Saturday, April 25, 2009
Swasdee Ka
Where do I begin??? I now have my level on certification in Thai massage, get those bodies ready. It was much more complicated that I imagined and found it very challenging to start then my yoga and Reiki skills kicked in. I suspect that it will take me a bit of time before I am proficient but I am sure I can count on your support.
I met many wonderful people from all over the world and have few new email buddies as a result. We did crazy Thai yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong each morning it was quite the experience I had to let go of my judgements about alignment and go with the flow. I have yet to have Thai massage but I have few more weeks to do that.
I am having fun travelling by Tuk Tuk and the driver Mr. Mao has been very helpful with places to eat and even a bit of translation. I now know how to say 'not spicy' in Thai. It is quite amusing when Mary I go out for our meals and I am looking for the not spicy food and she is asking them to make it super duper hot. We are like Mut and Jeff in this regard.
We bought some red wine the other evening and the very sweet sales lady was encouraging us away from the 'old wine' towards the 'new wine' we had a giggle and bought the new wine it was really good. She thru in some Thai treats as well.
As I have mentioned the people here are very lovely and always helpful and humble. Lots of bowing, I love that. I think mentioned I was feeling touch deprived at the beginning of the trip but taking the Thai massage course allowed me to get a touch fix, yummy.
It is raining here today, ah. Reminds me of home, I think of you often and can feel you with me on this journey. It truly has been a journey and continues to be, with every new day.
The export business that I am doing with Mary is taking shape and is turning into a yoga space idea. So we are looking at all the things you might want to have in a personal yoga space whether it is a room or a small corner. Finding treasures to enhance your practice whatever it may look like. So far we have found Mejii''s (beautiful yoga wraps for meditation or savasana), Burmese Jade and Teak 7 day Buddhas (the idea is that whatever day of the week you were born you have a Buddha) I am a Sunday Buddha. We have also found silk scarves a plenty, singing bowls, Kashmir silk prayer mats, fisherman pants and we are still looking for more treasures. Oh and lets not forget the wrapping paper made from Elephant poop, now that is truly recycling at its best.
Let me know if any of these sound interesting or you think of anything you would love to have in your own yoga space.
We went to a beautiful temple yesterday to look at some amulets that had been blessed my a monk, beautiful. We are still trying to figure out how to add these to the mix. It is not really appropriate to ask about wholesale prices from a monk.
As we were ohing and ahing over the beautiful amulets I looked in the case, and in the bottom corner was a carved jade (?) penis. Well you could have knocked me over with a feather, I was speechless. Apparently it is for Brahma energy, power. Suffice to say I don't think we will be adding that to our list of goodies. It was quite the moment, laughter and all.
As for the pictures, I have some but can't figure out how to get them on here. I will get Mary to help later. So do check back.
Hugs to all.
I met many wonderful people from all over the world and have few new email buddies as a result. We did crazy Thai yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Gong each morning it was quite the experience I had to let go of my judgements about alignment and go with the flow. I have yet to have Thai massage but I have few more weeks to do that.
I am having fun travelling by Tuk Tuk and the driver Mr. Mao has been very helpful with places to eat and even a bit of translation. I now know how to say 'not spicy' in Thai. It is quite amusing when Mary I go out for our meals and I am looking for the not spicy food and she is asking them to make it super duper hot. We are like Mut and Jeff in this regard.
We bought some red wine the other evening and the very sweet sales lady was encouraging us away from the 'old wine' towards the 'new wine' we had a giggle and bought the new wine it was really good. She thru in some Thai treats as well.
As I have mentioned the people here are very lovely and always helpful and humble. Lots of bowing, I love that. I think mentioned I was feeling touch deprived at the beginning of the trip but taking the Thai massage course allowed me to get a touch fix, yummy.
It is raining here today, ah. Reminds me of home, I think of you often and can feel you with me on this journey. It truly has been a journey and continues to be, with every new day.
The export business that I am doing with Mary is taking shape and is turning into a yoga space idea. So we are looking at all the things you might want to have in a personal yoga space whether it is a room or a small corner. Finding treasures to enhance your practice whatever it may look like. So far we have found Mejii''s (beautiful yoga wraps for meditation or savasana), Burmese Jade and Teak 7 day Buddhas (the idea is that whatever day of the week you were born you have a Buddha) I am a Sunday Buddha. We have also found silk scarves a plenty, singing bowls, Kashmir silk prayer mats, fisherman pants and we are still looking for more treasures. Oh and lets not forget the wrapping paper made from Elephant poop, now that is truly recycling at its best.
Let me know if any of these sound interesting or you think of anything you would love to have in your own yoga space.
We went to a beautiful temple yesterday to look at some amulets that had been blessed my a monk, beautiful. We are still trying to figure out how to add these to the mix. It is not really appropriate to ask about wholesale prices from a monk.
As we were ohing and ahing over the beautiful amulets I looked in the case, and in the bottom corner was a carved jade (?) penis. Well you could have knocked me over with a feather, I was speechless. Apparently it is for Brahma energy, power. Suffice to say I don't think we will be adding that to our list of goodies. It was quite the moment, laughter and all.
As for the pictures, I have some but can't figure out how to get them on here. I will get Mary to help later. So do check back.
Hugs to all.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
More
I am still getting used to this blog. Sorry for the break in flow.
Oh, let me tell you about the napkin situation here. They are 1/3 the size of what we are used to so I end up with this little pile of paper after my meals. Vegetables are not the norm but sticky rice and protein sure are. They love sausages, I have not tried these as yet... We often go out in the evening for a walk as that is when all the vendors come out, what a trip that is. Mary is teaching be to get better at bartering, it's fun but a bit unnerving at the same time. I bought some fisherman's pants, not the most figure flattering but cool. Also, a lovely t-shirt with a Buddha head on it.
I will close for now and wish you all a good evening, missing you all. Peace out.
Oh, let me tell you about the napkin situation here. They are 1/3 the size of what we are used to so I end up with this little pile of paper after my meals. Vegetables are not the norm but sticky rice and protein sure are. They love sausages, I have not tried these as yet... We often go out in the evening for a walk as that is when all the vendors come out, what a trip that is. Mary is teaching be to get better at bartering, it's fun but a bit unnerving at the same time. I bought some fisherman's pants, not the most figure flattering but cool. Also, a lovely t-shirt with a Buddha head on it.
I will close for now and wish you all a good evening, missing you all. Peace out.
A day off
I am taking a day to rest from all the excitement, of which there is much of. So many sites, sounds, colours, food, noise, heat and amazing experiences.
I got to experience Thai style driving yesterday. We took a 500 km tour in an airconditioned mini van. I had to close my eyes a few times as we had some very close calls passing. Now in Canada we have these things called double lines on some streets which are there for a reason, do not pass. However, here it appears it means the exact opposite, go for it. Here we are winding around these crazy curves and Chin (driver) is merrily passing anyone who gets in his way. There are other cars, Tuk Tuks, motorbikes, mopeds it's like a intricate video game. I don't think I saw one speed limit sign. These guys love to tail gate, seriously.
The tour had a few stops the first was the White Temple (will upload picture later), holy cow was this thing ever awesome. The artist has been working on it for 50 years and is planning for another 50. He does not want it to be finished in his life time but rather to live on past him. He is very visionary by Thai standards and well liked.
Next stop a hot springs where you can boil an egg if you wish. I chose not to. We found some energizing tea and will be testing it here to see if it really works, then maybe we shall bring some home for all.
I have never seen so many kinds of dried fruit, it is everywhere and man is it good. So far we have tried dried squash, cantalope and mango. Some of that will difinetly come home with me.
We took a boat ride of the Laos, it was hard for me as the poverty was heart wrenching and in hindsight I wish I had not done it. As you move out of the city the poverty becomes more obvious and you guys know what soft heart I have. I am so grateful for all I have.
The last stop was the boarder of Burma where I barted for a lovely burmese jade bracelet. Long ride home then tea and Banana pancakes for diner, yummo.
My Thai massage course starts tomorrow, very excited and nervous as I alwasy get when starting something new. I don't know how long we will be staying in Chaing Mai but that will unfold as it needs to.
I found another bead store the other night that has only been open for 2 weeks. I really liked the fellow there and will go back and chat about shipping stones to Canada. It would be great to have a connection here. There is also one other gentleman I will be speaking to as well.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
HOT
Later that same day...oh my gravy is it hot here. It's 8:06 pm and it is 91 degrees. I am hanging out in the lobby. Today I wanted to come home. I miss everyone so much, home sickness is setting in.
I found a two bead shops just one door apart. One has amazing stones from Afghanistan, serpentine, lapis, roman glass, tourmaline, etc. the prices are amazing at least 50% less. The other has high end treasures. I picked up a few goodies and hopefully will be able to order from them in the future. (Sandy you would love some of this stuff).
You won't believe how much my lunch was today. Okay I'll tell you $1.10, a big bowl of ramen soup and bottled water. I had Hagaan Daz ice cream (Macadamia nut) for desert, now that cost $4 for 100ml, go figure.
I would love to hear from all of you. Please drop me a comment.
I found a two bead shops just one door apart. One has amazing stones from Afghanistan, serpentine, lapis, roman glass, tourmaline, etc. the prices are amazing at least 50% less. The other has high end treasures. I picked up a few goodies and hopefully will be able to order from them in the future. (Sandy you would love some of this stuff).
You won't believe how much my lunch was today. Okay I'll tell you $1.10, a big bowl of ramen soup and bottled water. I had Hagaan Daz ice cream (Macadamia nut) for desert, now that cost $4 for 100ml, go figure.
I would love to hear from all of you. Please drop me a comment.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
All is Well
Despite what you may have heard on the news all is well here in Chaing Mai.
I am sitting in the lobby of the Lanna Palace Hotel just outside of the old city, which consists of two squares an inner and outer. There are these amazing old brick walls that surround the city as well as a river that follows along. I have been exploring with Mary for a few days, the flower market (Carol you should have seen the lotuses they were amazing). It weird even though I am white and definitely in the minority I don't even notice it I just smile and stay open. The Thai people are lovely, some speak English some not but we manage. Last night we took a stroll to the night market, lots of goodies and beautiful things and of course little oddities. I found a bead store and will return today on my own for a better look and feel.
I am adjusting to the time change quite well I think, although today I am a bit tired. I miss all of you and think of you as I move along my travels. At least one thing a day reminds me of someone or something from home.
I was without a book to read for 5 days, yikes that was tough one. Got one now though (Mom you will love this one). I realized that one of the things I miss the most is touch. I spend so much of my life touching others and here I can't. I am looking forward to starting my Thai Massage course next week, I will be able to get a touch fix.
The heat, ah well that truly is an experience. As many of you know I don't always deal with heat that well. I have had to get used to breaking out in a sweat (along with a song every now and then) and just letting it happen. I take lots of showers and drink an amazing amount of water (yes from a bottle).
The food is good and I am trying new things and yes, the food is spicy. I just make sure I have water, cucumber or sticky rice to get me through. It is very inexpensive to eat out here about $3 for a meal and $1.50 for a large bottle of beer. I cannot express my full enjoyment of a cold beer after being out for the day. Orgasmic. No street food yet. I have found a great place for coffee and a sit down just up the street, where I am headed after my update to you.
When we were in Bangkok on Sunday, I got to ride the Skytrain, cool. The city was very quite as you might imagine with all the unrest. As we were going to airport the next day we saw armed soldiers outside the airport. That was a bit freaky. But here we are in Chaing Mai. Songkran (water festival) is now over. I have never been so wet in all my life, all they do for 3 days is throw water on everyone and anything. Some used melted down ice, you can only imagine what that felt like. Have water thrown on you is considered a blessing and is supposed to encourage the rain which it did. It was also the Thai New Year, so it was party central.
I brought all the wrong clothes have had to buy some, Ah too bad. Most things are quite inexpensive here and very colourful.
We have two TV stations. BBC news and a movie channel, that's it. Hey, can anyone tell me who left the amazing race last week?
We toured a silk factory the other day, I learned about how the silk is made and of course there was a lovely shop attached, I managed to resist. In order for us to get there we were rode on a Tuk Tuk, now you might be asking yourself what's that? Well, imagine your washing machine on spin cycle, sitting on said machine add some dirt and wind and there you have the Tuk Tuk experience. Mr. Mao is our driver while we are here, he gets points for taking us here and there it's works out very well.
Back to the silk farm. Did you know that raw silk comes from the outside of the cocoon and the smooth from the inside. It comes in 4 weights 1 ply, 2ply, 3ply and 4ply. The colours are gorgeous and the textures oh la la.
I have also learned how the Kashmir carpets are made, particularly the silk ones. They can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to make one carpet. The artists dream about the carpet then make a pattern which is then translated into code. The makers of carpets are only given the pattern/code for a bit at a time. Prayers are said over each rug and when they are complete it is said that their dream will come true. There are no two alike and they glow with energy like you would not believe. I was afraid to ask the cost. I suspect the little prayer carpets were around $10,000-$15,000.
Well, friends I am off to explore on my own. Be well and take care of each other, blessings and peace to all.
I am sitting in the lobby of the Lanna Palace Hotel just outside of the old city, which consists of two squares an inner and outer. There are these amazing old brick walls that surround the city as well as a river that follows along. I have been exploring with Mary for a few days, the flower market (Carol you should have seen the lotuses they were amazing). It weird even though I am white and definitely in the minority I don't even notice it I just smile and stay open. The Thai people are lovely, some speak English some not but we manage. Last night we took a stroll to the night market, lots of goodies and beautiful things and of course little oddities. I found a bead store and will return today on my own for a better look and feel.
I am adjusting to the time change quite well I think, although today I am a bit tired. I miss all of you and think of you as I move along my travels. At least one thing a day reminds me of someone or something from home.
I was without a book to read for 5 days, yikes that was tough one. Got one now though (Mom you will love this one). I realized that one of the things I miss the most is touch. I spend so much of my life touching others and here I can't. I am looking forward to starting my Thai Massage course next week, I will be able to get a touch fix.
The heat, ah well that truly is an experience. As many of you know I don't always deal with heat that well. I have had to get used to breaking out in a sweat (along with a song every now and then) and just letting it happen. I take lots of showers and drink an amazing amount of water (yes from a bottle).
The food is good and I am trying new things and yes, the food is spicy. I just make sure I have water, cucumber or sticky rice to get me through. It is very inexpensive to eat out here about $3 for a meal and $1.50 for a large bottle of beer. I cannot express my full enjoyment of a cold beer after being out for the day. Orgasmic. No street food yet. I have found a great place for coffee and a sit down just up the street, where I am headed after my update to you.
When we were in Bangkok on Sunday, I got to ride the Skytrain, cool. The city was very quite as you might imagine with all the unrest. As we were going to airport the next day we saw armed soldiers outside the airport. That was a bit freaky. But here we are in Chaing Mai. Songkran (water festival) is now over. I have never been so wet in all my life, all they do for 3 days is throw water on everyone and anything. Some used melted down ice, you can only imagine what that felt like. Have water thrown on you is considered a blessing and is supposed to encourage the rain which it did. It was also the Thai New Year, so it was party central.
I brought all the wrong clothes have had to buy some, Ah too bad. Most things are quite inexpensive here and very colourful.
We have two TV stations. BBC news and a movie channel, that's it. Hey, can anyone tell me who left the amazing race last week?
We toured a silk factory the other day, I learned about how the silk is made and of course there was a lovely shop attached, I managed to resist. In order for us to get there we were rode on a Tuk Tuk, now you might be asking yourself what's that? Well, imagine your washing machine on spin cycle, sitting on said machine add some dirt and wind and there you have the Tuk Tuk experience. Mr. Mao is our driver while we are here, he gets points for taking us here and there it's works out very well.
Back to the silk farm. Did you know that raw silk comes from the outside of the cocoon and the smooth from the inside. It comes in 4 weights 1 ply, 2ply, 3ply and 4ply. The colours are gorgeous and the textures oh la la.
I have also learned how the Kashmir carpets are made, particularly the silk ones. They can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to make one carpet. The artists dream about the carpet then make a pattern which is then translated into code. The makers of carpets are only given the pattern/code for a bit at a time. Prayers are said over each rug and when they are complete it is said that their dream will come true. There are no two alike and they glow with energy like you would not believe. I was afraid to ask the cost. I suspect the little prayer carpets were around $10,000-$15,000.
Well, friends I am off to explore on my own. Be well and take care of each other, blessings and peace to all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Fool (April 7, 2009)
3 more sleeps! and I am off to Thailand until May 9.
Some of you may be wondering how this all came to be, well ... I went to an amazing women`s intentions event (more on that later) on Wednesday March 25 and I made the commitment to allow myself to be BIG. To acknowledge my gifts and the joy I feel sharing them with others. I have a tendency to play myself down but I am now ready to experience more of who I am and my life. The very next day Mary invited me to Thailand. I came up with a lovely long list of reasons why I could not possibly go, she quietly listened and said `so when are you coming`.
Everyone needs someone to give them a nudge, I am usually the one nudging but the tables were turned and I found myself on the receiving end. I noticed I was resistant, I thought I was quite alright where I was then I realized I actually needed to break down the walls of my little box.
I have started doing Tarot readings again after a long absence and one of my favorite cards is The Fool, picture a fellow with a lovely white rose in his right hand lifted up to the sky, his gaze follows, a little white dog happily jumping at his heals and a small sack on his shoulder (got the picture, good). Now imagine this Fool stepping off a cliff with trust and faith. That is what this trip feels like for me.
I will be blogging as much as I can and sending pictures of goodies I find along the way. I`ll be on the look out for yummy scarves, little treasures and of course beads, beads, beads.
I will be doing some training in Thai Massage for a week, so I will need some bodies to work on when I get back. Yes, I am coming back. Keep checking my blog and leave me comment, I would love to hear about your adventures.
Blessings to all and Namaste.
Some of you may be wondering how this all came to be, well ... I went to an amazing women`s intentions event (more on that later) on Wednesday March 25 and I made the commitment to allow myself to be BIG. To acknowledge my gifts and the joy I feel sharing them with others. I have a tendency to play myself down but I am now ready to experience more of who I am and my life. The very next day Mary invited me to Thailand. I came up with a lovely long list of reasons why I could not possibly go, she quietly listened and said `so when are you coming`.
Everyone needs someone to give them a nudge, I am usually the one nudging but the tables were turned and I found myself on the receiving end. I noticed I was resistant, I thought I was quite alright where I was then I realized I actually needed to break down the walls of my little box.
I have started doing Tarot readings again after a long absence and one of my favorite cards is The Fool, picture a fellow with a lovely white rose in his right hand lifted up to the sky, his gaze follows, a little white dog happily jumping at his heals and a small sack on his shoulder (got the picture, good). Now imagine this Fool stepping off a cliff with trust and faith. That is what this trip feels like for me.
I will be blogging as much as I can and sending pictures of goodies I find along the way. I`ll be on the look out for yummy scarves, little treasures and of course beads, beads, beads.
I will be doing some training in Thai Massage for a week, so I will need some bodies to work on when I get back. Yes, I am coming back. Keep checking my blog and leave me comment, I would love to hear about your adventures.
Blessings to all and Namaste.
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