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...
Monday, March 28, 2011
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
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