It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia!
I’m going to Bali. Solo.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I thought it was about time to start up the blog again and revive my (only in my mind, I’m afraid) illustrious travel writing career. Actually, I’m hoping that at least this will be a place of amazing photos and then, on the side, maybe some stuff about Bali and traveling in general that you might find useful. So here goes!
It started on a Sunday. I’m extremely hung over from a fabulous yogini party the night (and early morning before – thank you Lisa for the wine, shrimp, singing bowls and friendship!) and am operating on 4 hours of sleep. But I’m on the train, nonetheless. No, the train does not go all the way to Asia, but will bring me cheaply to Philadelphia, where my flights begin. Last October, I found a flight from Philly to Denpasar (Bali’s airport) for $537 and could not resist. I was in yoga teacher training and Bali is an amazing healing yoga spot. So I tried to get some fellow yoginis to go, and some said maybe, but in the end, it’s just me. Which is fine. I haven’t had a solo pleasure trip in 30 years. It’s time.
Sitting on the train, listening to an audio book and looking out the window, I try to see what’s wrong with my phone. It wouldn’t swipe and kept magnifying without my permission. It had been having problems off and on the past few months, but this was bad. I was really looking forward to going straight from the downtown station to my Philadelphia airport hotel and just crawl into bed, but I had to get this fixed. There was an Apple store within walking distance, so I left my big bag at the station and made the 20 minute walk downtown.
Thank goodness It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia!
Of course there were no appointments available at the Genius Bar, but I pledged to wait until they had an Apple pro available. Turns out my phone was broken from the inside and because it was a Verizon phone they could not replace it. Oh well, looks like I have to buy a new one. The staff were extremely helpful and I left sporting a brand new iPhone6. Hooray! They even gave me a discount for my mostly broken phone. Yay.
A quick stop at Hip City Veg for a portobello buffalo sandwich and I’m back to the train station, on the local to the airport, on the shuttle to the Four Points, checked in, got my phone ready for action, printed my boarding passes, and I’m out. It will take 3 days and 22 hours to get to Bali, I have a new fabulous phone that works, and adventures ahead!
The helpful folks at the Apple Store
On a wall in downtown Philly – speaking to me!
No cheesesteak here!
Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, just a quick, safe 20 minute walk to city center
Practicing Travel 
Julie:
Great to hear about your new adventure. I just sent you an email so please look for it and let me know if I can help in any way.
Michael John
April 27, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Hey! Yes, I saw it and will reply there. Good to connect with you guys again!
April 28, 2015 at 7:12 am
Julie,
So amazing!
Your stars are aligned! I am so happy for all that you are pursuing …..
XO
M
April 27, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Thanks! Yes, looking forward to a fantastic trip. Glad you can come along via the blog. 🙂
April 28, 2015 at 7:13 am
Julie,
Sorry I couldn’t organise any hook ups with you in Bali. I am working part-time and it is term time. Where are you going in Bali? I went up to Ubud and stayed for a week. It was delightful. Your flight sounds very long. Which way are you going?
April 27, 2015 at 10:11 pm
No worries, it’s been a couple of crazy months lately. Since my flight was from Philadelphia and not Virginia, I had to take a 6 hour train to get there, then today (yesterday?) I flew from Philly to Detroit, then Detroit to Seoul. Spending the night in Seoul and on to Bali tomorrow. Phew!
April 28, 2015 at 7:15 am
Hey Julie, been wondering about you. Happy to see your blog! Wishing you a fabulous trip with time for rest, reflection and fun.
April 28, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Thanks! (Rather belatedly) Been extremely busy both resting and having fun. Loved your newsletter today; been having some computer issues and trying to be calm. Thanks! 🙂
May 7, 2015 at 4:52 am