And so, I will add an entry on Nepal very soon. The trouble is, it was such an immense experience, that I don't know that I can do it justice. I will attempt it though, if for nothing else than my own memory. All I definitely know is that I will return to the beautiful kingdom of Nepal next year, in order to trek the Annapurna Circuit and fulfill a dream I have held for 12 long years. I would love to do the Everest Base Camp trek as well on the same trip, but after suffering the physicality of the Poon Hill trek with a dodgy left knee, (which reduced me literally to tears at times over the pain endured, thanks to a running injury exactly a week before we left for Nepal), I dare not attempt until I have at least a successful circuit trek under my belt. Not that it bothers me greatly, as it only means that I must return to Nepal a third time to realise my ultimate dream. No hardship at all!
I long to return to Kathmandu. Particularly Thamel, with it's narrow, slightly winding, delightfully claustrophobic alley ways, one leading onto the next, and then the next. A succession of tea stores, pashmina shops, Thangka sellers, distributors of Buddhas and vendors selling semi-precious stones worked into beautiful necklaces and bracelets. How I long to haggle gently with jewellers and side street con-women selling cheap bags. To debate the worth and value of a handmade wind pipe with an incessantly sincere seller. To sit in a smokey, dimly lit restaurant, waiting for the ordered momo's and Tibetan beer to be delivered to the table, with the threat of an electrical outage ever present. The reassurance of a head torch, so alien in usual circumstances, giving comfort through it's very presence in one's jacket pocket. To cast shy, unwilling eyes at a table companion, while reading the mesmerising tale of a mountain ascent gone awry.
This is Thamel-cheap internet and crackling international phone calls. Inexpensive books. Good food with the threat of electrical power shortages. Cheap soap. Haggling for Buddhas and jade and silver bowls. Beggars. Narrow alley ways and peaceful hotels. The crow of roosters along adjacent roof tops. A feeling of peace amidst the madness. A feeling of having been granted an insight into something remarkable.
I Love You Thamel.
I can't wait to experience you again. Soon.
10 July 2013
Ashram
On Friday I headed off up to the central coast to attend a meditation retreat at an Ashram. I have been going there since 2001, every year or so, and without fail, the instant the car I'm in pulls up into the car park, I feel a deep sense of peace and calmness pass through me. It's almost like coming home.
This time, for the first time, I managed to organise myself so that I arrived just before lunch. All of the food at the ashram is vegetarian and although it can occasionally be a little on the spartan side and is rather heavy on the carbs and light on protein, it is always delicious. So, I had lunch and then settled in to my room. The rooms are basic but comfortable and warm. I had originally booked in to share a room with two other (strangers!) women, but once there, I decided I'd benefit more from the weekend if I was on my own.
I then spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the sun and writing, attending a deep relaxation class and asana class and generally absorbing the strange feeling that comes with not having to be anywhere else or having to do anything else. Bliss.
There followed a couple of days doing much the same. Eating simple, wholesome meals, which I did not have to prepare or think about in any way, other than partaking of them. Doing early morning meditation and yoga classes, gazing into soft candlelight and gently stretching body and mind in the pure stillness of the predawn. Attending classes throughout the day on a very interesting purifying practice and being led through amazing meditations by a calm souled teacher with a soft, peaceful voice. Sitting in the warm afternoon sun, writing. Going for gentle walks along gravel paths, hearing the satisfying crunch beneath my shoes. Participating in joyous, joyful Kirtan of an evening. Talking to like minded people on a similar path.
It wasn't all peace, love and mung beans. There were moments where it felt physically and psychically uncomfortable, where I even had the odd fleeting thought of simply getting into my car and leaving and heading home. But those moments passed and I realised that attending a retreat isn't meant to be about having fun, about having a good time. Its about confronting yourself, facing the YOU that is otherwise obscured by everyday life. The YOU that is covered by all of the distractions and muck and mire of simply living. Stripped of technology, obligations and responsibilities, you are left somewhat exposed and bare, and yes, it can be uncomfortable to see what lies there. But it's also quite liberating and it's definitely interesting.
In the end though, it simply wasn't time enough. I left feeling as though I was only just getting into the routine of the day and feeling into the vibrations of the ashram. I intend returning before the year ends and will stay for longer than a couple of nights next time. I've promised myself that the next visit would be longer the last couple of times and having been there now on a half a dozen or so occasions, it well and truly feels as though it's time to increase the intensity on the 'work' I do whilst there.
All in all though, it was a wonderful weekend and I'm glad I was able to get away to experience the ashram once again. I feel as though I have a lot more to say about it all but I'm still processing it so perhaps it will come out in later entries. Who knows?
Hari Om Tat Sat.
This time, for the first time, I managed to organise myself so that I arrived just before lunch. All of the food at the ashram is vegetarian and although it can occasionally be a little on the spartan side and is rather heavy on the carbs and light on protein, it is always delicious. So, I had lunch and then settled in to my room. The rooms are basic but comfortable and warm. I had originally booked in to share a room with two other (strangers!) women, but once there, I decided I'd benefit more from the weekend if I was on my own.
I then spent a lovely afternoon sitting in the sun and writing, attending a deep relaxation class and asana class and generally absorbing the strange feeling that comes with not having to be anywhere else or having to do anything else. Bliss.
There followed a couple of days doing much the same. Eating simple, wholesome meals, which I did not have to prepare or think about in any way, other than partaking of them. Doing early morning meditation and yoga classes, gazing into soft candlelight and gently stretching body and mind in the pure stillness of the predawn. Attending classes throughout the day on a very interesting purifying practice and being led through amazing meditations by a calm souled teacher with a soft, peaceful voice. Sitting in the warm afternoon sun, writing. Going for gentle walks along gravel paths, hearing the satisfying crunch beneath my shoes. Participating in joyous, joyful Kirtan of an evening. Talking to like minded people on a similar path.
It wasn't all peace, love and mung beans. There were moments where it felt physically and psychically uncomfortable, where I even had the odd fleeting thought of simply getting into my car and leaving and heading home. But those moments passed and I realised that attending a retreat isn't meant to be about having fun, about having a good time. Its about confronting yourself, facing the YOU that is otherwise obscured by everyday life. The YOU that is covered by all of the distractions and muck and mire of simply living. Stripped of technology, obligations and responsibilities, you are left somewhat exposed and bare, and yes, it can be uncomfortable to see what lies there. But it's also quite liberating and it's definitely interesting.
In the end though, it simply wasn't time enough. I left feeling as though I was only just getting into the routine of the day and feeling into the vibrations of the ashram. I intend returning before the year ends and will stay for longer than a couple of nights next time. I've promised myself that the next visit would be longer the last couple of times and having been there now on a half a dozen or so occasions, it well and truly feels as though it's time to increase the intensity on the 'work' I do whilst there.
All in all though, it was a wonderful weekend and I'm glad I was able to get away to experience the ashram once again. I feel as though I have a lot more to say about it all but I'm still processing it so perhaps it will come out in later entries. Who knows?
Hari Om Tat Sat.
29 June 2013
Winter Rain
For what feels like the last week, maybe more, it has rained every.single.day. As in, all day long. Every day, all day, for the last 7 or so days. The sea is very grey and very tumultuous and surges close to the grass line along the nearby beaches. The rock pools have been overwhelmed by the big seas, covered, non-existant for the time being. Foolhardy surfers insist on throwing themselves at the mercy of the sea, albeit briefly. The water is cold, unrelenting and unforgiving. Mist hangs low over the escarpment. At times the top of the escarpment is utterly obscured by the drifting puffs and trails of low cloud and mist. The local creeks are full, rushing, milk chocolate brown, churning.
Now. Ordinarily, as Anne would describe it, I'd be in the Depths of Despair over the longevity and intensity of this cold, grey, so very grey, rainy rainy weather. But much to my surprise, I am enjoying it. It feels good to be all cosy and warm, either indoors with the gas heating pumping out warm deliciousness or outdoors, with a warm scarf wrapped around my neck and snug boots on my feet. Comfort food tastes good and soothing, wine is warming and the lounge, with it's inviting blanket and books amid the soft glow of candlelight, beckons. It all feels lazy, cosy, unhurried. The soft sound of the rain pattering and pittering outside lulls me into a state of acceptance. It is time for retreat, reflection.
It's a beautiful time of year.
Now. Ordinarily, as Anne would describe it, I'd be in the Depths of Despair over the longevity and intensity of this cold, grey, so very grey, rainy rainy weather. But much to my surprise, I am enjoying it. It feels good to be all cosy and warm, either indoors with the gas heating pumping out warm deliciousness or outdoors, with a warm scarf wrapped around my neck and snug boots on my feet. Comfort food tastes good and soothing, wine is warming and the lounge, with it's inviting blanket and books amid the soft glow of candlelight, beckons. It all feels lazy, cosy, unhurried. The soft sound of the rain pattering and pittering outside lulls me into a state of acceptance. It is time for retreat, reflection.
It's a beautiful time of year.
10 April 2013
Touched
Sometimes, oftentimes, it's the small, unexpected acts of kindness which restore your faith and mood and just generally leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. I was at work today and already in good spirits- the early morning sky on my way to work was clear as a bell and as blue as my Mother's eyes and I was pleasantly engaged with a lovely lady who I was assisting to breast-feed her lovely two day old son. Partway through my explanations to the new Mum, I heard a co-worker, who was not rostered on the shift, calling out my name as she walked around the unit searching for me.
When I greeted her outside the patient's room, I noted her lack of uniform, the day bag slung across her shoulders, her cheerful smile greeting me, pleased she'd tracked me down. In her hand she held a small, palm-sized package, which she'd brought in for me to borrow. It was a space blanket type of thing, designed to keep one warm in an emergency, in very cold conditions. Remarkably, my co-worker had come in on one of her precious days off, after noting when I was rostered on next, solely to lend me something to keep me warm, should I need it, whilst away in Nepal. She has been to Nepal twice herself, having trekked the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit and on both occasions had taken the emergency heatsheet with her. And here she was, lending it to me, to help keep me safe and warm. I was and am so touched. Such a small act really, but entirely selfless and completely heart-warming.
Thank you, Yvonne, I hope I love and enjoy Nepal as much as you have and do. And I hope to pay your kindness forward very soon.
When I greeted her outside the patient's room, I noted her lack of uniform, the day bag slung across her shoulders, her cheerful smile greeting me, pleased she'd tracked me down. In her hand she held a small, palm-sized package, which she'd brought in for me to borrow. It was a space blanket type of thing, designed to keep one warm in an emergency, in very cold conditions. Remarkably, my co-worker had come in on one of her precious days off, after noting when I was rostered on next, solely to lend me something to keep me warm, should I need it, whilst away in Nepal. She has been to Nepal twice herself, having trekked the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit and on both occasions had taken the emergency heatsheet with her. And here she was, lending it to me, to help keep me safe and warm. I was and am so touched. Such a small act really, but entirely selfless and completely heart-warming.
Thank you, Yvonne, I hope I love and enjoy Nepal as much as you have and do. And I hope to pay your kindness forward very soon.
01 April 2013
Two Weeks!
Get ready for a surprise!
I realized tonight, that despite having several packing lists/ things to do for Nepal, I had neglected to add PASSPORT to any of those lists.
You know, that small, insignificant item you need to leave or enter countries.
It's just over two weeks until The Sister and I depart for Third World shores. I am equal parts Mummy Guilt and Sheer Excitement. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to visit a country I have day dreamed and fantasised about for many, many years.
In other news, Of Monsters and Men are the shiz.
I realized tonight, that despite having several packing lists/ things to do for Nepal, I had neglected to add PASSPORT to any of those lists.
You know, that small, insignificant item you need to leave or enter countries.
It's just over two weeks until The Sister and I depart for Third World shores. I am equal parts Mummy Guilt and Sheer Excitement. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to visit a country I have day dreamed and fantasised about for many, many years.
In other news, Of Monsters and Men are the shiz.
08 March 2013
Prelude to a Bushwalk
On Sunday, as long as the weather cooperates, The Sister and I are going to go on a bush walk in order to a) gain some exercise and b) break in our brand new, virginal trekking boots. Apparently, walking or rather, trekking, in unbroken-in boots or shoes is very, very unwise and as such some breaking-in of said boots needs to take place. Sooner rather than later.
SO.
We shall most likely attempt to do the Giant Staircase/ Furber Steps walk in the Blue Mountains. As the name of the walk implies, it consists, in part, of walking down a series of many, many steep steps down the side of a cliff. Which will be interesting because, according to quite a few of the reviews on Trip Advisor (Holy Grail of Independent Travel Reviews), it is a walk neither for the faint-hearted or unfit due to the steepness and exposure to heights. Given that I am TERRIFIED of heights, it should prove to be an interesting descent to the valley floor.
Wish me luck.
SO.
We shall most likely attempt to do the Giant Staircase/ Furber Steps walk in the Blue Mountains. As the name of the walk implies, it consists, in part, of walking down a series of many, many steep steps down the side of a cliff. Which will be interesting because, according to quite a few of the reviews on Trip Advisor (Holy Grail of Independent Travel Reviews), it is a walk neither for the faint-hearted or unfit due to the steepness and exposure to heights. Given that I am TERRIFIED of heights, it should prove to be an interesting descent to the valley floor.
Wish me luck.
39 Days
Thirty-nine days until The Sister and I depart for our trip to Nepal and Bangkok. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I am consumed with thoughts of what to do, what to organise and what to prepare in the coming (less than!) 6 weeks. Thus far, I have managed to accumulate most of the gear I will need to take and use throughout my trip, in particular for the trekking portion of the holiday. I think what has excited me more than anything is the fact that I have been purchasing items with the expectation that this will NOT be the last trip I do to Nepal. I have been reading blogs (again) which have covered peoples experiences of doing the Everest Base Camp trek and I am more determined than ever to do this trek in the next year or so myself. I cannot explain why I have to do this trek, I just know that I must. It has been something I've dreamed of for the past 12 years and the time has well and truly come for me to just do it.
That said, doing the 5 day Poon Hill trek, may well prove to be a completely hideous experience and I may discover that I detest walking for hours each day, having to use squat toilets and being deprived of a daily shower.
Somehow though, I don't think that will be the case. Time will tell, yes?
That said, doing the 5 day Poon Hill trek, may well prove to be a completely hideous experience and I may discover that I detest walking for hours each day, having to use squat toilets and being deprived of a daily shower.
Somehow though, I don't think that will be the case. Time will tell, yes?
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