Category: Life Lessons

Illegal Bathing Suits and Shaky Cable Cars

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, World Travel

The French have lots of nude beaches and topless sunbathing on beaches is readily acceptable.  But too much clothing?  Who knew that was actually be illegal!

We exited from the South of France a few days ahead of schedule, as if we have a schedule, before our rental had ended.  The winds changed and we felt the urge to proceed onward.  But to where?  Good question, one that we keep asking daily for we are now truly into the living wherever we are portion, some hankerings and ideas but no reservations and no firm plans.

We decided to head north through France and then over the Alps.  One the way we decided to stop at Aix Les Bain in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.  It was used even in the Roman Empire for the healing powers of its baths.  Well, from our experiences some of the energy from that time period still remains.  We only stopped for one night after originally reserving 2.  We experienced several odd issues with the hotel in which we were to stay.  We have traveled quite a bit in France on this trip as well as prior and of course many, many times Rick has vacationed there.  The bathing suit issue was a new one.

We waited for an hour into the early twilight hours for a seniors water aerobics class to end so we could get our 3 year old the pool time we promised her earlier in the day and did not want to renege on.  Rick entered the pool as a few elderly ladies glared, looked shocked, and thus reported his pool garb as apparently disgracefully inappropriate.  What was he wearing?  A speedo?  No, the opposite.  He was wearing a normal shorts type bathing suite, liner and all.  The guardian of the pool pulled Rick aside to inform him of his inappropriate behavior.  There is a law on the books that men are not permitted to wear suits that could possibly be worn outside of the pool.  Apparently, from what I have researched this is due to an attempt to keep outside debris from entering the pool.  But really, a man could be wearing a skin tight sweat collecting suit all day under his shorts but as long as the tush of the outside of the suit is not seeing daylight then all is well!

After that fiasco and more at a hotel that resembled the shining.  We drove to Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France.  Home of France’s highest point in the Alps as well as its largest, but much receded, glacier (thank you global warming).  Nevertheless, the experience was spectacular.  Our amazing, breathtaking pictures do not do it justice.  Our original stop turned into 6 days, 5 nights.  On our first full day we took a train up to the massive Glacier.  Once on top Ilaria was thrilled to be taking a cable car/gondola down to the Glacier itself.  In theory it was a beautiful ideal.  When a person is single there is a different perspective on life, death, and immortality but, as a parent those thoughts linger on that of your offspring.

Once on the car we proceeded to descend literally straight down, only to discover mid-trip that there is a pause in the route in which you remain suspended for minutes motionless as the others board and disembark from the stations.  For those who have had the pleasure of riding such carts, you know that in the petite carts the smallest shift causes the cart to sway.  Even an excited 40 pounds looking out can transfer the weight.  Parents wondering thoughts are one thing, but when a little voice bellows questions about when the cart falls how they can hold on as it goes head over feet crashing into the cliff and trees below somehow it does not cause the guardians to chuckle in the least.  Obviously we endured.

It is amazing what mountain air can do to the energy of a 42 inch tall being.  Exhilarated on other hikes high in the heightened elevations she pressed forward, no, she ran up and down the mountains.  Nature in its purest forms!

Hot and Cold: Hypothermia in 90F weather

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, World Travel

The tourist brochure cautions not to go into the water in the Gulf of St. Tropez up to the neck due to the chance of hyperthermia.  Shockingly the water was bone chilling but more shocking was the heat wave that overtook the South of France with record temperatures for June in the 90’s.

In choosing our June local we took into account two factors.  #1 was that the weather would be somewhat moderate, low 80’s, and #2 it would be quieter because the French do not begin summer holiday until Bastille Day, the beginning of July.  Wrong and wrong.  We hit a major heat wave which took temperatures for a week into the 90’s hiding us from the midday sun but, no way to escape the stifling heat and lack of wind.  The water was not a shelter either, hitting the beach at 4:00 was baking but the water was akin to the polar bear plunge each time without the jet stream of the waters catching up to the early summer that arrived.

"Cooling" off
“Cooling” off

Together, my little adventurer and I discovered a somewhat hidden oasis at a national park with greenery and cliffs that led down to tidal pools that had warmed up nicely due to the stifling lack of breeze.  There we could explore marine life and unite ourselves with nature in the purest form. Our little earth keeper was not satisfied by the plethora of cigarette butts that lined the picnic area and being that she is not allowed to touch them had me pluck each one from Pacha Mama (mother earth) as she sang a song apologizing for the atrocity that people had created in what she considered her very sacred place.

Butt out!
Our private oasis

Our family together spent time in ways such as that to strike a dichotomy from the beachy, shore vibe.  We took a day trip to Port Gimaud to rent a boat and weave our way thought the lovely canals, like Venice without the massive crowds.  Our  adventure was to the town of Gimaud to visit the ancient walls and fortress with a sweeping view high above the Gulf and surrounding areas.  It is no surprise that there is a Rue de Templars, a small street dedicated to the lore of the Templars who were once inhabitants.  At each of our visits thus far since arriving in Europe Ila is transfixed by churches and cathedrals, the energy and the beauty of these old gems leads us to plead with her to exit at the appropriate time.

Navigating the canals
The Fortress in Grimaud
Lovely canals
Church in Grimaud
Grimaud

The intention of our explorations was to connect ourselves and our family in a distinct manner with divine intentions.   Seeing life through the eyes of a child, unfiltered and pure allow for capabilities beyond the higher insights of a spiritual teach or guru, a true connection to spirit through nature and energy.   There is a woman who spreads love through the world by going around hugging.  We have our own angel who by walking through the town with her sparkle crown has brought smiles to more faces than one can imagine, storekeepers, tourists, as well as on duty police.   Happiness runs in a circular motion!

Her Majesty
Her Majesty

Viva la France???

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, World Travel

The French love France, the French language, and all things French. This is a blessing and a curse. Sainte Maxime is a tourist destination mostly for the French, German, Netherlands, Belgium, English, and Swiss but, the French do not care, for the most part it is all-French, all the time. Experiential yes, submerging yes, and a bit puzzling. The times that Rick and I have traveled here before to Ste. Maxime, in the south of France across from St. Tropez, as well as other towns on the Mediterranean, we were new loves eager for two long weeks away. Alone together as a nice reprieve, being in own world somewhat, surrounded by the lovely French language. Sweetly we strolled to romantic meals eating at restaurants and our hotel for petite dejeuner. The last time was 2006, globalization and the world has changed in on many levels in 8 years. But in France, the nationalism that was created during the French Revolution remains strong, maybe to a fault. On a small and personal level it is interesting to experience but a worldly outsider may be quick to observe how in this modern world, where we are ALL so interdependent, France may need to modernize their thoughts for the sake of keeping their nation strong.

All French Products marked as En France
Dora La French explorer

Menus – ALL in French Labels – ALL in French Dora the Explorer Book (created to teach Americans kids Spanish) – ALL in French TV – ALL in French or dubbed in French, yes even crappy American TV Our intention with our experiences this time around is to really live each culture to the extent that we can, eyes wide open, not as a tourist. This town is notorious for their markets with various small vendors. Almost each morning we go to the covered market for fresh everything to eat and on Thursdays there is a huge open-air market for all foods Provence,, just as the French do. In the A.M. prepared, market bags and euros in hand while preparing to convert the metric system (come on US convert already) and arranging words carefully for the numerous transactions.

Bountiful outdoor market
Fresh baguette
Outdoor weekly market

The days of French in high school and one semester of college are now long in the rearview and our travels since 2007 led us to Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica – sans French. We did go to Belgium a few years ago but due to the battle between the French and Flemish sides there are lots of English as a middle ground. Here there is little middle ground. Loving the French language, the French are proud of it and expect that you talk to them in French. Necessity has driven the French out of me. Very proud of my first interaction, all in French and voilà, fresh yogurt and eggs to prepare for breakfast. A note to the inexperienced French traveler, it is key to first come to them with French words, whatever you have, if you make a sad attempt, but an attempt nonetheless, then will try to work with you and maybe petite English or just mime!

Day trip to St. Tropez
Boat to St. Tropez
Early morning private beach!
Grand amour (pic by Ila)

It has been a bit of a culture shock going from the Swedes who are taught from a very young age to speak English. Personally, after a week I have had some complete conversations in French. Of course that is mainly the French person conversing with me in detail, as they love to do, I rapid fire translate and comprehend while returning short, concise sentences that can be recognized reasonably straightforward. One habit I have to be conscious of, being out of practice, is my reply of Si instead of Oui for yes, which everyone is more than happy to correct me. But I jest, the days of Americans perceiving the French as rude, and vice versa, are long gone. They are and have been very, very friendly to us and kind in many ways.

Our lovely apt
Our apt living room
Pieuvre

The other factor, we have no Internet in the apartment – cold turkey. The conscious decision has been made not to get data on our cell phones in order to keep us on the ground and in the present. Did you ever leave your phone home or have the battery die? Yeah, like that, except all the time. Slowly I have stopped twitching. What about when I need to know the French word for octopus to tell the balloon man for our daughter? Anyway the beautiful Mediterranean temperature and sun keep us out-of-doors until bedtime.None of these factors matter much during the day but, when it is bedtime for the babe we are in apartment with what I now see as a the gift of time to read and write, no internet distractions, and each other. Just two, somewhat older, loves enjoying a reprieve in our own little world.

Rick puts his foot down

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, Uncategorized, World Travel

We neatly and tightly packed our rental car in Malmo. It is best for our travels to choose the most compact car that also meet our cargo needs, the French squeeze cars into tinier parking spots that one can imagine (maybe that is why the ordered trains that did not fit, they just assumed that they could squeeze them into the station) so we must be prepared.   When motoring in Europe it is key to have all of your baggage tucked away neatly as to not tempt someone to try and take a peak inside looking for valuables. The baggage cover for the back of the wagon must close cleanly so it initial made for several attempts to jigsaw puzzle the pieces just so.

Luggage jenga
Luggage jenga

As we set out we seemed to have thought of everything:

  • Snacks
  • Luggage
  • Water
  • GPS
  • Toys and Games
  • Maps of Denmark, Germany, and France

The best laid plans… We thought of almost everything that is. As much as we know the layout of the downtown of Malmo, the surrounding areas we have never had the need to master. Told by all, just follow the signs to the Oresund Bridge to Denmark alas there are no such signs. We asked people, several people, and it became comical much like a practical joke bit. One person points us one direction and tells us to proceed forward and look for signs – no signs.   Next, ask another and turn the completely opposite direction, search for signs once again, all for naught. Three passes, several people, and many minutes later we found the bridge hoping that was not an omen for our departure and impending travel onward!

Prior to leaving Sweden one of the students at the seminar said, “Oh, so you have all the places mapped out where you are stopping as you drive down to the Mediterranean?” The answer – a big NO! We had some knowledge and ideas of what could be interesting to see but left it to our moods and our rumps to make a decision where to stop and where to rest. All we knew upon starting was our end point a substancial distance away from Scandinavia – the South of France in Sainte Maxime directly across the bay from St. Tropez. Next question, “Why drive?” We knew that we have to start and end in Sweden, the place where we received our extended visa to allow us in Europe for over three months. Another factor is that we did not want to be burdened buy planning our flights in advance, freestyle for us.

Our first leg was across Demark. Most people, myself included are unaware that Demark consists of 407 islands and a mainland connected to Germany, integrated with a connection of crisscrossing of bridges and ferries. We opted for a route of highway and bridges across and then down into Germany.  On our first day we stopped when we got tired of driving and pulled off the road to a quaint, lovely town at a Park like hotel in Bad Falingsbostel, Germany. Day 2, our power day, we plowed to Trier, Germany. Trier has many ancient Roman ruins; another fact some do not realize is that German and France have amazing and well-preserved ancient Roman ruins (with fewer crowds then Rome). Day 3 we enjoyed lots of Roman Ruins before taking an almost lovely drive down through the Mosel Valley stopping leisurely in Luxingborg to enjoy a glass of notorious local white wine.  Now, when saying almost there were few factors, a picturesque town outside of Trier that we stopped for lunch and then 45 minutes we spent hunting up and down for a gas station, backtracking to get it and then proceeding forward. The Mosel wine on the river in Luxemburg was blissfully until a bit down the way afterwards, the road stopped, no warning, backtracking us once again – Buzz kill.

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We ended that night in Nancy, France, much larger then we anticipated but with a massive square lots of gold gild or as our daughter called it, of course, fancy Nancy. Day 4 continuing forth we stopped in Macon, France on our way to Orange, France. Orange is a picturesque village, again with ancient Roman ruins but much more intimate of a place. The Roman amphitheater is breathtaking and awe inspiring examining the architecture and longevity of the master masons’ work. Day 5 our final stop Arles, France massive, overrun with tourists. Our highlight was eating in Van Gogh’s café and visiting the hospital where he was detained after cutting his ear off. Our dining companion happened to be wearing her sunflower headband and happily waved at all of the Asian tourists taking pictures of her at the café.

The Route
The Route

If all of the road time seems a bit overwhelming please not that one significant difference when motoring in Europe is their rest stops. Being from New Jersey I equate a rest stop with dirty fast food and grungy toilets. Sorry Jersey, but we all know that is true. In Europe it is dissimilar. Some if not all have nice cafes, real food, and sit down restaurants with servers, oh and some expensive cars and well dressed people. The Europeans travel a bit different from us Americans. Personally I have memories of powering though drives up and down the coast to get to a destination. They stop, have a coffee and pastry, relax, and chitchat slightly removed from a rumbling highway. No dodging in and out of the bathroom and grabbing something nearly edible to eat in the car. It fascinates me, quite a different pace. Also much to a child’s delight almost all have a kids area or playground of some sort. On our power day of driving Adults delirious and kid enthralled that she got to go to so many playgrounds in one day. As Ilaria and the Europeans can tell you it is all about perspective.

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After 5 days – Nous Arrivons – We Arrive. We are resting comfortably in the South of France at our apartment rental intended for three weeks, the only set plans we have left on our excursion. Suggestions welcomed in the comments section of the blog.

Case of the Missing Case

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Martial Arts, Travel, World Travel

A big stir was caused in Malmo during our ALMOST uneventful, in a good way, last week in Sweden.  Vitamins and supplements until recently were very difficult to purchase in Sweden.  Even today the stores are limited and the sales person cannot speak to the products at all, it is forbidden.

Upon our return to Malmo we were staying at a hotel for the first 2 days before returning to our rental apartment.  The hotel itself was lovely as was the room.  Problem #1 on the first night – our room was above the bar and there was a jazz band playing below.  The stand up bass, albeit great, was a deep boom that penetrated until after 12.  Parents out there know how precious keeping a child sleeping at night can be.  Our concern was the first night was a Thursday and although mild-mannered, on the weekends it is always “Swedes gone Wild”.  When we were told there was going to be a DJ the following night and we were close to the Little Square, party central for bars, we opted for a move to another room.  But the real trouble did not begin until the next AM…

Problem #2 – Upon waking Rick realized in our haste to abscond to the next chamber he had inadvertently left his vitamins and supplements in the drawer of the last.  Calling the front desk we were told that there was nothing listed in the log for the housekeeping and so we must wait until a reasonable hour to contact the current occupants to see if the items remained intact.  No such luck, the vitamins were not there, per the current resident of the room.  Disappearing pills really?  Some were in an unmarked vitamin box so it is speculation that someone thought that they hit the proverbial lottery.  Back and forth with housekeeping and a trip by the front desk and Rick to view the room contents, as well as a sheepish, robe covered Swed and his fetching mistress in bed, nothing turned up.  Apologies to the loving couple but from the looks of it they were in the afterglow.  We credit the staff of the hotel for their insistence with house keeping and perseverance (along with notable perspiration) that the items were returned over an hour later.  It was tenuous at best for all parties involved.

Turning Torso in the fog
Uncle Dan
Another great park near the turning Torso
Family Portrait

If you ever take a trek to Malmo, or Copenhagen for that matter, you would be amiss to not experience the remarkable waterfront architecture including the Turning Torso, the tallest building in Scandinavia which features a 90° twist, unreal, really.  The waterfront area is a created beachfront and with a truly nautical feel where Sweds congregate to enjoy the water, get some sun, and socialize.  A visit to the area places one into a completely different sensation than the city.

Rick has taught seminars in Malmo for his student Dan Johnson since 1989.  My attendance was greatly missed due to the fact that Junior High was in session. It was a difficult time negotiating with parents to let me out after 10:30 let alone cross-continental travel.  Nonetheless, Dan is one of Rick’s longest students, a dedicated martial artist and instructor, and a close friend of ours.  Plus, a very focused training partner that I enjoy training with because of his focus and concentration on the details of each motion. The difficulty each year is to expose elements of each of the arts, a session for Jun Fan, Muay Thai, Silat, and Kali.   The seminar was filled with familiar faces that we enjoy seeing each year and their improvement and dedication makes it an enjoyable place to instruct.

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Planning our route ahead we have made the decision to rent a car in Sweden and wonder our way down to our rental in the South of France about the distance from New Jersey to Florida.   Three for the road once again!

Denmark – Think before you drink

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, World Travel

What do you think would be the reaction in the US if someone went to a restaurant and were charged $3-$4 a glass for tap water?  Not from Fiji, a glacier, no bubbles just the sink.

We are seasoned travelers and diners as well as kind and considerate to servers and tip well per the country’s customs.  An issue that occurs internationally and nationally is our preference not to drink soda, juice, or milk.  Water is the beverage of choice and being Green do not order bottled water whether from a glass or plastic when there is no need in industrialized counties.  (Can you tell it is a pet peeve?)  We do not drink normal water to save $, thank goodness, because would you believe that in Denmark they CHARGE for tap water.  Not a buck or two, sometimes equaling to $3-$4!!!   We remember this from past visits but it is still stunning.  When we asked one waitress she stated, “I know it is old-fashioned and stupid.”  What is the recourse you say?  Order a glass or wine or beer?  But we still want water also after lots of walking!  In one instance we ordered aperitifs and then we still got hit!

After an enjoyable stay in Malmo we decided to head to Copenhagen for a few days to enjoy some sites.  Upon originally deciding to have a child our intention was to not slow down our very active travels at times, lots of walking and touring.  The child would have to keep up. Foresight could not predict that we would be the ones trying to keep up with the lassie even after over 8 miles of walking throughout a long day.  How did she do it you ask? She is 3 almost 4 and has not done the stroller thing for over a year so one must observe the experts, New Yorkers. On our last trip to NYC they were lined up at Central Park – scooters. In anticipation her younger model was upgraded to the 5-11 year olds’ model with intuitive tilt and lean steering.  At first it seemed a bit of a challenge to coordinate.  Yeah, no.  She is zipping and zooming around, left leg then right, one leg in the air Ballet style, no hands on her tippy toes, and squatting.  Like a youthful pup we have to run her now and again to tire her out and get her to trot at a leisurely pace!

Learning right away from these first few weeks, as we thought we would, some sites would not interest a wee one so it is an art to have fun AND experience culture. We spent one morning on a train trip to a town just outside of Copenhagen famous for it’s Viking Museum and inlet, Roskilde.  Enjoying the tradespeople outside making rope, a kiln, shields, and boats but at waterside deciding to forgo actually entering the museum!  Instead we jettisoned to another super cool playground just next to it and enjoyed the view of the water.  Back in Copenhagen the sights that interested all of us were the Danish National Museum (they have a children’s museum section) and the famous Tivoli Gardens.

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You can see from the photos that Ilaria was thrilled when she was chosen to be in a show at Tivoli.  She was not as stoic as she looks, hyper-focused is her modus operandi, after all the entire show was in Danish!  Seeing it time and time again now on occasions where one would expect visual jubilation she assess the situation and later recounts her enjoyment of what took place.  Some people have mentioned the disappointed of their personal experience seeing the famous “Lille Havfrue”, literally: “the Little Mermaid” a statue based on the Hans Christian Anderson story.  Rick and I had seen the sculpture prior but, believe you me, Ilaria thought it was fantastic exclaiming, “I loved, loved, loved it!” As the sea foam continues to form at the harbor, as in the legend, it lives on in the heart of children.

The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid

Next we are heading back to Malmo for more time as well as Rick’s Martial Arts seminar.

Hitting the Ground Running (and Crashing)

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Martial Arts, Travel, World Travel

The Danes and Swedish are reserved. Speaking softly and calmly is expected, do not do anything to draw attention to yourself, so demonstrating strong emotion in public is not socially acceptable. Conversely, traversing the brief train ride from Copenhagen airport to Malmo, Sweden just across the bridge there was an anomaly and my visceral response was deemed as appropriate. But more about that later…

Our first stop on this quest is Malmo, Sweden as Rick calls it “his second home”. It is a city of 303,873 people located just across the Øresund Bridge (one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World) from Copenhagen, Denmark. The city is refined yet understated and in more recent years super chic and hip. For us as a family, and when we were just a couple, it is very effortless to feel at home and tranquil. We know the layout of the town and the culture, as well as our favorite coffee houses. Our friend Dan, one of Rick’s longest students, has a martial arts academy in Malmo in which Rick will give a seminar once again later this month. Dan greeted us at the train station and escorted us to a friend of his apartment that we are renting in an ideal location in town.

Almost instantaneously we get into our vibe and groove. Hitting the grocery story in the most modern mall in town sums up some of the aspects that I personally love about Malmo and Sweden, it is “Green” in lots of ways and does it in an esthetically beautiful and effortless way. The shopping center has a living wall consisting of lovely greenery and utilizing lots of skylights and natural light utilizing the plenitude certain times of the year due to the position nearby the North Pole. Also, all the sustainability practices are integrated into everyday life. Bottled water is not cool, bikes are cool, recycling is expected, and all of it integrated into everyday life and is easy and prevalent as is local, traditional food.

As a family we can feel comfortable knowing that children are an accepted and respected part of society not an inconvenience. Parents in this progressive country received 480 days of parental leave and an amount of that is reserved just for the fathers and a large percentage take advantage.   As we hit the parks everyday in between the rain showers (we try a new one everyday as there are a whopping 14 large theme playgrounds in the city) there are an equal number of dads in the parks as moms for this very reason. Even the playgrounds are esthetically beautiful, function with individual creative elements. Upon seeing one Ilaria, at the pure site, told me it was the best park she had ever seen and upon entering loved it even more.   Sweden is fantastic!

Malmo City Park

Now back to the cliffhanger…

The public trains of southern Scandinavia are neat, sleek, and timely, created to support and sustain a travels needs and baggage transport. On the day we arrived traveling to Sweden’s 3rd largest city it was unexpectedly brimming with masses of travelers and luggage, perhaps some arriving for the HUGE Eurovision competition in Copenhagen as hotel occupancy saturated and attendees spilling into the surrounding areas. Groggy, as my sleep was altered from the fact that we drilled the mantra into Ilaria that she was going to “sleep on the plane overnight, sleep on the plane overnight, sleep on the plane overnight” but did not mention it meant in her own seat and not curled on my lap. Never the less, we managed to heave and cram our bags and ourselves onto the train without a minute to spare.

Never in the many years we have taken this route, even in rush hour, has it been so crammed or the energy been so discombobulated. To create a visual these trains have cars that have fold-down seats lined on either side with open space for bikes and luggage to the back of the car is some, for lack of better description stadium seating with a narrow 3 step rise to enter the area. I set down the soft duffel bag down off to the side of the stairs and placed Ilaria seated onto it so she would be A) seated so not to be thrown around, B) resting from lack of a full nights sleep, and C) entertained by the Swedish girl approx. 2-3 in her stroller. Here is the turning point as I stood to stretch my tired and cramped legs.

A dubious character entered our car by way of descending the 3-step rise and seemed wobbly and intoxicated lumbering around. His stocky build and large, stuffed backpack forcing its way into too small of a space gave a sense of his unawareness.   Being the detective that I am, note taken that he had a 3-year-old and wife in tow, which in some way validated him – big mistake. In a matter of seconds the train pitched to the side and Mr. X violently lurched forward causing a domino effect slamming into me as I was holding the metal bar for stabilization but his mass and the velocity were no match for me. Not a chance as myself and another tumbled to the ground. In a split second the visceral response, a desperate beckon to my child in pure desperation for I could see no sign of her from my vantage point only Mr. X with his large backpack juxtaposed in the air.

Horror struck my thoughts for that brief moment could she be bent forward and crushed? No word from the little voice I revere, as people lifted Mr. X in a desperate attempt to free the rest of us a burly voice announced to the onlookers, as if they cared, “I am OK, I am OK”. A sigh of relief as the mother of Ilaria’s new playmate liberated her and lifted her to freedom holding her closely as the natural instinct of a mother from anywhere around the world would do. Still no words, Ilaria must have been in shock from the event or from the screeching call from my voice in a tone she had never heard prior. Then a few tears and she was handed over to me. He crashed onto her leg but the softness of the duffel absorbed the impact.

Välkommen tillbaka!   (Swedish for “Welcome back!”)

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The “Wait” of the World

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, World Travel

My twenties brought anxiety and at one time some panic attacks from feelings and judgments of things I could not control and my lack of centering.  The Martial Arts through it’s many aspects (too many to mention here) and one book, the Art of Happiness by the Dali Lama, enlightened me to my own inner strength and grounded me by providing focus and a calm that I had never known.   So, for one to feel anxious once more brought back not only present uprooting but memories of unstable times.

For a few weeks recently Rick had noted my lack of urgency preparing for “the Big One”, our adventure into the world in which we received an extended visa through Sweden to travel in Europe for 5 months.  This momentous escapade did not come together over night, there was plenty time to prepare.  It was our goal since 2011 and we originally were seeking to attain it by the sale of PAMA, a sabbatical of epic proportions.  Not a vacation, freedom that was once not provided to us and one we were now courageous enough and blessed enough to make a reality.  Then bang, I was blindsided … pressure, exacerbating it even more was the actuality that I knew and know that internal calm and centering is all within one’s own grasp.    Still I could not shake being edgy and nerved out.

One might speculate many concerns and issues.  What to pack?  Yes, this time our clothing and items were now to cover both a brisk spring in Sweden and a warm Mediterranean summer.  Of course also a few comfort items for an almost 4 year-old’s and important favorites.  That did not cause a rattle; the details would fall into place even for an Greenie like me who dislikes purchasing unnecessary items to duplicate something we may forget.  Proudly, only 2 medium suitcases and 1 duffle stuffed and including a new scooter for quick transportation and to facilitate loads of walking.  The absence itself?  We were away earlier this year for 7 weeks with no regrets.  We all love travel and are naturals tackling new experiences and places.  We love our friends and family but we will be back soon enough.  Our home and personal items?  We have a very reliable and trustworthy person in house guarding.   Also material items do not define us so no troubles leaving them behind.

Bon Voyage!
Bon Voyage!

I am writing to ensure all that we have started our retreat reaching our destination intact.  So why then the anxiety?  The question is one that I have still not been able to pinpoint myself.    Maybe it a premonition?   Wait till my next blog to hear about a near catastrophic event that occurred on our train ride from the Copenhagen Airport to Malmo Sweden.  A near miss beyond our control with almost unimaginable results…………….

Get a Watch and Get a Life

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Life Lessons, Travel, US Travel

Here is a little experiment.  How many times do you check your Smartphone a day in an attempt to just look at the time?  Now how many of those times are you unintentionally pulled into the netherworld of the phone and unintentionally zapped from the present moment to be drawn to an unworldly and often unimportant rabbit hole?

Look around you and observe.  People have stopped wearing watches or at least when they are looking for the time just check their ever-present phone. It has literally been years now that I have not had a wristwatch and used my phone to fill the gap.  In December, I finally caved and got an iPhone with the intention that it would be most useful on our adventures to have a video, camera, and phone all in one to lighten my load.  It is an energy drain and I experienced freedom and became enlightened on our recent adventure.

 

We were gifted by friends to a week at a Spa Resort in North Beach Miami.  There are workout classes, workshops, a state of the arts spa, and gym but the ultimate gift – these areas are ALL listed as Cell Phone Free.  That means no calls OR texting allowed.  Ah a moment of Zen – no ringing, yammering, or people more focused on the device then those around them.  It was an odd feeling, people actually spoke to EACH OTHER, in person.  That part was a vacation in itself.  That and the fact that one of the main training rooms has two open walls to the outside with fresh air and natural light as well as Cardio Aquatics classes in the outdoor pool.  Looking around some people seemed unnerved and a bit nervous and fidgety, maybe that was from the cold turkey sans phones.  But, back to reality and outside the cocoon of the artificial rules we witnessed people standing IN the other pools on their phones and on the street someone on their bike at a red light so deeply absorbed texting that he almost got in a major accident.

 

Outdoor Training Room
Outdoor Gym Workout Pool

 

From my recent lamenting about the phone AKA digital hand watch, Rick pulled me into Swatch to get a new casual, everyday watch.  I was joyful to discover a new friend, not only a watch but, a mantra.  It provides me constant remembrances – “Be Happy for this Moment”  and  “This Moment is for Life”.

Get a watch and get a little of your life back, I did!

 

Notes from the World’s Best Mom

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Life Lessons, Martial Arts, Travel, US Travel

My intention has always been to be an exceptional mother, after all I had 35 years on this planet to devise my strategy and much forethought before beginning the occupation.  But, I was not prepared for being dubbed the Best Mom in the World a bit over 3 ½ years into my tenure.  The difficult part is retaining the title, at least in one person’s eyes.

Does this look like the “Best Mother in the World” or what?

From the early moments of being with child, unconditional love permeated every fiber of my being as every mom tells you it will.  But at no time was I prepared for the absolute pure love that I was to receive in return.  Well before the age of 3 my daughter whole heartily announced daily that she was going to be a Mommy.  In an attempt to instill a sense of unlimited potentiality in the future, often I would add that she was going to do and be many things before she is a mommy.  Alrighty, now she was gong to be a ballet dancer, a martial artist, and then a mommy.  But why the Mommy fixation?  I had to know so I asked.

“Because you are the best mommy in the whole world and I want to be just like you.”  Bang – my knees got weak, no longer an infant relying on me for mere survival, the connection just got exponentially deeper and more intense.  Carefully and often encouraging her independence and original thoughts while meanwhile she was, and is, mirroring me in every way.  So often in the daily hustle and bustle it is easy to forget that after all we are and will be role models for our children not just as youngster but in our actions, behaviors, and of course our influence intentionally and unintentionally.

The gravity of the title bestowed gives one pause and reflection the same way any ceremonial crowning subconsciously and consciously elevates a person to meet the expectations of the designation.  It is not the feeling of a constant microscope, on the contrary, it is more akin to a mirror back to oneself.  In line situationally relating to WWJD as in WWTBMD, What Would “The Best Mom Do?”  I am not labeling myself as otherworldly or saintly, but do feel more patient and conscious thinking WWTBMD in lots of situations.  This does not mean all sunshine and rainbows but some deep breaths, intentional pauses, and extra hugs.  Of course, to be the best it should and does including being firm and disciplining when need be, a true sign of ultimate love.

An update on our travels:

Rick was teaching a seminar in NYC for Krav New York so we decided to stay for a beautiful spring weekend.  A whole morning spent in central park and landing for brunch at a lovely Greek restaurant in the Upper West Side – Loi.  The staff was very warm and gracious and we were enthralled to find out that the chef/owner donates 10% of all profits to an orphanage in Greece, her motherland.  Life can present constant reminders of humility and humanity.  In her restaurant and website more of a focus is on these efforts than promoting the fact that she is a celebrity chef and even cooks for Obama a few times a year.  If you ever in the city for brunch you must check it!

One gift of having a singleton is that we manage pretty well as a team and can easily and stress-free enjoy cultural adventures that some parents of multiples dare not attempt.  Being that we are not outnumbered we can always switch off to experience adult themed amusement without interrupting others experiences.  We are Beatles mega-fans so when we heard that the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, at Lincoln Center had an exhibit “Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!” that includes tour memorabilia, historic film clips, video interviews with musicians, as well as interactive exhibits of course we had to make a pit stop.

Sunday came and a four-hour seminar and a child just don’t align.  Having once never believed I could enjoy something more than martial arts, I choose some quality time with Ilaria and we headed to the West Village for a wonderful educational introduction to the theater and children’s showing of The Little Mermaid, no it was not created by Disney, this one was based on the original Hans Christian Anderson version and the mermaid (never actually given a name in the folk tale version) does not marry the prince and live happily ever after.  She loved it and seeing this experience through her was sheer joy.

Rick taught the Kali edged weapon awareness seminar to a great group of very receptive Krav Maga students some of which had a blank canvas when it came to the Filipino arts.  Interestingly, back in the PAMA archives Rick has a receipt from the main a Krav Maga schools in Israel when they bought a whole set of his instructional DVDs several few years back.  After the show, since both us gals LOVE martial arts, we immediately after headed to midtown east to check out the second half of the seminar. Great group of people to teach!

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Ah dancing, theater, and martial arts all in one day, maybe I am the Best Mom in the Whole World.  When asked what her favorite part of the show was my daughter’s reply was “Being with you Mom”.   Oh, the pressure of keeping the title!