Bali ● Indonesia: Ubud

This morning we said bye to Bali's south beaches and headed east for the more traditional culture in Ubud. "Eat, Pray, Love" made the area hugely popular, but it amazingly still remains far less touristy than other Bali towns.

The drive there was a little intense, mostly due to an unforeseen traffic jam on a two-lane road. But making it to the resort was worth it. Maya Ubud Resort sprawls across a huge plot of land, complete with a waterfall and river. There is literally a nature walk (which we accidentally found ourselves doing) through the trees and up hills around the resort. It's unlike any place I've ever stayed.

Before dinner, we explored the main streets of Ubud and did a little shopping for the crafty, original art and pieces if work that the locals are known for here. If you're looking for rugs, woodwork, pottery or jewelry, Ubud is where it's at.

Bali ● Indonesia: Pick Pocketed By A Monkey

Bali is incredible. But I'll get to that. First, let me explain how a monkey robbed me...

In the morning we left our hotel, Rimba Jimbaran, and drove to Uluwatu Temple. A "tour guide" who wanted to lead us around the temple for money warned us about a monkey problem inside. I had read about scams like his, so I kindly declined. Mistake #1.

Within five minutes, Lauren and I stumbled across packs of monkeys everywhere. All of a sudden, I'm taking a picture and my sister (who developed a primate fear today) tells me in a panic that there's a monkey behind me. I try to spin around when I realize my unzipped purse (mistake #2) feels really heavy... Because he has literally stuck his entire hand in my purse. After making awkward eye contact with the little guy, I pull back really fast (mistake #3), and out comes his hand. And my shiny iPhone. 

By now a crowd has gathered to watch him toss and gnaw on my phone. Thankfully, a sweet local lady had some snacks in her purse and he finally gave the phone up. So basically, I got pick pocketed while traveling for the first time ever. By a monkey. 

Although mostly hilarious, it's no surprise that the day could only go uphill from there. It was smooth sailing as we stopped at Padang Beach, Single Fin (a surfer's hangout) in Uluwatu, Ayana Resort's swimming pool and Rock Bar, and Sardine for dinner. 

I can only hope the next couple days in this beautiful place are as exciting as today. Maybe just with a little less monkey business.

Seoul ● South Korea: Landmarks

Since my sister had to work, today was another day of me riding solo. With plenty of time to kill, my self-guided took me through three different sections of the city, beginning at the beautiful Buddhist Jogyesa Temple. 

After the temple, Insadong kept me entertained for an hour as I checked out the souvenirs, handmade pottery and artwork for which the district is known. By the time I made it to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gwanghwamun Square to snap some shots of statues of some influential Koreans, I was exhausted. 

I cut my day a little short to take it easy because tomorrow... we're Bali bound!

Seoul ● South Korea: Myeongdong

Early this morning, I took the subway to Myeongdong. The area is a major shopping district, complete with your typical Forever 21s, H&Ms, Korean beauty outlets and even smaller Korean boutiques. Let me tell you, Myeongdong doesn't rest. (Think Times Square on steroids with loud music...)

Since Shinsagae Department Store, Lotte Department Store and Namdaemun outdoor market are all nearby, I stopped by each for a little bit. Namdaemun is home to bright clothes, fans, knockoff purses and shoes. And it's easy to get a little confused in the maze of it all. After passing the same stall three times I realized I had been walking in circles for about 20 minutes.

To end the day, I visited one of Seoul's strangest attractions: the cat cafe. For 8,000 Won (about $8), you can have a drink in a cafe filled with all types of breeds. I read somewhere that animal cafés are common in Seoul because many city-dwellers aren't allowed to own pets in apartments. As weird as the whole thing was, I can't say I didn't like it. 

Outside the Korean Bank and high-end department stores

This little guy was curled up in the seat next to me for most of the time.

Seoul ● South Korea: Day One

After spending more than 16 hours on planes beginning on Sunday, I couldn't have been happier to touch down in Seoul. Especially after the little boy sitting directly across the aisle from me puked everywhere with 45 minutes left of the flight... Stepping off the airplane was truly like entering another world full of foreign signage and different customs.

The first full day in the city was exciting, yet exhausting. After a late breakfast, I wandered through the Korean War Memorial, which is a touching and elaborate dedication to the war that ended in 1953.

From there, my sister and I headed to Changdeokgung Palace. Parts of the structure and the grounds had been rebuilt after the Japanese bombed it -- not once, but twice. Standing in the palace area, it was hard to believe the modern world was just a few steps away. 

In another blast to the past, we visited Bukchon Hanok Village. The traditional village that's still home to many people is a quiet escape from Seoul. To rest from the steep walk, we stopped at an adorable little tea house (which apparently was also featured on The Bachelor).

However, the coolest experience so far was our fish market dinner. To score salmon sashimi, shrimp, scallops and fish soup, we bargained with vendors. After paying, we were led to a restaurant where the seafood was taken from us, prepared, and then served immediately. An adventurous dinner to end an adventurous day.

Can't wait to see what these next couple of weeks will bring!