we COMPLETELY enjoyed ourselves. This beach was pretty dreamy. Every person I saw there looked perfect physically. It was almost kind of creepy. Every women was itty bitty and every male was built and gorgeous. It was kind of like the movie Stepford's Wives because of all the physical perfection. We were tempted to rename the beach "Stepford Beach". ha. I could've stayed there for a whole year and not got tired of the beauty that surrounded me (the beach that is- not the gorgeous men).

Because Bali is in Asia- there are a few Asian perks or annoyances- depends on how you look at it! Indonesian men and women will come find you on the beach and offer to you what they are selling. This can be a variety from bags, tattoos, sunglasses, manicures and pedicures, ugly wooden statues, and last but not least foot massages! So here we are on the beach getting foot massages. Glorious. Between all of us, we purchased sunglasses, manicures and pedicures, massages, and bags! Gotta love Asia.

Villa Baliana

Villa Baliana,

Let me count the ways I love thee. You, Villa Baliana, will always hold a special place in my heart with your beautiful garden, bright flowers (of every color), peaceful environment, and alluring accommodations ( cook, maid, and close location to the beach). Bali would not have been the same without you. For you were our own personal tourist attraction. There wasn't a day that passed where I didn't long to be in your presence and soaking up all that you had to offer me. You were perfect for relaxation, recreation, and spending time with friends! Villa Baliana, you were love at first site and I hope that one day we will be united again!!

Your summer fling,
The Bali-licious Beach Babes

Surfs Up

Daddy this post is for you! My dad used to be a "California surfer" back in his day. His passion for waves and surfing has been one of his legacies (kind of). So when I got the chance to learn how to surf- I jumped at the opportunity! I feel like I picked up the neglected surf torch and have carried it to the next generation of Divers! ha. After my two and a half hours of surfing, I can officially say... I need more lessons! I really did enjoy myself and would love to give it another try some day! This is what my Rip Curl School of Surf certificate says....

"On a beautiful day in Bali, Alicia, made a dream come true at the Rip Curl School of Surf, catching a wave and becoming one of life's true free spirits- a surfer. This certificate entitles the holder to use words like "gnarly, ripped and stoked" without fear of ridicule from lesser mortals."




This is me in the front. Impressive. Don't be jealous of my surf skilZ.

BALI -- licious

I wish I could post pictures to show you how wonderful this place it, but I am stuck using an internet cafe. This place has proven itself and I understand why it is one of the top vacation spots in the world!! We were discussing that this place must be like the Hawaii of Asia. I honestly think both have there perks.

Here are some of the perks...

1. Asian prices (everything is cheap)
2. Asian food!
3. Cheap open markets for bargaining. They have these awesome jewelry stores that completely overwhelm me.
4. Amazing weather! Yesterday, we were at the beach all day BUT we didn't sweat at all. The weather here is sooo cool, BUT we did get some great sun. Some of us got scorched. I, however, managed to get away with a small sunburn.
5. Bali has a very small town quaint feel to it! You just want to soak it all up. It doesn't have too much Western influence- its still looks like Asia.

We decided to sleep in today (i slept in till noon!) and not go to the beach. We are using this vacation to just relax and most of us needed a break from the sun because of our sun burns. Our villa is soo beautiful and relaxing that we don't even have to leave our house to enjoy Bali. There are several chairs and couches outside that are great for relaxing, talking, journaling, and sleeping! It's blissful.

There is soo much more I could say, but I will spare you. Tonight, we are going to enjoy Hard Rock Cafe and maybe some Starbucks. We thought we should check out some of the western chains too...although...indonesian food is DELICIOUS!!!

The Lord has been really sweet and faithful to us on this trip!! Thanks for all your prayers!!

We Made It

Paradise!!! I am here and I am giddy because this place is unbelievable!!! Our villa is about 400 times more impressive in person than it is in the pictures! We are impressed!! We found out too that we have a lady to cook for us and do our laundry (included in the price)!!! AMAZING!!! We are truly in Paradise. I hope to post pictures when I get back!!! Plan to see the less pasty and very tan alicia in future pictures!!!

Last Day of AGM

Today has been a little sentimental because today is the last day of AGM. I am not sure when or if I will ever come back to Chiang Mai again...so it's been a little sad to think about today. I am also forced to say MORE goodbyes. Sigh. I have to say goodbye to my South Asia family. They have been my support and encouragement and I am not sure honestly when I will see some of these people again. But I feel honored to have served along such a great cloud of witness for the past two years. I guess this is just the beginning of several goodbyes in the next couple of weeks. So anyways...here are some pictures from my day today. I remembered to take some pictures. I have more thoughts but I am too physically and emotionally tired to type more!

Some of my j-man friends.

Little girls I met at the farm two years ago...Abigail and Katy. My last time to see this prcious family. tear.

We went to this fun Thai Barbeque restaraunt. It was quite the cultural experience and a perfect place to spend my last meal in Chaing Mai.

Some of my favorites and dearest friends. tear. I have to say goodbye to these amazing ladies soon. tear.

April and I with our chopsticks!!

Tomorrow morning we leave early for Bali!!! We will spend tomorrow night in Malaysia and we are eating at Chilli's and seeing the Patrona Towers. Then we are off to Bali the next morning!! I won't have internet access in my villa...so this is me signing off for a week or so!! Peace out and pray for our travels.

Happy Fourth of July

hot dogs. suncreen. ultimate frisbee. shorts. swimming. fireworks. sweet tea. patriotism. big buses. running around on a field. fellowship. family. hamburgers. kids. friends. lemonade. potato salad. spades. late nights

Despite the fact I wasn't in America...i had a WONDERFUL fourth of July! Happy Birthday America!!

In the bus- on the way to the pool


eating with my friends.

Playing spades with the best Texas cards EVER!

To all the Moms

Sorry for my lack of blogging in the past few days, but honestly these are the only two pictures that I have taken!!!

I thought I would dedicate this post to all the Moms of my friends overseas. I hear rumor that I am causing a little trouble among my friends and their moms because of my frequent blogging. Mom's I am glad to know that you can see what your daughters are up to though my blog!

Leave me a comment if YOU are one of those moms. We love you moms!!!

Us sitting in meetings.

My friends Julie and Emily