Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lovely Venice.....
Ok...last full day in Venice and I have some sights to see. Although my favorite pastime is wandering and exploring, I do admit I am feeling guilty at missing some of the main attractions Venice has to offer. I have an early breakfast and set off to Piazzo San Marco. Wow...what an amazing structure. It is lovely and grand, I liken it to Tianamen Square in China...because I have seen that...but I am sure that it is more like Rome in its magnificence. It is stunning and the views across the sea to the rest of Venice are amazing. Even with the throngs of tourists, the cruise ships, and the vestiges of modern day capitalism all around, Venice's charms are inescapable. It is one of the most romantic cities I have ever seen. Every few steps there is another fabulous photograph waiting to happen and I am enthralled with the light, the colors, and beauty of the city.
I treat myself to a very nice meal in a quaint little restaurant off the beaten path with a lovely garden setting. The light is beautiful, the meal sumptuous, and I am in the mood to end my time here with style. Even though I am a solo traveler, I decide I can not leave Venice without the obligatory Gondola ride along the Grand Canal. I had been taking numerous pictures of the lovers cuddled up in the back of the gondola being serenaded by the gondoliers....and I felt I was missing something. I usually do not go for the obvious tourist attractions, but in this case I am so glad that I did. It was wonderful and a true must if you ever visit Venice. It is absolutely the best way to get the feel of the heart of Venice.
Florence tomorrow! Namaste.
I treat myself to a very nice meal in a quaint little restaurant off the beaten path with a lovely garden setting. The light is beautiful, the meal sumptuous, and I am in the mood to end my time here with style. Even though I am a solo traveler, I decide I can not leave Venice without the obligatory Gondola ride along the Grand Canal. I had been taking numerous pictures of the lovers cuddled up in the back of the gondola being serenaded by the gondoliers....and I felt I was missing something. I usually do not go for the obvious tourist attractions, but in this case I am so glad that I did. It was wonderful and a true must if you ever visit Venice. It is absolutely the best way to get the feel of the heart of Venice.
Florence tomorrow! Namaste.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Backpacker's Holiday...from the backpack!
My room is modest...very modest. Absolutely no windows and no natural light...but there is air conditioning so I am feeling quite satisfied. I generally do not use an alarm to wake and find in the absence of natural light...that I might never wake up! I eventually woke..but not until 12:30! I haven't slept that late since I was a teenager...but I needed it after all of the insomnia. It was at this moment that I relished my aloneness in that I am the master of my own agenda.and I could be as lazy as I wished...or as ambitious...but lazy was my choice for today. Unencumbered by my heavy backpack and feeling refreshed after a really solid sleep, I set off to explore the maze of streets and alleys that make up Venice. Now it is amazing the difference a day makes. Yesterday I felt this city was an impossible and illogical collection of streets and blind alleys, today however I am in the zone. I toss my map and knowing that I am on an island...so I can only get so lost....I decide to discover Venice my way, intuitively. It works! You must calm your rational mind and really just go with the flow.....there is an organic rhythm to this city and you just need to plug in. If you have your head buried in a map, instead of marking your route with visual clues, well...you will never get a clue. My confidence is bolstered and I feel an affinity to the founding fathers of this remarkable town...they must have been Buddhist! It is a wonderful feeling to be able to wander around, going and turning and following any little street that catches your fancy. I love it!
I also love this Italian summer drink....the Spritz Aperol. Wow! That is the best, and between that and Capresse Salad and gelato...I have all of my nutritional needs covered, with the occasional espresso for clarity. Viva Italia!!!
I also love this Italian summer drink....the Spritz Aperol. Wow! That is the best, and between that and Capresse Salad and gelato...I have all of my nutritional needs covered, with the occasional espresso for clarity. Viva Italia!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Dazed and Confused
I am happy today is a travel day as I am completely worn out after a day of walking and a very short night's sleep. My excitement at embarking on the heart of my journey is palpable...Italy, a long held dream. The train ride is relaxing and enjoyable, unfortunately it is only half of the equation as the rest of the journey must continue by bus. Yuck! I am not dismayed however as the countryside is lovely and as each mile passes I am filled with an ever increasing amount of joy. It is at times like these that you can not but help to appreciate the wonders and abundance our lives have to offer. How incredibly fortunate I am to be right here, right now, at this exact moment in time......it is humbling and I am profoundly grateful. I am completely present and I am relishing each moment!
Once again however, I am vexed by my own lax attitude towards planning and preparation. My "let's wing it" attitude is fun, but it does have an ugly downside. We arrive to complete chaos at the bus terminal in Venice, which I believe is it's natural state of being. I put on my backpack....with only a hint of an address, and figure how hard can it be? Venice is small....I will figure it out! Hah!!! It is much hotter in Italy than it was in Eastern Europe, and I am wearing my travel clothes; jeans, sneakers, and a long sleeve shirt. I set out in search of the water bus and hope that along the way it all starts to make sense. Of course this would be a great plan if I a) had a map, b) knew where on San Marco I was heading, 3) had the phone number to my hotel, 4) could find a wifi hotspot, and 5) it wasn't so damn hot and my backpack wasn't so damn heavy. Now we are back to the backpack....I believe it holds the key to my evolution as a human and is there to teach me some very important concept that has so far escaped me. As I walk...and walk...and walk....I am becoming increasingly more frustrated at my inability to navigate the labyrinth that is Venice and the back breaking feeling of carrying around all of this stuff that at this point I feel might be better off thrown in to the canal!! At one point, I take off the backpack and lean it against a wall...glaring at it as though it were the enemy. It is the backpacks fault!! After a few deep cleansing breaths I begin to realize that I must be in some type of mini-hell....where the devil is forcing me to carry around all of my selfish accumulations through out eternity so that I may see the pointlessness of it all. Perhaps if we were to carry around what we thought we needed...we might not need so much??? I truly believe I could have jettisoned the whole thing, and considered it strongly in the heat of the evening sun, but thought again and made peace with the thing and we continued on our way. Several hours later, and after a string of SOS text messages to various people around the globe...I found my hotel. Only a few steps from the Rialto Bridge and after all of my walking....I had nearly walked the entire distance. It turns out the yellow signs I was following to "Per Rialto"...were to the actual bridge...not the water bus. I should have studied!
Once again however, I am vexed by my own lax attitude towards planning and preparation. My "let's wing it" attitude is fun, but it does have an ugly downside. We arrive to complete chaos at the bus terminal in Venice, which I believe is it's natural state of being. I put on my backpack....with only a hint of an address, and figure how hard can it be? Venice is small....I will figure it out! Hah!!! It is much hotter in Italy than it was in Eastern Europe, and I am wearing my travel clothes; jeans, sneakers, and a long sleeve shirt. I set out in search of the water bus and hope that along the way it all starts to make sense. Of course this would be a great plan if I a) had a map, b) knew where on San Marco I was heading, 3) had the phone number to my hotel, 4) could find a wifi hotspot, and 5) it wasn't so damn hot and my backpack wasn't so damn heavy. Now we are back to the backpack....I believe it holds the key to my evolution as a human and is there to teach me some very important concept that has so far escaped me. As I walk...and walk...and walk....I am becoming increasingly more frustrated at my inability to navigate the labyrinth that is Venice and the back breaking feeling of carrying around all of this stuff that at this point I feel might be better off thrown in to the canal!! At one point, I take off the backpack and lean it against a wall...glaring at it as though it were the enemy. It is the backpacks fault!! After a few deep cleansing breaths I begin to realize that I must be in some type of mini-hell....where the devil is forcing me to carry around all of my selfish accumulations through out eternity so that I may see the pointlessness of it all. Perhaps if we were to carry around what we thought we needed...we might not need so much??? I truly believe I could have jettisoned the whole thing, and considered it strongly in the heat of the evening sun, but thought again and made peace with the thing and we continued on our way. Several hours later, and after a string of SOS text messages to various people around the globe...I found my hotel. Only a few steps from the Rialto Bridge and after all of my walking....I had nearly walked the entire distance. It turns out the yellow signs I was following to "Per Rialto"...were to the actual bridge...not the water bus. I should have studied!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Crazy Night Out
My first order of business today was to arrange for concert tickets for this evening. After all the wonderful music I experienced in Prague, I knew that it would be criminal to not continue the trend here so I booked for a night of Strauss Waltzes and Mozart Arias at the Imperial Palace, The Hofburg. Now this was a special event as this is where Mozart actually performed many of his works for the king at this very place...so I believe in shakti and wanted to feel it for my self. My next order of business was some personal maintenance, I needed a haircut something bad! I can no longer tolerate my limp unruly mass of a hair experiment and need a little boost. So, back on the underground to the city center in search of some style. I did not have to look very far, and found a lovely little salon that managed the job quite cheaply and efficiently....job done! The next 5 hours I spent on foot following the ring around the city snapping photos and enjoying the wonderful summer weather. I decide to do a little reconnasence for tonights show so that I am not flustered and late. I am glad I did. The Hofburg is enormous with so many concert halls and buildings I would have never found it. My particular venue was right near the Spanish Riding School, home of the world famous Lipzinner Stallions. Who knew? I would have if I had done my research and I am wishing I had!
I take a small respite at the hotel before dressing (a first on this trip!) for the concert this evening. Unlike Prague, this concert was packed! I could tell it was primarily, if not all tourists, and a great deal of them on tours. Not exactly the evening of high culture I had envisioned, but they did put on a delightful show and I enjoyed myself. I must admit I am not a huge Strauss fan, but it was a fun evening none the less. The evening took a weird twist on the walk home. Not wanting to spend another evening eating alone at a restaurant, I decide to park myself at a sausage vendor's stand and enjoy a Viennese sausage and a beer. Soon a conversation begins with two gentlemen...one Austrian, a lovely bear of a man and a generous and lovely soul....the other, an American who is on business with the Pentagon. It turns out this guys is on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is a full bird Colonel. Well, my newsy background is intrigued, especially with all the current buzz in Afghanistan, that I want to engaged in a full fledged discussion on current US policy, etc... I know...I should have given it a rest!!! Anyway, it is weird how little bits of your past life still linger on the edges and spring into full gear with a little spark. Suffice it to say, this guy could have cared less about my understanding of US politics and had other ideas....talk about your ugly American. I made it home, after again getting lost and staying out past the Underground's operating hours. I get home at 1:30...and have a wake up call for 5:30 as it is an all day journey to Venice. Note to self....don't be such a smarty pants!
I take a small respite at the hotel before dressing (a first on this trip!) for the concert this evening. Unlike Prague, this concert was packed! I could tell it was primarily, if not all tourists, and a great deal of them on tours. Not exactly the evening of high culture I had envisioned, but they did put on a delightful show and I enjoyed myself. I must admit I am not a huge Strauss fan, but it was a fun evening none the less. The evening took a weird twist on the walk home. Not wanting to spend another evening eating alone at a restaurant, I decide to park myself at a sausage vendor's stand and enjoy a Viennese sausage and a beer. Soon a conversation begins with two gentlemen...one Austrian, a lovely bear of a man and a generous and lovely soul....the other, an American who is on business with the Pentagon. It turns out this guys is on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is a full bird Colonel. Well, my newsy background is intrigued, especially with all the current buzz in Afghanistan, that I want to engaged in a full fledged discussion on current US policy, etc... I know...I should have given it a rest!!! Anyway, it is weird how little bits of your past life still linger on the edges and spring into full gear with a little spark. Suffice it to say, this guy could have cared less about my understanding of US politics and had other ideas....talk about your ugly American. I made it home, after again getting lost and staying out past the Underground's operating hours. I get home at 1:30...and have a wake up call for 5:30 as it is an all day journey to Venice. Note to self....don't be such a smarty pants!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Train to Vienna...
I am bobbing along now on the train to Vienna. I missed the morning train by only seconds....waddling to the platform at underwhelming speeds only to see the train depart the station. But not to worry, it was a beautiful day and I lingered in the park across from the station for awhile before settling in to the pub for a very brown authentic Czech lunch (ick!) and a couple of pints (yum!) and of course my daily fix of wifi bliss. I found a few friends on line and managed to make those 3 hours race by...just barely making the next train. Now I sit in a cabin all to myself in business class as the Czech countryside slides by and I am gently rocked to a very sleepy contentment. I could get used to this you know. Being lost, finding myself, discovering new places...it is all just such a wonderful gift that we live in this world. As I did my morning sun salutations I recalled an email from my friend Kelly....108 sun salutations to celebrate the solstice. Wow! I have about 100 to go...I need to rededicate myself to my practice if I am going to get to 108. I hereby commit to doing all 108 before I get to Venice. Gulp! Now that I have witnesses there is no slacking off.
Off for a lazy cat nap..... I will check back in when I get to Vienna. By the way, I am having a lovely time and I wish you were all here. :-)
I arrived in Vienna around 6:30 p.m. after one of the most relaxing train rides I have ever experienced. Vienna is a busy metropolitan city which is a distinct contrast from Prague. Where Prague was charming and bohemian, even a bit needing of repair in some places, Vienna is a master work of gleaming white buildings, immaculately clean streets, beautiful city parks, and unlike the rest of the globe seemingly immune to any economic downturn. The unemployment rate in Prague and the Czech Republic hovers near 12%. In Vienna it is clear there is money...and it is plentiful. I make my way to the town center and am surrounded by the icons of status and wealth. Prada, Gucci, Dolce Gabana, Hermes, Channel....and all doing killer business. However, that does not mean Vienna is without charm and old world delights, as it excels in these areas as well. Frankly, Vienna is the heart of Europe...the home of Opec, the UN, and a cultural history that includes Mozart, Mahler, Freud, and Goethe to name a few. It has long been home to intellectuals and artists and it is a heritage that defines Vienna today. Unfortunately I am poorly prepared to take advantage the delights this city has to offer. I have not allowed nearly enough time...just about 36 hours...and I am insufficiently researched and organized in what time I do have...not to mention I am on a backpackers budget! Fortunately, my navigational skills are on overdrive and within a matter of hours I am on the underground (without a map...which was a bit foolish I admit) and making my way to the city center in search of dinner. It is a lively scene even at 10:00 at night with buskers, street performers, and general revelry. After a delicious dinner at a sidewalk cafe I head back to the hotel, I get off a the correct stop, but unfortunately become hopelessly lost. I wander the streets for about and hour or more until I finally find my little hotel...embarrassed and tired!
Time for bed and a regroup so that I may see as much as I can in my one full day in Vienna.
Off for a lazy cat nap..... I will check back in when I get to Vienna. By the way, I am having a lovely time and I wish you were all here. :-)
I arrived in Vienna around 6:30 p.m. after one of the most relaxing train rides I have ever experienced. Vienna is a busy metropolitan city which is a distinct contrast from Prague. Where Prague was charming and bohemian, even a bit needing of repair in some places, Vienna is a master work of gleaming white buildings, immaculately clean streets, beautiful city parks, and unlike the rest of the globe seemingly immune to any economic downturn. The unemployment rate in Prague and the Czech Republic hovers near 12%. In Vienna it is clear there is money...and it is plentiful. I make my way to the town center and am surrounded by the icons of status and wealth. Prada, Gucci, Dolce Gabana, Hermes, Channel....and all doing killer business. However, that does not mean Vienna is without charm and old world delights, as it excels in these areas as well. Frankly, Vienna is the heart of Europe...the home of Opec, the UN, and a cultural history that includes Mozart, Mahler, Freud, and Goethe to name a few. It has long been home to intellectuals and artists and it is a heritage that defines Vienna today. Unfortunately I am poorly prepared to take advantage the delights this city has to offer. I have not allowed nearly enough time...just about 36 hours...and I am insufficiently researched and organized in what time I do have...not to mention I am on a backpackers budget! Fortunately, my navigational skills are on overdrive and within a matter of hours I am on the underground (without a map...which was a bit foolish I admit) and making my way to the city center in search of dinner. It is a lively scene even at 10:00 at night with buskers, street performers, and general revelry. After a delicious dinner at a sidewalk cafe I head back to the hotel, I get off a the correct stop, but unfortunately become hopelessly lost. I wander the streets for about and hour or more until I finally find my little hotel...embarrassed and tired!
Time for bed and a regroup so that I may see as much as I can in my one full day in Vienna.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Wonderful City
Well you know you could actually live in a city when you acclimate to it so easily. I have only been in Prague for two days, but already I am finding my way around without a map! The sounds of the people talking, though I don't know the language, are becoming quite normal to my ears and I feel very at ease walking the city. It is a wonderful place....full of music, art, old world charm, and new world sophistication. Yesterday I caught a wonderful concert in one of the many classical music venues and it was marvelous. Tonight I go to see the Prague Philharmonic for what will no doubt be another stellar performance. So many concerts and talented musicians all playing for such a reasonable price....a fabulous treat and one that I don't mind indulging. I spent the whole of yesterday walking the city, round and round and in and out, and it was great. Today I plan a visit to the old Jewish Quarter, the only Jewish area in Eastern Europe that was not destroyed by the Nazis. I will tour the ghetto, the Jewish museum, and visit the old cemetery. Afterwards, if time allows...I might take a Segway tour of town and see the Prague Castle. It is a beautiful warm summer day...so I might just spend it walking again.
Last night as I meandered home I went to an absinth bar and gave it a shot...actually 3 shots, truth be told. Wow...powerful stuff! Not to worry though, I managed to get home safe and sound. Prague is an amazingly safe city...I feel completely at home here. Wonderful!
Namaste
Last night as I meandered home I went to an absinth bar and gave it a shot...actually 3 shots, truth be told. Wow...powerful stuff! Not to worry though, I managed to get home safe and sound. Prague is an amazingly safe city...I feel completely at home here. Wonderful!
Namaste
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Prague Day One
On board my Easy Jet flight to Prague! I managed to get my backpack weight down to a reasonable amount. I had some time to buy a bit of duty free perfume in lieu of extra clothes and washing..... hope it works :-) I have no idea how I am going to get to my hotel...absolutely no clue. Hopefully there will be a tube station to get me downtown, otherwise I will be extravagant and spring for a taxi. I must admit a slight thrill at the challenge that lies ahead. Time for take-off.
I made it! None of the tourist info was in English so I cut my losses at took a taxi. Had a very nice driver who made some recommendations for things I might see. I am off to search for dinner then probably an early night so I can see the sights tomorrow.
Dinner at the square of Old Prague where there was a gathering of about 600 people to watch Brazil annihilate Ivory Coast. Had a leisurely stroll back to my hotel/apartment, which is HUGE.
Time for some meditation, then bed.
Namaste
I made it! None of the tourist info was in English so I cut my losses at took a taxi. Had a very nice driver who made some recommendations for things I might see. I am off to search for dinner then probably an early night so I can see the sights tomorrow.
Dinner at the square of Old Prague where there was a gathering of about 600 people to watch Brazil annihilate Ivory Coast. Had a leisurely stroll back to my hotel/apartment, which is HUGE.
Time for some meditation, then bed.
Namaste
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Polo in Jane Austen Country
We arrived very late last night to Margaret and David's home in Upper Wraxell. It is a bucolic village in the heart of Wiltshire which evokes a simpler time of gentlemen and ladies in their beautiful Cotswold stone homes. Will and Samantha are thrilled to be spending time with their English cousins and have been busily playing with them ever since. Today brought an outing to a Polo Match and a country fair. The countryside here is so beautiful and even with a mixed bag of weather it is breathtaking. We are feeling invigorated after an afternoon in the fields watching the sport of kings, playing games, a picnic on the grass, and the traditional stomping of the divets at the half. The sun has finally decided to come out and all the kids have gone to the fields to fly kites as the grown-ups prepare a summer barbecue. It is a fuzzy warm sweater feeling to be back here again.
Tomorrow morning I am off on my adventure. I spent several hours yesterday re-packing my backpack while at Chris' and left what I thought was a great deal behind. Well, today I have taken even more out...2 drawer fulls! It is still a bit too heavy for my shoulders, so I will make another pass tonight and get it down to the bare minimum. Clearly I am a novice backpacker! It is amazing how little one needs if you are required to lug it everywhere you go....a lesson I need to incorporate once we return home.
Less. Less. Less. Too much stuff = too much stress. Why as a society are we conditioned to continually acquire more, more, more when we already have more than we need? Time to cast off our old habits and recondition for a leaner, smarter way of life. Quality is what counts.
Prague tomorrow night....I will find you at an internet cafe!
Tomorrow morning I am off on my adventure. I spent several hours yesterday re-packing my backpack while at Chris' and left what I thought was a great deal behind. Well, today I have taken even more out...2 drawer fulls! It is still a bit too heavy for my shoulders, so I will make another pass tonight and get it down to the bare minimum. Clearly I am a novice backpacker! It is amazing how little one needs if you are required to lug it everywhere you go....a lesson I need to incorporate once we return home.
Less. Less. Less. Too much stuff = too much stress. Why as a society are we conditioned to continually acquire more, more, more when we already have more than we need? Time to cast off our old habits and recondition for a leaner, smarter way of life. Quality is what counts.
Prague tomorrow night....I will find you at an internet cafe!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stomp!!
We had a great time at the show. It was wonderful seeing the kids having such fun and enjoying themselves. I am now thinking we might try another show, Wicked, which I have been wanting to see for ages. We have been navigating the trains and underground like pros and are starting to feel very comfortable getting around and about. Oddly enough, we were walking down the street and Will saw a boy and said "Hey Charlie", and then kept walking. Who is that I asked...do you know him? Oh yeah, Mom...I know him from school. Wow! We actually bumped in to people from San Domenico on the streets of Richmond today. Such a small, small world we live in. It was fun and silly catching up with them...though the two boys were ridiculously blaze about the whole thing. Kids today!
Girl's Night Out
Feeling a bit fuzzy this morning after a wonderful night out on the town with the girls. There is nothing better in this world than a group of supportive and loving girlfriends that can lift you up and gift you with laughter and joy. I am the blessed recipient of such an auspicious group. We met four years ago in Montreal and have since found each other again and again in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and now London! What a grand life we all have that we have these opportunities to share our lives and to reunite in some of the more fabulous places around the globe. I feel reinvigorated and ready to begin my solo trip around Europe in just a few days knowing I have such a strong posse watching my back. Thank you so much Chloe, Jen and Lisa....you guys are such special gems.
Dinner was at a wonderful restaurant near Chloe's called Alameida. London has some of the world's best restaurants and this one certainly proved the concept. Of course the champagne, wine, food and especially the company provided the perfect mix for a grand time. And to top off the night, we had a very chatty London cabbie who generously shared his insights on everything from racism, the BP oilspill, Princess Diana conspiracy theories, Jack the Ripper and of course football. Since I was dropped off last, I got the additional bonus of some sage dating advice from a seasoned pro. He was very sweet and a one of a kind character. I love the beauty of the world and meeting new people and hearing their stories and views. It is like Christmas everyday. Lucky me.
Today the kids and I are off to the West End for a matinee performance of "Stomp!" and then dinner with Chris in the city. Look for the reviews in tomorrows edition.
Cheerio!
Dinner was at a wonderful restaurant near Chloe's called Alameida. London has some of the world's best restaurants and this one certainly proved the concept. Of course the champagne, wine, food and especially the company provided the perfect mix for a grand time. And to top off the night, we had a very chatty London cabbie who generously shared his insights on everything from racism, the BP oilspill, Princess Diana conspiracy theories, Jack the Ripper and of course football. Since I was dropped off last, I got the additional bonus of some sage dating advice from a seasoned pro. He was very sweet and a one of a kind character. I love the beauty of the world and meeting new people and hearing their stories and views. It is like Christmas everyday. Lucky me.
Today the kids and I are off to the West End for a matinee performance of "Stomp!" and then dinner with Chris in the city. Look for the reviews in tomorrows edition.
Cheerio!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Rough Road
I find sleep elusive these past few nights as I saw yet another sunrise this morning. My mind is mulling over the concept of space and the courage it takes to explore it or even accept it. Space has so many meanings. Yes, as children we think of outer space and the far reaches of the universe and it continues to play in our consciousness as we grow through our lives. It is amazing to imagine being one of the first to be shot beyond our atmosphere into the blackness of space. Just sustaining the force required to make such a journey would take a formidable amount of resolve! As we mature we think more of our personal space, the area surrounding our bodies and our need for more independence and control over ourselves. It is a natural progression in our growth and a necessary one so that we may go and live in this world away from our parents. And then there is the space that is haunting me now, the space between two people, be they spouses, lovers, or friends.
Why is it that we can cross oceans, explore new lands, and even hurl ourselves into the cosmos....but the courage it takes to explore our own internal landscape often escapes us? Change is inevitable and the space between us all continuously expands and contracts, much like the rhythm of our breath. But when faced with the void of an ever increasing chasm between two people, we are consistently surprised and deflated. It is at these times we must summon our courage and forge ahead in to unknown places, often alone and forever altered. Our past is drifting further away from us and it is with hope, optimism, and a great deal of grace that we must go forth into the future. It is the journey within that sets our course for what comes next.
Why is it that we can cross oceans, explore new lands, and even hurl ourselves into the cosmos....but the courage it takes to explore our own internal landscape often escapes us? Change is inevitable and the space between us all continuously expands and contracts, much like the rhythm of our breath. But when faced with the void of an ever increasing chasm between two people, we are consistently surprised and deflated. It is at these times we must summon our courage and forge ahead in to unknown places, often alone and forever altered. Our past is drifting further away from us and it is with hope, optimism, and a great deal of grace that we must go forth into the future. It is the journey within that sets our course for what comes next.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
London Town
After a very busy weekend watching football only to have it end in a mediocre tie (England 1, US 1) and a bit of sightseeing, we are beginning to settle in to Chris' apartment. Virgin Telecom put a whole team of technicians on the job and after a lot of digging, and about a dozen workers working for two days, we finally got wireless internet, television and phone service!! I know there is a joke in there somewhere but it escapes me at the moment. The kids and I are a bit restless as we are at loose ends at the moment. Today we went to the local pool and then a playground, tomorrow we will head back in to the city for some more sightseeing. Chris works long hours and the weather has been a bit grim, but we are hoping it cheers up tomorrow.
We had a fun time going up in the London Eye and strolling around Covent Garden. I would like to hit a few art museums but am not sure the kids will tolerate it....
We had a fun time going up in the London Eye and strolling around Covent Garden. I would like to hit a few art museums but am not sure the kids will tolerate it....
Friday, June 11, 2010
Waiting for a connection....
Friday Morning 6:45 am
Everyone is sleeping and I am clicking away on my wireless keyboard that is paired with my lovely iPad....the joys of technology coupled with the agony of my dependence on said technology as I am isolated without a wireless connection to the digital world.
Hopefully the wizards of British Telecom will remedy the situation today at 10 am and connect this apartment to the world via cable, telephone, and internet. I am not convinced it will be successful as Chris has been working on this for the past 6 weeks, but I am hopeful and will only allow myself positive thoughts that this will in fact happen.
I write this journal entry through the haze of jet lag....a curious mixture of fatigue and disorientation at being in a new environment. I sit in the kitchen of Chris' apartment in the Richmond district of Greater London. It is a small space but actually quite lovely and well equipped....with a very nice kitchen. Thank you Chris! The weather is overcast and a bit muggy which suits me fine as I do not have very ambitious plans for the day. Find my way to the market, take the kids to the park, hopefully get this internet connection sorted or figure out where to find a hotspot so that I may publish this to my blog. Oh, and shower....a nice long hot shower would be absolutely fabulous...oh and a nice cup of tea. And most importantly, do my practice as this is my commitment to myself....my practice and my writing.
Joy! I have managed to import photos from my camera successfully! That is one technological hurdle down, along with paring my keyboard.....now all I need is an internet connection and I am on my way. Fingers crossed!
I awoke this morning thinking of the poet Rumi and I reached for my book and the first thing that caught my eye was this line in the introduction.
"There is a voice in us all that is ever-present, a voice that always sings its melody to the world. This is the voice of truth and certainty, the voice that lays bare the hidden mysteries of the soul."
I am seeking a singular burst of inspiration so that I may write "in a single breathless obedience....without one word being in doubt or having to be changed." It is thought that it is this inspired state that opens up the vistas of the universe....and can only be glimpsed at peak moments in our lives. (I am paraphrasing from the introduction of "Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved")
So there you have it, my mission, my desire, my mandate even.....find my melody and sing my song as I explore the vistas of my internal landscape seeking truth and God willing, a small amount of certainty. No small task, yet not such a large one either. I just need to listen, breathe, and relax. Time to find my mat and get to it......
Namaste
Everyone is sleeping and I am clicking away on my wireless keyboard that is paired with my lovely iPad....the joys of technology coupled with the agony of my dependence on said technology as I am isolated without a wireless connection to the digital world.
Hopefully the wizards of British Telecom will remedy the situation today at 10 am and connect this apartment to the world via cable, telephone, and internet. I am not convinced it will be successful as Chris has been working on this for the past 6 weeks, but I am hopeful and will only allow myself positive thoughts that this will in fact happen.
I write this journal entry through the haze of jet lag....a curious mixture of fatigue and disorientation at being in a new environment. I sit in the kitchen of Chris' apartment in the Richmond district of Greater London. It is a small space but actually quite lovely and well equipped....with a very nice kitchen. Thank you Chris! The weather is overcast and a bit muggy which suits me fine as I do not have very ambitious plans for the day. Find my way to the market, take the kids to the park, hopefully get this internet connection sorted or figure out where to find a hotspot so that I may publish this to my blog. Oh, and shower....a nice long hot shower would be absolutely fabulous...oh and a nice cup of tea. And most importantly, do my practice as this is my commitment to myself....my practice and my writing.
Joy! I have managed to import photos from my camera successfully! That is one technological hurdle down, along with paring my keyboard.....now all I need is an internet connection and I am on my way. Fingers crossed!
I awoke this morning thinking of the poet Rumi and I reached for my book and the first thing that caught my eye was this line in the introduction.
"There is a voice in us all that is ever-present, a voice that always sings its melody to the world. This is the voice of truth and certainty, the voice that lays bare the hidden mysteries of the soul."
I am seeking a singular burst of inspiration so that I may write "in a single breathless obedience....without one word being in doubt or having to be changed." It is thought that it is this inspired state that opens up the vistas of the universe....and can only be glimpsed at peak moments in our lives. (I am paraphrasing from the introduction of "Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved")
So there you have it, my mission, my desire, my mandate even.....find my melody and sing my song as I explore the vistas of my internal landscape seeking truth and God willing, a small amount of certainty. No small task, yet not such a large one either. I just need to listen, breathe, and relax. Time to find my mat and get to it......
Namaste
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Journey begins June 9th, 2010
Packing, planning, researching and now, blogging! It has been a very tough year and not one for the faint of heart. I have been knocked down and am now in the process of dusting myself off and looking onward toward new horizons. The journey is always ongoing, but I am marking it as "officially" starting on June 9th. That is the day we (Will and Samantha too!) head off to London so they can reconnect with their father and English family. It is my time to reconnect with my self and find my way back to my inner truth.
Watch this space!!
Watch this space!!
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