My Asian Beach Games responsibilities came to a successful end with the soft-opening of the MPC today. It has been a great learning experience to work with another culture and especially gratifying to come together in obtaining our common goals. Now, it is time for some real fun.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
-Robert Frost

I had planned for my final adventure in Bali to be the ascent of Mount Agung, however, when discussing my excursion with a restaurateur expat, I learned of a more challenging, less traveled trail – to the summit of Mount Rinjani. The active volcano is located on the island of Lombok, which is a 30-minute flight to the east of Bali, and is world-renowned as one of the most awe-inspiring treks in all of Asia. Tomorrow morning I will fly to Lombok and begin my 3-day, 2-night voyage to the peak, a pursuit that will certainly test my limits, both mentally and physically.

Satellite view of Mt. Rinjani

Satellite view of Mt. Rinjani

On several recent occasions I have discussed my true desires and goals in life with a dear friend of mine. I am often times afraid that we lose sight of these desires and go through life complacent with the norm, or whatever is easiest, instead of pursuing what it is we truly want to accomplish. I’ve thought about how many times again in my life this opportunity will present itself: probably never – passing on it is a risk that eclipses any I will face along my path. I have one life to live, and if I don’t start now, then when will I ever?

I will take many pictures along the way to share with you all when I return. Until then, I leave you with another quote and picture from beautiful Bali.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
-Mark Twain


With everlasting love,

Ben Z Samples

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