I`ve just finished a 12 days retreat in the Jungle, Iqitos, Peru. I stayed at The Hummingbird Centre and took Ayahuasca every second evening. Ayahuasca is a very stong plant medicine from the Amazon rainforest. It is one of the most potent catalysts for expanded awareness known to man. Ayahuasca is actually a combination of two plants which work together to create a very powerful effect. There can be a variation in the plant species used, but the alkaloids are always consistent. That is, beta-carboline (harmine and harmaline) often from Banisteriopsis caapi vine, and tryptamine alkaloids (DMT) commonly from psychotria viridis leaves. Neither substance is normally psychoactive in oral does by itself. DMT is not orally active unless combined with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MOI). This is what makes ayahuasca effective: The harmine alkaloids in Banisteriopsis caapi vine are potent short term MAO inhibitors which synergize with the psychotria viridis leaves...producing a profound psychedelic experience. Its amazing that this combination was discovered by indigenous persons many many years ago. Some speculate that it was by trial and error, but this seems statistically very unlikely. Its more likely that the plant spirits communicated with man; a divine discovery.
My experience was incredible. A friend used a great analogy: That Ayahuasca is a tool, like a microscope that helps you see what is already there. Some of the intense experiences i had whilst using this plant i have also experienced during meditation, so i wont accept that my experience was in some way "not real". What i learnt was that EVERYTHING is alive. Using this plant medicine allowed me to commune with the spirit of the plants and i was taught an incredible amount about life and about myself. I saw in great detail the workings of my mind, and discoverd who i really am. I had "out of body experiences", visions and intense energetic sensations. One could say it is a way of communicating and getting in touch with the unconcious. It aids a reconnection, a tapping into cosmic knowledge. Its a wonderful, and at times terrible, experience. It is called "medicine" for a reason. It is by no means always a comfortable process. I endured a great deal of purging as energies and ´demons´ trapped in my body began to surface (through tears, vomit, shaking, shivering, intense emotional release). It`s a theraputic process: it caused all issues to surface, allowing me to work through difficult memories and feelings, to peel away all of the blinders i had put upon myself. Ultimatly i had to let go, stop hanging on to anything, stop holding...but keep breathing! My breathe was my rope: a bridge between worlds. It was really important to trust and surrender to the process, not resisting it (which people can easily do as it brings up alot of deep rooted fears!) At the end of this deep process i feel so much clearer, lighter, and a sense of clarity has blessed me as i now truly know myself. I was working with two very skilled and awesome Shaman: Adella and Jose, Mother and son. I felt hounered to be working with them. They held the space, worked to protect us and heal us (very talented at working with energies and potentially dangerous spirits/energies that could interfere with the ceremonie). The whole process has been life enriching. You know, i think anyone reading this should go and do it. Seriously, do it. Go and see what you can see, you will likely by amazed. I dare you!
I left the jungle this morning, and after a 1.5 hour plane ride here i am in Lima, a busy city again. Tommorow I fly back to the UK. I leave with the knowledge that i have carried out all of my intentions to meet myself, to meet my loneliness, to survive and to have a dam good adventure! I leave with awesome insights, friendships and memories that have touched my soul deeply. I am ready for the next chapter, im at the end of the red carpet and ready to fly...
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spirits having a human experience"
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Nearing the red carpet home...
After a while in Santa Marta, with whistle stop visits to Taganga to buy coffee and chocolate brownines, i went back to Tyrona. This time I went with the addition of two lovely English girls i met in the cheap hostel I was staying in. They left after a few days and i continued to get into the placid pace of Tyrona, accompanied by token French man.
During this time I played alot of music and recorded a song with Jeremie which we are pretty happy with. It was great to get into such a creative process and with a satisfying end result! I also did loads of swimming, playing, sun bathing, cooking, photography, jungle exploration. I checked out some new beachs, including a nudist one (a first time experience for me) which blessed me with some very interesting situations (i might only tell you if you ask me!) I meditated alot too, on the ocean infront of the waves. It was a really special and suprising time.
During one weekend a large group of Biology students stayed at the camp site where I hung out. I noticed, under a wooden table where i often ate brekfast, that there was a box with a label on it saying "Serpent, dangerous". Tres interesting, i thought...keeping my feet at a distance. There was indeed a serpent in it, which got put down the following day (by lethal injection) for the Biology students to "study". I witnessed this process and felt quite emotional seeing a beautiful creature die for research.
Staying at Tyrona for so long meant that I was able to watch the ebb and flow of people come and go. I met some really cool and interesting people, sharing mini adventures along the way. I also started to feel a sense of community, building connections with people through regular encounters. One of my favourate daily meetings was with the owner of a bakery just off the beach. He was a great character, silent and cool, witnessing the world go by in his weatherd way.
As i write this i am in Leticia! It has been an epic journey to get here, i was in Santa Marta yesterday morning, and Bogota last night before catching an early flight today to get here. When i arrived the humid heat smacked me in the face, contrasting the cool temperature in Bogota (i actually found it very difficult to sleep as i was so cold!) In Leticai i got stamped at DAS and walked with my heavy bags to the centre of this simple city. I was unsure about where to go, and thankfully met a friendly local walking his son back home. He showed me a good, relativly cheap hostel and gave me his number incase i needed any help or advice. My experience has been that often Colombians are very warm, welcoming and friendly :)
The hostel im staying at is a non gringo palce (yey. Im starting to really dislike hostels full of English speakers and back packers, not very authentic.) It is very homely here. It was actually a home until February when it got sold and turned into a small friendly hostel. there is a nice communal area with comfy sofas and books, simple and classey. I like it alot. And here I met a quirky French lady who has been travelling for 12 years, saying her home is planet earth (i know, a very hippy saying...but it fits her lifestyle). She just spent ten days at an Indian Village nearby which she said was deeply rooted in Catholism, likely influcened by neighbouring country, Brazil. At this village she was basically the devil incarnate, as a free woman who will not be controlled, who smokes, who speaks her mind. At one point she stood up in church and started to speak of love, life, freedom, corruption. She explained to me that the words just seemed to flow out of her mouth, perhaps the forest energy propelling her on. Everyone stared with wide and astonished eyes. Afterwards she was afraid she may get assasinated, as she is dangerous to the status quo there...and is messing with political Religious Mafia types. Now she is back in Leticia, safely we hope! She makes a living by finding jobs along her way, running creative art workshops, teaching languages, doing manual labour and taking opportunities as they arise. As I was talking to her a man walked in, they got chatting and she, after 10 minutes, got a job! She will be working with people dealing with addictions in a beautiful jungle area near by. She will run workshops and support where she can. The ethos of the centre is run off love not money, which fits well with her ideals. She was very excited and invited me to check the place out tommorow. I plan to!
The day after tommrow I will be catching a speed boat to Iqitos, where i will spend a few days checking out the witch market and general area before starting my ten day Ayhauska retreat. I see the retreat as a red carpet to the next chapter in my life...back to the UK!
During this time I played alot of music and recorded a song with Jeremie which we are pretty happy with. It was great to get into such a creative process and with a satisfying end result! I also did loads of swimming, playing, sun bathing, cooking, photography, jungle exploration. I checked out some new beachs, including a nudist one (a first time experience for me) which blessed me with some very interesting situations (i might only tell you if you ask me!) I meditated alot too, on the ocean infront of the waves. It was a really special and suprising time.
During one weekend a large group of Biology students stayed at the camp site where I hung out. I noticed, under a wooden table where i often ate brekfast, that there was a box with a label on it saying "Serpent, dangerous". Tres interesting, i thought...keeping my feet at a distance. There was indeed a serpent in it, which got put down the following day (by lethal injection) for the Biology students to "study". I witnessed this process and felt quite emotional seeing a beautiful creature die for research.
Staying at Tyrona for so long meant that I was able to watch the ebb and flow of people come and go. I met some really cool and interesting people, sharing mini adventures along the way. I also started to feel a sense of community, building connections with people through regular encounters. One of my favourate daily meetings was with the owner of a bakery just off the beach. He was a great character, silent and cool, witnessing the world go by in his weatherd way.
As i write this i am in Leticia! It has been an epic journey to get here, i was in Santa Marta yesterday morning, and Bogota last night before catching an early flight today to get here. When i arrived the humid heat smacked me in the face, contrasting the cool temperature in Bogota (i actually found it very difficult to sleep as i was so cold!) In Leticai i got stamped at DAS and walked with my heavy bags to the centre of this simple city. I was unsure about where to go, and thankfully met a friendly local walking his son back home. He showed me a good, relativly cheap hostel and gave me his number incase i needed any help or advice. My experience has been that often Colombians are very warm, welcoming and friendly :)
The hostel im staying at is a non gringo palce (yey. Im starting to really dislike hostels full of English speakers and back packers, not very authentic.) It is very homely here. It was actually a home until February when it got sold and turned into a small friendly hostel. there is a nice communal area with comfy sofas and books, simple and classey. I like it alot. And here I met a quirky French lady who has been travelling for 12 years, saying her home is planet earth (i know, a very hippy saying...but it fits her lifestyle). She just spent ten days at an Indian Village nearby which she said was deeply rooted in Catholism, likely influcened by neighbouring country, Brazil. At this village she was basically the devil incarnate, as a free woman who will not be controlled, who smokes, who speaks her mind. At one point she stood up in church and started to speak of love, life, freedom, corruption. She explained to me that the words just seemed to flow out of her mouth, perhaps the forest energy propelling her on. Everyone stared with wide and astonished eyes. Afterwards she was afraid she may get assasinated, as she is dangerous to the status quo there...and is messing with political Religious Mafia types. Now she is back in Leticia, safely we hope! She makes a living by finding jobs along her way, running creative art workshops, teaching languages, doing manual labour and taking opportunities as they arise. As I was talking to her a man walked in, they got chatting and she, after 10 minutes, got a job! She will be working with people dealing with addictions in a beautiful jungle area near by. She will run workshops and support where she can. The ethos of the centre is run off love not money, which fits well with her ideals. She was very excited and invited me to check the place out tommorow. I plan to!
The day after tommrow I will be catching a speed boat to Iqitos, where i will spend a few days checking out the witch market and general area before starting my ten day Ayhauska retreat. I see the retreat as a red carpet to the next chapter in my life...back to the UK!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tyrona
What an incredible place , oozing in wildlife: Snakes, Caymen, monkeys, donkeys, unidentifiable creatures including some kind of big rodent!¿ various spiders with colourful bums, tropical birds, many insects...Panthas roam the jungle but stayed clear of the more human areas. Though nowhere is really safe at dark, when animals come out to hunt and play.
To get there i ended up travelling with a friend, Jeremie, whom I met at a monkey rescue centre in Ecuador. We, for some reason, went the long way round and had to walk for ages with heavy bags through the national park to get to the beach. It was a hard walk, loads of steep bits and epic rock climbing. One wrong slip and you fall into a 20 meter ditch. It took longer than we expected, too. 3 hours turned into 6 hours. We stopped of once to eat cheese and bread, and watched indigenous children play innocently in the river. After more walking, the sun set. It got dark and we were lost in the jungle. Spiders and snakes showed themselves. We heard monkeys and i tryed not to let my mind dwell on jungle cats. It was tres Indiana Jones style and flashes of horror movie set ups kept blessing me. But we survived to tell the tale, and had fun along the way. It got to the point where could either made fun of the situation and laugh and joke our way through it...or cave into our tiredness and collapse into the jungle bed with little hope. Or perhaps kill one another as an outlet for our frustration. The later was our choice. Seemed like an interesting test of character!
The first camp site we got to seemed pretty tourist soaked and smelt of rotten fruit and crap. We had walked thus far and thought, whats another 60 minutes!? So off we set to the next camp site. Along the way i saw the biggest blue crab i have ever set my eyes on! When we arrived at the next site we stayed. It was peaceful and all i wanted was to shower. The shower was a bad experience though. Insects made a carpet on the floor, and im not sure if i had more bugs on my legs than i did water whilst showering. I was pretty grossed out. Big beatles, flying things, crawling things, creep me out things everywhere. Shower was super quick. Also that night someone stole a bottle of rum from the tent. And tried to steal food, but got caught in the act. A pretty adventourous day. The next day we found a nice camp site!!
Beautiful camp site: Finca Don Pedro, Surrounded by coconut mango and avocado trees. Set ten minutes away from the beach, and with perfect entrances to incredible jungle walks. Death by falling coconut seemed highly possible but thankfully i survived. Bringing food made it much cheaper and it was great to be able to cook everyday. Coconut rice, pasta and chunky tomato sauce, scrambled vegtable eggs, simple things but tasty none the less.
I spent long days doing yoga in the morning, dipping in the ocean, buying chocolate bread from a little bakery, wondering the jungle, witnessing natural wonders, playing on my guitar (and be taught by Jeremie...as well as helping him improve his English), trying to improve my spanish, enjoying daily cooking, getting into morning pages...and regular showers!
One evening the tent got totally swamped/ flooded by a strong down pour of rain and all the bags and shoes in the outside compartment of the tent floated! Tent had to be moved, but the next sunny day helped dry things out. I couldn´t stop laughing though. I have laughed a lot this last week. Sometimes rather inappropriately. Still, im sure its good for the soul.
Now back in Santa Marta sorting out VISA extensions and booking flights to enter the Amazon at the end of the month. May be going back to Tyrona next week. There is more sun bathing to be done, more chocolate bread to eat. And its a peaceful place to consolidate and reflect upon my journey, my intentions, my life. A good place to practice, to meditate and to simply be with life. Everything seems so alive in the jungle and along the rustic beach. For me, it evocks thoughts of how dead and fixed things can seem in more "civilized" environments. Where nature rules, everything has something to teach. Things are random, spontanious, all dance their own dance around you. Birds fly and sing in unison as the Caymen bathes his skin under the sun. The Ocean roars, a crab bumps into your big toe. Watchful, wonderful. I become more intune with the natural cycles of the sun and moon. The sky wraps a blanket of dark around me. Stars twinkle my spirit. The sun slows me. Im reminded constantly to expect the unexpected.
To get there i ended up travelling with a friend, Jeremie, whom I met at a monkey rescue centre in Ecuador. We, for some reason, went the long way round and had to walk for ages with heavy bags through the national park to get to the beach. It was a hard walk, loads of steep bits and epic rock climbing. One wrong slip and you fall into a 20 meter ditch. It took longer than we expected, too. 3 hours turned into 6 hours. We stopped of once to eat cheese and bread, and watched indigenous children play innocently in the river. After more walking, the sun set. It got dark and we were lost in the jungle. Spiders and snakes showed themselves. We heard monkeys and i tryed not to let my mind dwell on jungle cats. It was tres Indiana Jones style and flashes of horror movie set ups kept blessing me. But we survived to tell the tale, and had fun along the way. It got to the point where could either made fun of the situation and laugh and joke our way through it...or cave into our tiredness and collapse into the jungle bed with little hope. Or perhaps kill one another as an outlet for our frustration. The later was our choice. Seemed like an interesting test of character!
The first camp site we got to seemed pretty tourist soaked and smelt of rotten fruit and crap. We had walked thus far and thought, whats another 60 minutes!? So off we set to the next camp site. Along the way i saw the biggest blue crab i have ever set my eyes on! When we arrived at the next site we stayed. It was peaceful and all i wanted was to shower. The shower was a bad experience though. Insects made a carpet on the floor, and im not sure if i had more bugs on my legs than i did water whilst showering. I was pretty grossed out. Big beatles, flying things, crawling things, creep me out things everywhere. Shower was super quick. Also that night someone stole a bottle of rum from the tent. And tried to steal food, but got caught in the act. A pretty adventourous day. The next day we found a nice camp site!!
Beautiful camp site: Finca Don Pedro, Surrounded by coconut mango and avocado trees. Set ten minutes away from the beach, and with perfect entrances to incredible jungle walks. Death by falling coconut seemed highly possible but thankfully i survived. Bringing food made it much cheaper and it was great to be able to cook everyday. Coconut rice, pasta and chunky tomato sauce, scrambled vegtable eggs, simple things but tasty none the less.
I spent long days doing yoga in the morning, dipping in the ocean, buying chocolate bread from a little bakery, wondering the jungle, witnessing natural wonders, playing on my guitar (and be taught by Jeremie...as well as helping him improve his English), trying to improve my spanish, enjoying daily cooking, getting into morning pages...and regular showers!
One evening the tent got totally swamped/ flooded by a strong down pour of rain and all the bags and shoes in the outside compartment of the tent floated! Tent had to be moved, but the next sunny day helped dry things out. I couldn´t stop laughing though. I have laughed a lot this last week. Sometimes rather inappropriately. Still, im sure its good for the soul.
Now back in Santa Marta sorting out VISA extensions and booking flights to enter the Amazon at the end of the month. May be going back to Tyrona next week. There is more sun bathing to be done, more chocolate bread to eat. And its a peaceful place to consolidate and reflect upon my journey, my intentions, my life. A good place to practice, to meditate and to simply be with life. Everything seems so alive in the jungle and along the rustic beach. For me, it evocks thoughts of how dead and fixed things can seem in more "civilized" environments. Where nature rules, everything has something to teach. Things are random, spontanious, all dance their own dance around you. Birds fly and sing in unison as the Caymen bathes his skin under the sun. The Ocean roars, a crab bumps into your big toe. Watchful, wonderful. I become more intune with the natural cycles of the sun and moon. The sky wraps a blanket of dark around me. Stars twinkle my spirit. The sun slows me. Im reminded constantly to expect the unexpected.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The ocean floor
Unsure of what to do yesterday, i was talking to a Woman in my dormitory who was on a diving course here in Taganga. I knew this place was known for its beautiful and relativly inexpensive diving options. I decided not to regret passing this experience. I set off to reserach the recommended diving school, PADI certified, and found myself booking on for a one day diving experience.
Half a day later and my life has changed forever! The moment i took my first breath underwater was really profound for me. I was reminded of how my breathing often reflects my emotions, and that in the past i have struggled a lot to breathe properly and healthily. Underwater one is very aware of their breathing! To breathe slowly, deeply, continuously, is the single most important thing when diving, to avoid serious injury. Upon first going underwater i felt myself want to cry, a mild panic washed over me, various emotions surged throughout my body. My breathing was inititally shallow, anxious. I quickly realised i needed to take longer, deeper breaths, so I calmed myself and came into my body, into my experience. Suddenly i was breathing fluidly underwater, looking around me at what seemed an entirely new and alien world.
Getting into slow, deep, long breaths was a great meditation!
As i learnt and gained more confidence, we went deeper and deeper (two guys, myself and the instructor). The ocean floor was mind blowing. I could have been on the strongest acid trip...this was an utterly incredible experience. Weird and wonderful creatures danced around me; luminious fish swam in colourful schools; marine ecosystems would have taken my breath away had it not been so important to continue to breathe! Spider crabs, Tiger fish: all so utterly surreal! Is this a dream, i thought. I had recently had dreams of the ocean and of weird and hypnotic sea life. Vivid clours, glowing seductive animals watching me placidly. My dreams came true. I floated and swam with grace and ease, everything held together in the beautiful clear salt water. Bubbles of air made entrancing silver shapes as they flew towards the waters surface.
Just... WOW. I am doing the PADI diving course so that i can dive anywhere in the world. Its great to be learning something so incredible, being able to explore ocean life. The ocean is such an intrinsic part of life, yet i know so very little about it. A deep passion has been ignited.
Half a day later and my life has changed forever! The moment i took my first breath underwater was really profound for me. I was reminded of how my breathing often reflects my emotions, and that in the past i have struggled a lot to breathe properly and healthily. Underwater one is very aware of their breathing! To breathe slowly, deeply, continuously, is the single most important thing when diving, to avoid serious injury. Upon first going underwater i felt myself want to cry, a mild panic washed over me, various emotions surged throughout my body. My breathing was inititally shallow, anxious. I quickly realised i needed to take longer, deeper breaths, so I calmed myself and came into my body, into my experience. Suddenly i was breathing fluidly underwater, looking around me at what seemed an entirely new and alien world.
Getting into slow, deep, long breaths was a great meditation!
As i learnt and gained more confidence, we went deeper and deeper (two guys, myself and the instructor). The ocean floor was mind blowing. I could have been on the strongest acid trip...this was an utterly incredible experience. Weird and wonderful creatures danced around me; luminious fish swam in colourful schools; marine ecosystems would have taken my breath away had it not been so important to continue to breathe! Spider crabs, Tiger fish: all so utterly surreal! Is this a dream, i thought. I had recently had dreams of the ocean and of weird and hypnotic sea life. Vivid clours, glowing seductive animals watching me placidly. My dreams came true. I floated and swam with grace and ease, everything held together in the beautiful clear salt water. Bubbles of air made entrancing silver shapes as they flew towards the waters surface.
Just... WOW. I am doing the PADI diving course so that i can dive anywhere in the world. Its great to be learning something so incredible, being able to explore ocean life. The ocean is such an intrinsic part of life, yet i know so very little about it. A deep passion has been ignited.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Lost City
I did it! Five days of hard trekking in the Colombian jungle and mountains.
First it was a two hour jeep ride, the second half of which was a very very bumpy ride. After lunch we started the Trekking, taking a dip in the river along the way, and ascending an incredibly steep mountain for 60 minutes (with a stop off to stroke a pig and eat bananas). Each day we had a few fruit stops and at least one stop to swim in a natural lagoon or river, often with waterfalls, natural rapids and rocks to jump off. Tres fun, and a great relief to the intense heat of the day. It's like a day long sauna here!
The first night we slept in hammocks and thereafter in beds with questionable matresses and mosquitoes nets. I got bitten, though not as badly as my companions. Have i got more B Vitamin in my blood? (Apparently mosquitoes dont like the taste or smell of blood rich in B vitamin). My paranoia of bed bugs prevented at least two good nights sleep for me! One of the guys trekking got attacked by the little vampires on the first night, which implanted some anxiety in a few of us.
Bugs were a fairly large part of my venturing here. Ants trotted along the dirt tracks whilst carrying leaves of various shapes and sizes. Huge spiders could be seen here and there; I saw a few under rocks and one, upon my approach, jumped into the water and disappeared? Big water spiders! In the evenings we talked, read and ate by candle light and fire flies, accompanied by numerous insects collecting and dancing around the flames...with the inevitable death of a handful of Moths. Other animals i encountered included wild pigs (which concerned me a little), red and yellow striped snakes, mules, beautiful horned cows, chickens, fish, hummingbirds and beautiful colorful Paloma (Bird). Apparently there are Tigers in the jungles here too, though i saw none. I did spend some time trekking alone, far ahead of my group, and wondered what i would do if i saw a tiger. I found a large stick to defend myself just incase! and contemplated my lack of tree climbing skills.
I really got into my monkey energy; climbing rocks with vigor and excitement, feeling majestically present in the colors, sounds, smells and visions of the exotic jungle. Everything was bursting with life force, oozing with saps and intrigue. I found myself enchanted, feeling at one with the vines and veins of the earth as i wove through winding paths and waded through crystal clear rivers. I found a deep peace as i moved through the jungle.
Our guide was a very wonderful, affectionate and genuine man. His son also came along, leading the mule and singing a lot. He had a good voice, it was a nice addition. They introduced us to the indigenous tribes here; the Indianas. A medicine man was visiting one of the villages so people from all over were coming to visit him. Learning about the culture here has been fascinating. The women are married off once they begin menstruation, and the marriage is arranged by their parents. Before marriage the man must undergo three months "training" with a Shaman. During this time he chews, all day long, coca leaves and ground shell (the activator) which he had collected and ground himself. He keeps it in a device made from a dried fruit and uses a stick to pound the shells and eat from. This helps give him more energy and is also said to increase his sexual abilities in preparation for his wife! Oh and the women like sex, so i am told.
Once married, if the wife agrees, the husband may also sleep with her sister. Apparently they like sharing. Sometimes.
The woman is said to do most of the work here. This involves gardening, growing and harvesting the fruit and vegetables. Looking after the animals, cooking, cleaning... but men chop wood (i'm sure they do more than that, but it was the only information i was given!) If a woman is found to have been cheating on her husband, the husband is entitled to go to her family and tell them about her disloyalties. Her family must then find him a new wife! If he wants to stay with her, however, she must be punished by going to a kind of prison and for three hours a day must work nakedly in-front of the community. I think the punishment is the same for the husband, although it seems like the woman is punished more readily. If both husband and wife are found to have been cheating, the community makes them have sex all night long for 8 days...and ties them together during the day! If the wife becomes widowed she is allowed to take another young husband, but when she becomes old he is allowed to marry her daughter (if she had any from previous husband). I thought it must be a very interesting psychology for the daughter in such a situation, knowing that her farther-in-the is one day to be her husband!
The Lost City was more impressive than i had expected. Photos can express better than words, but neither will really do it justice. All in all it was a magical experience. There was a total of eight people in my group, five friends from London (including two couples) and two Colombian Men. Everyone added a unique character and depth to the group, and i enjoyed getting to know this little family over the days. Then, we all went our separate ways. Impermanence my long standing companion.
After a lot of walking, now back in Santa Marta, my body really knows it has worked! I spent the last two days sitting and eating fruit and linseed bread rolls. Have been Wondering the streets a bit too, which is always nice. Lets me soak up the culture a little, watch the locals do there thing, buy some street food, haggle, observe, stretch limbs. The room i have been staying in is next to the Hostel bar so sleeping is not much on the menu, but i shall be leaving today to Taganga. Actually, i ought to start getting ready for that now...
First it was a two hour jeep ride, the second half of which was a very very bumpy ride. After lunch we started the Trekking, taking a dip in the river along the way, and ascending an incredibly steep mountain for 60 minutes (with a stop off to stroke a pig and eat bananas). Each day we had a few fruit stops and at least one stop to swim in a natural lagoon or river, often with waterfalls, natural rapids and rocks to jump off. Tres fun, and a great relief to the intense heat of the day. It's like a day long sauna here!
The first night we slept in hammocks and thereafter in beds with questionable matresses and mosquitoes nets. I got bitten, though not as badly as my companions. Have i got more B Vitamin in my blood? (Apparently mosquitoes dont like the taste or smell of blood rich in B vitamin). My paranoia of bed bugs prevented at least two good nights sleep for me! One of the guys trekking got attacked by the little vampires on the first night, which implanted some anxiety in a few of us.
Bugs were a fairly large part of my venturing here. Ants trotted along the dirt tracks whilst carrying leaves of various shapes and sizes. Huge spiders could be seen here and there; I saw a few under rocks and one, upon my approach, jumped into the water and disappeared? Big water spiders! In the evenings we talked, read and ate by candle light and fire flies, accompanied by numerous insects collecting and dancing around the flames...with the inevitable death of a handful of Moths. Other animals i encountered included wild pigs (which concerned me a little), red and yellow striped snakes, mules, beautiful horned cows, chickens, fish, hummingbirds and beautiful colorful Paloma (Bird). Apparently there are Tigers in the jungles here too, though i saw none. I did spend some time trekking alone, far ahead of my group, and wondered what i would do if i saw a tiger. I found a large stick to defend myself just incase! and contemplated my lack of tree climbing skills.
I really got into my monkey energy; climbing rocks with vigor and excitement, feeling majestically present in the colors, sounds, smells and visions of the exotic jungle. Everything was bursting with life force, oozing with saps and intrigue. I found myself enchanted, feeling at one with the vines and veins of the earth as i wove through winding paths and waded through crystal clear rivers. I found a deep peace as i moved through the jungle.
Our guide was a very wonderful, affectionate and genuine man. His son also came along, leading the mule and singing a lot. He had a good voice, it was a nice addition. They introduced us to the indigenous tribes here; the Indianas. A medicine man was visiting one of the villages so people from all over were coming to visit him. Learning about the culture here has been fascinating. The women are married off once they begin menstruation, and the marriage is arranged by their parents. Before marriage the man must undergo three months "training" with a Shaman. During this time he chews, all day long, coca leaves and ground shell (the activator) which he had collected and ground himself. He keeps it in a device made from a dried fruit and uses a stick to pound the shells and eat from. This helps give him more energy and is also said to increase his sexual abilities in preparation for his wife! Oh and the women like sex, so i am told.
Once married, if the wife agrees, the husband may also sleep with her sister. Apparently they like sharing. Sometimes.
The woman is said to do most of the work here. This involves gardening, growing and harvesting the fruit and vegetables. Looking after the animals, cooking, cleaning... but men chop wood (i'm sure they do more than that, but it was the only information i was given!) If a woman is found to have been cheating on her husband, the husband is entitled to go to her family and tell them about her disloyalties. Her family must then find him a new wife! If he wants to stay with her, however, she must be punished by going to a kind of prison and for three hours a day must work nakedly in-front of the community. I think the punishment is the same for the husband, although it seems like the woman is punished more readily. If both husband and wife are found to have been cheating, the community makes them have sex all night long for 8 days...and ties them together during the day! If the wife becomes widowed she is allowed to take another young husband, but when she becomes old he is allowed to marry her daughter (if she had any from previous husband). I thought it must be a very interesting psychology for the daughter in such a situation, knowing that her farther-in-the is one day to be her husband!
The Lost City was more impressive than i had expected. Photos can express better than words, but neither will really do it justice. All in all it was a magical experience. There was a total of eight people in my group, five friends from London (including two couples) and two Colombian Men. Everyone added a unique character and depth to the group, and i enjoyed getting to know this little family over the days. Then, we all went our separate ways. Impermanence my long standing companion.
After a lot of walking, now back in Santa Marta, my body really knows it has worked! I spent the last two days sitting and eating fruit and linseed bread rolls. Have been Wondering the streets a bit too, which is always nice. Lets me soak up the culture a little, watch the locals do there thing, buy some street food, haggle, observe, stretch limbs. The room i have been staying in is next to the Hostel bar so sleeping is not much on the menu, but i shall be leaving today to Taganga. Actually, i ought to start getting ready for that now...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Santa Marta
Getting from Cartagena to Santa Marta was a miniture nightmare. It felt pretty much like one long over priced traffic jam. I was told that my ticket would get me to Santa Marta, but infact i had to get off half way and then pay for another bus ride which i was pissed about. I did kick up a bit of a fuss but not speaking fluent Espanol made things a little more tricky. The bus kept stopping and people slowly piled on. The bus moved at a snails pace then stopped again, for i dont know what. My meant to be 4 hour journey took 8 hours. At the end a young man got on the bus and did his personal selling things act. On every bus ride thus far in my journey at least one person entertains the bus audience with a speach about their product and why we should buy it. Sometimes they do very well, sometimes they even do magick tricks and get everyone laughing or singing or clapping! This particular man did a speach on God and sold CD's of various God related seminars and music. As i sat listening and eating little mangos I wished i could understand more of what he was saying. When he realised i was English he requested that I write down the words, in English so he could learn them, GOD LOVES YOU. When talking about God he always made hand gestures towards the sky. This inspired me to write, below GOD LOVES YOU, GOD IS WITHIN. And hoped he might integrate that into his english vocab. THinking about it now, i wish i has also written GOD IS THE DEVIL TOO!
When off the bus, this God dude was very helpful and helped me get a cheap Taxi ride to my desired Hotel. As i drove off towards my final destination (phew), he waved at me and shouted GOD LOVES YOU gesturing towards the sky and his heart. An interesting end to my very long journey!
Now im settled into a Gringo magnet hotel. I havnt been around this many English speakers for a very long time! This place is cheap, vibrant, very spacious and with its own bar and swimming pool. Next door is a Mexican Resturant owned by a New York chef. Its the most gourmet food i have had in a very very long time. It was exquisite, utterly. Melt in your mouth must lick the plate exquisite. After eating i contemplated my love for food and how i have been at war with this love for a long time. Ive decided to embrace that i love food, to love that i love food! It can make me very happy... ofcource, its all temporary. But as far as temporary pleasure goes, im pretty content with a good plate of Gourmet Mexican food.
Ok, short post for today. Now...maybe a dip in the swimming pool. And to plan a six day Trek. My body wants some challenging physical activity and my mind is meeting that request.
Amor para todos ustedes,
xx
When off the bus, this God dude was very helpful and helped me get a cheap Taxi ride to my desired Hotel. As i drove off towards my final destination (phew), he waved at me and shouted GOD LOVES YOU gesturing towards the sky and his heart. An interesting end to my very long journey!
Now im settled into a Gringo magnet hotel. I havnt been around this many English speakers for a very long time! This place is cheap, vibrant, very spacious and with its own bar and swimming pool. Next door is a Mexican Resturant owned by a New York chef. Its the most gourmet food i have had in a very very long time. It was exquisite, utterly. Melt in your mouth must lick the plate exquisite. After eating i contemplated my love for food and how i have been at war with this love for a long time. Ive decided to embrace that i love food, to love that i love food! It can make me very happy... ofcource, its all temporary. But as far as temporary pleasure goes, im pretty content with a good plate of Gourmet Mexican food.
Ok, short post for today. Now...maybe a dip in the swimming pool. And to plan a six day Trek. My body wants some challenging physical activity and my mind is meeting that request.
Amor para todos ustedes,
xx
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Carribean Coast
Playa Blanca: Picture perfect Carribean beach, pure blue green waters warm enough to walk into with no hesitation. Clear skys day and night. Fresh fish and fruit everywhere. Stretchs of gorgeous white sands and a good lack of tourists. Coral and incredible shells washed ashore; a natural beach museum! Spent the last 5 days sleeping on a hammock next to the ebb and flow of the waves.
I arrived by boat to this isolated beach near Cartagena. It took 40 minutes and i was accompanied by a guy from New Zeland. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly man who owned a beach shack and showed us his (very cheap but pretty dam good) hammocks. I said yes! Dumped bags off in a wooden "locker" which didnt lock at all (how very authentic...) and hit the beach. God that water was perfect. I try not to have expectations, but any subtle expectations that might have been lurking in the corners of my mind were certainnly not dissapointed! I spent long days walking, looking at dead coral and shells, playing with fish in the waters, running along the coast, meditating and singing under the sunset. Most of my time was spent in isolation. A good opportunity to finish the book i was reading and to sit with my mind for long hours...sometimes almost melting into the landscapes...
The Pinicolada was a must try, made with freshly opened coconut water. My brother told me i had to drink rum, so i did it for him! maybe a little bit for me too though, I admitt. I drank it on a hammock with fellow traveller, Sam. I placed the drink on the table and everytime i wanted a sip i swung the hammock and grabbed the drink with a rapidity and desperation that made Sam laugh each time. Especailly as it was so dark and my figure seemed to appear from knowhere. Funny moments. Maybe you had to be there! Sam left after a couple of days and i was totally alone. Talked to none other than the cook who taught me how to make Carribean Coconut rice (which is utterly gorgeous!) I got deeper into my mediation which felt really important. Days were long and peaceful, lots of time for reflection. Ive been going throgh a more introverted phase of my travels. Part of my ebb and flow, it seems. Useful insights have certainly emerged from a time of solitude.
Back in Cartagena has been interesting. Last night i found myself with a stick of little potatoes for dinner (Soy Vegetariana...sin carne por favour!). I got chatting with a Jamacan Rasta, Raphiet, and we wondered the streets together with all that that involves. "Its ok, your with a black man" he said. Its true, i wouldnt have walked alone here. We realised the red light district: Clusters of women dotted around the place,sturtting there stuff, making seductive remarks whilst eyeing us up. Me and Raphiet had to pretend we were a couple to disuade one insistent woman. I think she thought we wanted to see her as a couple. She responded that she only takes one at a time! ha!
We ended up in a retro bar with Reggae music and pictures of Marilyn Monroe and others surrounding us. A small bunch of us got up and danced whilst watching a DVD, on large projector screen, of Lucky Dubai (what a dude!)
Whats next?
I arrived by boat to this isolated beach near Cartagena. It took 40 minutes and i was accompanied by a guy from New Zeland. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly man who owned a beach shack and showed us his (very cheap but pretty dam good) hammocks. I said yes! Dumped bags off in a wooden "locker" which didnt lock at all (how very authentic...) and hit the beach. God that water was perfect. I try not to have expectations, but any subtle expectations that might have been lurking in the corners of my mind were certainnly not dissapointed! I spent long days walking, looking at dead coral and shells, playing with fish in the waters, running along the coast, meditating and singing under the sunset. Most of my time was spent in isolation. A good opportunity to finish the book i was reading and to sit with my mind for long hours...sometimes almost melting into the landscapes...
The Pinicolada was a must try, made with freshly opened coconut water. My brother told me i had to drink rum, so i did it for him! maybe a little bit for me too though, I admitt. I drank it on a hammock with fellow traveller, Sam. I placed the drink on the table and everytime i wanted a sip i swung the hammock and grabbed the drink with a rapidity and desperation that made Sam laugh each time. Especailly as it was so dark and my figure seemed to appear from knowhere. Funny moments. Maybe you had to be there! Sam left after a couple of days and i was totally alone. Talked to none other than the cook who taught me how to make Carribean Coconut rice (which is utterly gorgeous!) I got deeper into my mediation which felt really important. Days were long and peaceful, lots of time for reflection. Ive been going throgh a more introverted phase of my travels. Part of my ebb and flow, it seems. Useful insights have certainly emerged from a time of solitude.
Back in Cartagena has been interesting. Last night i found myself with a stick of little potatoes for dinner (Soy Vegetariana...sin carne por favour!). I got chatting with a Jamacan Rasta, Raphiet, and we wondered the streets together with all that that involves. "Its ok, your with a black man" he said. Its true, i wouldnt have walked alone here. We realised the red light district: Clusters of women dotted around the place,sturtting there stuff, making seductive remarks whilst eyeing us up. Me and Raphiet had to pretend we were a couple to disuade one insistent woman. I think she thought we wanted to see her as a couple. She responded that she only takes one at a time! ha!
We ended up in a retro bar with Reggae music and pictures of Marilyn Monroe and others surrounding us. A small bunch of us got up and danced whilst watching a DVD, on large projector screen, of Lucky Dubai (what a dude!)
Whats next?
Monday, March 28, 2011
Salento
Coffee has become part of my morning ritual. Replacing yoga it is my wake up God send. So im in Colombia and i now "get" coffee. How fitting.
This morning i found myself in my dorm with a male staff member and a huge saw. The lock (coded) to my bag stopped working so i needed it to be broken!
Salento is a very beautiful place to be. At night time the path to my room is lit with glow in the dark flies and stunning moonlight. Insects and birds sing all hours of the day and night, an orchestra of musical nature lulling me into the moment. I got myself a Sansa last night and have been enjoying jamming with the locals and trying my feet at salsa... On Saturday night i stayed up with four men and one woman, all Colombian. We drank and talked and danced and laughed our way through the moving stars and dawn. I had wanted the night to go on and on and on, lost in the moment for a long time and actually slightly depressed when the next day showed signs og begining! "Im not ready to go to bed!" says my playful joyful mind.
But next days were filled with joy also. Exploring he near by "cocora" was great, one of the attractions that called me here in the first place. It makes for a stunning walk and includes a visit to a hummingbird centre along the way. The locals had a good idea in setting up this centre. A simple idea... put a few stands of food around to attract the many free flying hummingbirds that lived here, then charge tourists on the cocora trail to come and enjoy the plethora of birds buzzing around and sipping sweet nectar. No cadges, much to my liking. Included in the visit is a hunk of local and delicious cheese and a mug of hot chocolate. A nice stop-off point just before the steep ascent to the mountains top...where the views would have been spectacular if it wasnt for the clouds. Ah well, It was still very very worth while. Seeing the tall palm trees is rather surreal. Especially the ones in a field of cows: Cow next to tall palm tree is an odd sight...almost an oxymoron.
Its nice just spending the day walking around the town here; a peaceful and beautiful place to hang out, full of friendly people. The locals really are lovely. On one day i went for a walk in the rain under a thunder storm. On the way back to my hostel a few men (who worked in various shops scattered along the pathway) called me over and gave me a towel and a cup of coffee. Free coffee happens alot around here! Another happy encounter happend two days ago when i was writing in my journal and swinging in a litle park on a mountain over looking the town. A sweet girl nearby was playing on her guitar and i went and joined her. We ended up spending the afternoon together, walking around and myself being introduced to her arty hippy friends. I do like the arty musical types, keep finding myself chilling out with them.
On the weekend its very busy as alot of Colombians come here to enjoy their free days off off work. Its claimed to be one of the 10 most beautiful places in Colombia. ATMs stop producing money as they are so overused at this time! The main plaza is full of fruit stalls and artists selling their hand-made produce. The whole town is so vibrant and colourful. Houses and shops are painted in bright and cheerful colours. Jeeps roll around in clouds of music. Sweetcorn pancakes line the streets and funky traditional bars open up at night offering a real taste of Colombian country life.
Im really enjoying having use of a kitchen here too. Today i plan to purchase some interesting ingrediants and cook up something creative...ready steady cook style?? There is a lounge with fireplace next to the kitchen, which is a wonderful addition. I do love fire, it sooths my soul.
ok coffee has kicked in, im now going to walk under a blanket of bird songs and the golden sun light. Might visit the local grave yard too...
This morning i found myself in my dorm with a male staff member and a huge saw. The lock (coded) to my bag stopped working so i needed it to be broken!
Salento is a very beautiful place to be. At night time the path to my room is lit with glow in the dark flies and stunning moonlight. Insects and birds sing all hours of the day and night, an orchestra of musical nature lulling me into the moment. I got myself a Sansa last night and have been enjoying jamming with the locals and trying my feet at salsa... On Saturday night i stayed up with four men and one woman, all Colombian. We drank and talked and danced and laughed our way through the moving stars and dawn. I had wanted the night to go on and on and on, lost in the moment for a long time and actually slightly depressed when the next day showed signs og begining! "Im not ready to go to bed!" says my playful joyful mind.
But next days were filled with joy also. Exploring he near by "cocora" was great, one of the attractions that called me here in the first place. It makes for a stunning walk and includes a visit to a hummingbird centre along the way. The locals had a good idea in setting up this centre. A simple idea... put a few stands of food around to attract the many free flying hummingbirds that lived here, then charge tourists on the cocora trail to come and enjoy the plethora of birds buzzing around and sipping sweet nectar. No cadges, much to my liking. Included in the visit is a hunk of local and delicious cheese and a mug of hot chocolate. A nice stop-off point just before the steep ascent to the mountains top...where the views would have been spectacular if it wasnt for the clouds. Ah well, It was still very very worth while. Seeing the tall palm trees is rather surreal. Especially the ones in a field of cows: Cow next to tall palm tree is an odd sight...almost an oxymoron.
Its nice just spending the day walking around the town here; a peaceful and beautiful place to hang out, full of friendly people. The locals really are lovely. On one day i went for a walk in the rain under a thunder storm. On the way back to my hostel a few men (who worked in various shops scattered along the pathway) called me over and gave me a towel and a cup of coffee. Free coffee happens alot around here! Another happy encounter happend two days ago when i was writing in my journal and swinging in a litle park on a mountain over looking the town. A sweet girl nearby was playing on her guitar and i went and joined her. We ended up spending the afternoon together, walking around and myself being introduced to her arty hippy friends. I do like the arty musical types, keep finding myself chilling out with them.
On the weekend its very busy as alot of Colombians come here to enjoy their free days off off work. Its claimed to be one of the 10 most beautiful places in Colombia. ATMs stop producing money as they are so overused at this time! The main plaza is full of fruit stalls and artists selling their hand-made produce. The whole town is so vibrant and colourful. Houses and shops are painted in bright and cheerful colours. Jeeps roll around in clouds of music. Sweetcorn pancakes line the streets and funky traditional bars open up at night offering a real taste of Colombian country life.
Im really enjoying having use of a kitchen here too. Today i plan to purchase some interesting ingrediants and cook up something creative...ready steady cook style?? There is a lounge with fireplace next to the kitchen, which is a wonderful addition. I do love fire, it sooths my soul.
ok coffee has kicked in, im now going to walk under a blanket of bird songs and the golden sun light. Might visit the local grave yard too...
Monday, March 21, 2011
Crazy times
San Agustin sucked me in for longer than expected. Apart from the bed bugs, everything was beautiful. But seriously, the bed bugs drove me insane; loco. Really made me paranoid, OCD even. I found myself unable to sleep, frantically searching the beds for bugs each night...washing my clothes and bags with a mad desperation, scrutinizing each item i own to ensure freedom from the little vampires. My legs are in recovery now, they slowly seem to be improving with the help of Aloe vera, regular washing and lavender essential oil. I have been reccomended lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda which i shall purchase and apply manana. My legs want to heal before they hit the beach.
But, yes, apart from that San Agustin was a wonderful experience. The owner of my hotel was an angel. We really connected, a mother-daughter energy pervaded. Before i left she said she really liked my presence in her house. She often asked me to sing and play the guitar, said she loved my voice. I made up a new song here, and even integrated a bit of Espanol! We spent nights around the fire under the moon and beside a mysterious silver tree with no leaves (an unusual phenomenon here), we called it Arbol desnuda= naked tree. There was also a mother and 16yr old daughter working there. They approached me with much friendliness and curiosity. We spent time animated and trying to communicate, laughing and playing around. There was also a beautiful South American couple staying at this little paradise. Everyday they would go into the forest and climb trees, juggle and stretch together in the sun. They were travelling artists, heading to Panama to study natural medicine. I chilled with them, played music together (they played wooden penny whistles together which sounds gorgeous, like some awesome mating ritual), talked about yoga and meditation, enjoyed peace and an undercurrent of understanding that we seemed to share. True free spirits they were. The woman had been doing Aerial Silks for 4 or 5 years (circus skill also known as aerial contortion, aerial ribbons, aerial tissues, fabric, ribbon, or tissu, depending on regional preference. Its a type of performance where one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric). She put a super long fabric in a tall tree and i watched her dance with it beautifully. So did her partner, whom she had been teaching. I gave it a go and decided i need more upper arm strength so have begun press ups every day! My arms currently hurt well... :)
I spent the weekend with two fellow travellers. I met them whilst looking for a cash machine during a power cut. It turns out that Tommy, a dude from England, happens to be good friends with someone i know. Someone i used to live with infact, a childhood connection. I love these moments of serendipity. On Saturday night we went to a music festival, full of locals enjoying themselves. I gave salsa dancing a go with a Colombian lad who was volunteering in San Augustin (at an organic farm which provides free food for uneducated children everyday. A great place!). I also drank a fair amount of alcohol, whilst trying to divert male attention when my friends left me alone and they all circled in on me lol. Im married, did you know?
Together with my two aquired travel buddies we went to Popayan (again) yesterday. The bus ride is totally crazy. Over 5 hours long, most of which is on the most bumpy, rocky ground i have ever been on. Its a serious roller-coaster ride. I was literally flying off my seat regularly. No reading or eating possible. Could barely talk lol. I did laugh a lot though, and drink rum. We stayed in a hostel overnight and I went out for a meal with Marijana (gorgeous woman), enjoying conversation and sharing of stories.
Now in Cali. I had expected to bypass it but have since found myself booking into a hotel and liking the energy so much that im considering staying a couple of nights. Its cheap, its very cheerful, its full of colour and friendly people. The hostel is somewhat of a maze. I will explore it more tomorrow, today im just going to chill out on a hammock with a glass of wine and a good book, soaking up the moon rays (like it or not!) The full moon is so strong!
Full moon calls me awake with its light,
with a flight of madness it does ignite.
Luminescence permeates my once still mind,
a pregnant moon stirring my Soul trying to find...
Dreams? Injected with a fresh and vivid clarity,
deep feelings inspired and surfacing,
forced forward and displayed in a dancing maze;
a haze of amazed musing and bemusing.
the moon is my altar,
i wish to surrender to its charm,
jump into an abyss of ineffable magick
to cry and scream and love at this supreme and full time,
this maddening time
blossoms in my heart
spikey and dark,
beautiful, sometimes confused.
Nightmares and dreams run hand in hand,
dizzy and twisting before an unseen queen.
This dream honoured under the moons light.
-Cassandra ,)
But, yes, apart from that San Agustin was a wonderful experience. The owner of my hotel was an angel. We really connected, a mother-daughter energy pervaded. Before i left she said she really liked my presence in her house. She often asked me to sing and play the guitar, said she loved my voice. I made up a new song here, and even integrated a bit of Espanol! We spent nights around the fire under the moon and beside a mysterious silver tree with no leaves (an unusual phenomenon here), we called it Arbol desnuda= naked tree. There was also a mother and 16yr old daughter working there. They approached me with much friendliness and curiosity. We spent time animated and trying to communicate, laughing and playing around. There was also a beautiful South American couple staying at this little paradise. Everyday they would go into the forest and climb trees, juggle and stretch together in the sun. They were travelling artists, heading to Panama to study natural medicine. I chilled with them, played music together (they played wooden penny whistles together which sounds gorgeous, like some awesome mating ritual), talked about yoga and meditation, enjoyed peace and an undercurrent of understanding that we seemed to share. True free spirits they were. The woman had been doing Aerial Silks for 4 or 5 years (circus skill also known as aerial contortion, aerial ribbons, aerial tissues, fabric, ribbon, or tissu, depending on regional preference. Its a type of performance where one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric). She put a super long fabric in a tall tree and i watched her dance with it beautifully. So did her partner, whom she had been teaching. I gave it a go and decided i need more upper arm strength so have begun press ups every day! My arms currently hurt well... :)
I spent the weekend with two fellow travellers. I met them whilst looking for a cash machine during a power cut. It turns out that Tommy, a dude from England, happens to be good friends with someone i know. Someone i used to live with infact, a childhood connection. I love these moments of serendipity. On Saturday night we went to a music festival, full of locals enjoying themselves. I gave salsa dancing a go with a Colombian lad who was volunteering in San Augustin (at an organic farm which provides free food for uneducated children everyday. A great place!). I also drank a fair amount of alcohol, whilst trying to divert male attention when my friends left me alone and they all circled in on me lol. Im married, did you know?
Together with my two aquired travel buddies we went to Popayan (again) yesterday. The bus ride is totally crazy. Over 5 hours long, most of which is on the most bumpy, rocky ground i have ever been on. Its a serious roller-coaster ride. I was literally flying off my seat regularly. No reading or eating possible. Could barely talk lol. I did laugh a lot though, and drink rum. We stayed in a hostel overnight and I went out for a meal with Marijana (gorgeous woman), enjoying conversation and sharing of stories.
Now in Cali. I had expected to bypass it but have since found myself booking into a hotel and liking the energy so much that im considering staying a couple of nights. Its cheap, its very cheerful, its full of colour and friendly people. The hostel is somewhat of a maze. I will explore it more tomorrow, today im just going to chill out on a hammock with a glass of wine and a good book, soaking up the moon rays (like it or not!) The full moon is so strong!
Full moon calls me awake with its light,
with a flight of madness it does ignite.
Luminescence permeates my once still mind,
a pregnant moon stirring my Soul trying to find...
Dreams? Injected with a fresh and vivid clarity,
deep feelings inspired and surfacing,
forced forward and displayed in a dancing maze;
a haze of amazed musing and bemusing.
the moon is my altar,
i wish to surrender to its charm,
jump into an abyss of ineffable magick
to cry and scream and love at this supreme and full time,
this maddening time
blossoms in my heart
spikey and dark,
beautiful, sometimes confused.
Nightmares and dreams run hand in hand,
dizzy and twisting before an unseen queen.
This dream honoured under the moons light.
-Cassandra ,)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
San Agustin
A very bumpy ride to get here, and an equally beautiful one. Stunning, actually.
On the ride here i took a little bus, full of Espanol-only speaking persons. Unfortunatly, even though i asked, they went past my stop. Consequently they had to drop me off at the next cross road (10 ish minutes away) where i hitch hiked back to San Agustin. I got there when it was dark and headed for the hills on the outskirt of town, where a great sounding hotel called "Casa Del Sol" was situated. As with many of my hotels, i discovered it from the famous Lonely Planet.
When i arrived at ´Casa Del Sol´ I was struck by how isolated and exotic it seemed. A few young girls greeted me at the gate, with curious gazes and genuine smiles. They took me to the kitchen/dining space where i was warmly greeted by the owner, who again only speaks Espanol but was very welcoming and kindly. They made me a gorgeous and simple meal of salad, rice, egg and fried plantain, with home made oat milk to accompany. After eating they showed me my sleeping options and i choose a bamboo cabin overlooking the canyon. Stunning views, personal balcony, private space for yoga and sun bathing, perfection. The room im in has two double beds and atthe moment its just me there so i have plenty of space to sprawl.
My first day here I spent walking around and getting to know the place. I discovered the indoor market and got a back-pack full of fruit and interesting breads. I was also given, by a beautiful old woman, a token amount of ground coffee to smell and energize myself as i wish. I do love the smell of Coffee...and im in Colombia!!
Today I got up at 9:00am for a 4 hour horse ride, just me and the guide. We trotted into the surrounding lushousness and made regular stops to visit the indigenous stone statues that are mysteriously placed around these lands. On the first stop I found myself at a little centre where a sweet girl asked me if I wanted my Mayan symbol to be worked out (for a donation only). Ofcourse I said yes and gave her my birth date to work with. The results were impressive. I´m a "Blue Planetory Night". We talked about the meaning for a long while.It resonated deeply; telling me things I was already thinking or feeling, fundamental issues I have to work on in this life and things that are already true of my ´path´ and dreams. As many things seem to, it pointed towards my skills as a dreamer and healer, and towards intuive and empathic abilities, aswell as the potential to be able to make accurate premonitions (Cassandra coming to life in me?) Some other very interesting things came up, but I shant write it all here! I thought I was just going on a horse ride, but to stumble upon this encounter felt like a great synchronisity. I don´t belive blindly. I feel that if something resonates and is in line with what i´m already feeling, and it seems helpful, then it is a wonderful reflection, an extension of mySelf guiding me to what I already know. A bit of magick showing itself.
After the horse ride and general adventure, I visited the park. Here I paid the normal admission fee and wondered around for hours under the sun and under the shade of tall and tropical trees. It was all very beautiful, with butterflies and flowers everywhere. I saw some plants that were totally unrecognisable (took photoes and plan to research) and some incredible trees making beautiful formations with their bodies. I wonder what these trees have seen over the years...
oh, and i´ve seen my first hummingbird! Was so excited about that. Still am :)
xx
On the ride here i took a little bus, full of Espanol-only speaking persons. Unfortunatly, even though i asked, they went past my stop. Consequently they had to drop me off at the next cross road (10 ish minutes away) where i hitch hiked back to San Agustin. I got there when it was dark and headed for the hills on the outskirt of town, where a great sounding hotel called "Casa Del Sol" was situated. As with many of my hotels, i discovered it from the famous Lonely Planet.
When i arrived at ´Casa Del Sol´ I was struck by how isolated and exotic it seemed. A few young girls greeted me at the gate, with curious gazes and genuine smiles. They took me to the kitchen/dining space where i was warmly greeted by the owner, who again only speaks Espanol but was very welcoming and kindly. They made me a gorgeous and simple meal of salad, rice, egg and fried plantain, with home made oat milk to accompany. After eating they showed me my sleeping options and i choose a bamboo cabin overlooking the canyon. Stunning views, personal balcony, private space for yoga and sun bathing, perfection. The room im in has two double beds and atthe moment its just me there so i have plenty of space to sprawl.
My first day here I spent walking around and getting to know the place. I discovered the indoor market and got a back-pack full of fruit and interesting breads. I was also given, by a beautiful old woman, a token amount of ground coffee to smell and energize myself as i wish. I do love the smell of Coffee...and im in Colombia!!
Today I got up at 9:00am for a 4 hour horse ride, just me and the guide. We trotted into the surrounding lushousness and made regular stops to visit the indigenous stone statues that are mysteriously placed around these lands. On the first stop I found myself at a little centre where a sweet girl asked me if I wanted my Mayan symbol to be worked out (for a donation only). Ofcourse I said yes and gave her my birth date to work with. The results were impressive. I´m a "Blue Planetory Night". We talked about the meaning for a long while.It resonated deeply; telling me things I was already thinking or feeling, fundamental issues I have to work on in this life and things that are already true of my ´path´ and dreams. As many things seem to, it pointed towards my skills as a dreamer and healer, and towards intuive and empathic abilities, aswell as the potential to be able to make accurate premonitions (Cassandra coming to life in me?) Some other very interesting things came up, but I shant write it all here! I thought I was just going on a horse ride, but to stumble upon this encounter felt like a great synchronisity. I don´t belive blindly. I feel that if something resonates and is in line with what i´m already feeling, and it seems helpful, then it is a wonderful reflection, an extension of mySelf guiding me to what I already know. A bit of magick showing itself.
After the horse ride and general adventure, I visited the park. Here I paid the normal admission fee and wondered around for hours under the sun and under the shade of tall and tropical trees. It was all very beautiful, with butterflies and flowers everywhere. I saw some plants that were totally unrecognisable (took photoes and plan to research) and some incredible trees making beautiful formations with their bodies. I wonder what these trees have seen over the years...
oh, and i´ve seen my first hummingbird! Was so excited about that. Still am :)
xx
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Potato, mysticism, Self, cheese...
Potato stuffed with cheese. They are being sold for 33p all over the place. They can stuff with shredded chicken also, but i opt out (being a vegetarian and all). My dinner consisted of two of them. Not too bad.
It´s been a thoughtful, uneventful day, but my mind has been whirling, rippling, settling, stirring...im feeling content in this ongoing stream of experience. I feel like something in me has switched on; I cant explain it well...Everything is ok. Pain is ok. Change is ok. Life is ok. Well, it just is. I am becoming more accepting, but also more proactive. Twinges and waves of emotion still hit me regularly, but Im not really latching onto them like i used to. It feels like an opening.
"To study mysticism is to study the self; to study the self is to forget the self; to forget the self is to be one with all things".
-Dogen
I came here in part to meet my loneliness and to know that i can survive alone; to some how untangle myself from an unhealthy mental position whereby i saw myself as dependant on others for my own self worth and love. Here i have certainly met my loneliness. New unfamiliar surroundings, constant stares and behind the back whispers, pointings, wonderings, laughter that i dont understand. I am a stranger to this land, sometimes finding myself utterly alienated. So, yes, I still have feelings of relative loneliness...But deep down something in me feels a sense of peace and connection. Always alone, never alone. I mean, if everything is a whirling mass of spirit, one spirit, then that one spirit IS alone, for it is one. But within that one spirit, the whirling mass of fragmented being that feels seperated, isolated, can not feel so once it realises its part of the whole. That it IS the whole, can not exist without. An awesome collective experience, creation. I´ve always thought this, but not always truly felt it. This is not really important to share, just knowing meself is enough, but some of you may find it resonates, or may want to tell me that im a Granola chick (the phrase an American dude i met uses when referring to Hippy)!? "No sé"... but whatever, i feel positive shifts. I feel i´m finding new aspects of myself that have long been hidden or repressed, i´m finding a fearlessness and a security, feeling more free to choose how to live and experience my life, to know how I want to express myself. Still, there is always much to know and learn.
I´m suddenly aware of a sense of missing people. I feel very blessed to know such wonderful people. May we all know ourSelf better each day :)
...well, now i might go and have another potato and cheese thingy ;)
x
It´s been a thoughtful, uneventful day, but my mind has been whirling, rippling, settling, stirring...im feeling content in this ongoing stream of experience. I feel like something in me has switched on; I cant explain it well...Everything is ok. Pain is ok. Change is ok. Life is ok. Well, it just is. I am becoming more accepting, but also more proactive. Twinges and waves of emotion still hit me regularly, but Im not really latching onto them like i used to. It feels like an opening.
"To study mysticism is to study the self; to study the self is to forget the self; to forget the self is to be one with all things".
-Dogen
I came here in part to meet my loneliness and to know that i can survive alone; to some how untangle myself from an unhealthy mental position whereby i saw myself as dependant on others for my own self worth and love. Here i have certainly met my loneliness. New unfamiliar surroundings, constant stares and behind the back whispers, pointings, wonderings, laughter that i dont understand. I am a stranger to this land, sometimes finding myself utterly alienated. So, yes, I still have feelings of relative loneliness...But deep down something in me feels a sense of peace and connection. Always alone, never alone. I mean, if everything is a whirling mass of spirit, one spirit, then that one spirit IS alone, for it is one. But within that one spirit, the whirling mass of fragmented being that feels seperated, isolated, can not feel so once it realises its part of the whole. That it IS the whole, can not exist without. An awesome collective experience, creation. I´ve always thought this, but not always truly felt it. This is not really important to share, just knowing meself is enough, but some of you may find it resonates, or may want to tell me that im a Granola chick (the phrase an American dude i met uses when referring to Hippy)!? "No sé"... but whatever, i feel positive shifts. I feel i´m finding new aspects of myself that have long been hidden or repressed, i´m finding a fearlessness and a security, feeling more free to choose how to live and experience my life, to know how I want to express myself. Still, there is always much to know and learn.
I´m suddenly aware of a sense of missing people. I feel very blessed to know such wonderful people. May we all know ourSelf better each day :)
...well, now i might go and have another potato and cheese thingy ;)
x
Friday, March 11, 2011
Colombia begins
After leaving the Monkey Rescue Centre and spending a couple of days in Quito i was aware of a need to move on lest i get ´stuck´ in Quito. Energy levels were low and i could feel myself start to sink into the ground. I was in an easy, comfortable place. Also pretty expensive. If i didnt move now, i might take a long time to do so and spend much money in the process! So I motivated myself to compile my bags again and head on an unknown journey to Colombia...
It has been an incredibly long journey. 5 hour bus ride from Quito, then hanging around and sorting out border formalities at Tulcan. No English speakers or tourists always makes things interesting!But it was fairy straight forward at the border. Just had to photo copy some passport details and that was it, stamped and approved. However, i wasnt too impressed when they asked for finger prints. I got a taxi ride from here to a local Colombian bus station (which i shared with a couple from Cali). It was dark by this point, around 9ish. There I got on a bus to Popayan which ended up taking 10 plus hours (a good thing becasue it meant I didnt arrive in Popayan at night time, so much safer :) I found a cheap-ish Hotel and am sharing a dorm with a Canadian guy who is on a solo motor bike tour from Mexico to Argentina. wow!
I slept for 4 hours in the dorm, much more comfortable than the bus seats i tried to procariosly balance on all night, then I peeled my way from bed, entertained yoga and explored Popayan. It´s a delightful city; a hot city. Not in your face, not super crowded. It has a chilled, clean, peaceful, classy vibe. Loads of natural health stores and nice places to eat, smooth music everywhere, fruit stalls and bags full of mango sticks... I just had a three course vegetarian meal for under 4 pounds. I also got a camera to replace my broken one. Im excited to use it; its rather proffesional and thankfully has instructions in English. It will be greatly appreciated when i get to the jungle, as i can then visually document some of the weird and wonderful plants i come across.
I was heading to San Agustin but am now thinking of going to Salento (meant to be incredibly beautiful, with a small town atmosphere and surrounded in forest and gentle rolling hills) and to the nearby Valle de Cocora (to walk in more yet beauty. Apparently it´s like a lush version of Switzerland. There i will also visit a hummingbird farm, sample the cheese and chocolate and take in crystal fresh air). Im heading up to the Carribean coast, but what adventures await me along the way I know not.
I keep loosing or having things stolen. But rather than being pissed of, im happy in the quote: "He who would travel happily must travel light".
(Antoine de Saint-Exupery.) Its kind of nice to have my bag get increasingly lighter! I feel a lot less attached to things over here. I am not free from discomfort, but i seem to more quickly accept it.
Im so blessed to have this experience, opportunity. Travel is so much more than the seeing of sights. It seems to involve many shifts and changes within. Something deep and permanent, transforming and broadening as new ideas of living and being are exposed and experienced. There is a certain open minded attitude that comes with it, especially given how many different people im meeting and how i learn about different ways of living by hearing and seeing others stories. So many corners of this Self to discover.
It has been an incredibly long journey. 5 hour bus ride from Quito, then hanging around and sorting out border formalities at Tulcan. No English speakers or tourists always makes things interesting!But it was fairy straight forward at the border. Just had to photo copy some passport details and that was it, stamped and approved. However, i wasnt too impressed when they asked for finger prints. I got a taxi ride from here to a local Colombian bus station (which i shared with a couple from Cali). It was dark by this point, around 9ish. There I got on a bus to Popayan which ended up taking 10 plus hours (a good thing becasue it meant I didnt arrive in Popayan at night time, so much safer :) I found a cheap-ish Hotel and am sharing a dorm with a Canadian guy who is on a solo motor bike tour from Mexico to Argentina. wow!
I slept for 4 hours in the dorm, much more comfortable than the bus seats i tried to procariosly balance on all night, then I peeled my way from bed, entertained yoga and explored Popayan. It´s a delightful city; a hot city. Not in your face, not super crowded. It has a chilled, clean, peaceful, classy vibe. Loads of natural health stores and nice places to eat, smooth music everywhere, fruit stalls and bags full of mango sticks... I just had a three course vegetarian meal for under 4 pounds. I also got a camera to replace my broken one. Im excited to use it; its rather proffesional and thankfully has instructions in English. It will be greatly appreciated when i get to the jungle, as i can then visually document some of the weird and wonderful plants i come across.
I was heading to San Agustin but am now thinking of going to Salento (meant to be incredibly beautiful, with a small town atmosphere and surrounded in forest and gentle rolling hills) and to the nearby Valle de Cocora (to walk in more yet beauty. Apparently it´s like a lush version of Switzerland. There i will also visit a hummingbird farm, sample the cheese and chocolate and take in crystal fresh air). Im heading up to the Carribean coast, but what adventures await me along the way I know not.
I keep loosing or having things stolen. But rather than being pissed of, im happy in the quote: "He who would travel happily must travel light".
(Antoine de Saint-Exupery.) Its kind of nice to have my bag get increasingly lighter! I feel a lot less attached to things over here. I am not free from discomfort, but i seem to more quickly accept it.
Im so blessed to have this experience, opportunity. Travel is so much more than the seeing of sights. It seems to involve many shifts and changes within. Something deep and permanent, transforming and broadening as new ideas of living and being are exposed and experienced. There is a certain open minded attitude that comes with it, especially given how many different people im meeting and how i learn about different ways of living by hearing and seeing others stories. So many corners of this Self to discover.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Moving from Monkey Maddness
So I stayed for a week at the Monkey Rescue centre in Puyo...and it was fantastic. The daily schedule was similar to this:
Wake up at 8:00 to prepare the animals brekfast, consisting mostly of papaya, melon, mango and sweet corn. Then go give it to them, calling "A Comer!" The parrots like to copy this and so sing along, "A comer A comer...."
The rest of the day is spent playing with and looking after the monkeys and other animals, though mianly monkeys. Giving love and care where needed, observing, ensuring that tourists dont mistreat the animals, dont use camera flash etc...and preparing them for the high possibility of monkeys grabbing their personal belongings and hiding them in the trees. I regularly had monkeys wrapped around my head, legs, torso; licking me, pulling my hair, generally using me as a climbing frame. Occasion pooping on my top or in my hair, or sticking their head into my bra. Amazing AMAZING creatures. very intelligent, beautiful, sensitive, wonderful to be around. Incredible bodies and abilities. Learning about the ways of these special beings has been a true pleasure...yes, even with the shit.
I also spent many nights out on the town with my formed tribe here, or drinking and eating at Veronicas house (a co manager of the rescue centre) who often prepared lovely meals in the evening and gave Beer to us all night long. I was never a beer drinker, but im getting into it here in South America.
On friday we went to a club in Puyo and danced all night long to sexy beats. On Saturday we went to the Jungle land of a guide at the rescue centre. It was an hour long ride to get there, and i sat in the back of a truck in the open air. This has been a little dream of mine for a while. Im enjoying the unfolding of my dreams. The Guide had invited us to his land to celebrate carnival, have our faces and hair covered in white powder, salsa dance into the dark and play with all of the local children who giggled and ran around all night long...and who seemed very amused at my skirt and long hair!?
On Monday we went into town to watch a parade, be attacked by coloured foam (we also got some for the purpose of self defense. It was needed to be used a lot. I actually chased a lad who got me in the face. I was not impressed, though thankfully my face didnt come up in a rash like it did one of my friends). It was fun to see people celebrate so energetically, having fun, being naughty but expected to be so in the name of fiesta and celebration, letting go of normal conventions.
I also enjoyed solo walks into the jungle, searching for little frogs, watching colourful insects and fire flys dance between the vines, trees and exotic medicinal plants. I befriended the trees. There was also a river which i dipped into one evening; very cool, refreshing, clear. A real treat to have access to. I got out in the dark though, when the mozzies come out (its not a malaria zone worry not) and got bitten all over my legs. Apparently my blood tastes acceptable.
Now Im in Quito, another long bus and tram ride to get here. Im in a hotel reccomended by Veronica and i like it here. I have a room to myself which is clean and has its own bathroom attached. There is a swiis bistro joined onto the hostel and i just ate my way through a huge cheese fondu. I´m full and ready to read a book in bed.
that i shall do!
Mwah x
Wake up at 8:00 to prepare the animals brekfast, consisting mostly of papaya, melon, mango and sweet corn. Then go give it to them, calling "A Comer!" The parrots like to copy this and so sing along, "A comer A comer...."
The rest of the day is spent playing with and looking after the monkeys and other animals, though mianly monkeys. Giving love and care where needed, observing, ensuring that tourists dont mistreat the animals, dont use camera flash etc...and preparing them for the high possibility of monkeys grabbing their personal belongings and hiding them in the trees. I regularly had monkeys wrapped around my head, legs, torso; licking me, pulling my hair, generally using me as a climbing frame. Occasion pooping on my top or in my hair, or sticking their head into my bra. Amazing AMAZING creatures. very intelligent, beautiful, sensitive, wonderful to be around. Incredible bodies and abilities. Learning about the ways of these special beings has been a true pleasure...yes, even with the shit.
I also spent many nights out on the town with my formed tribe here, or drinking and eating at Veronicas house (a co manager of the rescue centre) who often prepared lovely meals in the evening and gave Beer to us all night long. I was never a beer drinker, but im getting into it here in South America.
On friday we went to a club in Puyo and danced all night long to sexy beats. On Saturday we went to the Jungle land of a guide at the rescue centre. It was an hour long ride to get there, and i sat in the back of a truck in the open air. This has been a little dream of mine for a while. Im enjoying the unfolding of my dreams. The Guide had invited us to his land to celebrate carnival, have our faces and hair covered in white powder, salsa dance into the dark and play with all of the local children who giggled and ran around all night long...and who seemed very amused at my skirt and long hair!?
On Monday we went into town to watch a parade, be attacked by coloured foam (we also got some for the purpose of self defense. It was needed to be used a lot. I actually chased a lad who got me in the face. I was not impressed, though thankfully my face didnt come up in a rash like it did one of my friends). It was fun to see people celebrate so energetically, having fun, being naughty but expected to be so in the name of fiesta and celebration, letting go of normal conventions.
I also enjoyed solo walks into the jungle, searching for little frogs, watching colourful insects and fire flys dance between the vines, trees and exotic medicinal plants. I befriended the trees. There was also a river which i dipped into one evening; very cool, refreshing, clear. A real treat to have access to. I got out in the dark though, when the mozzies come out (its not a malaria zone worry not) and got bitten all over my legs. Apparently my blood tastes acceptable.
Now Im in Quito, another long bus and tram ride to get here. Im in a hotel reccomended by Veronica and i like it here. I have a room to myself which is clean and has its own bathroom attached. There is a swiis bistro joined onto the hostel and i just ate my way through a huge cheese fondu. I´m full and ready to read a book in bed.
that i shall do!
Mwah x
Monday, February 28, 2011
~~~He who binds Himself to Joy
does the Winged Life destroy...
But he who kisses Joy as it flies
Lives in Eternity s Sunrise..
-William Blake
This morning i got out of bed and immediately went to the roof top terrace where i had a hydrotherapy treatment. This consisted of a hot steam bath (i had to sit on a bench inside an enclosed wooden box as my head protruded out of a hole in the top enabling me to breath while my body steamed away). This was followed by cold water poured all over me and repeated for 50 minutes. Certainly an effective way to wake up.
Now awake and thinking of what to write...im compelled to congratulate Banos for its excellent weekend night life. I think ive had more alcohol this weekend than i did the entirety of last year, and have developed a slight obsession for Mojito. To support this obsession a friend told me that its also very good for colds, what with all of those limes. Yey to Mojito.
I found a great club called Iguana, with a fire and little water feature outside which turned into my favorite place. Any where with fire is an instant appeal. There i was able to dance, something i have longed for and greatly enjoyed. Ive slept for about 3 hours each night, filling my nights instead with adventure and wonderings. Im loving walking the Latino streets in the early morning hours, when all seems softer, darker, less chaotic and with an ere of mystery. The night owls roam, exchanging smiles and curious glances. I found a quirky cafe open at 4:00pm where local men sat and ate rice and chicken, and stared at me when i approached. I found myself intimidated but highly amused. A Scottish guy i was with ordered some food and we hung out for a while, communicating our poco Espanol knowledge with the inquisitive persons around. I had a friendly chat with an Ecuadorian lad who tried his best at Inglis. We managed to make some sense. At the end of the night he took a while trying to ask me something... it started as "me....ummm...you?" and got refined to "me... kiss you?" Mark, an American hippy i was with, found it very entertaining and thought the boy was sweet in his attempts. Sweet maybe, but tempting not. Mark said "She is a free spirit, a Goddess. I will step in if i have to" I said "me gusta solo". Im getting used to these kind of interactions.
I watched an amazing film last night. Its called Paridiso Travel directed by Simon Brand and with the truly gorgeous Aldemar Correa. I highly recommended it. There is a restaurant here called Casa Hood which does free film screenings everyday at 4:30, which i have been taking good advantage of. They also do wonderful food and the best honey ginger lemon i have ever had (a REAL kick of ginger, not for the faint hearted. Well, actually its probably very good for that...)
Im feeling that travelling is a great way to look at oneself. Life constantly gives opportunity, but traveling is unique in that i find myself constantly coming into contact with new challenging situations, choices, opportunities, mirrors. Things are more intense and short lived, more changeable. The awareness of impermanence is constant, with changing faces, routines, environments in rapid ebb and flow. Travelling is like dancing with change. Being in new environments ensures that i am constantly alert, noticing surroundings with acute awareness. Things are fresh, my eyes open. Encounters with others helps me observe my relationship to the world. What are my tendencies and Patterns? What attracts me? Repels me? What subtle believe systems am i holding onto? Conditionings? What does all of this tell me about myself and the areas i need to develop, befriend, face?
The people we are in relationship with
are always a mirror, reflecting our own beliefs,
and simultaneously we are mirrors, reflecting their beliefs.
So... relationship is one of the most powerful tools for growth...
If we look honestly at our relationships,
we can see so much about how we have created them.
~ Shakti Gawain ~
I´m going pretty deep into this. I don´t like everything i see, I´m coming into contact with some little demons that have been eating my insides for a while. But I´m trying not to feed them self-perpetuating sinful foods anymore, rather rays of love and understanding...which enables them to evaporate. I´m reminded of a book called "Feeding your demons" which teaches an effective Tibetan technique to face the fears and that control and possess us. So much pain seems to come from ignorance, and fear of the unknown. Just being aware of this, i find, helps. And Socrates' guiding rule "Know Thyself" seems to be eternally significant.
x
does the Winged Life destroy...
But he who kisses Joy as it flies
Lives in Eternity s Sunrise..
-William Blake
This morning i got out of bed and immediately went to the roof top terrace where i had a hydrotherapy treatment. This consisted of a hot steam bath (i had to sit on a bench inside an enclosed wooden box as my head protruded out of a hole in the top enabling me to breath while my body steamed away). This was followed by cold water poured all over me and repeated for 50 minutes. Certainly an effective way to wake up.
Now awake and thinking of what to write...im compelled to congratulate Banos for its excellent weekend night life. I think ive had more alcohol this weekend than i did the entirety of last year, and have developed a slight obsession for Mojito. To support this obsession a friend told me that its also very good for colds, what with all of those limes. Yey to Mojito.
I found a great club called Iguana, with a fire and little water feature outside which turned into my favorite place. Any where with fire is an instant appeal. There i was able to dance, something i have longed for and greatly enjoyed. Ive slept for about 3 hours each night, filling my nights instead with adventure and wonderings. Im loving walking the Latino streets in the early morning hours, when all seems softer, darker, less chaotic and with an ere of mystery. The night owls roam, exchanging smiles and curious glances. I found a quirky cafe open at 4:00pm where local men sat and ate rice and chicken, and stared at me when i approached. I found myself intimidated but highly amused. A Scottish guy i was with ordered some food and we hung out for a while, communicating our poco Espanol knowledge with the inquisitive persons around. I had a friendly chat with an Ecuadorian lad who tried his best at Inglis. We managed to make some sense. At the end of the night he took a while trying to ask me something... it started as "me....ummm...you?" and got refined to "me... kiss you?" Mark, an American hippy i was with, found it very entertaining and thought the boy was sweet in his attempts. Sweet maybe, but tempting not. Mark said "She is a free spirit, a Goddess. I will step in if i have to" I said "me gusta solo". Im getting used to these kind of interactions.
I watched an amazing film last night. Its called Paridiso Travel directed by Simon Brand and with the truly gorgeous Aldemar Correa. I highly recommended it. There is a restaurant here called Casa Hood which does free film screenings everyday at 4:30, which i have been taking good advantage of. They also do wonderful food and the best honey ginger lemon i have ever had (a REAL kick of ginger, not for the faint hearted. Well, actually its probably very good for that...)
Im feeling that travelling is a great way to look at oneself. Life constantly gives opportunity, but traveling is unique in that i find myself constantly coming into contact with new challenging situations, choices, opportunities, mirrors. Things are more intense and short lived, more changeable. The awareness of impermanence is constant, with changing faces, routines, environments in rapid ebb and flow. Travelling is like dancing with change. Being in new environments ensures that i am constantly alert, noticing surroundings with acute awareness. Things are fresh, my eyes open. Encounters with others helps me observe my relationship to the world. What are my tendencies and Patterns? What attracts me? Repels me? What subtle believe systems am i holding onto? Conditionings? What does all of this tell me about myself and the areas i need to develop, befriend, face?
The people we are in relationship with
are always a mirror, reflecting our own beliefs,
and simultaneously we are mirrors, reflecting their beliefs.
So... relationship is one of the most powerful tools for growth...
If we look honestly at our relationships,
we can see so much about how we have created them.
~ Shakti Gawain ~
I´m going pretty deep into this. I don´t like everything i see, I´m coming into contact with some little demons that have been eating my insides for a while. But I´m trying not to feed them self-perpetuating sinful foods anymore, rather rays of love and understanding...which enables them to evaporate. I´m reminded of a book called "Feeding your demons" which teaches an effective Tibetan technique to face the fears and that control and possess us. So much pain seems to come from ignorance, and fear of the unknown. Just being aware of this, i find, helps. And Socrates' guiding rule "Know Thyself" seems to be eternally significant.
x
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Banos
Hola!
I have now finished my Espanol lessons. I dont actually feel like i learnt that much (5 days isnt long, tis true), though i have got my head round the masculine and feminine, plural and singular differentiations, and learnt a few more words to add to my vocabulary. I will continue to self study and try to mingle with Spanish speaking persons as much as possible (una muy buena manera de aprender).
Yesterday I went on a trek with an Austrian guy who stayed in the room next to mine. We went to the national park (Caja) and walked for about six hours in the moor like lands. It was very beautiful, i kept noticing the diverse plant and minerals, the amazing red colored stones and velvet mahogany moss, the exotic plant life, the placid lakes full of fresh trout in a serene untouched environment. Very pleased i went...even though it rained for the last hour and i got back to Cuenca wet, cold, hungry and tired! All part of the experience hey.
In Cuenca the thing i most enjoyed was my morning trip to the market (or afternoon depending on when my Espanol class was). I discovered a traditional breakfast of sweet corn pancakes and many varieties of milky drinks. They also had a selection of white cheeses, including one without salt which was a little too bland on its own. I loved the endless amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (note very good berries, papaya and avocado). There were three floors in the market. The middle one was devoted to fresh produce, the top was for for lunch (lots of cooked meals, soups, rice and vegetables, beans and fresh juices). The lower floor, appropriately positioned, for carne. They especially seem to like pig, the most popular meat around. Full pig bodies were on display everywhere i looked, heads peering at me from all angles. I liked the fact that they use all of the body parts, even the feet. No waste. They used the skin from the chicken tummy, which looked interesting, and they used lots of heart, brain and tounge. yum yum yum. All of it is fresh of course, no freezing of the meat.
I left Cuenca today. Two bus journeys later and I find myself in the beautiful tropical Banos. It feels like a very good place to be. My kinda place; full of weird and wonderful treatments (massage, chocolate facials, intestinal drainage, thermal and mud baths....you name it, they probably do it here!) Also a lot of sporty stuff like mountain climbing, jungle treks, water rafting, cycling, great walking routes and extreme sports. Its easy to rent a bike and go on a beautiful ride into the surrounding shrubs and beauties. I may do that tomorrow.
Im sooooo pleased to have access to a clean, warm shower here. I largely avoided the shower in Cuenca, which was right next to a toilet that was regularly blocked and gross. Im thinking of one person who i know who probably wouldnt have used the toilet for a whole week just to avoid entering it! (you probably know who you are). So, im Glad to be away from that! The place here is lively, has a roof top terrace, a cafe and access to a daily morning health bath...something i will need to check out. Im sharing a room with a woman from Switzerland and a man from Finland. Its cute, warm, welcoming. I may recover some energy here. Just being here somehow soothes me.
I think i may play guitar on the roof top terrace soon, ive made up a few new songs that would be good to practice.
May we all travel well,
Con Amor y cosas buenas,
x x x
I have now finished my Espanol lessons. I dont actually feel like i learnt that much (5 days isnt long, tis true), though i have got my head round the masculine and feminine, plural and singular differentiations, and learnt a few more words to add to my vocabulary. I will continue to self study and try to mingle with Spanish speaking persons as much as possible (una muy buena manera de aprender).
Yesterday I went on a trek with an Austrian guy who stayed in the room next to mine. We went to the national park (Caja) and walked for about six hours in the moor like lands. It was very beautiful, i kept noticing the diverse plant and minerals, the amazing red colored stones and velvet mahogany moss, the exotic plant life, the placid lakes full of fresh trout in a serene untouched environment. Very pleased i went...even though it rained for the last hour and i got back to Cuenca wet, cold, hungry and tired! All part of the experience hey.
In Cuenca the thing i most enjoyed was my morning trip to the market (or afternoon depending on when my Espanol class was). I discovered a traditional breakfast of sweet corn pancakes and many varieties of milky drinks. They also had a selection of white cheeses, including one without salt which was a little too bland on its own. I loved the endless amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (note very good berries, papaya and avocado). There were three floors in the market. The middle one was devoted to fresh produce, the top was for for lunch (lots of cooked meals, soups, rice and vegetables, beans and fresh juices). The lower floor, appropriately positioned, for carne. They especially seem to like pig, the most popular meat around. Full pig bodies were on display everywhere i looked, heads peering at me from all angles. I liked the fact that they use all of the body parts, even the feet. No waste. They used the skin from the chicken tummy, which looked interesting, and they used lots of heart, brain and tounge. yum yum yum. All of it is fresh of course, no freezing of the meat.
I left Cuenca today. Two bus journeys later and I find myself in the beautiful tropical Banos. It feels like a very good place to be. My kinda place; full of weird and wonderful treatments (massage, chocolate facials, intestinal drainage, thermal and mud baths....you name it, they probably do it here!) Also a lot of sporty stuff like mountain climbing, jungle treks, water rafting, cycling, great walking routes and extreme sports. Its easy to rent a bike and go on a beautiful ride into the surrounding shrubs and beauties. I may do that tomorrow.
Im sooooo pleased to have access to a clean, warm shower here. I largely avoided the shower in Cuenca, which was right next to a toilet that was regularly blocked and gross. Im thinking of one person who i know who probably wouldnt have used the toilet for a whole week just to avoid entering it! (you probably know who you are). So, im Glad to be away from that! The place here is lively, has a roof top terrace, a cafe and access to a daily morning health bath...something i will need to check out. Im sharing a room with a woman from Switzerland and a man from Finland. Its cute, warm, welcoming. I may recover some energy here. Just being here somehow soothes me.
I think i may play guitar on the roof top terrace soon, ive made up a few new songs that would be good to practice.
May we all travel well,
Con Amor y cosas buenas,
x x x
Friday, February 18, 2011
A human being is part of the whole, called by us 'universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison.
- nice one Einstein.
Today is the day of the full moon. It's also the day my long standing family home is being sold, a house with many memories and dreams, which i am grateful for and saying goodbye to now, not without some sadness. Seems like a full day. I plan to do a ritual tonight by the river...
I've been in a reflective space these last few days. Being 'alone' always invites me to look at myself through the space and silence, letting the answers rise to the surface as they often do when given opportunity.
Since my first week in Eco Truly i've been travelling around with familiar faces. I did some travel alone also, we were very much independant, but had similar passions and so ended up sharing a lot of time and adventure. We formed a tribe of strong woman, a small community of travellers. Now I'm alone again, having flung myself to another country and consequently have had feelings off alienation. It's all helping me realise the importance of Sanga, of brotherhood and sisterhood. I already knew this was important to me, but as I travel my passion for community only strengthens. Human beings grow one another, so much is learnt from relationship. Of course, we learn about our self through one another...a beautiful web we are. One aspect of travel i love is in the meeting of fellow souls, kindred spirits scattered all over the world. The realisation of connections everywhere.
When i look deeply enough into my sense of being alone, it reveals itself as illusion. I am reminded that i am part of something bigger, impossible to seperate. I remember a Yallom quote saying we are all alone together. Boats on the same ocean. I also feel it's possible to jump off the edge, into the ocean and swim with another, if only for a moment.
Here i'm having a few Spanish lessons which was my intention, and is giving me good focus. I'm also reading a good book by Ken Wilber called 'Grace and Grit' which touches and inspires deeply. Check it out. I've finished a huge mug of black coffee and am feeling more awake, and just met a nice man giving me my first proper English conversation since being here. He thought i was Belgium! Anyway, we are going out to Lunch and he said he can give me some pointers for navigating my way around Cuenca. Wonderful!
X
- nice one Einstein.
Today is the day of the full moon. It's also the day my long standing family home is being sold, a house with many memories and dreams, which i am grateful for and saying goodbye to now, not without some sadness. Seems like a full day. I plan to do a ritual tonight by the river...
I've been in a reflective space these last few days. Being 'alone' always invites me to look at myself through the space and silence, letting the answers rise to the surface as they often do when given opportunity.
Since my first week in Eco Truly i've been travelling around with familiar faces. I did some travel alone also, we were very much independant, but had similar passions and so ended up sharing a lot of time and adventure. We formed a tribe of strong woman, a small community of travellers. Now I'm alone again, having flung myself to another country and consequently have had feelings off alienation. It's all helping me realise the importance of Sanga, of brotherhood and sisterhood. I already knew this was important to me, but as I travel my passion for community only strengthens. Human beings grow one another, so much is learnt from relationship. Of course, we learn about our self through one another...a beautiful web we are. One aspect of travel i love is in the meeting of fellow souls, kindred spirits scattered all over the world. The realisation of connections everywhere.
When i look deeply enough into my sense of being alone, it reveals itself as illusion. I am reminded that i am part of something bigger, impossible to seperate. I remember a Yallom quote saying we are all alone together. Boats on the same ocean. I also feel it's possible to jump off the edge, into the ocean and swim with another, if only for a moment.
Here i'm having a few Spanish lessons which was my intention, and is giving me good focus. I'm also reading a good book by Ken Wilber called 'Grace and Grit' which touches and inspires deeply. Check it out. I've finished a huge mug of black coffee and am feeling more awake, and just met a nice man giving me my first proper English conversation since being here. He thought i was Belgium! Anyway, we are going out to Lunch and he said he can give me some pointers for navigating my way around Cuenca. Wonderful!
X
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Moving on can be difficult...
The beach town really sucks you in. Its seductive nature causes most people to stay longer than expected. One guy intended to stay three days and is here three years later! Its not suprising given the chilled ambience, the perpetualy hot climate, the sound of the ocean singing to you day and night, the friendly faces, the sweet music, the clear night skies and gorgeous fresh food. All delicious!
I fell somewhat in love with the travelling artists who sat on a wall beside the beach selling their talented produce. They shared a free spirited attitude; living in the moment, wanting to be happy not rich, smiling and laughing all day under the sun and radiating a consistent festival vibe. I went for lunch with some of them, and hung around on the wall joining in the plays of life, watching them dread and braid hair. Someone made me a beautiful sun had out of a local plant, nessasary para mi protección! I remember someones wise words: "A day without Laughter is a day without life".
The weekend here was beautifully wild. On friday I went to a Regea club, dancing and mingling into the early hours. I was aware of language barriers but had fun communicating with people regardless. An edge to the night was given when a man spoke with increasing passion into the mic (in Spanish so i did not understand). They got louder, louder, LOUDER and more aggressive until they violently kicked a big speaker of stage and jumped into the audience in a rage, kicking and screaming with vigour. He was removed by many men, and my heart thumped a little until i danced of the adrenaline. People said he was Loco!? A schizophrenic episode? No sé.
Ive had some really magical encounters with people, bringing up alot of wonder, insight and presence. Ive also enjoyed walking alone under the moon along the pier and gazing into the waves, bringing me to a trance state. Life is incredible; often i am in awe. One thing im finding really interesting is that life seems to be giving me what i ask for, always with an unexpected twist, but nevertheless my intentions are bought to life. So, "be carefull what you wish" for comes to mind. I am bringing as much mindfullness into now as possible!
I left yesterday to Tumbes, crossing the border to Ecador and making my way to Cuenca which is where i am now. It was a very long, at times uncomfortable, journey. On the first bus an older lady sat next to me on a broken seat that tilted up and caused her to spend 11 hours leaning upon me. Dam gravity. If it was cold i could have been grateful for the extra insulation, but alas it was SUPER hot.
On the bus i met a man who runs Ayawaska retreats and invited me along. I wont be heading to his neck of the woods though. I didnt mention before, but in Cusco i did do Ayawaska. The insights and experience was very personal, and I wont be detailing it here, but i would like to say to anyone intending to take this drug to be warey of who you do it with and to ensure you feel totally safe. I ended up alone with a Shamon (i expected to be in a group but i guess no one else booked up). It was in a stunning moon lodge and with all the authentic preperations and rituals I dreamed of. However, later on in the Trip the Shamon got way too personal. All is fine, i learnt from the experience and survived etc... but I do reccomend one ensures sex therapy is not on offer (unless thats what youre looking for in which case i reccomend someone for you lol).
Now im staying in a hostel called "Hostel Magico", which has an eerie haunted house feel to it and is full of plants and surreal art work. Im alone in a room with a double bed and no windows. Its cold and wet outside. My heart is still on the beach, with Amigos i left behind. Waves of change I try to flow with you gracefully, smiling at all the angels and all the demones in the fiesta of my mind.
Much love from a Mystical flower Princess (pet name given to me on the beach)
xxx :) xxx
I fell somewhat in love with the travelling artists who sat on a wall beside the beach selling their talented produce. They shared a free spirited attitude; living in the moment, wanting to be happy not rich, smiling and laughing all day under the sun and radiating a consistent festival vibe. I went for lunch with some of them, and hung around on the wall joining in the plays of life, watching them dread and braid hair. Someone made me a beautiful sun had out of a local plant, nessasary para mi protección! I remember someones wise words: "A day without Laughter is a day without life".
The weekend here was beautifully wild. On friday I went to a Regea club, dancing and mingling into the early hours. I was aware of language barriers but had fun communicating with people regardless. An edge to the night was given when a man spoke with increasing passion into the mic (in Spanish so i did not understand). They got louder, louder, LOUDER and more aggressive until they violently kicked a big speaker of stage and jumped into the audience in a rage, kicking and screaming with vigour. He was removed by many men, and my heart thumped a little until i danced of the adrenaline. People said he was Loco!? A schizophrenic episode? No sé.
Ive had some really magical encounters with people, bringing up alot of wonder, insight and presence. Ive also enjoyed walking alone under the moon along the pier and gazing into the waves, bringing me to a trance state. Life is incredible; often i am in awe. One thing im finding really interesting is that life seems to be giving me what i ask for, always with an unexpected twist, but nevertheless my intentions are bought to life. So, "be carefull what you wish" for comes to mind. I am bringing as much mindfullness into now as possible!
I left yesterday to Tumbes, crossing the border to Ecador and making my way to Cuenca which is where i am now. It was a very long, at times uncomfortable, journey. On the first bus an older lady sat next to me on a broken seat that tilted up and caused her to spend 11 hours leaning upon me. Dam gravity. If it was cold i could have been grateful for the extra insulation, but alas it was SUPER hot.
On the bus i met a man who runs Ayawaska retreats and invited me along. I wont be heading to his neck of the woods though. I didnt mention before, but in Cusco i did do Ayawaska. The insights and experience was very personal, and I wont be detailing it here, but i would like to say to anyone intending to take this drug to be warey of who you do it with and to ensure you feel totally safe. I ended up alone with a Shamon (i expected to be in a group but i guess no one else booked up). It was in a stunning moon lodge and with all the authentic preperations and rituals I dreamed of. However, later on in the Trip the Shamon got way too personal. All is fine, i learnt from the experience and survived etc... but I do reccomend one ensures sex therapy is not on offer (unless thats what youre looking for in which case i reccomend someone for you lol).
Now im staying in a hostel called "Hostel Magico", which has an eerie haunted house feel to it and is full of plants and surreal art work. Im alone in a room with a double bed and no windows. Its cold and wet outside. My heart is still on the beach, with Amigos i left behind. Waves of change I try to flow with you gracefully, smiling at all the angels and all the demones in the fiesta of my mind.
Much love from a Mystical flower Princess (pet name given to me on the beach)
xxx :) xxx
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunny days
Long Lazy dayz under the blazing sun,
Melting minds melding into the beach momentum,
Inbetweeners dance inbetween,
Inbetween before and after, this a breather,
space to be free from conventions,
place to invent new ways,
these days
could take us anywhere...
What are you going to say YES to today?
Melting minds melding into the beach momentum,
Inbetweeners dance inbetween,
Inbetween before and after, this a breather,
space to be free from conventions,
place to invent new ways,
these days
could take us anywhere...
What are you going to say YES to today?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Beach baby
So, Hola Huanchaco. God dam your hot!
Took a 22 hour bus ride from Cusco to Lima, waited one hour in Lima, then took a 9 hour bus ride to Trujillo, followed by a short cab ride to Huanchaco. Huff Puff and here i am, 4 days later and fully immersed in the chilled beach vibe that is here.
Used to be a little fishing village, and now its been transformed into surf paradise. Its thriving with surfers, really. There are also some extremely talented local artists here. One man made me the most intricate and beautiful hair braid i have ever seen. I will better cut my hair of then unwrap it, when the time comes.
On my second night here I met a lovely Ozzie chick, in my dorm, who invited me to the roof to chill and get high with her and a few others. Under the stars, we got acquainted with one another. One guy, cute heart throb American type, said that he feels kinda heavy from being chilled. So, with some rush of energy, i encouraged everyone to go to the beach for a late night dip. A sweet frenzy of excited úp for it´ energy and we were on the dark shore running into the waves. Well, three of us braved it, three watched amusedly. It was exhilarating, and so much fun. For good health moon dips should be a regular feature of ones weekly life, i truly believe.
I have spent subsequent days strolling the beach, eating amazing amounts of mangoes (which i think has had a dramatic effect on biology of my body!), be-friending fruit ladies, dipping in the ocean, pebble picking, getting frustrated by language barriers but making valiant efforts to communicate (I WILL be studying Spanish in Ecuador!), exploring chocolate cafes and learning about the fiesta that awaits me. This weekend is forecast to be a fun one, infused with bonfires, music on the beach, food, circus acts, dancing and colors of many... so i decided to stay here a few more days. I will be camping as of tomorrow though, as the hostels full. It will be yet another experience. I like the idea of being closer to the earth and hearing with more ease the sound of the waves lull me to peace...
Took a 22 hour bus ride from Cusco to Lima, waited one hour in Lima, then took a 9 hour bus ride to Trujillo, followed by a short cab ride to Huanchaco. Huff Puff and here i am, 4 days later and fully immersed in the chilled beach vibe that is here.
Used to be a little fishing village, and now its been transformed into surf paradise. Its thriving with surfers, really. There are also some extremely talented local artists here. One man made me the most intricate and beautiful hair braid i have ever seen. I will better cut my hair of then unwrap it, when the time comes.
On my second night here I met a lovely Ozzie chick, in my dorm, who invited me to the roof to chill and get high with her and a few others. Under the stars, we got acquainted with one another. One guy, cute heart throb American type, said that he feels kinda heavy from being chilled. So, with some rush of energy, i encouraged everyone to go to the beach for a late night dip. A sweet frenzy of excited úp for it´ energy and we were on the dark shore running into the waves. Well, three of us braved it, three watched amusedly. It was exhilarating, and so much fun. For good health moon dips should be a regular feature of ones weekly life, i truly believe.
I have spent subsequent days strolling the beach, eating amazing amounts of mangoes (which i think has had a dramatic effect on biology of my body!), be-friending fruit ladies, dipping in the ocean, pebble picking, getting frustrated by language barriers but making valiant efforts to communicate (I WILL be studying Spanish in Ecuador!), exploring chocolate cafes and learning about the fiesta that awaits me. This weekend is forecast to be a fun one, infused with bonfires, music on the beach, food, circus acts, dancing and colors of many... so i decided to stay here a few more days. I will be camping as of tomorrow though, as the hostels full. It will be yet another experience. I like the idea of being closer to the earth and hearing with more ease the sound of the waves lull me to peace...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Second installment
Hola,
Rains singing outside. Just as I started writing thunder began! Memories of dancing under thunderstorms spin in my mind...
And i'm digesting my first Tamale (warm tasty snack made from sweet corn flour, spices, raisons, sugar and wrapped in a sweet corn leave). Yum.
This week has been largely one of rest and recuperation. After an intense few days, i took to the mountains near Pisac to stay in a Yoga lodge and do some peaceful volunteer work. I wasn't planning on staying south this long, but its felt appropriate. Me and three beautiful woman arrived off an hour bus ride from Cusco to the remote yoga place, which turned out to be locked and empty. We sat and waited in the porch for hours, wondering, wondering. We were expected to be here; Jessie had sent emails to the coordinator who had responded. Was this just Latin American timing? Wondering, we relaxed and watched the land. The main lodge was a round mud structure with a thatched roof and a few smaller but similar structures surrounded. A nearby river roared and mountains nestled us in on either side. It was desolate, isolated and utterly peaceful. As cold winds started to blow the two sisters (Jessie and Ali) made a sweet image of snuggling under the porch in sleeping bags. I read and smiled. We had an encounter with a kindly next door neighbor who said we could stay at his if the owner hadn't got back by 8/9ish. It was 6 at this point.
To make use of time, and respond to hungry bellies, Katie and myself decided to walk into the closest town to stock up on food and move our limbs. After a while we realized the walk was longer than expected and the sun was going down quickly. In the distance we saw a black mammal freshly descended off the mountain. Hearts thumped and I recalled recent visions of Panthas. As we approached we each held a knife in our hand and kept to the opposite side of the road. Of course, it turned out to be a baby donkey more scared of us lol.
Shortly after the donkey encounter we were lucky to jump on a pick up bus and were dropped of by a selection of shops, replicating one anothers contents. There we purchased avocado, bread, peanuts and bananas. An acceptable dinner we thought, and pretty much all that was on offer. Getting back was interesting. We knew it was too long and dangerous to walk back alone, but there were no vehicles around. So we waited by the road with an intention to hitch...and a few minutes later a HUGE truck stopped and an elerly couple got out, having trouble with there back lights. This was our opportunity, and they obliged happily. Katie sat on my lap and we enjoyed a moon lit truck ride back 'home', hoping the owner would be back and our friends wouldn't have turned into icicles.
We got back to friends wrapped up in bed, and met a friendly 24yr old Spanish Virgo, Rama, who was looking after the place and not expecting us (the coordinator had left, spontaneously, without communicating to us!) So us four girls, Rama and a cute ugly dog, Samallie, have this beautiful place all to ourselves. Rama said there's not much to do, just cooking and cleaning-up after ourselves. We can treat the place as a haven, a place to retreat, relax, go into our spiritual practice. And so that's what we've been doing.
Ive made a few meals and a large vat of spiced hot chocolate. Its been nice getting into a kitchen again; not surprisingly I've taken on the "Mother/ cook" role, which feels very natural.
Yesterday was sunny and luscious, inviting me to dance and run around for hours in the valley. I felt the bliss of being in my body and letting the intellect settle like calm waters.
I'm really appreciating the importance of release and the many forms this can take (crying, dancing, moving, shaking, laughing etc...) In my life I keep coming back to the importance of being and coming into my body.
Now i feel ready to hit the road, have some fun and sun, mingle with new people, drink cocktails on the beach... so I'm in Cusco, booking a Bus to Lima and then up to Huanchao (a surfers hub full of beach huts, fresh fruit, warm waters and fish). It seems a long way away from the torrential rain blessing me now.
Rains singing outside. Just as I started writing thunder began! Memories of dancing under thunderstorms spin in my mind...
And i'm digesting my first Tamale (warm tasty snack made from sweet corn flour, spices, raisons, sugar and wrapped in a sweet corn leave). Yum.
This week has been largely one of rest and recuperation. After an intense few days, i took to the mountains near Pisac to stay in a Yoga lodge and do some peaceful volunteer work. I wasn't planning on staying south this long, but its felt appropriate. Me and three beautiful woman arrived off an hour bus ride from Cusco to the remote yoga place, which turned out to be locked and empty. We sat and waited in the porch for hours, wondering, wondering. We were expected to be here; Jessie had sent emails to the coordinator who had responded. Was this just Latin American timing? Wondering, we relaxed and watched the land. The main lodge was a round mud structure with a thatched roof and a few smaller but similar structures surrounded. A nearby river roared and mountains nestled us in on either side. It was desolate, isolated and utterly peaceful. As cold winds started to blow the two sisters (Jessie and Ali) made a sweet image of snuggling under the porch in sleeping bags. I read and smiled. We had an encounter with a kindly next door neighbor who said we could stay at his if the owner hadn't got back by 8/9ish. It was 6 at this point.
To make use of time, and respond to hungry bellies, Katie and myself decided to walk into the closest town to stock up on food and move our limbs. After a while we realized the walk was longer than expected and the sun was going down quickly. In the distance we saw a black mammal freshly descended off the mountain. Hearts thumped and I recalled recent visions of Panthas. As we approached we each held a knife in our hand and kept to the opposite side of the road. Of course, it turned out to be a baby donkey more scared of us lol.
Shortly after the donkey encounter we were lucky to jump on a pick up bus and were dropped of by a selection of shops, replicating one anothers contents. There we purchased avocado, bread, peanuts and bananas. An acceptable dinner we thought, and pretty much all that was on offer. Getting back was interesting. We knew it was too long and dangerous to walk back alone, but there were no vehicles around. So we waited by the road with an intention to hitch...and a few minutes later a HUGE truck stopped and an elerly couple got out, having trouble with there back lights. This was our opportunity, and they obliged happily. Katie sat on my lap and we enjoyed a moon lit truck ride back 'home', hoping the owner would be back and our friends wouldn't have turned into icicles.
We got back to friends wrapped up in bed, and met a friendly 24yr old Spanish Virgo, Rama, who was looking after the place and not expecting us (the coordinator had left, spontaneously, without communicating to us!) So us four girls, Rama and a cute ugly dog, Samallie, have this beautiful place all to ourselves. Rama said there's not much to do, just cooking and cleaning-up after ourselves. We can treat the place as a haven, a place to retreat, relax, go into our spiritual practice. And so that's what we've been doing.
Ive made a few meals and a large vat of spiced hot chocolate. Its been nice getting into a kitchen again; not surprisingly I've taken on the "Mother/ cook" role, which feels very natural.
Yesterday was sunny and luscious, inviting me to dance and run around for hours in the valley. I felt the bliss of being in my body and letting the intellect settle like calm waters.
I'm really appreciating the importance of release and the many forms this can take (crying, dancing, moving, shaking, laughing etc...) In my life I keep coming back to the importance of being and coming into my body.
Now i feel ready to hit the road, have some fun and sun, mingle with new people, drink cocktails on the beach... so I'm in Cusco, booking a Bus to Lima and then up to Huanchao (a surfers hub full of beach huts, fresh fruit, warm waters and fish). It seems a long way away from the torrential rain blessing me now.
Peru Advntures no>1
Here begins the logging of my journey within South America...
When i arrived into Lima airport myself and a Japanese man navigated our way to a taxi. The Taxi driver spoke only spanish, myself only English and the Japanese only Japansese. It was fun trying to communicate, decide on a cost and destination. A good reminder of the importance of language and the interesting ventures that await me.
I spent the first night in Lima at a hostel called Red Psycho Lama. I drank Chillcanos and sat on the roof terrace watching the city lights and feeling sparks of excitment and magick. Also got to know a nice young Irish couple...
From Lima I took two buses heading to an Eco Yoga Park. This was North of Lima (1.5 hours bus ride). It is a Krishna community, a place many people come to visit to gain insight into the lifestyle and look at the Biodynamic Farming, incredible sculptures, pictures and ´trulys´(Indian structures built out of sand and water, in long dome shapes designed to protect against earth quake energies). There i ate alot of vegetarian food, did alot of weeding, spent long afternoons lying on the beach and dipping toes in cool water. I met wonderful people and processed some of the emotions that were coming up for me alone in this new environment. There was alot of space to simply ´be´, so i had lots of reflective time. At points more than i wanted! But all really good experience. Seems like a long while ago now actually...
From Eco Truly i took a bus, with a few lovely woman, to Lima. There was no space in the back so we got to ride in the front with the driver, which was great fun. He gave us free local buiscuits and we looked out of the window at the epic ocean and sand mountains while breeze flushed our faces. Once in Lima I stayed alone in a hostel, with a dorm all to myself (so i took libery of the double bed!) Two french guys kindly made me lunch, and i had a nice chat with the hostel owner (we communicated mainly through body language due to language barriers! We did a very good job of it i think!)
The following day I met up with a friend who lives in Lima, Mabel. She gave me a tour around Magdelena. The following day she gave me the City centre tour, which was a little exhausting in the heat but really good fun and i got to see some incredible buildings. We ate out at a little vegetarian place linked to "Eco Truly" (little coincendence). That night she and her partner took me out on the town and i got pretty drunk on very little, and spent the night learning random spanish phrases and laughing. It was nice to ´go out´, having some fun was very nourishing.
At 3am this morning i arrived back into Cusco, after enduring a 4 day Inka Jungle Trek. It was so amazing, im still in shock.
On the first day we had a two hour bike ride down hill, amongst the epic mountains. It started to rain, fingers became kumb and rain in the eyes made it hard to see. A bunch of people got back onto the bus that was riding behind us... but i committed to the end. At one point we had to stop as there had been a land slide. A number of rocks from the cliff side to our right had fallen down, and continued to do so. I watched big rocks descend and contemplated how quickly one would die upon collision. Once the rocks seemed to stop falling, we made a run for it, riding over the rubble and hoping we wouldn't be hit! Risky! So un-English lol. Shortly after this encounter we came across a number of waterfalls which ran arcoss the road. We had to ride through them. One man had an accident doing this, spraining his arm and hurting his leg badly. He got picked up by a bus and rested. The first aid skills didnt seem that great though, i must say. It was all very very adventures, very very REAL!
The Next day the serious trekking began. I struggled abit with the altitude, and had what i feel would be accurately described as a short asthmatic fit. I chewed the coca leaves and continued up up up, body challenged but determined. The views were magnificent. We walked past banana and mango trees, alongside sacred rivers, past old ruins overgrown with vines and wildlife... we painted our faces in a local indigenous plant that, when rubbed with water, turns a deep red color. We formed our own modern Inka tribe! hehe. We followed a dirt track path at our own pace rather than staying close in a ´group´. Myself and a Chilean guy arrived at a cross roads we wondered WTF to do. The guide was well ahead of us. There were some people far behind us, but we choose to follow the road to the right... after a while we realized it was not feeling ´right´so we turned back on ourselves and bumped into some fellow lost trekkers. Together we decided on a direction (a little dirt path leading down into the jungle). An Argentinian guy kept stopping to ´communicate with the jungle´ for advice about where we should go (rather tongue and cheek), but miraculously we made it. Relief. We had even started to plan what to do if we were truly lost and the sun went down...it felt like the start of a Amazonian horror movie ! Once reunited with the rest of the group, we chilled out on hammocks and stopped for lunch deep in the heart of the jungle...with Italian food!? After food I had a strong apple bong and pipe (always up for intense experience am I), and began walking again. The day was epic. So much movement, climbing, walking, talking. I felt really social¡ble and did alot of mingling which felt really good. That night i even went out to a ´disco´in a dusty old town, had a foul cocktail and did some dancing to Enlish hip hop, and the occasional latin song thrown in for good measure!?? I really enjoyed watching 3 South AMerican dudes (on the trek with me) dance and ´play´....they were very mad and very cool, i really think they would make a successful circus act. They very funny, very confident, very free in there bodies. Made me smile alot.
The next day involved more adventure, more trekking, more more MORE. Each moment offered something new, exciting, i cant possibly describe it all. At the end of the day we stayed in a village below MachuPichu, and went to some thermal hot springs. Honestly i preferred the cold shower than bathing in a tub full of sweaty people lol, so I didnt stay for long. The view was great though.
We had a gorgeous meal in the evening: stuffed avocado. YUM. Fresh grilled trout from the river. This was a welcome change to the perpetual white bread and pasta we seemed to be living of previously (though there was a really nice sweetcorn soup on the first day...)
The night was long as we had to wait for our tour guide to come back with tickets for us to access Machupichu. Some recent policy change meant he needed to collect our passports and sort something out...which left us waiting up late, getting slightly apprehensive in the knowledge that we had to get up at 3 am the following morning to engage in a RAT RACE!!!
THE RAT RACE:
So heres the drill. I didnt know this before the trek began:
We all had tickets to Machupicchu, that was in the bag. However, there was also a possibility to climb the highest mountain, Waynapicchu, which promised perfect views of machupicchu and its own magickal experience. In order to go here, we needed to be in one of the first 400 people at the gate. At the bottom of the mountain there is a gate and bridge which opens at 5:00am. We had to walk there early in the morning, then que up in order to start the climb to machupicchu gate, where (if within first 400 people) we would gain a stamp allowing us entrance to Waynapicchu. The climb up the mountain involved around 2000 steps, when still half asleep, in the dark, on narrow cliff hugging stone stair cases shrouded in trees and wildlife. Oh My God. Doing this was SO intense. The pressure of climbing all those stairs within a certain time frame, the competitive feel in the air, the awesome sight of growing mountains as we climbed higher and higher, the slither of moon soothing my burning lungs and dizzy head. The occasional trickle of srping water giving my face a sweet treat, easing the heat. When i reached the top i was ecstatic, dripping in sweat,rosey face and happy heart. I was within the first 50 people to the gate, and climbed the stairs / mountain in 30 minutes (my guide said it would take up to 1.5 hours!) WOW! WOW! WOW!
Machupicchu was breath taking. The mountains had such a sacred presence. They commanded a meditative state of awareness, a deep respect, a love for the land. The ruins were awesome. I snucked away from the guide and wondered alone for a while, finding silent places to absorb the enery of this sacred pace.
Waynapicchu was another intense upward climb, with many rocks and narrow stair cases. My feet were actually in agony by this point. I had been ´growing´a few blisters for the last three days, one of which was huge, on my heel, and which popped and rubbed raw, making walking pretty difficult. The veins up to my anckle began to protrude and throb; scary. SO i decided to climb this mountain bare foot....SOY INKA i said to the passer-bys giving me funny looks. It felt much better than with shoes, and it was wodnerful to feel the earth under my soles. And, yes, tough at points. But the walk gave me so much energy, monkey energy. I felt so vital. At the top, big flying ants hovered around and views washed away the cobwebs in my mind. It was all utterly magick.
Now, back in Cusco. I am totally exhausted. I keep getting virtigo and other waves of intense sensation. Tomorrow I am meeting a local shaman to take some herbs.... today i think i will just relax. My body and mind are so tired, full of experience, of wanderings and flashbacks, absorbing what has just happened... and contemplating my plans for the future. I don't really have any! Heading North this week, towards Ecadour and Columbia. People keep asking me what im doing specifically, but i'm enjoying having no plans, living in the moment. I'm learning alot.
I miss people in England, I appreciate so much. Im excited about sharing with you all again.
Endless love to you all,
When i arrived into Lima airport myself and a Japanese man navigated our way to a taxi. The Taxi driver spoke only spanish, myself only English and the Japanese only Japansese. It was fun trying to communicate, decide on a cost and destination. A good reminder of the importance of language and the interesting ventures that await me.
I spent the first night in Lima at a hostel called Red Psycho Lama. I drank Chillcanos and sat on the roof terrace watching the city lights and feeling sparks of excitment and magick. Also got to know a nice young Irish couple...
From Lima I took two buses heading to an Eco Yoga Park. This was North of Lima (1.5 hours bus ride). It is a Krishna community, a place many people come to visit to gain insight into the lifestyle and look at the Biodynamic Farming, incredible sculptures, pictures and ´trulys´(Indian structures built out of sand and water, in long dome shapes designed to protect against earth quake energies). There i ate alot of vegetarian food, did alot of weeding, spent long afternoons lying on the beach and dipping toes in cool water. I met wonderful people and processed some of the emotions that were coming up for me alone in this new environment. There was alot of space to simply ´be´, so i had lots of reflective time. At points more than i wanted! But all really good experience. Seems like a long while ago now actually...
From Eco Truly i took a bus, with a few lovely woman, to Lima. There was no space in the back so we got to ride in the front with the driver, which was great fun. He gave us free local buiscuits and we looked out of the window at the epic ocean and sand mountains while breeze flushed our faces. Once in Lima I stayed alone in a hostel, with a dorm all to myself (so i took libery of the double bed!) Two french guys kindly made me lunch, and i had a nice chat with the hostel owner (we communicated mainly through body language due to language barriers! We did a very good job of it i think!)
The following day I met up with a friend who lives in Lima, Mabel. She gave me a tour around Magdelena. The following day she gave me the City centre tour, which was a little exhausting in the heat but really good fun and i got to see some incredible buildings. We ate out at a little vegetarian place linked to "Eco Truly" (little coincendence). That night she and her partner took me out on the town and i got pretty drunk on very little, and spent the night learning random spanish phrases and laughing. It was nice to ´go out´, having some fun was very nourishing.
At 3am this morning i arrived back into Cusco, after enduring a 4 day Inka Jungle Trek. It was so amazing, im still in shock.
On the first day we had a two hour bike ride down hill, amongst the epic mountains. It started to rain, fingers became kumb and rain in the eyes made it hard to see. A bunch of people got back onto the bus that was riding behind us... but i committed to the end. At one point we had to stop as there had been a land slide. A number of rocks from the cliff side to our right had fallen down, and continued to do so. I watched big rocks descend and contemplated how quickly one would die upon collision. Once the rocks seemed to stop falling, we made a run for it, riding over the rubble and hoping we wouldn't be hit! Risky! So un-English lol. Shortly after this encounter we came across a number of waterfalls which ran arcoss the road. We had to ride through them. One man had an accident doing this, spraining his arm and hurting his leg badly. He got picked up by a bus and rested. The first aid skills didnt seem that great though, i must say. It was all very very adventures, very very REAL!
The Next day the serious trekking began. I struggled abit with the altitude, and had what i feel would be accurately described as a short asthmatic fit. I chewed the coca leaves and continued up up up, body challenged but determined. The views were magnificent. We walked past banana and mango trees, alongside sacred rivers, past old ruins overgrown with vines and wildlife... we painted our faces in a local indigenous plant that, when rubbed with water, turns a deep red color. We formed our own modern Inka tribe! hehe. We followed a dirt track path at our own pace rather than staying close in a ´group´. Myself and a Chilean guy arrived at a cross roads we wondered WTF to do. The guide was well ahead of us. There were some people far behind us, but we choose to follow the road to the right... after a while we realized it was not feeling ´right´so we turned back on ourselves and bumped into some fellow lost trekkers. Together we decided on a direction (a little dirt path leading down into the jungle). An Argentinian guy kept stopping to ´communicate with the jungle´ for advice about where we should go (rather tongue and cheek), but miraculously we made it. Relief. We had even started to plan what to do if we were truly lost and the sun went down...it felt like the start of a Amazonian horror movie ! Once reunited with the rest of the group, we chilled out on hammocks and stopped for lunch deep in the heart of the jungle...with Italian food!? After food I had a strong apple bong and pipe (always up for intense experience am I), and began walking again. The day was epic. So much movement, climbing, walking, talking. I felt really social¡ble and did alot of mingling which felt really good. That night i even went out to a ´disco´in a dusty old town, had a foul cocktail and did some dancing to Enlish hip hop, and the occasional latin song thrown in for good measure!?? I really enjoyed watching 3 South AMerican dudes (on the trek with me) dance and ´play´....they were very mad and very cool, i really think they would make a successful circus act. They very funny, very confident, very free in there bodies. Made me smile alot.
The next day involved more adventure, more trekking, more more MORE. Each moment offered something new, exciting, i cant possibly describe it all. At the end of the day we stayed in a village below MachuPichu, and went to some thermal hot springs. Honestly i preferred the cold shower than bathing in a tub full of sweaty people lol, so I didnt stay for long. The view was great though.
We had a gorgeous meal in the evening: stuffed avocado. YUM. Fresh grilled trout from the river. This was a welcome change to the perpetual white bread and pasta we seemed to be living of previously (though there was a really nice sweetcorn soup on the first day...)
The night was long as we had to wait for our tour guide to come back with tickets for us to access Machupichu. Some recent policy change meant he needed to collect our passports and sort something out...which left us waiting up late, getting slightly apprehensive in the knowledge that we had to get up at 3 am the following morning to engage in a RAT RACE!!!
THE RAT RACE:
So heres the drill. I didnt know this before the trek began:
We all had tickets to Machupicchu, that was in the bag. However, there was also a possibility to climb the highest mountain, Waynapicchu, which promised perfect views of machupicchu and its own magickal experience. In order to go here, we needed to be in one of the first 400 people at the gate. At the bottom of the mountain there is a gate and bridge which opens at 5:00am. We had to walk there early in the morning, then que up in order to start the climb to machupicchu gate, where (if within first 400 people) we would gain a stamp allowing us entrance to Waynapicchu. The climb up the mountain involved around 2000 steps, when still half asleep, in the dark, on narrow cliff hugging stone stair cases shrouded in trees and wildlife. Oh My God. Doing this was SO intense. The pressure of climbing all those stairs within a certain time frame, the competitive feel in the air, the awesome sight of growing mountains as we climbed higher and higher, the slither of moon soothing my burning lungs and dizzy head. The occasional trickle of srping water giving my face a sweet treat, easing the heat. When i reached the top i was ecstatic, dripping in sweat,rosey face and happy heart. I was within the first 50 people to the gate, and climbed the stairs / mountain in 30 minutes (my guide said it would take up to 1.5 hours!) WOW! WOW! WOW!
Machupicchu was breath taking. The mountains had such a sacred presence. They commanded a meditative state of awareness, a deep respect, a love for the land. The ruins were awesome. I snucked away from the guide and wondered alone for a while, finding silent places to absorb the enery of this sacred pace.
Waynapicchu was another intense upward climb, with many rocks and narrow stair cases. My feet were actually in agony by this point. I had been ´growing´a few blisters for the last three days, one of which was huge, on my heel, and which popped and rubbed raw, making walking pretty difficult. The veins up to my anckle began to protrude and throb; scary. SO i decided to climb this mountain bare foot....SOY INKA i said to the passer-bys giving me funny looks. It felt much better than with shoes, and it was wodnerful to feel the earth under my soles. And, yes, tough at points. But the walk gave me so much energy, monkey energy. I felt so vital. At the top, big flying ants hovered around and views washed away the cobwebs in my mind. It was all utterly magick.
Now, back in Cusco. I am totally exhausted. I keep getting virtigo and other waves of intense sensation. Tomorrow I am meeting a local shaman to take some herbs.... today i think i will just relax. My body and mind are so tired, full of experience, of wanderings and flashbacks, absorbing what has just happened... and contemplating my plans for the future. I don't really have any! Heading North this week, towards Ecadour and Columbia. People keep asking me what im doing specifically, but i'm enjoying having no plans, living in the moment. I'm learning alot.
I miss people in England, I appreciate so much. Im excited about sharing with you all again.
Endless love to you all,
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