The world in her eyes (Indonesia)

I was starved for smiles. A friend suggested that I go to Bali. It was just two weeks after the bombing.

Most places were empty. But they still smiled when they met someone. I realized why people get addicted to this island and keep going back. Smiles were there in plenty—the rice farmers, the school kids, the fisher folks—all had smiles.

I got up one early morning for a sunrise hike up a hill, reaching it just in time for the incredible sunrise. It was a cold and strenuous climb. Little monkeys rolled down the surrounding hills.

Orange sky, white streaks of clouds, and the silver lake—you can see it all in her eyes.

The plane was empty too; my laptop had its own seat.