ATTENTION! The reason I have not divulged the location of the little fishing village is so that you can guess where I am in the world! I have included a clue at the end of this post to help you out, while other clues are in previous posts. The first person to give the correct answer wins a little something! Sound fun? Email your answer to ross_d_n@yahoo.com with ‘Get Lost in The World’ in the subject line. The winner will be contacted by email. Also, you must be 18 years or older and live in the United States, sorry international peeps. The winner must also agree to have their first initial, last name, and where they are from posted. Have fun! Good luck! And of course KEEP READING!

Senem and I

Senem and I

When I decided to take some time off and travel, I had a few places in mind I wanted to visit. After researching multiple travel sites and joining a travel group, I purchased a one way ticket with the idea that I would travel to places that had cheap flights. I would hop from country to county, city to city, if the price was right. Choosing my first stop after England had nothing to due with the price, but with the location. I thought it would be a good place to start. After arriving and meeting other travelers, invariably the question would be asked, “Where are you going next?” It was then, after saying “I don’t know” repeatedly, that I started to really understand what I would have to do to get the type of experience I sought.
From the beginning, I had deemed this my ‘Get Lost in the World’ getaway. I wanted to go to places where I could get up in the morning and go to the local bakery, buy from the local farmer, and get to know the local people. At the same time, I wanted to visit places historically important yet beautiful. In order to truly surrender to the concept ‘Get Lost in the World’, I realized that this was not a getaway but a journey. On the first stop of my journey, I met Senem. Senem and Gianpietro were my awesome, lovely, terrific, wonderful Airbnb hosts. For those who don’t know, Airbnb is a lodging site where people can rent a room, apartment, or home. I will formally introduce Senem, Gianpietro, and where they live in the post to follow. For now, I will tell you the wise words Senem spoke to me. Senem and I spent many nights talking (those who know me know that I can TALK!). And one night Senem said, “The best kind of journey is the one that you don’t plan.” She also said that I must be open to the experiences that await and not be afraid. Honestly, I had heard some of those words before. My dear friend Loryann said something similar before I set off for Bali. When Senem spoke those words, she had a certain look in her eyes, and I just knew she was telling the truth. She wasn’t selling me a fairytale of a perfect getaway. She was merely suggesting a new approach to something I was already doing. I then became curious to see where my journey would take me if I listened to Senem’s advice. Afraid, anxious, nervous, hesitant, are just some words that describe feelings I normally have when stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m pretty sure a few of you reading this can relate. Now this wouldn’t be merely stepping out, but more like a Super Dave stunt! I’m serious. Therefore, I must deal with the aforementioned feelings and more in order to be open, as Senem suggested. Now, I believed that I was already on such a path; it was just a little more structured? So, I hopped off one path and onto the next, not knowing the new path had already started with Senem.

‘Get Lost in the World’
Clue #1: This fishing village is located on the Amalfi coast and is situated between Salerno and Amalfi. It has less than 100 inhabitants.

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‘Every person I meet today will be new to me.’ This was the thought I had while sitting in the airport waiting for my flight to board. This would turn out to be the beginning of a long trip. A two plane, 3 bus, and a train trip. All to arrive at a place that I didn’t even know existed until a few days before. I decided, solely due to the location, a little fishing village would be the next place I would go. All I have to do is get there.
As I began to research how I would get to the village, I started to have second, third, fourth, and fifth thoughts. Due to the location, I knew it was going to be an adventure and I didn’t know if I was up for the challenge. After many conversations with myself, I decided that not only was I up for it, I was open to travel to a place not on the ’Top 10 Places to Visit’ list. I will admit that it isn’t far from places on that list, but I believe where there are big gems, little gems aren’t too far away. So, with that in mind, I booked tickets for travel and made lodging accommodations. Fast forward to me sitting in the airport.
The flight portion of my journey, easy breezy. No problems with my connections, nothing. Smooth sailing. Now getting to the train station proved to be a tad difficult. Did I mention that I don’t speak the language? Yes, English and charades, that’s about it! Well, I thought the street signs would point me in the right direction and that was my first misjudgment. After boarding a shuttle bus from the airport, I missed my stop and the bus driver seemed a little annoyed, but not overly. We managed to agree where I was going, him speaking very little English and me nodding or shaking my head. After a brief ride, he stopped, pointed in the direction of the train station and I hesitantly got off the bus. I walked straight, left, right, then proceeded to ask many people to point me in the direction of the train station. A few points later, the train station was in sight. I bought my ticket at a kiosk and waited for the train.
After getting off the train, I then had to find the bus stop. It didn’t help that the train station had some construction so it took some time. With a quick Google search (yes I have an international data plan) it told me where to buy my bus ticket. I bought my ticket and asked the lady where to catch the bus. She simply said, “To the left.” I thought in my head, “Well ma’am, there are a lot of things to the left.” I said nothing. I kindly thanked her and made a left out of the shop. I was searching for something that looked like a bus stop. Anything. After I turned up empty, I returned and asked the lady again. This time there were some important details. Why she didn’t mention them the first time was beyond me. I followed the directions and made it to the bus stop. I get on the bus. The very crowded bus.
While sitting in the back, I realized that this was their city bus. It didn’t matter how crowded it got, the driver stopped at every stop and more and more people got on. As I’m riding along in awe of the absolutely stunning views, I’m wondering about when and how to get off the bus. Before I proceed, I must inform you that the bus stops aren’t clearly marked. You have to know the stop. The bus driver doesn’t announce anything. So what do I do you ask? I whip out my phone and turn on my maps app. I get reception and it states that my town was 26 minutes in the opposite direction. Not 30 seconds later, my host sends me a message stating that I missed the stop. I get off at the next town. Now I’m cooking with grease! I know exactly where I’m going. I buy another bus ticket and wait. I enjoyed watching people as they watched me pass the time.

Sitting at the bus stop with no lollipop

Sitting at the bus stop with no lollipop


When I boarded the bus for the second time, I told the driver where I was going in my best accent and he said he knew and would stop the bus for me. As he proceeded to talk through my stop, I looked back and saw the village. I walked up to the driver and told him I needed to get off because I missed my stop. The driver pulled over at the stop in the next village. He looked confused and asked me where I was going. I said the name of the village a second and third time, second misjudgment. Tip: if you don’t speak the language, don’t try to say the name of the village. Maybe that is why my host told me to show him the name. Accepting that my accent and pronunciation of the village was jacked up, I followed directions and showed the next driver the name of the village. I stood right by him, never sitting down.

“You will get dropped of in front of a purple gate”


He stopped the bus in front of the purple gate, I got off and grabbed my luggage. My host was walking toward me. I had never been so happy to see someone I had never laid eyes on. She gave me the best ‘welcome, I’m so sorry you can’t follow directions but you made it’ hug. We laughed and shared a little about ourselves as we walked to my place. I had finally made it. I just hope it was all worth it.
The small fishing village

The small fishing village

When I decided to travel I knew my first stop would be England. My dear friend Catherine, whom I have introduced in my previous posts, lives in West Yorkshire, in England. To be more precise, she lives in Ilkley. Ilkley is a quaint little English town with plush greenery, grazing cattle, and landscape that I can look at for hours. Like other trips I have taken, I did not have any expectations when I arrived in Ilkley. As I have learned, no expectations is the best way to greet new experiences.

A drive through the Yorkshire Dales

A drive through the Yorkshire Dales

An afternoon drive through the Yorkshire dales

An afternoon drive through the Yorkshire dales

So when Catherine mentioned we would be spending time with her family, I was excited! I absolutely love family time! Not only did I meet Catherine’s mother and father, I also met her sweet niece Sarah. We spent a wonderful afternoon in the city of York. As we walked through the city, Graham, Catherine’s father, acted as our personal tour guide, it was fantastic! The day was great and that night made it even better! That evening I met Catherine’s brother Rich and her very polite nephew Max. We all gathered at Rich’s home to order “take away” and watch rugby. We ordered from a Chinese restaurant. Yes, Ilkley has Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, and Indian restaurants! This was so cool! Wine in hand, shoes off, settled on the couch surrounded by people who, outside of Catherine, had known me less than 24 hours!
After rugby, Catherine stated that we would be going to her parents house for ‘Sunday Roast.’ Home cooked meal. I’m down.

Marjorie, Catherine, Graham, and Sarah.

Marjorie, Catherine, Graham, and Sarah.

City of York and York Minster

City of York and York Minster

When we arrived to Catherine’s parents home, we were greeted by her mother who was finishing up dinner. I was handed a glass of wine and shown the sun lounge. The view was incredible! Graham joined me and we were soon greeted by Lisa, Rich’s wife. Shortly thereafter, everyone was sitting in the sun lounge enjoying pate and crostini.

The view from Catherine's parents' home.

The view from Catherine’s parents’ home.

Look who came to dinner!

Look who came to dinner!

From the direction of Marjorie, Catherine’s mum, we all made our way to the dinning room. At the site of the dining room table, I could feel the tears wanting to make an appearance. At that moment, I was back at my parents home and my sister and I were helping my mother with dinner. In that moment, I felt connected to this family because it was familiar, I could feel the presence of my family.

The Bradley's

The Bradley’s

Graham and Marjorie

Graham and Marjorie

With each bite of the deliciously prepared meal, I could taste the love in each morsel. From the Yorkshire pudding to the crème brûlée, to the conversations, I sat in amazement yet again at how we as people are more the same than we are different.

In my last post, “Island of Smiles”, I not only told you what made ‘magical beach’ special, I showed you. Now, I will wholeheartedly strive to articulate the scenery and views, which give rise to the beauty of ‘magical beach’.
Each morning, my internal clock would wake me shortly before sunrise. I initially attributed this to jet lag, the time difference, and being in a new place. I didn’t mind because I took pleasure in an occurrence that I had taken for granted in the past.

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I would lay in the hammock facing east, dozing, having the sun kiss me awake, suggesting I turn and face west. While stationary, I would admire the clear blue sky, the deep green jungle, and the ocean that contained shades of both. I never grew tired of the view nor the musical arrangement produced by the waves rolling onto the beach. It was amazingly peaceful. I guess one can never tire of peace.
I would later be driven by the desire to see the breathtaking views this island had to offer.

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Dan, who so graciously volunteered his time, agreed to take a few of us on a hike to a view point he believed to be one of the best on the island. Dan, Frode, and I trekked the not so visible path, being infrequently directed by signs that were either painted on rock or made out of sticks.

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My excitement was initiated by the thought of seeing a most wondrous site. The fact that I couldn’t turn back, there was no distinguishable path, after getting halfway there kept me going. I was hot, drenched from sweat, and just plain out of breath. This was no walk in the park.

My look at the beginning of the hike

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My look halfway there….glasses off, shirt wet, face red, no more smile

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After an hour and a half of ‘are we there yet’, beyond the overgrown shrubbery, this is what I was blessed to see.

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Sitting on top of Koh Phangan

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I’m staying riiiiiight here

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The viewpoint, that rock peeking out in the middle, from across the beach.

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Me and the boys

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Dan did not lie about this view point. Actually, as I would come to find out, if Dan said it, believe it.

Can all experiences be put into words? I’m starting to believe otherwise. As I lay in my hotel room in Bangkok, reflecting on my time spent on a “magical beach”, I had a hard time summarizing my Koh Phangan experience. I arrived on this island with no expectation, but somehow it exceeded in every way.
I had the opportunity to become acquainted with a place where the sane, insane, happy, sad, or indifferent co-existed seamlessly. Well, at least while I was there. Everyone did what they wanted, how they wanted, without being intrusive. I now understand why people come back to this anomaly, year after year. This beach is beautiful because of the exceptional scenery and unbelievable views, but this beach is made special by the people. While on Koh Phangan, I crossed paths with some fascinating people.

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If you know me, you know that I thoroughly enjoy conversing with people; trying to visualize their unique journey. I find myself in constant amazement when our lives intersect. To know the paths we’ve taken in our respective lives have led us to a place where we meet is pretty awesome. Especially, when it is half way around the world! I know my steps; I want to know theirs. It deepens my understanding of the human experience. It is a blessing to realize that essentially, we are all the same.

Me and the girls

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Frode is a cool, cool guy

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Piña colada time

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One of the many funny moments with James

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Charlie and his Angels

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Dan was an unexpected surprise. He became my unofficial guide to exploring the island of Koh Phangan.

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Nic made that lovely bikini top for Catherine for her birthday. Beautiful.

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Lou, oh Lou. One of the most thoughtful people I have met. Such a sweet spirit (until she gets hungry!).

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Massimo and I sharing a moment

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Piña colada time again

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Catherine, oh Catherine. I shall see you again, same place same time.

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If it has ever crossed your mind how I came to be on this island, I will tell you. Last year I met the lovely, kind hearted Catherine Bradley. Catherine and I shared lots of laughs, motorbike rides, and a couple of dinners on the beach. As they say, the rest is history! We kept in touch via social media (gotta love it!) and she had mentioned this beach. So when she invited me, I gladly accepted.
As this vacation approached I remember thinking, on more than one occasion, how I wished time would slow down. In my mind, the quicker December 26th came, the sooner my vacation would come to an end. I wanted to revel in the anticipation of the unknown just a while longer. The time came and I am here.
The views are stunning. A view like this undoubtedly came with a price. I am not at a 5 star resort. I am not at a WiFi equipped facility. I am in a one room bungalow with no, I repeat NO, hot water! Yep, I see ants, other crawling creatures, and I have monkeys in my backyard! Damn Gina! Talk about simple living! This may be harder than I anticipated but it’s cool, I got this. Side note: if you are looking to do a beautiful beach vacation on a shoestring budget, I know just the place!
On a serious note, this place is what I needed. Being here has allowed me to stop, be still, and rest my mind. Let me put it like this, I’m on an island where it almost seems offensive to ask the time! I wake up each morning before sunrise and get in the hammock. I lay in that hammock for hours looking out at the big blue sea, thinking about absolutely nothing; grateful and thankful for everything. With the passing of each day, those things that I once deemed important, aren’t such anymore. Being able to experience life like this…invaluable.

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December 30, 2013

I arrived yesterday disgusted, tired, wet, and extremely sweaty. After a long 3 days of traveling, I was one boat ride closer to the ‘magical beach’. After arriving to Haad Rin, following a very unpleasant speed boat ride from Samui, I now had to catch a boat to Haad Yuan. There was discussion with the boat boys about the price because I thought it was just a little much. After navigating through his very broken English, I understood. It was either pay the price or wait 2 hours for the next ferry. I paid the price and got ‘taken’ for the ride of my life!!
As we started passing Haad Yuan, I motioned for them to go there, and they shook their heads no, and pointed where they were going to drop me off. If it weren’t for my bags, I would have been overboard! Just drop me off here, I will swim the rest of the way! They dropped me off on another part of Koh Pha Ngan, which means I had to walk with my two heavy bags. This my friends is where the journey begins to go down and fast. So, this is not just some walk down the sidewalk and it’s on the left, type deal. There are no paved roads. No sidewalks.
One of the boat boys helped me get up these dreadful steps and pointed me in a direction. No English, just charades. Any other time I would’ve been up for it . Heck, I use it at work from time to time! But today, I wasn’t feeling it. As he dropped my bags, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I didn’t know where I was going but I had to take in this view! Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. The awe was short lived. As I mounted my back pack, and picked up my roller luggage, I asked God to give me strength because I didn’t have any.
As I walked, looking very lost, more than one person stopped and offered help. It was they who had set me on the right path. “Yes! I see it all the way over there! Is that really where I have to go?” That was my response to one of the helpers. I then proceeded to tell him that it would be very cruel if he was playing with me! He assures me and I believed him.
Walking by the beach and restaurants I could feel people staring at me. I had on a jacket, two pieces of luggage, my sneakers were tied together around my bag, I was sweating like a stuck pig! I was a sight!! I could only imagine what they were thinking! At one point I couldn’t go any further! I stopped at an internet shop and couldn’t move. As I was sitting there Catherine called me and said she would come get me!
I hadn’t seen Catherine in person in over a year; I was so happy to see her face! I met her mate Lou who is very, very pleasant .
As I made it, with the help of Catherine and Lou, to Barcelona resort, I sat down and ordered a drink. Introductions were made and a couple of shots were taken by the birthday girl! Food was ordered but I think a little too late. My head goes down & I can’t move! I think I’m going to be sick!! Oh no! I haven’t been here a couple of hours and I’m about to make a lasting impression!!!
With the help of Catherine and my new found friend Cormac, they helped me to my bungalow where I remained for the rest of the night. The next morning, I thought to myself that if this is how my holiday is beginning, this is going to be interesting!!!

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December 26, 2013

Last night I walked out the doors of The Womans Hospital of Texas, for what will be the last time. This was my second contract at one of the busiest labor and delivery units in this country; close to a thousand babies in one month! When I walked out of the doors at approximately 7:10pm, I was tired. I couldn’t stop to think about my tiredness because I knew that in the next 24 hours, I would be flying over the Pacific Ocean. I didn’t want to think about how much I desired to stop and be still, because I knew that I was on my way to experience life like never before. I knew, when getting off work last night, that I was going to a place where I could truly VACATE! I am talking about vacating life as I know it and live it from day to day.
Having joy in discernment, that I am truly blessed and favored enough for God to allow me an experience such as this, there are no words. I am not kidding! From 1108 Wisconsin Blvd Dayton, OH to Koh Phangan, Thailand, is a mighty long way! I have been blessed not only to meet people from this country, but people from around the world. Good people. People like you and I. People who enjoy life, laugh, and love.
As I anxiously anticipate my new adventure, I get lost in the thought that I am unable to imagine what is in store. Therefore, no expectations shall be set and for the next two weeks, I will live simple, think simple, and enjoy the simple things in life. My mind and heart are open to experience the world how God intended.

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My time in Bali began winding down the moment my feet hit the pavement on August 13. The week had come that would find me on the plane at the end. A beautiful getaway, hanging out with new friends, and last minute shopping filled my days.
In Amed, each morning greeted me with an absolutely stunning view, into which I melted each time. During my vacation, I met so many wonderful people, including Dana & Kadek who kindly opened the door to their home. When I wasn’t staying in a hotel, they welcomed me with open arms. The one thing I saved until the very end was shopping! Navigating through the market and bargaining with each article, proved to be fun but exhausting.
My time in Bali was amazing. It was exactly the vacation I wanted, yet I landed without knowing what I would be doing my entire 3 1/2 weeks. This showed me that some of the best things in life aren’t planned; to know that I just had to show up. I can’t take all the credit. I showed up because my dear friend Loryann told me, “Just come to Bali with an open heart because Bali’s heart…” was open to me. She did not lie.
Thank you!

The market


The market


The market……again







Yummy salad


Snakeskin fruit (salak) became one of my favorites while in Bali.


This vegetarian eatery was good, despite the look.


She was too cute, so I had to take a picture.


Dana and his mother


Dana’s father


Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a water temple built in 1663.


Before sunrise, the fisherman in Amed are at work. When the sunrises, their colorful sails can be seen in the ocean.







A sunset in Amed


A sunset in Amed


You know I had to go diving in Amed.


The finished product


This carving is almost as tall as him.


The concentration of this 10 year old was excellent as he carved the face of a bear.


Talk about getting into your work! He’s using his hands and feet!




My morning view at Dana’s house.


Dika, a little boy in Dana’s neighborhood, would come over in the mornings. He took me around the neighborhood to take pictures.


A photographer in the works!


I really wanted to see the butterfly!!

Where oh where do I begin?! For the second week of my vacation, I decided to leave Bali and head a little over 12 miles southeast to the little island of Nusa Lembongan. I have to be honest, I went to Lembongan to learn how to dive. How did I fall into this you ask? Someone recommended that I try diving, which I gave little consideration at the time. As my trip drew near, I realized that I didn’t have much planned and wanted to try something new. So, I revisited the idea, read some reviews on Trip Adviser, and booked the class. I must say, it was one of the best decisions I have made to date!!
Not only did I become a certified open water diver, I was taught by one of the best instructors (Paul Spratt), and met some pretty awesome people. If that isn’t enough, I drummed up enough courage to rent a motorbike and explore the island! I extended my trip there a couple of days because it was hard to leave! Fun times! FUN. TIMES!!!

Learning how to hover


Practicing my buoyancy control


My awesome instructor and I


I’m going down, down, down!


Nusa Lembongan


The hanging bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan


Yes I rode a motorbike across this!


Seaweed farmer


Seaweed laid out to dry


Shanty village



Me and the girls…Huma, Loryann, Catherine, and Laura


A lovely seaside meal with Catherine


Bye Catherine!!! Until we meet again! And we will meet again!!!