Category: Travel

Been island hopping: Key West, P.E.I., Key Largo… Ærø

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

Milan, Copenhagen, Malmo Sweden, Boulder Co, Sarasota FL, Boulder Co, Miami Beach FL, NYC, Nosara CR, Key Largo, Key West, Boulder Co, Halifax NS, Prince Edward Island, LA, Sedona AZ, NYC, Nosara CR, Miami Beach, Key West, Key Largo, Miami Beach, Malmo SE. That about catches us up from my last blog until now for those curious. It has only been about 2 years! Those who were asking for more have since given up asking. So, in typical Scorpio fashion on my own terms and without further adieu…

Since I last communicated the world has been changing so rapidly and it continues to be tumultuous and overwhelming for many, many reasons. We did not even go to Europe last year because of all the terrorist activity, instead we went quietly and safely to Nova Scotia and P.E.I. in Canada and they were lovely and remote. This year we headed for solitude again and in addition to the worldly problems are also more immediately escaping predators in our own backyard. There have been several black bears sightings in our neighborhood.  Literally, a black bear in the preserved land out our back door as well as a black bear in a swimming pool less than 1/4 of a mile away.  With bear sighting in the daylight it puts a damper on playing outside our home as well as the constantly looming infectious deer ticks and their daily menacing behavior ominous for avid outdoors people or people who just want to walk out of their house.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SWIMMING BEAR

On this years excursion first we took solace in our all familiar port of Malmo, the 3rd largest city in Sweden which lies across the bridge from Copenhagen.  Even after being away for 2 years it still feels like a second home we can navigate easily and all the people even speak English. Not just enough words to communicate but fluent English.  As a worldly world traveler I am not arrogant expecting to have others speak our language.  I know enough to get by in French, Spanish, and Italian and Rick’s Italian and German are bellissimo.  Once I tried to learn Swedish by audio tapes, I tried really I did but, my mouth betrayed me.  I could not get the sounds to come out correctly no matter how hard I tried.  So as he has been doing since 1989 Rick lead a Martial Arts seminar for his student Dan Johansson’s group MMA Alliance,  The students there loved the lessons and Rick looks forward to reconnecting with the group.

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After a weeklong visit we hopped on.  I may have mentioned previously that I love water.  Given a choice, Rick is more a mountain person and I the sea and salt water.  Maybe you are picturing some palm trees and sand as we are here in the islands again, this time not in the Caribbean but in Scandinavia. We went remote, super remote and quiet – Ærø, Denmark. Denmark is made up of 3 large landmasses and 2 of which are islands and then 404 more islands! The island we chose is part of the South Funen Archipelago in the south of Denmark in the Baltic Sea only accessible by ferry. And oh, you better make a reservation for the ferry because when we rolled up in our car rental to the dock and strolled leisurely into the Tourist office to inquire about the ferry departure the nice woman looked panicked. We did not come prepared with a reservation and the ferries fill up between cars and trucks heading over to the island. With her assistance we get a spot for the next departure but upon arriving we did not get a reservation for our return at the time we had hopped for.

View from the Ferry
View from the ferry

Being a green freak, I personally loved the idea of visiting this small island because it is near completely energy independent and up to a few years ago held the title for the world’s largest solar power plant. Ærø is only 22 miles by 6 miles but it’s 7,000 residents are very connected to nature and to the sustainability cause. Come on world, if a place that gets only approximately 50 hours of sunlight in December can do it what about the rest of us?

Borrowed photo of the solar panels
Borrowed photo of the solar farm

Speaking of sunlight, thankfully, Ilaria is a great sleeper at night because being so close to the Arctic Circle in the summer the sun rises at approx 4:30 a.m. and sets at approx 10:00 p.m.!  We do engineer the curtains and rig extra darkening to make sure that deep sleep happens.  We enjoy going for morning hikes but not too early!

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Escaping from reality, it is a fairy tale island; truly, in the old town most of the houses are one story tall and the oldest (still occupied) dates back to 1645. The streets are lined with hollyhocks and roses. In the main town strolling through the streets I took a photo of a particular door we found intriguing and it turns out it is not only the oldest on the island but, the oldest door in Denmark! Ærø is 22 miles by 6 miles, with 7,000 residents. The kind of island where people sell strawberries, honey, jam, and potatoes in front of their houses on the honor system, that kind of sweetness.  The nature walks were dreamy and surreal.

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Given the quaint features of this stay (and if you know us well) you will be shocked to see where we are going next. It may be the antithesis! STAY TUNED

Here we are living and still living wherever we are.

Reacquainting with Mr. Tucci

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

The Tyrolean Alp surrounding a restaurant at a secluded mountain pass on a path to a remote Austrian village. Arriving – a sigh upon reaching a distant location and fading into obscurity. Until a James Bond moment and a subtle murmur in English with a strong German accent, “But Mr. Tucci last year was not your first year in Lech though was it? You were here before.” Recognized…

After contemplating the meaning of life and my life over a few Irish Coffees the night before, there was a need for something stronger – a solo hike up a mountain to sort it out. Carrying a metal hiking stick, originally with the intention of having a “weapon” if necessary, only to discover that truly, as in martial arts, the training is not for the purpose of fending off a predator but for self-preservation. More often then not, we are preparing not for the external enemy but for our own self-growth and self-knowledge, the internal conflict that can at times be more vicious.

Preparing for the somewhat challenging hike alone, initially the voices in the head go back and forth, round and round, attempting to solve the problems of the world and my world on a rational level. Next Type A gazes above to see the zenith and pushes to gain ground and heart rate. Starting to think about my life in phases and flashing moments and then I stopped, sat down and in a rare moment wept.   I thought about the many challenging times in my life and those people that surrounded me. Next, thoughts about how presently my mind was swarming with debates and manifestos though, in reality, all is truly well. There is no crisis.  Health, joy, and abundance abound but the numerous internal debates were not allowing enough room for gratitude and happiness with what is.  As I returned to my hike the path got significantly more challenging forcing moment-to-moment focus and presence to take hold.

Mountain traffic jam
Monk & Samurai carvings while hiking very fitting
View mid-hike
Alpine mountain flowers

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau

Upon my decent, I came upon a trio pausing to allow my careful steps. Stopping a moment for banter about the weather and the trail as I depart a synchronicity, as the woman looking me directly in the eyes and imparts, “Take your time. No rush”.

We had many great out of doors time as a family spending time each day hiking and walking.   The purity of a child’s mind unfettered by thoughts and what we are indoctrinated as “reason” is a lesson in itself. Daily the important rituals revolve around mountain flowers, insects, conversions about fairies, and pursuing butterflies. Pursing butterflies that is with the intention of having one land and become compadres. Each day a daily moving meditation practice of learning to be still and patient then one day concentration and determination paid off. Not one new connection but THREE landed and were carried by my daughter. Pure love and faith prevailed.

Top of the Rufikopf
Geological hike discovery
Family hike selfie
Always look on the bright side of life
Butterfly friends

The weeks we extended and stayed in Lech, Austria and returned after a hiatus to the Dolomites in Italy have been like therapy for us as individuals as well as Rick and I as a couple. The arrangement at our hotel allows for much needed, uninterrupted adult time with complimentary childcare. Moments to relax, laugh, and just talk about nothings and everything in the daylight and setting sun. It did not take therapy but moments of focused attention and intention.  Just like starting over and all it took was space, nature, presence, and Irish coffee.

Relaxing!
Her new Austrian dress!
Hotel barn

As for Rick’s notoriety as mentioned at the beginning of the blog, the manager of the hotel where we stayed remembered Rick from many,many years ago at a different hotel in town. As it turns out I was not the only one to get reacquainted with him!

The Highs and Lows of Travels

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

Where do you source? The Oceans or the Mountains? For me, I’ll follow the sun.

The day prior to flying into Milan from Copenhagen there was still debate as to where our travels would take us. Our decision became solely based on following the sunshine. Most of Europe in the mountains was getting drenched from Milan into Austria and Germany, torrential downpours not just a light sprinkling. The Mediterranean, Italian Rivera remained mostly sunny, at a cost.

Church San Giacomo in Santa Margherita Ligure
View of Santa Margherita Ligure
Always gelato time in Italy!
Lunch in Portofino
Hear the squeal!

As we were reminded of this year sea level and sunshine can be lovely but loud and busy. Most people who know Italians can tell you that south of Milan they love a bit of chaos, loud scooters & voices, and drama. Our heritage growing up with Sunday spaghetti dinners and lots of hand gesture grants us permission and authority to judge. We witnessed an animated (some might say passionate) 10-minute conversation between two waitresses about where to sit 3 German tourists because of the bright setting sun and reserved tables. Surely, this was not the first time this predicament presented itself but it warranted lots of back and forth dialogue and a bit of furry. This behavior is known to be accepted, part of the charm. Another thing that is accepted is tourist areas the Coperto is added to the bill, a per person fee. It is simply a different way of pricing menu items instead of including the management fees in the pricing of the individual dishes.  Sometimes up to 5 Euros even for lunch so that 2 bowls of spaghetti Bolognese in Portofino even before the summer crowed can rack up the $$$. Well, at least there are no complaints about the food or the view.

Three evenings and we were prepared and longing for calm of the mountains, traveling within a few hours from sea-level to just below the highest point in Europe Mont Blanc-Chamonix France. Although the French have been know for their own cultural attitudes in big cities like Paris, the Laissez-faire – let it go attitude is more apparent elsewhere. Although lots of worker migrate from other locals to have the opportunity to experience these amazing mountains on their free days. Even in a tourist mecca you can always be alone in the mountains surrounded by natural beauty.    Hiking and nature is calming and loved by all in our wide age range and the train to the base of a glacier on the other side of Mont Blanc from our last visit was breathtaking. The pinnacle was in a cloud literally, we stepped of the train in the heavens so our stay was brief before descent. No complains from our trio for the weather was forecast for rain most of our days in Chamonix but instead of following the sun it followed us!

Up in the Clouds
Enjoying the view
View from “Le Tour” hike
Chalet in Chamonix
View of Chamonix from above
Riding the Bahn

Laid Up, Lay Over

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

Always thrilled to be traveling, the complaints from frequent travels always seemed trite. Minus some minor hitches it has been smooth sailing for the past several years cruising the globe. Word to the wise… travel is one of the major areas affected by Mercury in retrograde.

Everyone ready to go!
Everyone ready to go!

In the United Airlines lounge prior to departure there was a rumbling, major rumbling, not thunder, a little closer to home. Maybe just a fluke or jittery nerves? Settling into our seats for our overnight flight through Brussels to Copenhagen for our travel to Malmo, Sweden there was some uneasiness. After managing a glass of red wine and our meals, that came after almost an hour and a half in the air, operation get a 4 year old to sleep on the plane was in full effect. Armrests up, mom was the pillow and dad was the leg rest – we were locked in. Dad dozing, child snoring, mom doubled over. Could it be really another case of cold seafood voodoo? Shrimp gazpacho sample from Whole Foods earlier or just cold stale plane air?

Past roommates can attest that when I retch it is not pretty nor is it quiet and there is a prolog of a cough that notoriously precedes the events, yes, events. There is never just one wave, then keep on rolling. Not that anyone is fond of expelling, but in a bathroom smaller then an automobile trunk with a line 4 deep?   Muffling the projectile like wrenching so that the flight attendant is not notified of the Ebola/Swine Flu/something not yet documented taking place. Must endure, cannot be quarantined in Brussels….

Come on 9lbs 2oz baby natural delivery, Muay Thai test getting the holy hell kicked out of you by two grown men voluntarily, pull it together. Immigration is no joke, let alone in a line following a flight that just landed from Africa and only 8, yes 8 customs’ officials to scan the abundant crowds for disease, drugs, and criminals myself being the former. Nauseously proceeding through the line supported constantly by my hugging partner, we looked like newly weds clinging to each other. Not to mention born with a spicy sense for odor and surrounded by unshowered weary travelers plus my own stench. It was a test of will. Can’t go on, must go on but for how long?

Concluding the confrontation with the officials there was only a brief, approximately 1 mile, saunter to the Air Brussels lounge. The view and breakfast display was lovely in the peripherals speeding to the ladies room. The lady in the adjacent stall must have been late for her flight because normally women wash their hands and don’t run out of bathrooms, huh that’s odd. Entering in and out one time more and the eruption is over.

Stock Brussels lounge photo (no way I would think for a picture)
Brussels Airport fun!
Catching the Train!

Onto Copenhagen, originally thrilled days earlier to contact Brussels Air and get our seats assigned row 4, all together. The stars were not having it.   The woman at the gate promptly ripped them up in our faces and relocated us to the rear of the plane, farthest rear, no recline on the seats. Our protests went unrequited and United Airlines status was met with a brick wall. The pilot felt obligated to notify us that the rear of the plane is the safest, thanks for that. The chance of an accident was very slim, the chance of a neck ache and stale air were guaranteed. Nothing to do but take our seats and laugh instead of crying about it.

The brief week in Sweden was packed with catching up with friends, taking in the sites, experiencing the city by bike and Rick’s martial arts seminar. Our home away from home and all of which were great. The seminar day one was bringing home the importance of the bread and butter basics of Kali, Silat, and empty hands. Day two was boxing and kickboxing strategies and drills, so much fun and interesting at the same time. Loved by all!

Secret garden found!
Reuniting with old playmates!
Reuniting with old playmates!
Rick’s seminar
Home away from home since 1989!

Next we depart Sweden for Italy with Mercury still in retrograde. Mama Mia here we go again!

Getting Naked in Miami Beach

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Escaping Winter, Travel, US Travel

In the present day European co-ed spas it is not bathing suit optional, there is no option – birthday suits only. Towels are allowed but the candor that is shown may shock the average American, it all hangs out in more ways then one. The purpose, once again, is to prevent bacteria filled clothing from entering the area. Get in, get naked, get showered, and get started. To the Europeans this is mundane and oh so natural.

Family chillin'
Family chillin’

Fast forward to our resent trip to a famous Miami Beach Spa & Health Center.   Please keep in mind that there are gender specific spas at this upscale oasis. No need to look sideways and cover up or is there?   The United States was founded on Puritanical beliefs but are we going forward? The report is in and the answer is no!

The exterior
The valet

Unfortunately, the chic woman’s spa was filled with bathing suits and shame. A woman with an older teenage daughter, completely clad in swimwear, encouraged her daughter with a nip and tuck to immediately grab and wrap up will exiting the whirlpool. Really? These body issues, which surely have been emphasized since birth; along with trending social norms IS what is teaching overt, misplaced modesty. One might ask what shape and size of said mother and child but that is exactly my point – it does not matter.

Speaking again of puritanical beliefs the report back from the men’s spa was a bit more bizarre. Man over 40, bare all but, those under 40 attired in beachwear. How did that happen? Men don’t care do they? Please explain this new phenomenon.

The only assessment that I personally can come to is blaming media and the entertainment industry’s perpetuated views of perfection and judgment. How wacked out is it when even the fake breasts are covered up and not touted? (Yes, I saw that too.) While in the sauna sweating profusely I laid down naked, towel under me. A woman came in at seemed to hesitate for a moment, then sat down, thought for another moment and finally took off her towel and laid on it. A few moments later the swaddled mom and daughter meekly entered and briskly exited. Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Enjoying the facilities LOL
Scootin’ in South Beach
Ila during her fitness class
Having a laugh
Feeding the meter for homeless

How Did We Get Here?

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Escaping Winter, Life Lessons, Martial Arts, Travel, US Travel

There is a large gap in the blogs. Yes, it is true.   Ending here in North Beach Miami, where I am writing to you now but, that was not our only step after Central American. The decision was made, in the eleventh hour, to escape the winter in California after Costa Rica.  The people on the East Coast will understand why.

Here are the snippets of the downside of our trip.  Debbie Downer no, realist yes.  These things need to be expressed from my perspective because we are those people that really take in our surroundings.  Lets just get these out of the way.

Cali Needs a Life RIng
Lovely Ojai Downtown
Ojai Groves

Ojai:   FRACKING in the  STATE PARK just near to town.  I repeat in a STATE PARK just NEAR TO TOWN – wrong on so many levels.  Factually, it is now effecting their already low water table, there are toxic levels of chemicals being released in the air, and oh by the way they are on a fault line.

Hermosa Beach:  At the time was voting on whether to allow drilling of thirty something oil wells IN the town and also offshore wells.  (Thankfully, we know now that the bill did not pass.)

Manhattan Beach:  Signs on the Pier stated not to eat the fish caught off the dock.  Upon further investigation it appears that the area from Palisades Verdes to Santa Monica is the US’ largest Super Fund site, the largest.  Endangered by sediment polluted with DDT from wastewater discharged by the Hermosa Beach many years ago.

La Jolla:  Sea lion pups are turning up on California’s iconic shores emaciated and dehydrated or already dead. Officials predict that about 70 percent of sea lion pups will die before weaning age – around April.

HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN SIGN A PETITION AND DONATE:  http://act.oceana.org/sign/pfmc_save-starving-sea-lions_2015?source=mailing&t=2&akid=4536.408151.R8GXtA

SOS – Save our Sea Lions (Huddled for Warmth)
Manhattan Pier
View from Manhattan Beach North

Californ I-I-I A!!!! Oh and NASA just reported last week that California only has one year of water left.  Hunger Games? Let’s talk the real Water Games.

But I digress…  When Rick and I were originally contemplating the intention of adding another being to this already out of balance world, a wise friend of ours reminded us that someone needs to raise the conscious ones.  Anyone ever see Idiocracy with Luke Wilson?  Seems like a wacky movie but the premise is spot on.  We also got a reminder from our friend Dana in LA, who our wee one was thrilled to see again, that Ilaria can be one of the good conduits for a higher consciousness, as I believe and hope that all coming generations will now be.  Glass half full, friends, glass half full!

We loved the Sun and Fun in Cali so now onto the fun, and there was loads.  In Ojai, hiking almost 2 hours several times was great.  That amount of time is major when you are 4 and imagine what that feels like time and distance wise.  The outdoors, nature, and uninterrupted time.  But not quiet time, for Let it Go was a go to at any moments of lag.  It does not help the fact that passers by always rave about the lovely voice, thus perpetuating it.  Over and over and over…. therapeutically, I now hear it as a mantra, a positive message the keeps rattling around and heard repeatedly during any moments of silence.

In Tow
Hiking Away!
Lone RIder

Lots of biking, in Ojai and then at the beaches, thankfully the bike trailer is a hit now even though as a 2 year old she would scream and only liked the seat on the back of the bike where she could look around and see everything.  Also renting a bike for her to ride was a bit hit, she zooms and mom gets a great jog – win/win.

Upon our return to NJ at the beginning of March, Rick gave a seminar at Princeton Academy of Martial Arts – Beyond Technique, the Art of Flow.  This was profound and I believe that it deserves it’s own Blog so you will have to follow up to hear the juicy details.

Rick's Seminar - Beyond Technique
Rick’s Seminar – Beyond Technique

We did stay in Jersey for 2 weeks = 2 snow storms, enough to enjoy, appreciate, make hot coco, and “Build a Snowman”.  The take away is that almost everyone had the same news to report, “Normally, I don’t mind the winter but, this is just too much.”  People looked beaten and battered from it and ready for it to be over.  As I write this from North Beach Miami on the first day of spring, it is snowing in New Jersey.  Sorry folks!  No worries, Jersey is tough, but tired

Want to Build A Snowman?
Want to Build A Snowman?

A Year Gone By and What Do We Have to Show?

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

A Year Gone By and What Do We Have to Show?

The answer is almost nothing. No really, almost nothing. We spent almost this entire year on the road traveling and experiencing the world with no “stuff” to show for it. Experiences not items.

Returning to the launch site of our yearlong sabbatical, Costa Rica, brought me to a long pause both figuratively and literally in my blog, as I pondered all our tripping around the globe. There were many lessons and insights from our sincerely light-footed gallivanting. One major lesson was that we basically missed no things. At not one point did we stop and long for the “things” that we had left behind nor did we pick things up along the way besides food, necessities, and some clothing basics for our ever-growing daughter. All of our energies and resources were placed on, more often then not, outdoor, nature based activities.

Experiencing a Tico Birthday Party!
The Spoils!

Oddly enough, I don’t think that any of us got tired of wearing the few well-chosen quality outfits we toted. It was freeing in a way to have a very limited choices and not think twice about which few shirts to wear. Decisions were made on climate and comfort. In fact, there is a specific pair of grey cargo pants that you may have seen me wearing lots on our European trip that I wore today.

There was a time in my own life when I thought that I needed more and better and more. The more that one travels the more one realizes that what really maters are the experiences, whether near to home or around the globe.

This clear concept entered into our scope back in 2006. The beginning of the year I had read an article based on No Unnecessary Items. I read it, processed it, and took it to heart. Starting that year each time I went to purchase something, anything even the smallest thing I made a conscious decision on whether it was necessary. Most things were not. I managed to wear what I had in my closet more and then stacks that way. When our birthdays came in November we proposed the idea to each other that rather then purchase each other some nearly memorable items we would experience something together. Not just a trip but a long weekend getaway to a course on Peruvian Shamanism that transformed our world and perspectives in many ways and opened the doors to other spiritual endeavors. Priceless.

Interestingly enough when we returned from the bulk of our first year traveling, back into our home we began to purge more items rather then revel in them. Old clothing redistributed, books donated that may never be read again, and toys that no longer are needed reassigned. Less is better, living & experiencing is more.

IMG_5886

TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE LITE

  1. No unnecessary items (see above). Bored? Lonely? Filling your house with items will not fill this gap, only the space. Try a new class, museum, or daytrip. Expand your mind not your closets.
  2. Don’t buy crap. Really, the more low quality things you buy whether clothing, electronics, or home items the more you will have to replace them as they break, fall apart, or just disintegrate before your eyes.
  3. 1 in – 3 out rule. For every clothing item that you buy you must donate or give away three items in your closet. Wow, what a concept. This rule will filter out the items that you no longer wear and in no time even the scales on the clothing that you own. There will be a point in which you say, but I really like all of the things I have.
  4. Inform friends and family about gifts and make it clear and easy. My family is great on this. They know I love tea, wine, coffee, chocolate, handmade items, and restaurant/food gift certificates! All perfect, easy to find and use, and admittedly they do not hang around that long. In return if I am not sure of a useable, necessary gift for someone I buy him or her the same items listed above. Always a win and always well received.

Not a Sunshine State of Mind

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

The world’s weather systems are changing and we continue to experience it firsthand each stop we make.

We parked ourselves on the deck with our hoodies pulled tightly over our heads waiting for the sun. Thankful when on the third day the rays finally began to peak out in the Sunshine State. We were miffed and taken back by our climate experience even as was a person who told us that after 15 years in Clearwater Beach, Florida that they had never seen over 2 days with not a peak of sun. The disheartening thing is that we have heard this story over and over again this past year in concerning different atmospheric elements.

Winter Coats!
Where is the sun?

June with hail the size of golf balls in the South of France, Snow in Boulder, Colorado in the beginning of September, low 90’s in Southern Sweden this August, torrential rains and freezing temps in Austria in July and ongoing acute draughts in California. Experiencing firsthand major weather events and abnormalities, not slightly askew, severe abnormalities is difficult to process. As inquisitive and educated travelers we knew as these events were happening outside of the norm and each time our concerns were systematically confirmed by locals time and again. We have heard the predictions and so East Coast, do you have your snow shovels and boots ready for another predicted over snowed winter? What’s the true prediction – new normal or abnormality?

Weather reports change so quickly and abruptly we know enough now to prepare for anything and everything. This trip winter coats, howling wind, and a constant drizzle tried to bring us down, not a chance. On the day the sun did finally decide to peer out at 60 degrees there was much needed pool time, heated pool time.

Sunshine finally!
Sledding Florida Style

Leaving on a Midnight Plane to Texas

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

Ok, so from the looks of it you cannot tell it really was not midnight.  Our flight left Newark at 6:30 P.M. to San Antonio, Texas.  The factor that must be taken into account, and understood by all parents this time of year, was Daylight savings time.  The clocks go back so an extra hour for everyone!  Not really, kids cannot be tricked into this charade.  Although she went to bed at the correct time the following day after DST, Sunday, the waking time was what her body clock told her was 7:30 A.M., so yes 6:30 A.M.  So after two mornings of losing 1 hour due to lack of adjustment she was absolutely spent.

All day on the Monday, November 3rd, and entire way to the airport to everyone who would listen the mantra was, “I am taking a overnight flight to Texas”.  Well, not exactly a myth, considering the time change and her normal 8:00 P.M. bedtime.  Sitting in Business Class she begged me for dinner so I consulted the flight attendant who expedited the meal.  Giving the speed of a 4-year-old’s eating she concluded at the same time I did.  Without pondering for her dessert, she was out in 5 minutes flat, a record without a doubt but, not before reminding me that I would have to carry her limp, exhausted body through the airport to get the rental car.

The “overnight” flight
Shuttle snooze
Car rental counter carnage

All her visions and images this trip were correct.  Upon peaking her eyes open for the 9:45 P.M. landing in San Antonio, which a few days ago would have been 11:45 EST, it really was somewhere in the middle of her night.  Although, I have no pictures of the carrying through the airport, you will see shots of sleeping on plane, the car rental shuttle, and what looks like carnage at the rental car counter.  In between the naps, in her true fashion she cracked jokes and laughed.  Arriving at our hotel room and just prior to collapsing in the bed her last words were commenting on her approval of the room.  Oh, and thank goodness for all she slept till 7:00 A.M. CST.  Our travels continue right on schedule and timezone change.

 

 

Ceremony and Offerings

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

Some people ask for a momentous trip, special celebration, or symbolic gift to signify a major birthday year.

Shhh can you keep a secret? This November Rick will be turning 60 and I will be turning 40. Not really secret because I feel we are both blessed with health and vitality that is ageless.  Besides that, Rick can do things physically that some 40, no make that 30 year olds, I know would gaff at.

In preparation for these momentous events we asked a “gift” from the honorable Khenpo Geshe Tenzin Dargye, our friend and one of only a handful of Tibetan Bon Khempos in the world at this high level.   He preformed a Puja for both of us, an honor offering to signify success and continued blessings in our lives.  The ceremony consisted of many mantras as well of the blessing of incense, rice, and prayer flags that then needed to be scattered into nature and hung respectively.  We choose a special sacred site at our friends’ property so that the flags will be respected, able to allow the prayers and mantras will to be blown by the wind, and to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags will be a benefit to all!

Another valued friendship that we are thankful for is that with Alberto Villodo, author and founder of the Four Winds Society, Healing the Light Body School, and his divine wife Marcela.  We are thankful to have had time to visit with them at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York.  Not only did we get to spend time in the autumn leaves and brisk air but we also each received Hampi Ceremony & Blessings from Q’ero shamans from the Peruvian Andes. Rick and I trained with Alberto and the light body school several years ago and traveled to Peru’s Sacred Valley including Machu Picchu and the Amazon Jungle a few times to be in the presence of the Shaman and each time it is a new and enlightening experience.

After our daughter’s shaman blessing when asked what she felt she said, “I was the earth and the earth was me.”  Right on sister, you got it!