My Dreams are not limited.... Can you imagine having dreams? We all have them, don't we? We dream of far off places and possibly visiting that place. Or becoming this or that or meeting so and so.....or experiencing this or that..... Dreams are wonderful! Dreams are amazing! And dreams come true! I am one who has never limited myself. Somehow being connected to God - or having that 'God source connection' I always knew that having that connection with the most Omnipotent, omniscient being, then my dreams and I, myself was also unlimited. Funny, how having a connection; a belief; a knowing to this source yet, it is other people who limit me and my dreams. OTHER PEOPLE! What do they know anyway!? Who knows what they know ( I doubt they even know ) especially in their limited minds that don't allow them to think out of the square box they are living in. They have so much doubt; bahhh, humbug on them anyway.... they doubt me and you and themselves. What do they believe in anyway? I am not going to limit my dreams to a certain decade, or year. Or city, or state, or even country! Dreams are as unlimited; unwarranted as you can imagine. And that is just it....because they are dreams they can be that way. Even time can be a limiting force. Do not even let time do that! If there is something you want to do in your life, DO IT! It does not matter when you do it! Who cares if you do not do it until you are 88 years old! What? Are we supposed to do everything from age 18-31 or something??? C'mon have you been talking or hanging out with people in their 20's!? That's great! They are alive, kicking, and beautiful but really, c'mon WHAT do they know? Oh, yeah, right, they know everything - they just got out of college or Law school or Med school! HA! Or did they just get married! Yes, do it all in your 20's!! NOT! ...forget that! What would you do in your 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's 70's, 80's, 90's........???? I am a person who says, "Never regret anything you have done". And I have not ever regretted anything, yet. And why should I ever regret anything? I have a great life. I am not perfect and I have made a lot of mistakes, but I still do not regret them. How would I ever learn. Besides, didn't someone say, "there are no mistakes"? There is another part to that quote, "Never regret anything you have done," -- What is it ? "Only regret that which you have not yet done". Something, I can not recall. I say, "Be daring.......live your dreams....take chances......fall down....get up.....do it again......."Maybe it has all been said before.....I will just say it again...."do that thing which you are afraid of"......."Dare to live your highest dreams"........ Dare .... Do it...... Dream...... |
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Dreams are unlimited
Friday, September 23, 2011
Typo....Oooops!!
A special note about the title of of my blog: Travelling yogini with bambini.
If you thought I misspelled travelling, well, you are right! And you are wrong! In most American dictionaries it is spelled, 'traveling'. However, in Canadian and Brittish dictionaries it is spelled, 'travelling'. I prefer the Brittish way. I like the way it looks. It looks more accurate to me. The one 'l' in traveling looks so lonely! and we are two travelling together, like the two 'll's in travelling!
Yogini is a female person who does yoga.
Bambini is the Italian word for baby - well, actually it is plural. Oooops! TYPO! I just realized this, and I am travelling with my daughter, my one and only daughter, right now anyway!
Oh, well, I am not perfect as some of you may be - or as some of you thought I may be, sorry to disappoint you. Also, much of the posts have been written spontaneously, and maybe I proofread them later.....
It is tough to be perfect in my imperfection......
If you thought I misspelled travelling, well, you are right! And you are wrong! In most American dictionaries it is spelled, 'traveling'. However, in Canadian and Brittish dictionaries it is spelled, 'travelling'. I prefer the Brittish way. I like the way it looks. It looks more accurate to me. The one 'l' in traveling looks so lonely! and we are two travelling together, like the two 'll's in travelling!
Yogini is a female person who does yoga.
Bambini is the Italian word for baby - well, actually it is plural. Oooops! TYPO! I just realized this, and I am travelling with my daughter, my one and only daughter, right now anyway!
Oh, well, I am not perfect as some of you may be - or as some of you thought I may be, sorry to disappoint you. Also, much of the posts have been written spontaneously, and maybe I proofread them later.....
It is tough to be perfect in my imperfection......
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
H.H. Dalai Lama
We arrived in Toulouse on August 6. After a few days of being here I noticed the front page of a newspaper with a photo of that evermore popular and universal familiar smiling face of a monk wearing maroon robes. He is known the world over as His Holiness, (H.H.) the Dalai Lama. I picked up the local French paper and deciphered that he was going to be visiting Toulouse.
This particular public talk was titled "The Art of Happiness", which I think is the exact title of one of his published books.
The Zenith auditorium is where the event took place and my seat was high up, about midway. I looked down upon the stage and saw about a dozen monks sitting in their maroon colored robes. Saffron and orange colored fabircs hung on the stage next to a beautiful Tibetan Thonka. It was a full house. I felt lucky to get a ticket into the auditoruim. Many people were outside under a tent watching the same thing, live, projected onto a movie screen.
When I had computer access I googled him and found he was giving lectures the following weekend. Tickets were sold out, but I found it was possible to get a ticket if you showed up at the ticket counter. So, we did show up and voila! (my new French word that is so fun to use) I got a ticket! Very synchronistic that he was scheduled to be here one week after my arrival and I had no clue.
Already a couple of Krista's French friends have asked me what he talked about and often people have asked me what it was like to hear him, since my last seeing him in 2003, in Dharamshala, India. Well, I will share with you what he talked about. Really, if you have always wanted to see or hear him, I strongly recommend picking up one of his many books, they are very well written and include exactly what he talks about in his public talks.
This particular public talk was titled "The Art of Happiness", which I think is the exact title of one of his published books.
The Zenith auditorium is where the event took place and my seat was high up, about midway. I looked down upon the stage and saw about a dozen monks sitting in their maroon colored robes. Saffron and orange colored fabircs hung on the stage next to a beautiful Tibetan Thonka. It was a full house. I felt lucky to get a ticket into the auditoruim. Many people were outside under a tent watching the same thing, live, projected onto a movie screen.
Krista dropped me off and took my crying Ruby. I felt badly, as is usual for a mother, to leave her crying daughter, but Ruby and I have not been separated much in the past few months and Ruby did not quite understand that I bought only one ticket and it was going to be hard for her to sit through the 2 hours even if she did go with me. She knows who the Dalai Lama is and wanted to see him too. This made me sad but once I got to my seat, I realized she would have had a hard time sitting still in the auditorium.
H.H. began his talk about by explaining Secular Ethics. "The basis of Secular Ethics is the Promotion of Human Value. Secular ethics, a.k.a. moral ethics, is ultimately the right to take care of others well-beingness. It does not mean to forget yourself. You also have the right to take care of yourself. A sense of respect towards others and oneself is considered a sense of well-being which is Moral Ethics." He described two types of Moral Ethics: Religious Ethics and Secular Ethics. He stressed Secular Ethics because religious ethics is too biased; too hypocritical.
"Basically, we are social animals", says HH. "In order to have happy life it depends on the rest of the community you are in".
"Today I speak like a nonbeliever", he said, meaning he was not touching on any one religion. "Because the world is made up of approximately 7 billion human beings, many of which are Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, etc, he stressed his position of 'nonbeliever' so as to appeal to all. He went to explain how there is so much hypocrisy amongst all these people of all these religions, who spend there time praying to God rather than sitting down with other members of your community or even family and friends and talking things through. This is what is important. When you have a conflict, sit, face to face and talk."
(On a personal note, I am a communicator, and I sure appreciate people in my life when they communicate with us and to sit down with us and talk! )
"For better health and well-being surround yourself with friends; be calm; be in a good community.
Take a look at your internal emotions - this is what creates either a calm mind or the opposite: fear; anxiety; worry; hatred. Warm heartedness is the key to bringing a calm mind; and healthy body. Your mental state is very important to your health. Having a calm mind helps one to recover rapidly. Fear; anger; hatred can eat our immune system."
"In a study done by a scientist in the U.S.A., according to his findings, people who say 'I, I, I, me, me, me', (too much self-centered attitude) are in much higher danger of heart attack. So much, "I", "I", "I", this person then becomes very lonely and this person has much fear, also. When really, according to H.H., there is no difference, we are all the same. There is no difference between any of us, we are all the same."
H.H. continued on with his talk...
"The whole world is an entity now, more so than ever. Now today, the economy is a global economy and global warming brings us together. And so, the world becomes a smaller place. Therefore, the reality itself shows us we need more cooperation in general - cooperation based on friendship, based on trust, based on honesty. There has been too much selfishness in the past."
"Education is universal. Only Secular Ethics can be universal. Religion can not be universal. Modern education. More education. Information and education about nonviolence."
"Global responsibility; peaceful responsibility."
"Pay attention to your inner qualities."
"Willpower comes from wellbeing - inner wellbeing = Inner strength."
"Politicians need some sort of spirituality because they are in touch with and dealing with so many people".
That was the basis of the 2 hour public talk. There was a Q & A time at the end.
He has a good sense of humor. In the very beginning when he gave the traditional white shawl to the French official, he explains in a serious manner how the shawl is traditionally used and given and then he adds "it is made in China", and he laughs.
24 Aout (August) 2011
Toulouse, France
It is so nice to be 'settled' in a cozy home that has children's toys, books, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, a deck with a hammock swing, and table and chairs that overlook the local neighborhood from the 3rd floor of an aparment complex. We are at my friend, Krista's home where she has lived with her 2 children for several years.
Toulouse is a medium sized city of about 500,000. Located in the South of France and about 1 1/2 hours to the Mediterranean Sea and 2-3 hours to Barcelona, Spain. We drove to the beach on the Med a few days ago and it was not only lovely, but hot, hot, hot! The sea water was warm and we loved it! Ruby loved it more and I could not get her out - I know I named her Oceana Ruby for a reason. She is only 4 1/2 and really good in the water. She can not swim yet, but getting really good. She uses arm floaties or a floating ring.
My daughter Ruby is not only a good travel partner but at 4 1/2 she is also a really good communicator. The two of us can only speak English at this point, which is very Universal, but we often have communication difficulties as we travel through countries that are not predominately English speaking. I have become quite accustomed to this and am very used to getting by on smiles, hand gestures and one-word sentences ( in English or French, here in France of course). Ruby must have learned some things from watching me. She is very social and friendly to begin with and yesterday she was so longing for a playmate her age and at the playground she went up to some kids and said, "Play? Play.... Play?". Now to learn the French word for 'play'.
It is very hot right now - about 100 degrees farhenheit. We are glad the past few days have been overcast. Being two Alaskan girls, the heat just wipes us out. Yesterday we took the bus into the city of Toulouse and this small excursion turns into a major excursion with the heat, the language barriers and the unfamiliar city. Three hours was enough! By accident we found a park with a carousel and a balloon man who twists balloons into funy shapes. Ruby is very happy about these things, she gets a heart and flower shaped balloon and 2 rides on the carousel, for her, that makes our excursion well worth it. On the bus ride home she is wiped out and lays down on two empty seats.
Back 'home' we prepare the house for the heat: winding the awnings out on the deck; closing the doors to keep the heat out; turning the fan on. It has been so nice to have these past few weeks to have some stillness and to process a bit of the past few months: Turkey... India...... Thailand....... Australia..............New Zealand.........................
One thing I have learned about the heat in many of the countries we have been to, is that it really slows us down. This is okay because we are really in a waiting period anyway. We are waiting to see if Ruby will get into school here. Once we know this then we will go from there. Waiting is not always easy. But there is lots to do and learn in the meantime. A new French word here and there....corrections on my few slaughtered French words - like for instance, thank goodness someone finally told me the difference between "Francais and Francois"! I was telling people that " I could not speak Francois". In English, that is the equivalent of "I can not speak Frank", which unfortunately is not like saying" Frankly, I can not speak French", at least then I would have been saying something!
It is so nice to be 'settled' in a cozy home that has children's toys, books, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, a deck with a hammock swing, and table and chairs that overlook the local neighborhood from the 3rd floor of an aparment complex. We are at my friend, Krista's home where she has lived with her 2 children for several years.
Toulouse is a medium sized city of about 500,000. Located in the South of France and about 1 1/2 hours to the Mediterranean Sea and 2-3 hours to Barcelona, Spain. We drove to the beach on the Med a few days ago and it was not only lovely, but hot, hot, hot! The sea water was warm and we loved it! Ruby loved it more and I could not get her out - I know I named her Oceana Ruby for a reason. She is only 4 1/2 and really good in the water. She can not swim yet, but getting really good. She uses arm floaties or a floating ring.
My daughter Ruby is not only a good travel partner but at 4 1/2 she is also a really good communicator. The two of us can only speak English at this point, which is very Universal, but we often have communication difficulties as we travel through countries that are not predominately English speaking. I have become quite accustomed to this and am very used to getting by on smiles, hand gestures and one-word sentences ( in English or French, here in France of course). Ruby must have learned some things from watching me. She is very social and friendly to begin with and yesterday she was so longing for a playmate her age and at the playground she went up to some kids and said, "Play? Play.... Play?". Now to learn the French word for 'play'.
It is very hot right now - about 100 degrees farhenheit. We are glad the past few days have been overcast. Being two Alaskan girls, the heat just wipes us out. Yesterday we took the bus into the city of Toulouse and this small excursion turns into a major excursion with the heat, the language barriers and the unfamiliar city. Three hours was enough! By accident we found a park with a carousel and a balloon man who twists balloons into funy shapes. Ruby is very happy about these things, she gets a heart and flower shaped balloon and 2 rides on the carousel, for her, that makes our excursion well worth it. On the bus ride home she is wiped out and lays down on two empty seats.
Back 'home' we prepare the house for the heat: winding the awnings out on the deck; closing the doors to keep the heat out; turning the fan on. It has been so nice to have these past few weeks to have some stillness and to process a bit of the past few months: Turkey... India...... Thailand....... Australia..............New Zealand.........................
One thing I have learned about the heat in many of the countries we have been to, is that it really slows us down. This is okay because we are really in a waiting period anyway. We are waiting to see if Ruby will get into school here. Once we know this then we will go from there. Waiting is not always easy. But there is lots to do and learn in the meantime. A new French word here and there....corrections on my few slaughtered French words - like for instance, thank goodness someone finally told me the difference between "Francais and Francois"! I was telling people that " I could not speak Francois". In English, that is the equivalent of "I can not speak Frank", which unfortunately is not like saying" Frankly, I can not speak French", at least then I would have been saying something!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
India is Incredible, Turkey is amazing, France is beyond lovely....
We finally arrived in Toulouse, France where summer is still full-on and it is just gorgeous out! We have come to stay with my friend, Krista who I met in college. She married a French man and has 2 children now: Boy- Ethan, 7 and girl - Anouk 4 1/2. Anouk and Ruby are exactly the same age, and when I say exactly I do not mean they were born the same year, but that they were born just hours apart. Krista and I were in labor at the exact same time and we are still figuring out who came out into the world first - we do not have Anouk's exact time of birth yet, and we have to figure out the time change since Ruby was born in Alaska and Anouk born in France.
It has taken us a while to get settled and to realize where we are. I reallly liked Istanbul and wanted to stay longer, but I decided to stick with our plan of coming here, and knowing Istanbul is only a 3 hour flight makes me realize how easily I can go back there. I actually miss Turkey, yes! I liked it so much I miss it. I miss the sound of the prayers in the distance, and the view of the Maramar Sea, and the turkish coffee, and all those lovely desserts of baklava and turkish delight! And the beautiful carpets in the carpet shops. I love the blend of Asia and Europe all throughout Istanbul.
Ah, but now we have France, and France is just lovely. I like that I can take a short walk and get a really good baguette and get Ruby some choquettes (little donut hole like pastries with powdered sugar). Ruby loves these and she loves croissants.
When we were in India I considered going up to Dharamsala like I did 8 years ago, in the North of India. This is home to the Dalai Lama and many Tibetan refugees. When I was there in 2003 I thoroughly enjoyed it there and attended HH the Dalai Lama's teachings and it was great. Well, I decided not to go there this time while in India and instead come to Krista's in Toulouse, France where we are now. Days after we got here I noticed a local newspaper with a photo of the Dalai Lama on it and read that he is here, this week, in Toulouse! I went and got tickets and today I will go to one of his public talks. I am so glad! Really seems amazing that I leave India and show up in Toulouse to see / hear him. Life is so good that way : )
And it has truly been an amazing last 8 months. Really great to travel with my daughter and see the places we have seen and meet the people we have met and to see Father Joe and now Krista and to meet her children for the first time. Krista has a lovely, cozy home and warmly welcomes us and she is a great cook too! She knows so many great French dishes, that I have begun to experience.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Istanbul ~ City where Asia & Europe meet
We spent about a week in Kerala, which is in South India and very beautiful. We took boat rides on the backwaters and enjoyed all the greenery and many coconut palms. It was nice to enjoy the small town of Alleppy after busyness of Manic Mumbai. We met some very nice locals in Alleppy and this was tempting us to stay on longer. For many reasons, one of which was Ruby not able to find very many things to eat, we decided it was time to say good-bye to India. She was SO excited when we found an "American hot dog" that was not spicy on our last day in Mumbai!
I found a nice priced ticket to Toulouse, France that went through Istanbul. I have always wanted to go to Turkey, so I could not pass up this opportunity. After a red-eye flight we arrived early yesterday morning. Istanbul, a perfect city to come to as we enter Europe, is a beautiful city where Asia meets Europe and is so rich with history. I told my friends in France I would let them know if I end up falling in love in or with Istanbul and won't be arriving as scheduled! So far, I am in love with our first day here! The mosques, the turkish coffee, the carpets, the narrow cobblestone streets, the blend of EuroAsia. Ruby is so much more content now that we have foods for her to gobble up. On the ride from airport to guesthouse we noticed playgrounds every mile or so along the waterfront. Our cute little guesthouse, loaded with carpets of many sizes has views of the Marmara sea and the blue mosque. Breakfast is included on the rooftop of our guesthouse and though a bit breezy, Ruby and I do not care! We both take in the breathtaking view as we eat the breakfast, big enough for 5 people, rather than 2! We are served: Turkish cheese, (I'm not sure what it is called, but it's a lot like feta ) mediterranean olives, tomatoes, cucumber, softboiled eggs, yogurt, green canteloupe, delicious Turkish rolls with cherry jam, sliced chocolate cake (which Ruby calls a brownie), tea, and juice. I am so full I can hardly walk down to my room to take an early morning nap, I say early because it is barely 8 am when we finish eating.
Ruby is begging and pleading to go to a playground since we failed at getting to one yesterday. So, I must finish my after breakfast nap and seek out one of these playgrounds. She has not had the pleasure of one since before Thailand.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Good-bye Mumbai.....
Mumbai is very tiring. It is hard to get anything done here. It is so crowded, with 13.2 million people. I met an Indian woman the other day who grew up in NYC and she told, "Mumbai is the slums of India, you should get out". Tomorrow we go to Kerala, in the south of India.
Much thanks to the wonderful man Norbert at the hotel we have come to, for all his help in organizing our trip to Kerala. Between the mania of Mumbai and my efforts, we would have taken forever to get outta here!
Right now I sit in the hotel and can here the Gayatri Mantra playing in the background. There is a little electric plastic shrine with lights all over and a picture of "God" that constantly plays the Gayatri or a number of other Hindi Mantras.
The hotel is nice. Very helpful, with breakfast included.
Namaste
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monsoon Season
We have come to India during the Monsoon season. The rains have been coming in downpours lasting a couple hours at most and then on and off all day. Ruby and I enjoy using umbrellas since we come from a place where umbrellas are not only unheard of but people are laughed at if you use one, besides, if you use one in Kodiak it will not last for very long, due to the high winds that eventually will blow your umbrella inside out! At least here, the rains are warm! Nevertheless, it is still rain and grey and the skies become somewhat dreary.
Besides the rain, we are faced with other challenges. But thanks to God's Grace and Kripa we are continually blessed with so many, many things. We do not have a permanent place to stay here nor do we have a place/school for Ruby to go to.
After so many months of not working, (with the exception of being "Mom") I am ready for something for myself, and I know Ruby would love school or other children to play with.
As it is in India, things take time and one must have patience to get things done. Even the simple things. Being the solo parent of a four year old, that patience must be doubled, or okay, tripled, since we are in India. We are blessed to have a place to stay that has a refrigerator, but no oven or stove. As we have been on the road for so many months (going on 8), I tire of public bathrooms and of eating out. To some it may sound 'luxurious' and so 'fun' or how 'lucky' to have to eat out all the time. And like I said, we are blessed and lucky, but aren't we all - if we each count our own blessings? God is wonderful, if we allow Him/Her to bless us with His/Her love, blessings. I don't know exactly why I am here, but does everyone else know why they are doing what they are doing? Or why they are where they are? Do you?
I have had some amazing experiences and coincidences happen over the past 8 months. I have allowed Divine intervention and I have opened my eyes to be led by Divine Guidance. I have chosen to not stay in a small town, limiting my experiences to a few square miles. Perhaps I 'lack' what this world calls 'success'. I do not have an ivy league education nor do I have a million dollars in the bank. What I do have is faith. I have experience. My faith and my experience.
"Limited knowledge gives limited experience" B.K.S. Iyengar
Maybe I sound confused. Well, yes, I admit it. I have been very confused. Good thing I do yoga:
"Yoga is a subject that clears confusion and develops clarity in the practitioner" B.K.S. Iyengar
I pity those who live in such small spaces with limiting experiences, those that go around believing they know all because they are so busy with their very important jobs with their large paychecks. And their very important lives, not allowing a small spark of Divine intervention into their own lives because they do not need it. Their life is too important or too busy for such nonsense!
And so we must go, out into the monsoon again.
Besides the rain, we are faced with other challenges. But thanks to God's Grace and Kripa we are continually blessed with so many, many things. We do not have a permanent place to stay here nor do we have a place/school for Ruby to go to.
After so many months of not working, (with the exception of being "Mom") I am ready for something for myself, and I know Ruby would love school or other children to play with.
As it is in India, things take time and one must have patience to get things done. Even the simple things. Being the solo parent of a four year old, that patience must be doubled, or okay, tripled, since we are in India. We are blessed to have a place to stay that has a refrigerator, but no oven or stove. As we have been on the road for so many months (going on 8), I tire of public bathrooms and of eating out. To some it may sound 'luxurious' and so 'fun' or how 'lucky' to have to eat out all the time. And like I said, we are blessed and lucky, but aren't we all - if we each count our own blessings? God is wonderful, if we allow Him/Her to bless us with His/Her love, blessings. I don't know exactly why I am here, but does everyone else know why they are doing what they are doing? Or why they are where they are? Do you?
I have had some amazing experiences and coincidences happen over the past 8 months. I have allowed Divine intervention and I have opened my eyes to be led by Divine Guidance. I have chosen to not stay in a small town, limiting my experiences to a few square miles. Perhaps I 'lack' what this world calls 'success'. I do not have an ivy league education nor do I have a million dollars in the bank. What I do have is faith. I have experience. My faith and my experience.
"Limited knowledge gives limited experience" B.K.S. Iyengar
Maybe I sound confused. Well, yes, I admit it. I have been very confused. Good thing I do yoga:
"Yoga is a subject that clears confusion and develops clarity in the practitioner" B.K.S. Iyengar
I pity those who live in such small spaces with limiting experiences, those that go around believing they know all because they are so busy with their very important jobs with their large paychecks. And their very important lives, not allowing a small spark of Divine intervention into their own lives because they do not need it. Their life is too important or too busy for such nonsense!
And so we must go, out into the monsoon again.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Now, we have been in India for about 10 days. I think just about every day I ask myself , "what am I doing here?! What are WE doing here!?". Every day, I receive an answer to this question. India has been calling me back and back and back again. After 7 long months of travelling through Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and now India where we have been welcomed by Father Joe, I feel quite relieved, quite at home even if for just a short while.
We are staying at a busy intersection where 4 streets meet. The sounds of the streets never end. They are starting to blend in with the surroundings. The honking of horns, the rumbling of a large bus or truck, the different sounds of all the cars, rikshaws, the grumble of a motorbike, screech of another rikshaw . All through the night, all through the day.
Yesterday we took a rikshaw drive to go check out some shops. Things don't open up here until around 10 or 11. We got caught in the rain, the pouring down, monsoon rain. People waded in the water up to their calves, rode their bicycles getting drenched. We decided we didn't want to get out. The "mall" didn't open for another 15 minutes and we did not want to wait in the rain. Okay, so call us wimps. We are from Kodiak where it rains sideways and upside down and its freezing rain and blowing 70 miles per hour. And we did not want to get out in the tropical monsoon! The rikshaw driver got mad because I could not make up my mind on what to do. Yet, I couldn't communicate to him how I just wanted to drive around in the rain, looking and watching. He insisted I pay him 300 rupees, which was about 100 rupees too much from what I figured. By the time he did drop us off, we'd been driving around for an hour. I paid him 110 rupees, he looked at me with disappointment and I gave him another 10 and argued the point with him. He seemed fine with 120 rupees.
The monsoon rain continues. We have one umbrella. Ruby holds me close as we walk down the street and we huddle under to stay dry. Or we hop into a rikshaw since it will keep us dry.
The frustration of being here almost drives me to buy a one way ticket -- anywhere. But the lure of it here keeps me. I know we are here for a reason. I know everything happens for a reason.
The frustration of not being able to find a roll of toilet paper because I have my daughter with me and she would rather take a rikshaw than walk and search for the things we need. And it is easier to take a rikshaw to the foreign owned bagel shop that has free wi fi, than it is to walk down to the stores in search of what we need (ie: toilet paper;hair rubberbands; shampoo; bread; yogurt; juice; snacks). Each store carries different things, so it's not like shopping at a super market where I can get everything in one stop. I don't even know yet where each of these stores are exactly located. There is only one of me and Ruby has been with me just about every single moment - except when she goes to play with the upstairs neighbor boy.
What am I doing here!? What are we doing here?
"The Lord shall lead us..." Father Joe said this to me a few days ago, and yes He shall and He is.
May the Lord lead you to , whoever is reading this!
We are staying at a busy intersection where 4 streets meet. The sounds of the streets never end. They are starting to blend in with the surroundings. The honking of horns, the rumbling of a large bus or truck, the different sounds of all the cars, rikshaws, the grumble of a motorbike, screech of another rikshaw . All through the night, all through the day.
Yesterday we took a rikshaw drive to go check out some shops. Things don't open up here until around 10 or 11. We got caught in the rain, the pouring down, monsoon rain. People waded in the water up to their calves, rode their bicycles getting drenched. We decided we didn't want to get out. The "mall" didn't open for another 15 minutes and we did not want to wait in the rain. Okay, so call us wimps. We are from Kodiak where it rains sideways and upside down and its freezing rain and blowing 70 miles per hour. And we did not want to get out in the tropical monsoon! The rikshaw driver got mad because I could not make up my mind on what to do. Yet, I couldn't communicate to him how I just wanted to drive around in the rain, looking and watching. He insisted I pay him 300 rupees, which was about 100 rupees too much from what I figured. By the time he did drop us off, we'd been driving around for an hour. I paid him 110 rupees, he looked at me with disappointment and I gave him another 10 and argued the point with him. He seemed fine with 120 rupees.
The monsoon rain continues. We have one umbrella. Ruby holds me close as we walk down the street and we huddle under to stay dry. Or we hop into a rikshaw since it will keep us dry.
The frustration of being here almost drives me to buy a one way ticket -- anywhere. But the lure of it here keeps me. I know we are here for a reason. I know everything happens for a reason.
The frustration of not being able to find a roll of toilet paper because I have my daughter with me and she would rather take a rikshaw than walk and search for the things we need. And it is easier to take a rikshaw to the foreign owned bagel shop that has free wi fi, than it is to walk down to the stores in search of what we need (ie: toilet paper;hair rubberbands; shampoo; bread; yogurt; juice; snacks). Each store carries different things, so it's not like shopping at a super market where I can get everything in one stop. I don't even know yet where each of these stores are exactly located. There is only one of me and Ruby has been with me just about every single moment - except when she goes to play with the upstairs neighbor boy.
What am I doing here!? What are we doing here?
"The Lord shall lead us..." Father Joe said this to me a few days ago, and yes He shall and He is.
May the Lord lead you to , whoever is reading this!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Arrival in India
We have been in Mumbai since June 29. It has been really great to see Father Joe Periera, Ruby's Godfather and a very wonderful man on this planet. Also, to see some of the Kripa staff that I met some years back when I came through India. For those of you reading my blog, I just want people to know we are doing fine and are well taken care of, thanks to Father Joe. To find out more about him you can check out his Kripa website at: http://www.kripafoundation.org/
Ruby and I are both a little hot during the day, but we are managing fine.
At this time please consider us in your prayers as to the best place we belong here in India, thank you.
I will keep you posted. By the way, who is reading this?
Namaste~
Ruby and I are both a little hot during the day, but we are managing fine.
At this time please consider us in your prayers as to the best place we belong here in India, thank you.
I will keep you posted. By the way, who is reading this?
Namaste~
Monday, June 27, 2011
We left Chiang Mai a couple days ago. Took the night train down to Bangkok. I really like the North of Thailand. We had a good experience with the people we met. The Thai people we have met have been very friendly. They have names like: 'Ai' , 'Gop' (means 'frog'), 'Cake' and a little girl Ruby played with was called 'Sanwit' , sounds like "Sandwitch". Ruby said to me, "Mom, there must be someone named 'Cookie' too". I'm sure there must be! We just haven't met her yet!
On the train ride down we met a family from Kuwait with 4 girls and 1 boy. We took a 1st class sleeper train. This means we have a private, yet shared sleeper car and Ruby and I share a bunk. Ruby enjoyed playing with the little girls in their bunk in their car for a bit. She is getting really used to playing with others without having to speak the same language. We didn't have anyone share our car with us, so we really had some privacy.
The woman named Cake is a "took-took" driver and she always parked outside our guesthouse in Chiang Mai. She is probably the most beautiful took-took driver I've ever seen. She has a big, beautiful smile and very soft spoken. She gave us a ride to the train station and I asked her to help with our bags, because I can not always rely on Ruby to help carry her load. I told Cake I would tip her. Thankfully she helped me, though I could have carried them on my own - and I did when we got to Bangkok I had to carry it to the subway and then to our guesthouse. I know it sounds silly, but I am packing for 2 and when Ruby doesn't carry her weight, it means I have to.
The truth is, it is not always easy. At all. People may think , "Oh, Dayna gets to travel all over the place, how luxurious and wonderful and fun!". But it is not that way. In fact, sometimes it is no fun at all. It is what I want to do, but it is not luxurious, we are on a budget. Well, okay the massages are luxurious - but they are also very "budget"! Travelling is full of wonder, especially through the eyes of a 4 year old. Having a child in itself is an adventure, travelling with a child can be an adventure but also very demanding. The fun is gone when it has been days since Ruby has had another child to play with. Or I am exhausted from carrying all our luggage through an airport and Ruby is being stubborn or whiney or just being a typical 4 year old! I often wonder, "WHAT AM I DOING HERE!?" And this is why I plan each leg of the trip as we go. So, we can do something different at the last minute or go back to the states. It all pays off when we meet some other travelling parents that I connect with and they have a child Ruby plays well with. Or when I see how much fun she has and the progress she is making in our daily swim time. Or we experience a connection with locals in a way that is beyond words and gives me a chill, and a knowing that, "Ahh, yes, we are here for a reason and we are all connected in some way - whether by God or the Universe". Or like yesterday, when we were in a ginormous Bangkok shopping center and we run into these two lovely Irish women (mother and daughter pair) we met in Chiang Mai! How amazing is that!?
When it gets hard, I remember all the wonderful things we are experiencing and learning together, as a family, even when it is challenging.
The world is a beautiful place;
Life is a gift from the Divine;
You and I are a spark of the Divine.
On the train ride down we met a family from Kuwait with 4 girls and 1 boy. We took a 1st class sleeper train. This means we have a private, yet shared sleeper car and Ruby and I share a bunk. Ruby enjoyed playing with the little girls in their bunk in their car for a bit. She is getting really used to playing with others without having to speak the same language. We didn't have anyone share our car with us, so we really had some privacy.
The woman named Cake is a "took-took" driver and she always parked outside our guesthouse in Chiang Mai. She is probably the most beautiful took-took driver I've ever seen. She has a big, beautiful smile and very soft spoken. She gave us a ride to the train station and I asked her to help with our bags, because I can not always rely on Ruby to help carry her load. I told Cake I would tip her. Thankfully she helped me, though I could have carried them on my own - and I did when we got to Bangkok I had to carry it to the subway and then to our guesthouse. I know it sounds silly, but I am packing for 2 and when Ruby doesn't carry her weight, it means I have to.
The truth is, it is not always easy. At all. People may think , "Oh, Dayna gets to travel all over the place, how luxurious and wonderful and fun!". But it is not that way. In fact, sometimes it is no fun at all. It is what I want to do, but it is not luxurious, we are on a budget. Well, okay the massages are luxurious - but they are also very "budget"! Travelling is full of wonder, especially through the eyes of a 4 year old. Having a child in itself is an adventure, travelling with a child can be an adventure but also very demanding. The fun is gone when it has been days since Ruby has had another child to play with. Or I am exhausted from carrying all our luggage through an airport and Ruby is being stubborn or whiney or just being a typical 4 year old! I often wonder, "WHAT AM I DOING HERE!?" And this is why I plan each leg of the trip as we go. So, we can do something different at the last minute or go back to the states. It all pays off when we meet some other travelling parents that I connect with and they have a child Ruby plays well with. Or when I see how much fun she has and the progress she is making in our daily swim time. Or we experience a connection with locals in a way that is beyond words and gives me a chill, and a knowing that, "Ahh, yes, we are here for a reason and we are all connected in some way - whether by God or the Universe". Or like yesterday, when we were in a ginormous Bangkok shopping center and we run into these two lovely Irish women (mother and daughter pair) we met in Chiang Mai! How amazing is that!?
When it gets hard, I remember all the wonderful things we are experiencing and learning together, as a family, even when it is challenging.
The world is a beautiful place;
Life is a gift from the Divine;
You and I are a spark of the Divine.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Travels with Ruby
Ruby, my 4 1/2 year old daughter is really a gem to travel with. Like a valuable jewel, she is full of sparkle, and so precious. Many people would not travel with their valuable jewelry, they'd leave it at home, in a jewelry box or locked up in a safe. Not me, I want to show Ruby the world and I want the world to meet my Ruby!
As we do this trip we are currently on I plan each leg as we go. I knew we would be in New Zealand for 6 weeks because you have to have a departing ticket in New Zealand and I knew we would go to Cairns, Australia next. In Cairns, however, we did not know how long we would stay and when I decided to leave we bought a one way ticket to Bangkok. It is much easier to travel this way with a 4 year old , rather than say, "Ok, we are going to be gone for 7+ months and go to 4 or more countries. No, no, no... I didn't know what I'd be getting into if I did that. This way, we go at our own pace and if at anytime we wish to return to the states or to settle where we are, we can.
The short flights are nice too. Rather than flying half way around the globe in one flight we take short trips from country to country. Night flights are best so Ruby can sleep - and maybe I can sleep too! Day flights are okay, but I must plan and prepare a bit more for them if possible.
Ruby is becoming an experienced traveller! She has a little Dora the Explorer suitcase with wheels that she pulls around in the airport and she has a purple unicorn Pillow Pet that Santa got her last Christmas. While waiting in line at security I have become extremely annoyed at her typical 4 year old behaviour! She has played with those straps that create the lines you stand in. If you don't know what I mean they are these straps that you pull out from the metal posts and stretch them out (like a tape measure) hooking into another post. Often she is the only child in a line of very patient and still adults and she is a wiggle worm all over the place! I am such the embarassed parent when this happens. It's usually all fine, but I'm always wary of that 'one' person who will be bothered by this rambunctious child! She insists on putting her own belongings in the tray at the security and she knows the routine: shoes off.....suitcase in tray......pillow pet in tray...... walk through security gate. She seems disappointed when you don't have to take your shoes off . People like to watch her in her independence. She is not shy at all. She is a bit deprived of playtime with other children so does not hesitate when she sees other children. Whether at a playground or the airport, she will go right up to them and say, "Excuse me?? Do you want to play with me??". It's probably after hearing me talk to so many people, but she also will ask, "where are you from? Do you have any children? Well, where are they? Where do you live? Do you want to come over to our house? " She is getting really good at understanding people with various accents - literally from all over the world. One time Ruby was playing with a girl from New Zealand. I heard Ruby say, "So, ok, 'now' means 'no'." It is true, to my ears, when I hear a Kiwi (New Zealander) say "no" it comes out as "now". Nothing against their accent, I love their accent. When Kiwi's say, 'bear' to me it sounds like 'beer' and when they say 'Pawn Shop' it sounds exactly like 'Porn Shop'. I have a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications, so am always fascinating with communication in any form.
For myself I can say I am finally able to distinguish between Brittish, Irish, New Zealand, and Australian. I am proud when I can guess where someone is from by hearing them talk!
Ruby is so social it comes in handy when we travel. Of course we all teach our children not to talk with strangers, but when you are travelling you have to talk to strangers all the time.
At the guesthouse where we are now, there must be 7 children staying here. It's great!
If you are interested in travelling with your children, I highly recommend it! Of course there are worries and concerns and fears, but there is that all the time - whether travelling or not. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about it if you are interested!
As we do this trip we are currently on I plan each leg as we go. I knew we would be in New Zealand for 6 weeks because you have to have a departing ticket in New Zealand and I knew we would go to Cairns, Australia next. In Cairns, however, we did not know how long we would stay and when I decided to leave we bought a one way ticket to Bangkok. It is much easier to travel this way with a 4 year old , rather than say, "Ok, we are going to be gone for 7+ months and go to 4 or more countries. No, no, no... I didn't know what I'd be getting into if I did that. This way, we go at our own pace and if at anytime we wish to return to the states or to settle where we are, we can.
The short flights are nice too. Rather than flying half way around the globe in one flight we take short trips from country to country. Night flights are best so Ruby can sleep - and maybe I can sleep too! Day flights are okay, but I must plan and prepare a bit more for them if possible.
Ruby is becoming an experienced traveller! She has a little Dora the Explorer suitcase with wheels that she pulls around in the airport and she has a purple unicorn Pillow Pet that Santa got her last Christmas. While waiting in line at security I have become extremely annoyed at her typical 4 year old behaviour! She has played with those straps that create the lines you stand in. If you don't know what I mean they are these straps that you pull out from the metal posts and stretch them out (like a tape measure) hooking into another post. Often she is the only child in a line of very patient and still adults and she is a wiggle worm all over the place! I am such the embarassed parent when this happens. It's usually all fine, but I'm always wary of that 'one' person who will be bothered by this rambunctious child! She insists on putting her own belongings in the tray at the security and she knows the routine: shoes off.....suitcase in tray......pillow pet in tray...... walk through security gate. She seems disappointed when you don't have to take your shoes off . People like to watch her in her independence. She is not shy at all. She is a bit deprived of playtime with other children so does not hesitate when she sees other children. Whether at a playground or the airport, she will go right up to them and say, "Excuse me?? Do you want to play with me??". It's probably after hearing me talk to so many people, but she also will ask, "where are you from? Do you have any children? Well, where are they? Where do you live? Do you want to come over to our house? " She is getting really good at understanding people with various accents - literally from all over the world. One time Ruby was playing with a girl from New Zealand. I heard Ruby say, "So, ok, 'now' means 'no'." It is true, to my ears, when I hear a Kiwi (New Zealander) say "no" it comes out as "now". Nothing against their accent, I love their accent. When Kiwi's say, 'bear' to me it sounds like 'beer' and when they say 'Pawn Shop' it sounds exactly like 'Porn Shop'. I have a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications, so am always fascinating with communication in any form.
For myself I can say I am finally able to distinguish between Brittish, Irish, New Zealand, and Australian. I am proud when I can guess where someone is from by hearing them talk!
Ruby is so social it comes in handy when we travel. Of course we all teach our children not to talk with strangers, but when you are travelling you have to talk to strangers all the time.
At the guesthouse where we are now, there must be 7 children staying here. It's great!
If you are interested in travelling with your children, I highly recommend it! Of course there are worries and concerns and fears, but there is that all the time - whether travelling or not. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about it if you are interested!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wat is that?
Wat is the Thai word for "temple". Yesterday we went to the well known and popular Doi Suthep Wat. I think the temples are beautiful here. Doi Suthep is painted completely gold, so in the bright of the day it shines as bright as the sun! There must be a couple hundred steps to get up to it, we didn't count them, but there is an elevator if you don't want to walk. As always you take your shoes off before you enter and it is nice to bring an offering. We bought a lotus flower, incense, and a candle. People were walking around the temple with their offerings 3 times before lighting their incense and candle, so I walked Ruby through the process. She was very impatient and didn't understand any of it. So as usual, being the 4 year old that she is she asked, "Why?"......."why?"......"why?........ When Ruby discovered the orange temple cat as we walked our 3 times around, she could not resist to pick this very relaxed cat up and wake it from its deep slumber. " It was just so cute and looked like he wanted to be picked up!" Finally we made it around 3 times and went to light our candles and incense. Of course, Ruby did not understand how we could just leave the candles lit, she had to blow them out!
Coming down the steps were much easier. Tourists from around the world, cameras around their neck, shuffled in and out of the temple; up and down the stairs. Ruby is often a tourist attraction here with her platinum blonde hair and fair skin. Thai's love children and a blonde child is unique to them. They can not resist coming up to Ruby, squeezing her cheeks or belly or touching the top of her head, or taking a photo of her. Usually it is an Asian tourist (Thai, Chinese, or Japanese) that want to take a photo of her. It starts to annoy me to see my child being bombarded by these strangers - much like me, as a tourist being bombarded by the tuk-tuk drivers when several swarm me, saying "tuk-tuk ride, Madam? Where you wan to go?". When Ruby is approached by foreign photographers I've started to respond by saying, "50 baht...50 baht". Ruby is catching on.....yesterday when two Thai's came up to her and touched her cheeks and started taking pictures, I said it, " 50 baht! 50 baht!" and soon Ruby was saying it. Much cuter when she says it - "50 baht!" , she yelled out. These guys started to laugh and they pulled out two 20 baht notes to give her. Then she stood there and smiled willingly for the photographers!
Coming down the steps were much easier. Tourists from around the world, cameras around their neck, shuffled in and out of the temple; up and down the stairs. Ruby is often a tourist attraction here with her platinum blonde hair and fair skin. Thai's love children and a blonde child is unique to them. They can not resist coming up to Ruby, squeezing her cheeks or belly or touching the top of her head, or taking a photo of her. Usually it is an Asian tourist (Thai, Chinese, or Japanese) that want to take a photo of her. It starts to annoy me to see my child being bombarded by these strangers - much like me, as a tourist being bombarded by the tuk-tuk drivers when several swarm me, saying "tuk-tuk ride, Madam? Where you wan to go?". When Ruby is approached by foreign photographers I've started to respond by saying, "50 baht...50 baht". Ruby is catching on.....yesterday when two Thai's came up to her and touched her cheeks and started taking pictures, I said it, " 50 baht! 50 baht!" and soon Ruby was saying it. Much cuter when she says it - "50 baht!" , she yelled out. These guys started to laugh and they pulled out two 20 baht notes to give her. Then she stood there and smiled willingly for the photographers!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Small World, Big Elephants
A couple days ago I decided to do one of the tourist attraction tours. Since it is still my "birthday week", it really is not such a bad idea, in fact it's a great idea. We went on one that included: Drive out to elephant camp; Bamboo raft down river; elephant camp experience including: feed and ride elephant and watch them perform; ride in an oxcart; lunch. The elephants are amazing! Ruby and I love them! Ruby is such a fearless little 4 year old, she just hopped on top of that elephant and looked like a princess. Riding on an elephant is bumpy, but fun. Ride on the oxcart is much smoother. Ruby even said, "I like riding a bull much more than elephant". The youngest elephant we saw was 2 months old -- so, so cute! Did you know elephants only sleep 3 hours a night, and they eat about 250 kg's of food a day!? Ruby loved to feed them bananas and sugar cane (and so did I), but at one point one of the elephants sneezed and Ruby's dress got elephant snot on it, she didn't like that so much, she's quite particular about her dresses!
Two of the women on the same tour just came from India. They reported to me that the temperature was up to 50 C degrees. That must be 110-120 F degrees. It is summer there, and I am aware that it will be hot, now I'm pondering the idea of postponing our trip for a month....or well, what the heck, maybe let's just get thrown in the heat of it all!
Back at our guesthouse new guests arrived: a couple with their 7 year old daughter Julia, Yay! Someone to play with Ruby. It turns out they are from Tasmania and know of a family that I know of that sailed from Kodiak across the Pacific. Small world!
The world becomes a smaller place the more I travel. This isn't the first time I've run into someone who knows someone I know. It's great, the world is truly a beautiful and wonderful place. I feel so blessed and am thankful that I can see and experience so much of it.
"Be content with what you have,
take joy in the way things are.
When you realize nothing is lacking
The whole world belongs to you."
~ Tao Te Ching
Two of the women on the same tour just came from India. They reported to me that the temperature was up to 50 C degrees. That must be 110-120 F degrees. It is summer there, and I am aware that it will be hot, now I'm pondering the idea of postponing our trip for a month....or well, what the heck, maybe let's just get thrown in the heat of it all!
Back at our guesthouse new guests arrived: a couple with their 7 year old daughter Julia, Yay! Someone to play with Ruby. It turns out they are from Tasmania and know of a family that I know of that sailed from Kodiak across the Pacific. Small world!
The world becomes a smaller place the more I travel. This isn't the first time I've run into someone who knows someone I know. It's great, the world is truly a beautiful and wonderful place. I feel so blessed and am thankful that I can see and experience so much of it.
"Be content with what you have,
take joy in the way things are.
When you realize nothing is lacking
The whole world belongs to you."
~ Tao Te Ching
Dear Friends who care/pray.....
Thanks for either caring or praying for us!
In March/April we spent 6 weeks in New Zealand, putting over 5,000 km's on our rental car. Then we went to Cairns in Far North Queensland for 5 weeks where we met up with my mom for two weeks. New Zealand is beautiful and Far North Queensland wonderful! However, now that Ruby and I are in Thailand I feel as though Asia is truly where we are meant to be (at least for now, ha!). And so, here we are in Chiang Mai and as hot as it is we are managing and adapting quite well to the culture and the heat. I have been hesitant to go to the Indian Consulate, but we finally did yesterday and I had no idea how relieved I would be. It is true, Thailand is a detour for us at this point, and our India visas our on their way, we can pick them up in a week. For those of you who don't know, Ruby's godfather, Father Joe Periera, invited us to come India after I told him how much it has been on my mind and heart. The reason for the hesitation is because I have been to India (3 times), so I know what it's like. It is not easy travelling in India. This will be the first time for Ruby. travelling alone with a 4 year old has its challenges and combine that with travel in India and well, any prayers or positive thoughts are much appreciated. I will get our tickets next week after we get our visas and will probably go to Mumbai in July or possibly August.
I am a bit techinically challenged at the moment, so photos are lacking on this blog. Please excuse that and consider me old fashion and just use your imagination (like the old days!), I will do my best to be diligent about writing and descriptive of our experiences.
We miss family and friends but definitely feel we are on the path we are meant to be on. Thanks for prayers and any emails; comments; notes; etc are very appreciated.
Love & Namaste, Dayna & Ruby
I am a bit techinically challenged at the moment, so photos are lacking on this blog. Please excuse that and consider me old fashion and just use your imagination (like the old days!), I will do my best to be diligent about writing and descriptive of our experiences.
We miss family and friends but definitely feel we are on the path we are meant to be on. Thanks for prayers and any emails; comments; notes; etc are very appreciated.
Love & Namaste, Dayna & Ruby
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Chiang Mai "high"
We arrived in Chiang Mai after taking the night train from Bangkok. Ruby's first train ride! Chiang Mai is Thailands 2nd largest city and so is a busy, bustling city with narrow streets, many tourists, and thai massage places. We made reservations online for a guesthouse and at first I thought, "O great, only 300 baht!" . It wasn't so bad - it had a pool and the staff were very friendly. I spent my 40th birthday there and the guesthouse staff surprised me with a teeny tiny cake with tiny words written: Happy Birthday Dayna . It was really a kind gesture and Ruby was excited I got a cake and could blow out candles! The guest house was just a bit too loud in the evening playing loud techno and rock music and I didn't think it was as child friendly as I like. And of course we are in Asia and I know there are BIG bugs everywhere, but I am not used to them in sight, in my living space! They aren't exactly what we want for as pets, so I decided, this will not do.
There are many guesthouses in Chiang Mai, so it was really easy to find another place to stay - with a pool, free wi-fi, private bathroom, and this time a cute little balcony and great artwork on the walls. Our new place is very "European/Thai" and for only 600 baht.
I was concerned about turning 40, I guess that may be normal. It is a big number and Ruby thinks I am really, very old now when I tell her how many I am. But, I'm now quite excited to be entering a new decade, and doing so while in Asia. We are enjoying Thailand very much. Yesterday, Ruby said, " Mom, when I grow up I want to be a tuk-tuk driver!!"
There are many guesthouses in Chiang Mai, so it was really easy to find another place to stay - with a pool, free wi-fi, private bathroom, and this time a cute little balcony and great artwork on the walls. Our new place is very "European/Thai" and for only 600 baht.
I was concerned about turning 40, I guess that may be normal. It is a big number and Ruby thinks I am really, very old now when I tell her how many I am. But, I'm now quite excited to be entering a new decade, and doing so while in Asia. We are enjoying Thailand very much. Yesterday, Ruby said, " Mom, when I grow up I want to be a tuk-tuk driver!!"
Monday, June 13, 2011
BKK; Chiang Mai
BKK is the airport code for Bangkok ( I think they call it airport code )....anyway, I think you know what I mean. We are in Thailand! I think I am having a bit of culture shock. Even though I've been here 3 times, this being my 4th time, it has been 6 years since my last visit and this is the first time I've come during the rainy season. The humidity and heat are bearable as long as we have a pool and a fan. This time around I really enjoyed Bangkok. We stayed at a nice guesthouse (K.T. Guesthouse) that was very child friendly, had a good restaurant and a pool and next door to a Thai massage place. Where I was able to get a one hour Thai massage for 250 Baht or two hours for 350 Baht. We rode the subway which made Bangkok less intimidating. After 5 days in Bangkok we took the night train up to Chiang Mai.
I thought I was getting a good deal on the Thai massages in Bangkok but found even better deals in Chiang Mai!
Thinking we would head north to escape the heat is really not accurate. The heat and humidity are still here! We found a guest house with a pool and our room has a fan - I don't care for air con. The heat has a way of making unable to think properly or function normally, however it does help in making my muscles warm and supple so it is good for yoga postures!
Ruby seems to be having a good time and she is dealing with the culture shock just fine (no problem). She's catching on to the common Thai phrases and loves riding in the tuk-tuk's!
More later.....
I thought I was getting a good deal on the Thai massages in Bangkok but found even better deals in Chiang Mai!
Thinking we would head north to escape the heat is really not accurate. The heat and humidity are still here! We found a guest house with a pool and our room has a fan - I don't care for air con. The heat has a way of making unable to think properly or function normally, however it does help in making my muscles warm and supple so it is good for yoga postures!
Ruby seems to be having a good time and she is dealing with the culture shock just fine (no problem). She's catching on to the common Thai phrases and loves riding in the tuk-tuk's!
More later.....
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The land of Oz
The land of Oz (aka: Australia), is really quite a place. We left New Zealand April 30 and arrived in Tropical Cairns, in Far North Queensland. Its the only part of Australia I've been to and I'm quite impressed with just this small part of Far North Queensland that we visited. The beaches are amazing and endless, the rainforest beautiful and enchanting, and the wildlife is uniquely spectacular to this part of the world. The animals we came across either in the wild or in the zoo were : Crocodiles, cassowary's, koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos, cookabura's, and a number of snakes, lizards and turtles.
My mom met up with us a few days after we arrived and we drove up past Laura to have an "Australian Outback Experience" amidst the gum trees at Jawalbinna station. Even though its the tropics the nights have been much colder than the days and so we were happy to survive our experience in the outback - as it was quite cold through the night as we slept under a roofed, but not walled shelter. Actually, I was proud of my mom for enduring this "adventure" with us!
I considered staying longer in Australia because our visa is good for a year, but I have had a strong pull to either go back to the states or into Asia.
My mom met up with us a few days after we arrived and we drove up past Laura to have an "Australian Outback Experience" amidst the gum trees at Jawalbinna station. Even though its the tropics the nights have been much colder than the days and so we were happy to survive our experience in the outback - as it was quite cold through the night as we slept under a roofed, but not walled shelter. Actually, I was proud of my mom for enduring this "adventure" with us!
I considered staying longer in Australia because our visa is good for a year, but I have had a strong pull to either go back to the states or into Asia.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Leaving New Zealand....
My daughter, Ruby and I, have been in New Zealand for 6 weeks now. Tomorrow we depart out of Auckland on Jetstar to Cairns, Australia. The two of us have been on an adventure, and will continue to be on one, as we depart to Australia.
We came to New Zealand 2 years ago. After attending a yoga retreat in the Coromandel I decided to stay on and travel through out the North Island with little Ruby (then 2 years old) and really enjoyed our time touring the N. Island, but we didn't ever make it to the S. Island. After I left NZ, I kept remembering it and couldn't get it out of my mind, for two years......so we finally made it back! And this time we finally made it to the S. Island!
Our 6 week venture took us through much of the N. Island and on the ferry to Picton. It has been absolutely great to see so much of New Zealand. It has been amazing to see the similarities of New Zealand and Alaska. Both are remote and "cut off" from the rest of the world. Both have had a history of a "gold rush" and the Green Stone, Jade, is the prominent "rock" or "stone". There is also a large native population in both NZ and AK: NZ have the Maori and AK have the Aleut, Alutiiq, Yupiq, Inuit, Athabascan, Tlingit, Eskimo. NZ is very close to the Antarctic, AK is part of the Arctic. Both possess such beauty of nature.
It is no wonder I have become so homesick!
All these similarities so becoming, yet creating in me a longing for familiarity and for what I have known as home.
But, I am in New Zealand, so, accept it!
So, I do. I accept that I am here and realize that.......all is well.
The travel I have been doing brings me to a better understanding of the people in the world, and this world.
It is a choice I made, to travel, just like others make a choice to purchase a house and make mortgage payments or rental payments on their quite possible, "box like" enclosure, they call home.
I could use this common statement I have heard so often, " It's all good". And from that, single statement, excuse my travels as an "act of good"..... Ha!!! But to me that is hilarious!!!
These past 6 weeks have been good, bad, ugly, beautiful.....and an experience! What else would you like to know? I am willing to share! Just ask! Love, Dayna
We came to New Zealand 2 years ago. After attending a yoga retreat in the Coromandel I decided to stay on and travel through out the North Island with little Ruby (then 2 years old) and really enjoyed our time touring the N. Island, but we didn't ever make it to the S. Island. After I left NZ, I kept remembering it and couldn't get it out of my mind, for two years......so we finally made it back! And this time we finally made it to the S. Island!
Our 6 week venture took us through much of the N. Island and on the ferry to Picton. It has been absolutely great to see so much of New Zealand. It has been amazing to see the similarities of New Zealand and Alaska. Both are remote and "cut off" from the rest of the world. Both have had a history of a "gold rush" and the Green Stone, Jade, is the prominent "rock" or "stone". There is also a large native population in both NZ and AK: NZ have the Maori and AK have the Aleut, Alutiiq, Yupiq, Inuit, Athabascan, Tlingit, Eskimo. NZ is very close to the Antarctic, AK is part of the Arctic. Both possess such beauty of nature.
It is no wonder I have become so homesick!
All these similarities so becoming, yet creating in me a longing for familiarity and for what I have known as home.
But, I am in New Zealand, so, accept it!
So, I do. I accept that I am here and realize that.......all is well.
The travel I have been doing brings me to a better understanding of the people in the world, and this world.
It is a choice I made, to travel, just like others make a choice to purchase a house and make mortgage payments or rental payments on their quite possible, "box like" enclosure, they call home.
I could use this common statement I have heard so often, " It's all good". And from that, single statement, excuse my travels as an "act of good"..... Ha!!! But to me that is hilarious!!!
These past 6 weeks have been good, bad, ugly, beautiful.....and an experience! What else would you like to know? I am willing to share! Just ask! Love, Dayna
Saturday, April 23, 2011
There IS an Easter bunny in New Zealand!
Today is actually April 24, 2011 - Easter Sunday. Leave it to my tech skills that it says it is the day before........It has been well over a month since my last blog. In that time Ruby and I have travelled the North Island of New Zealand, took the interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton and drove down the beautiful West coast of the South island and through Wanaka and now Dunedin, where we spent the last week. And yes! There is an Easter Bunny who came to visit us this morning! Though it is Fall here and not the usual Spring Easter, it is probably warmer than a Kodiak Easter. It is absolutely beautiful here on the South Island. West coast especially! I love the cabbage trees and the flax grass and of course, the ferns - they are huge and green, and lush.
The playgrounds are amazing here. They have things I have never seen in the states, and I'm quite sure its due to the liability in the states.
The towns we've stayed at have been: Raglan; Rotorua; Taupo; Wellington; Picton; Nelson; Hokitika; Wanaca; and finally Dunedin. We are here for less than a week and so plan to leave early tomo morning and start driving north to Picton, back on the interislander ferry and then up to Auckland. Then, on to Cairns, Australia!
So ironic how easter here is in the fall. Still, 'tis a time for rebirthing as old things are put aside let go of, and we enter a new season!
Happy easter, and happy rebirthing, and letting go. Welcome the new, allow the old things to become new again. ~ Namaste All ~ and Peace on earth
The playgrounds are amazing here. They have things I have never seen in the states, and I'm quite sure its due to the liability in the states.
The towns we've stayed at have been: Raglan; Rotorua; Taupo; Wellington; Picton; Nelson; Hokitika; Wanaca; and finally Dunedin. We are here for less than a week and so plan to leave early tomo morning and start driving north to Picton, back on the interislander ferry and then up to Auckland. Then, on to Cairns, Australia!
So ironic how easter here is in the fall. Still, 'tis a time for rebirthing as old things are put aside let go of, and we enter a new season!
Happy easter, and happy rebirthing, and letting go. Welcome the new, allow the old things to become new again. ~ Namaste All ~ and Peace on earth
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Aroha and Aloha!
Arrived in Auckland at 6 am from Honolulu. The 8.5 hour flight was a red eye and was not so bad at all. Very much like a flight from Honolulu to Kodiak, only one would not have to get off in Anchorage and wait for the flight to Kodiak. Ruby was quite rested and refreshed after the flight, she slept well through the night on the chairs. As for myself, I slept - some, with a little help from the wine after the male flight attendant suggested a glass of Pinot Noir. "Its good sleeping wine", he said, and that's what convinced me!
We stayed the day in Auckland to settle with the fact that we are in a foreign country and went to a nearby animal park. Today our rental car was delivered to us and we left busy Auckland for Raglan. A small coastal town on the NorthWest side of the North Island.
It is absolutely beautiful and warm and sunny out. The drive was great. I posted "keep left" on the dash and it just takes some time to get used to.
It was a little hard to leave the land of "Aloha", but similarities abound between Hawaii and New Zealand, the land of "Aroha", which means "an open door" and "love" - like Aloha!
Ruby is loving the sheep and cows in the pastures along the road. I had a belly full of Green lip mussels, local,fresh and in a red curry sauce. The first backpackers place we came to is an old farm. With a beautiful view and a dog named Ruby, we set up our tent and feel at home, for the day, and tonight.
We stayed the day in Auckland to settle with the fact that we are in a foreign country and went to a nearby animal park. Today our rental car was delivered to us and we left busy Auckland for Raglan. A small coastal town on the NorthWest side of the North Island.
It is absolutely beautiful and warm and sunny out. The drive was great. I posted "keep left" on the dash and it just takes some time to get used to.
It was a little hard to leave the land of "Aloha", but similarities abound between Hawaii and New Zealand, the land of "Aroha", which means "an open door" and "love" - like Aloha!
Ruby is loving the sheep and cows in the pastures along the road. I had a belly full of Green lip mussels, local,fresh and in a red curry sauce. The first backpackers place we came to is an old farm. With a beautiful view and a dog named Ruby, we set up our tent and feel at home, for the day, and tonight.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Big Island of Hawaii
Ruby and I have enjoyed getting to see and experience more of the Big Island than we ever have. We've been in Hawaii for about 2 1/2 months, most of the time spent on the Big Island, Hilo side. We both love the sun, the warmth, and the beaches. It rains a lot on the Hilo side, but the island is small enough that within a couple hours we can be on the other side of the island in sun, or other types of weather! We've been to South Point, the southern most tip of the island and the U.S. Yesterday we made it to Hawi, in the North and hiked down to a beautiful black sand beach. And last night I finally saw the Lava! How COOL that was!! Beautiful bright orange and red, thick, crusty and 2000 degrees. I poked it with a stick and stared at it in awe, admiring its brilliance. Next time I'll take marshmallows and maybe hotdogs and roast them.
Hawaii is an amazing place, especially the Big Island, with its variety of climates and landscapes and natural wonders.
I took Ruby to Rainbow Falls, a popular site in Hilo. She happened to be wearing her rainbow dress. Next to the Falls is a giant Banyan tree in the jungle. As Ruby played around the tree, she resembled a Rainbow Fairy!
I don't know if anyone is reading this, as there are no "followers".
I am so greatful for all that we have, and the adventures that we have enjoyed and for the ones about to come. We are continually blessed by Life, People, Angels and The Creator. In small ways and big ways we are blessed and so thankful for the life we are living.
Hawaii is an amazing place, especially the Big Island, with its variety of climates and landscapes and natural wonders.
I took Ruby to Rainbow Falls, a popular site in Hilo. She happened to be wearing her rainbow dress. Next to the Falls is a giant Banyan tree in the jungle. As Ruby played around the tree, she resembled a Rainbow Fairy!
I don't know if anyone is reading this, as there are no "followers".
I am so greatful for all that we have, and the adventures that we have enjoyed and for the ones about to come. We are continually blessed by Life, People, Angels and The Creator. In small ways and big ways we are blessed and so thankful for the life we are living.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Vasistasana on ice with clogs....
....this is what camping out with a 3 year old, while doing a yoga retreat as a single parent is like....
Camping at Kalani
Ruby and I camped for 2 1/2 weeks at Kalani. It wasn't exactly "roughing it" when there was a pool and food service at the Lanai at Kalani, however the bug bites on Ruby's legs are proof enough of some sort of "roughing it"! Doing yoga retreat with a 3 year old gives new meaning to "retreat"! Kalani Honua is a great place with great volunteers, the food is excellent, and the camping is good. I recommend it to anyone. Camping has been great here, doesn't get too cold at night and the sounds of the birds, geckos, frogs, are great to go to sleep to and wake up to.
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