On the way to the Himalaya's.

Last night, we were treated to an amazing dinner by the trekking company I am using for Bhutan. 5 of us ate at a restaurant called Usval. It was traditional Nepalese food, song and dance. Really fun. 
This morning, bright an early, we left by van for Pohkara. Getting out of Kathmandu was a challenge, the streets are very crowded in the morning, with cars and scooters and trucks and buses and people. And we were in a van. We finally got out of the city and started down the mountain. And down, and down, and down, (times a million). It was all switchbacks, and for the first several kilometers, we saw a lot of broken down, or vehicles with accidents or running out of gas. Not exactly reassuring. The road was usually big enough for 2 vehicles, and I remained grateful that we were on the mountain side of the road, not the cliff side. I just kept looking at the scenery, some amazing landscaping allowing the farmers to farm the entire mountain. The mountains was cleared, and then hand stepped for planting. I made an attempt at photos, but the road was so bad that the bumps make it hard to see. Plus, we were still near Kathmandu, and the air is really bad.
As we got further down the mountain, more traditional Nepalese villages appeared. The clothing was more traditional, the homes more traditional, and we saw more and more of what the Nepalese countryside really looked like. The colors are amazing. The reddest reds I have ever seen.
And then suddenly, (actually about 4 hours later), the clouds turned to mountains and we were at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. They are so high up and so majestic that it took me a minute to realize that they were not clouds!
Now we are in Pohkara, a lovely town that surrounds a lake. We will be here for 2 days and then up to Dhampus for the convention. The air is clean, the guest house has great internet, and when the power is on, all is well.

 

Nepal

Day 2 and a half in Nepal. Arrived late the night of the 28th, checked in at the Kathmandu Guest house and went searching for food. We found a cute place, the Organic Cafe, and ordered a nice Nepali meal. Our server was so helpful, and as we were speaking we thought to ask him to be our guide the next day. He agreed, we got his number, and went back for some well deserved sleep! 
We are staying in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. It was an area made famous in the 60's and 70's as hippies flocked here. You can see the influence. There are posters of Bob Marley, Rock and Roll music, references to pop icons everywhere.
The next morning, we met up with Sirjay, and found a cab. Our cab driver, Givanda was very knowledgeable. We started at the largest Buddhist temple, also known as the monkey temple. It is called Swayambunath. Unfortunately, it is also very commercialized. Where you can see Buddha, the cemetary, prayer rolls, and a gorgeous stupa, there is also a shop for everything. And, although some prove to be quite knowledgeable, when you start listening to a "guide" he will expect to be paid for his time. One started with me, I knew from past experience where this was leading, and went willingly. He was so inviting, and so amusing and the only thing I did not do was take a photo.  
Next stop was Sirjay's room. He wanted us to see where he and his brother lived. We went, knowing that this was a great honor to him. (to him? How many tourists to Kathmandu are invited into a young students home, simply to see it!) We met his brother, and their cousin (?) stayed for a few minutes and went on to our next stop, the Hindu temple, Pashupatinath. This was an amazing stop for me.
One year ago, on the date we were visiting this temple, my father died. When we arrived at the temple grounds, (we could not go in, only Hindis are allowed on the grounds) we walked to the surrounding area, on a bridge over a river. Along side the river were 3 cremations, all in various stages. I was in awe of the blessing I was given to watch this ritual. It is so private, yet so public. I stopped, took some pictures, said a prayer for the living, and we went on. What a blessing that was for me.
After that, we fought traffic for an hour, ( we did not know there were demonstrations going on about the rising price of fuel). Traffic here makes Bangkok look like Washington Mo.
It was a very emotional day for me. 
I miss my dad. I haven't really missed him much this past year. I have been very busy. But now that it has been a year, I can feel the loss. I am feeling very alone right now. I really miss my kids. I miss Jay. I miss my dad. Perhaps finally having some time alone, some time not on the move, I am able to grieve. I need this, as painful as it is.
Tonight, is our last night in Kathmandu. We are being treated to a true Nepali meal by the trekking company I am using for Bhutan. Always an adventure.

Pools, Ganesh, Orchids oh my

Today's adventure took us out of Bangkok, about 2 hours to the South. For your math geeks, or people who like to play with metrics, about 150+ kilometers. It took us a while to get out of the area of Bangkok where our hotel is. Traffic here is a nightmare. The mopeds, motorbikes and motorized bicycles have the right idea. They weave in and out of the stationary cars. Still, every time I find myself in a car here, I think it would make a fabulous video game. And I am not a big gamer. It just feels like something that would be the perfect dodge and weave....
So we get out of town, and drive. And drive and drive and drive. Suddenly, we are in the country. There are hills, and fields. And for my friends back in WashMo, some of the roads we were on make Augusta Bottoms look like a paved highway! 
The pools were nice. Warm- about 40 degrees centigrade. It comes out of the mountain like that. Unfortunately, there were no falls, it is winter and not the rainy season....We soaked a bit, dried off and headed to the Orchid farm. 
On the way, we passed some gorgeous retreats. Resorts. Some with grass huts, some with earth buildings, one with buildings designed to look like Fred Flintstone!!! I did not get a picture of it, there was also a sign we saw 4 times that read:
Feel free to Pray and Meditate at any time.
and we did.
On our way to the Orchid farm, we passed a huge statue of Ganesha. Ganesha is the Hindu God of Success. He was next to a very large Buddha. They share the same grounds. We stopped just for a photo, and found we could go down on to the temple square. There, we were able to purchase a gift for the monks. There was a whole process for this. First, a monk had to come out to receive it. He came out, and dressed himself, using 3 very large orange pieces of cloth. He wrapped the cloth precisely and elaborately about his body. He then sat, and welcomed William and Suni to sit as well. Suni read, in Thai, a prayer, and then the monk began to chant. It was truly amazing. I stayed to the side, having read something about how it was not acceptable for a monk to receive anything from a woman. Although I was not going to hand it to him, I still felt that I did not want to push it, so I asked if I could photograph it all. He said yes, and in the end, invited me to the mat so that I could be blessed with the water as well.
On out way out I saw a large rectangular box with pink pieces of paper stuck on the plastic wrap covering the box. For a donation, one could write the name of a dead relative, as well as ones own name on the paper, (that also had a prayer written on it in Thai), and attach it to the "coffin". I did. Both for Jay, and for my Dad. Quite emotional....
We then went to the orchid farm. Again, I am grateful for the sense of sight. To be able to see the colors in the universe, especially those of the orchids grown here. The photos, do not do them justice. And, I learned, Orchids do have a scent. And it is lovely.
Oh, and on our way home we stopped to eat. Four people, 1 curry,  1 pad thai, 1 pad sey yew, 1 tom kai ka soup. 200 baht. About 7 dollars. We pointed to the prices in the menu, to find out that was the large size (family) where we had single portions. The woman laughed and told us "this is not the city!". We ate for 7 bucks. With tip and drinks, 10. And it was so good......
On a personal note, I am really missing Jay. I cannot even picture him here. I try and try and I can not manifest it in my mind. I know we would have never come to this part of the world, not even for NA. I just miss my friend. My companion. So damn much.....
Now, photos.......

 

What kind of Lotus are you?

What kind of Lotus are you?
Are you, like the unsubmerged Lotus, ready to bloom when touched by sunlight?
Are you, like the Lotus on the water's surface, ready to soon bloom?
Are you, like the Lotus under water, with good will and effort, one day rise above the water and bloom?
or
Are you, like the Lotus stuck in the mud, ending up being eaten by fish and turtles.

(thanks to a Bangkok Times article for the analogy)

Today, I am like the unsubmerged Lotus. I am ready, waiting for sunlight. I am not sure what form the sunlight will take. Perhaps it is my own light, and I am just not seeing it yet.

It was a good day. We went with a couple we met who were from Seattle to the teak Palace. No photos, but look it up on the fotopedia heritage site. It is amazing. Lots of European influence in the interiors, exquisite teak work. We then went to yes, another market, wandering until we found the river, and then the Pier to catch the express boat back. 

A few hours later, William and I went to a New Year Celebratory Buffet. He is a Dragon, so we got a "2 fer". What a feast! Not only traditional Chinese, but Thai and Japanese as well. And, I kid you not, Lox with capers, onions, and dill aioli. mmmmm.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

For the last 2 days, it has been about Chinese New year. Looks like it will be about the new year for the next 15 days as well! Apparently, the Lunar celebration really started today at sundown, and will continue for 2 weeks.
Last night, after a really really long day at the old City and the weekend market. (30 acres of shopping madness.....)we ventured to Chinatown. Our tuk tuk driver just stopped and told us we were there. We saw the lanterns across the streets so we knew we were in the right place, just not so sure what to do! We wandered around a bit, and finally sat down to order some food. Street food in Thailand is a culture all to itself. 
The food is cooked on or in or next to a cart. If you are at all squeemish about sanitation, you will not like this. Obviously, we paid attention to where we were going to sit, and made a decision to "get what they are having". We ordered, and waited. And waited. And waited. And waited and finally paid for our waters and started walking. And walking. And walking. We found a tuk tuk driver, told him we wanted to eat, somewhere local, and left on another ride through the streets of Bangkok.
Let me stop a minute to write about Tuk Tuk's. They are part golf cart, part dirt bike, part funny car, part gator, and they run on propane. My first thought each and every time I get in one is that this should be a video game. The farther you go in the game, the more motorcycles and pedestrians come out of no where and your job is to not teeple over or kill anyone. And did I mention, these things go fast!!!!
So, we got in a tuk tuk, and went. After what seemed a little too long a ride, I jokingly said that he must be taking us to his uncle's restaurant. About 30 second's later, we stop and the maitre d, greets us with menu's and an order pad. No kidding. It was a seafood restaurant, where you chose your seafood, either while it is still swimming, or on ice, and they cook it. Price is by weight. We had snapper, prawns and rice. It was so good! Amazing. It was possibly the priciest meal we have had, and so well worth it. 
When we left, we made the mistake of thinking we could walk back. Nope. Not so much. Half way there we got a cab. We were pretty close. I was not a happy camper at all. Tired, feet hurting, and so happy to get into bed!
I went back to Chinatown today, alone, and took photos. I went into a Gold store to look at Baht Chains. Just looked. Didn't even touch. Baht chains in 1987 and now are about the difference of a year of college. Gold was $37 oz. Now it is $1600 oz. I bought 2 back then for about $250. I don't think I could have bought one small earring for that price.
Tonight we went to the night market. Finally saw the Dragon dance. About 6 of them. In and out of stores and restaurants. Loud, colorful, awesome. And tonight, I did not have my camera. Sorry......I could get a photo from Google, and then, so can you. So I will post some others.
I am caught up now. Yay!

Friday 20 January 2012

I may actually be able to catch up to myself in a day or two! 
There is so much to see, and so much to do. And it is Chinese New Year, so even more to do. And really, I am so damn beat that it is all I can do to just check mail and go to sleep.
So, here, although it says January 21, I am blogging about the 20th. Hey, wait a minute, it IS the 20th somewhere.....
So in the morning, we were met my Mieu and a driver. She was a gift to us from the Lapidary. No, we did not spend anyone's inheritance. They really just truly liked us. That happens to us a lot!
We started at the Grand Palace and Temple. Very crowded, and full of children on field trips. Everywhere we turned, there was something amazing and beautiful to look at. Mieu's English was not so good, so we could not really understand much, or as much, but we were able to see everything. Spectacular. Really, very amazing. The Palace is not currently inhabited, the King is actually in a hospital, and still working. He is 84 years old, and not in good health. He is truly loved by his people.
Then to the temple of Dawn. It is quite amazing. We climbed the steps to the top. Really really steep steps. I couldn't not do it, even if in my older age, I have become like my mother and heights make me weak in the knees....The tile work, the ceramic work, the amazing attention to detail. And then factor in the age. It is amazing.
Then we went to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It was amazing. A 46 meter Buddha. 151 feet long. Really amazing. I will post photos. Words cannot do this justice, and the pictures do not either.
A quick bite to eat, and then back to the hotel. A few hours nap and out we ventured again, taking our chances, walking to find some street food or an interesting looking restaurant. We found a Chinese Restaurant. It was quite fancy, and I believe were a little disappointed that we did not order the feast for 10 people. We did have some awesome rice noodles with vegetables and chicken, and walked back, seeing some awesome street food. Chinese New year will start tomorrow, so maybe a few more days before we indulge.
Looking like I am rambling. I am overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. I am overwhelmed by how blessed I am to be on this journey.
Namaste.

Where do I begin.

First, about yesterday.
We started out on the ferry to the tourist boat, and bought a one way ticket ( we seem to like doing that) to Dock #9 for the Royal Palace. Armed with a map and many warnings by the very nice, very concerned people at our hotel about not speaking to anyone about anything no matter what.....off we went. Within the first 5 minutes, William had struck up a conversation with a very nice Thai policeman, who told us that the Palace was closed until 1:30pm. Our hotel had neglected that part, and it was only 11:30. We showed him our trusty map, and he suggested 2 other places to go while waiting....
The Buddha museum, where the Happy Buddha is. And the turtles. About 300 turtles live in a pond next to the museum. You can feed them, and it is very good luck to do so. He also told us that that day, the Royal Lapidary would be open to the public, which does not happen very often, and that we could go take a tour and look at the gems that the Royal Family...(yeah yeah yeah...no royal jewels cracks here folks....) can wear. Then he helped us get a tuk tuk, with a driver named "Jim" and off we went.
Around the block. The tuk tuk died, and Jim needed a minute to fix it. While we were waiting, a man who was walking by helped Jim explain to us what he needed to do. The man, the Professor, stayed and chatted with us for about 15 minutes while the Tuk Tuk was fixed. He taught Thai history. Told us some more about the Lapidary, and it's special one day opening for the public was this day. Something like that. Tuk Tuk fixed, we went on our way. 
Jim was a speed demon. About as much as you can go on a tuk tuk, which is a special blend of rickshaw, golf cart and go cart. I am not sure my photos do it justice. Jim liked to drive on what we consider the correct side of the road, only problem was that in Bangkok, it is the wrong side of the road. Kind of a big deal for me because I was sitting on the right side.....
The Buddha museum was amazing. The turtles were as well. We struck up a conversation there with a man who came once a year to visit the 102 year old turtle, and his parents. (never did figure out if they were there in spirit, or he visited them somewhere else.). We fed the turtles bananas, using long sticks, and fed the gigantic catfish popcorn.
Then off to the Lapidary. Amazing. We stayed there a while, and made a purchase or 2, (not of the King's jewels, we stayed more in the price range of common people...) and after several hours of looking and choosing, we left. But not empty handed, or without a plan. Nik, our salesperson, got us a car, ( we sent Jim home, long long day....) and we went to dinner. AND had a plan for the next day, today, to pick us up at the hotel and actually go to the Palace, the reclining Buddha and the temple of Dawn. That, is another post.
We took the express (?) ferry back, with the young monks, tourists, families, everyone. Stopped many times, were scolded for standing in the wrong place, and marveled at the activity on the river at night.
It was only about 7:30, but I was exhausted. So off to bed, too tired to blog. I hope to post again tonight about today, it is only 4pm and we have had a really full day. Let's see how late I am out tonight....

Gonna figure out the pictures, and post.

Day 2 in Bangkok

First, let me say that I am on the Thai blogspot website, so if it looks odd to you, you should see how it looks to me!
We arrived late on the 17th. After leaving Maui at 6am on the 16th, getting to Oahu 39 minutes later, and then leaving on a 10 hour flight that left an hour late....only to wait in a really long line in Seoul...
One must go through a transit security station in Seoul. Never mind that we were on a flight out right away, and were late...as were many others, so we waited for them all.....
and then another 5 hour flight to Bangkok.
Arrived at the hotel, and what a lovely property it is!, and went to sleep. Exhaustion doesn't even start to describe it.
The next morning, we had breakfast and made the decision to each have our own rooms, and stay at this hotel until we leave Bangkok on the 28th. It is lovely, and thanks for American Express's website, not as expensive as one might think. Note to self. Even when in the property, check AMEX, and trip advisor for excellent rates. Even the hotel suggested we try. 
I left the hotel bound for Druk Air, also known as Royal Bhutan Airlines. I would finally book the last leg of my trip. Found it, booked it and left the building deciding to just walk. I had a map, and a general idea of the direction the cab had come from. Walked past some amazing looking street food....the smells were fabulous or really really bad. I also came across a guy with his feet in a fish pond. It was a fish pedi. I so wanted to do it, but the new tattoo on my leg had me thinking twice. Perhaps before I go. I did go into a massage "parlor" for an amazing foot massage. 
Thai massage is often done dry. It is a lot of pressure points, and as Nid, my masseuse said, "some pain is good". Yeah. The next day, today, I have bruises. Yep, black and blue marks where her thumbs were! All worth it.
I took a tuk tuk home. My toad's wild ride does not even compare!!!!
Went to a meeting, there were 14 of us, most from the UK, either ex-pats or tourists. One other person from the US, Hollywood!!!! Most going home, no one else doing the convention circuit.
I am exhausted.....today was insane, but I will post about it when I have the strength and awakeness to load the photos, and describe what we experienced. Needless to say, it is a huge adventure. And it is just beginning!!!

Been a while.....

It's been a while. I am staying in a place in Maui Meadows. No internet, just incredible views of both the ocean and Haleakala. I can do without internet. So I am in Paia, at a great place called the Paia Cafe, excellent organic salads, tasty coffee, superb people watching and, you guessed it, free wifi.
The kids left on Saturday. Quite bittersweet. I miss them. I also miss Jay and my dad. And, surprisingly for a cat person like me, my dogs. I have had a few rough patches of loneliness and the overwhelming "what the f*ck was I thinking", they pass, and my day goes on to be spectacular. Yesterday was all about humpbacks. William's birthday is Friday, so instead of dinner at Mama's we went out on Hawaiian Ocean Rafting. 
***Just a funny aside. I remember the name of the outfit because when we first went out with them, they give "boarding passes". Mine was the number 1 on one side and HOR on the other. Whore, I thought? How rude! Jacob and Len pointed out that it was Hawaiian Ocean rafting. *******
We went on the morning snorkel, and almost immediately saw whales breaching. Amazing. Then, off to the first snorkel spot. It was off Lanai in an area that is no longer used for tourists, but in 1986 when I was here with David, this is where we came. we snorkeled off shore, but I knew as they were telling us about the location that I had been here before. The snorkeling was amazing. All I could think was that I was so incredibly grateful for the ability to see. How many of us take sight for granted? The ability not only to see the coral and the fish and the rays of light coming from the sun into the water. And the whales! To see those stupendous creatures!!! Words just fall short. We also saw a Hawaiian Monk Sea Turtles, Spinner Dolphins and lots and lots of whales! Exhausted does not even come close.
No pictures, I was too busy looking to shoot pictures.
So the countdown has started. 3 1/2 days til the day we leave. What will I do with this fabulous life!

Feelings......

It is an emotional day today. Jacob and Len are leaving to go back to Missouri today. It is the end of our "vacation" and the beginning of my travel. William got here onto Maui yesterday, and the discussion of our travels has begun. I think we will compliment each other, if we do not kill each other first!
What is the emotion.....lots of letting go. Letting go of my kids, and the thought that I can control them. Letting go of Jay, this is not something I imagine we would have ever done. This is all me. Letting go of my desire/need/self imposed obligations to take "care" of my family. (read Jacob and Len). This is my adventure. Mine. Just me. Solo if I wanna be. Granted, there are several people I know I will be meeting up with, or meeting for the first time, alone is something I can chose to be or not.  This is me living without thought of what someone else would think. It is me taking risks, if I want to. Going to explore a specific place, if I want to. Staying in my hotel all day, if I want to. 
At the moment, all I want to do is cry. Is this surrender? Is this joy? Is this sadness? All I know is that it is. I miss my kids already. I miss them as little boys. And that, is something they are definitely not.

Just another day in paradise....

Another lovely day on Maui. Why do I not live here? A question I ponder every single day I spend here. At least a few times a day. Today I went a step further and talked to a friend of mine who has lived here over 40 years. He says I have a "way" about me that works well here. Is that that I am unassuming? I think I would be fine here. And I am determined, in this lifetime, to find that out. What do you think? 
Today we spent at big beach. It wasn't very big. Apparently there is a big swell on the north side, not much on the south. Almost flat. We sat and waited a while. Just to be sure there were no waves.....  Yep. None. So we left.
We are all quite comfortable in our little condo. I have found a few places I want to look at. Get an idea of floor plans so if some absolutely amazing place makes its way to me, I know what I am getting.
Wow....53 years old. And starting all over again.....
You are never too old to be young again.

Enough babble....hopefully some day soon, I will have something fascinating to say. This is all just practice as I maneuver the fine art of blogging. Blog. Who came up with that word, and what exactly does it mean?

whales, dolphins, sunsets, oh my.

We went to Lahaina today. Historically, not my favorite side of the island. It was the first place I came for my honeymoon with David in 1986. We stayed at the Ka'anipali Beach Hotel, we had a great time. It was our honeymoon....of course we had a good time. Since then, I have preferred not to visit this side. It is quite touristy, and I had more friends on the South side. But off we went, to check out the harbor, the banyon tree and maybe a beach. 
We were walking on the harbor and I saw a raft looking excursion for whale watches. Neither Jacob nor Len was at all excited about it, (our BWR trip last week was not so great), but I made the decision, we would go. What a great trip. Unfortunately, my camera was back at the condo, Len had his but will not share his pictures yet. 
We saw well over 50 spinner dolphins, and at least 6 whales. We spent a good deal of time with both, waiting for them to re-appear, talking story, and clapping at their antics. 
The best part was the smile on Len's face. I have been waiting days to see that.
We came back and went to finally get some sunset pictures. I think the boys know they are on short time...(BTW, we booked a snorkel trip on Hawaiian Ocean Rafting), and they are getting more assertive about what they want to do.

What a great day!

2012....the journey continues

January 1, 2012. For many people, this is a day of new beginnings. If you are like me, we know that a new beginning can be now.     or now.     or now.  You get the idea. In other words, why should the first day of a new calendar be any different than any other day of any other week of any other month. I digress..
I woke up this morning, finally feeling better...the antibiotics are working. I had a nasty thing. Never really tested for strep, the doc just assumed I had what the other 15 off islanders had. And as far as I can tell, she was right. I feel a lot better. Soaking on the beach in the sun was a good idea too.
So off I went on a 2 mile walk down the beach. It was good to me today. I found some great shells, good glass...I will have quite the collection. I wonder what the beaches in Thailand will bring?
But really, what I want to blog today is how I am feeling as a new year begins. My wish for this year  is that no one close to me dies. I know this is a big wish. And I know that no one "dies at me". A year free of fatal illness and death would be a nice break. I say that all I have left is my kids, not true. I have many friends who live with chronic illness. As I cannot make sure that no one I love leaves, I commit to enjoying every minute I have with those I love.
What am I going to do with my life? About 18 months ago, I was asked by a dear friend..."What are you going to do with your life?". That question has swirled in my head ever since. What am I going to do? What I would like to do is help other people, like me, navigate grief.  On my trip, I hope to learn about other cultures' view of grief. How do they treat their elders? Somehow, my college studies (I have a BA in Cultural Anthropology) and my life experience have brought me to a place where I can do my own "field studies". I would like to "practice" here on Maui, however, So Cal has one of the best grief support centers in the US. So, if I have to stay there a while to sell a house, I will have a purpose. A place to go , to heal, to learn, to share.

Not really a lot of complete sentences today. I just knew I needed to blog.
Hauoli Makahiki Hou!