Taking a Sabbatical

In 2010, inspired by designer Stefan Sagmeister—who took a sabbatical in Bali and is an avid advocate of taking time off—I decided to leave New York City and embark upon a one-year adventure. I had a few simple goals in mind: visit countries I'd never been to before, keep a blog, salsa with strangers, learn a new language, volunteer, and make a book. I sold everything I owned, and kept nothing but my laptop, my camera, a backpack, a positive spirit, and eagerness to work on personal projects. The plan of taking a year off to explore bits of four continents, turned into a lifestyle. I was hooked. If you have traveled long-term, you know exactly what I mean. Taking a sabbatical should be on everyone's "things to do before I die" list. Today, I split my time between Bali, New York, and Mexico City. I run an interactive design studio, represent a few amazing artists, and produce TEDx in Ubud. I now keep this site as a visual archive of all things travel, and to hopefully inspire you to take time off. If you're in Bali, let's grab lunch: [email protected].

[takingasabbatical]

Cheeeeese!

[takingasabbatical]

Focus 🍌 #babiesofinstagram #oliverorson

[takingasabbatical]

Sit up practice. Little humans' life goals. It's crazy how even the tiniest accomplishments mean the world to our parents. You don't realize this until you become a parent.

[takingasabbatical]

Full of wonder and possibilities. Little humans are amazing.

[takingasabbatical]

Merry Christmas everyone! Sending lots of happy wishes from Bali to the other side of the world! #oliversfirstxmas #4monthstoday

[takingasabbatical]

I've watched this so many times 😊👶🏼🎶

[takingasabbatical]

Morning everyone ☀️ #oliverorson #oofweekxweek #15weekstoday

[takingasabbatical]

View this post on Instagram

Going to any @cirquedusoleil should be on your "100 things to do before I die list." Jaw dropping from start to finish. This was at @cirque_du_soleil_totem while in Singapore last week. #totem #cirquedusoleil #cirquedusoleiltotem #giftidea (at Cirque du Soleil Totem Singapore)

[takingasabbatical]

Hola from Singapore! #oofweekxweek #singapore (at Marina Bay Singapore)

[takingasabbatical]

So Olaf has a great way to have "conversations" with Oliver. He asks important life questions to which Oliver replies with a "dagada" or simply bursts into smiles. I obviously think it is the cutest thing ever. It will be so much fun when he can actually answer, in funny English-Mexican accent.

[takingasabbatical]

#therearenowords

[takingasabbatical]

My little family. 😍

[takingasabbatical]

Oliver, you've given us the absolute best, fastest and slowest #8weeks so far. 😍

[takingasabbatical]

This face sums up Oliver's personality so well. "We're going to Jakarta to get my Mexican passport?? Sounds good mama!" 😊 📷 by Olaf

[takingasabbatical]

#6weeks of glorious motherhood!

[takingasabbatical]

3 weeks!... and 300grs later 😋

[takingasabbatical]

Mini closeup.