The last trip to Bali was quite a memorable one. Part because of the great clients *wink2*, but also because its the first time me and the FnG team work separately but on the same location (Bali). I was just starting my third session, while they had just landed. Since we’re staying in the different hotels (everywhere near the beach is fuuuuly booked last long weekend because of Indonesia’s Independence day), I asked them to come to my hotel before getting to theirs. We talked and chatted briefly, also while I gave them a few pointers about their upcoming shoot. And they sure know their way around, they already prepared everything waaay back in Jakarta. We took a little snapshot and we went separate ways.

Can you see that grin on my face? I felt so happy leaving the hotel that day, I dunno why. But after a bit of soul-searching, I know why I was so happy. I was feeling proud 🙂 The guys have become a team all by themselves and don’t need this big papa-bear to be around.

In his book, Your Road Map For Success, John Maxwell stated something that I really lived by day-by-day. He said that success is not riches, nor status, nor rank, and not even happiness, but success is about achieving three things in life:

1. Finding your passion, your calling, your purpose in life

2. Always maximizing and expanding your talent

3 Sowing seed for others success

At a such a young age, I think I am a very lucky guy to say that I have lived those three stated points. I’m not being a snob here mind you, but see my proudness in the eyes of a father or a teacher who are truly happy to see their sons/students achieving things in life 🙂 If you haven’t got the chance to sow some seeds into other people’s lives, give it a shot, it really feels nice 🙂

Funny thing, we bumped into each other again on the same beach 🙂 – shared a few giggles, and again, went our separate ways.

On my last day in Bali (the guys still have two more couples to go) I squeezed in a little dinner together with they guys, just in time before I had to leave for the airport. We dined at Bubba Gump & Co., which I have passed so many times but never got the chance to try. The food was delicious and not to mention, being a Forrest Gump fan, all the memorabilias on the wall and on the tables etc. I just can’t keep myself from shouting, “Run, Forrest, run!!!”

In the end, again, we went our separate ways. But truly this little trip has left a mark in my heart. 🙂

Edward

PS: You will have to excuse our behaviours. We photographers don’t do well in front of a camera 🙂