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When Africa gets in your blood, It's there forever...
When Africa gets in your blood, It’s there forever…
My last entry was embracing 2019 with the resolution to blog again. So a year later and just returning from an incredible adventure, the time has come.
Kenya, you left an imprint on my soul. My first morning there, I opened my room door and took everything in. The beautiful flowers, the sweet smell of unfamiliarity and two vultures sitting up on a water tower looking scouting out the area.
I…
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Welcome 2019
The bottles of New Year’s champagne are ready to be recycled and Christmas decorations were placed back in their home in the basement.
Facebook was, of course, covered with friends whose resolutions must have been lifecoaching.
I though, have no resolutions and no advice to give.
2018 kicked my ass mentally and physically and I rose with a few certainities: 2019 was going to be the year of…
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There is really something maginificent, almost electrifying to meet face to face with people who have worked alongside with for years.
Last week, I traveled to Falls Church Virginia for a very special event. A screening of Love and Bananas and my dear friend and a woman I greatly admire, Lek was going to be there.
I first met Lek while I was at Elephant Nature Park and then again during a march for Elephants and Rhinos in Chiang Mai.
That day she gave me a hug and asked me to travel with her to Myanmar. As much as I wanted to go I had to say no. Damn itinerary.
To be in the midst of incredible people, who fight every day for the care, protection and well being of elephants is to me the equivlanent of the Grammys.
I feel honored to stand among them and when meeting face to face, the connection is real. The cause brings us together, but love and compassion make us friends.
Thank You to everyone who made this event possible, and to my incredible friends, you are awesome.
A brilliant meeting There is really something maginificent, almost electrifying to meet face to face with people who have worked alongside with for years.
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I was recently talking to a friend about travel plans for next year and received an off hand comment, probably not to be taken to heart about the usual “must be nice to afford it”.
Even though I definitely do not travel as much as I would like or as much as others I know, the sting of comments such as this stay with me.
So I wanted to explain a bit about the the foundation of my passion.
Growing up, my family and I rarely took vacations. If we did, they were to the same place. A friends house in Virginia where we would go spend a week shopping, exploring the nearby areas and spending the day at a nearby beach. While this was nice, this was the only trip we would take. My Dad actually stopped going after a few years and would only partake in day trips.
Truth be told, we were poor and this yearly trip for a week was all we could afford.
I remember my mothers parents (to great surprise) having National Geographics on the bookshelf as well as a box set of Disney books. One of them was Stories from other Lands. I loved this book and would borrow it whenever I could.
Side note: I actually purchased this box set at a thrift store years ago.
When I would visit these grandparents, I would spend hours looking at the pictures of far away places and see people who looked completely different than me. I imagined someday meeting them.
In school, I loved Social Studies, learning about places and would look at the globe or map and walk my fingers from Pennsylvania to the other side of the world. Many times unable to pronounce the name of the place my fingers would land on, but excited to imagine being there just the same.
Move forward to college where I couldn’t afford the exotic Spring Break trips. One time, I was supposed to go on a trip to Thailand with friends, except there would be no way I could get my passport in time.
As a young adult, I worked jobs in which I could barely afford the bus so I would wake up at 4 am and trek in the rain, snow, or heat to get there.
I purchased my first passport with no travel plans whatsoever on the horizon. I just wanted to hold this important book in my hand to have “just in case”.
One of the most eye opening moments was the year a friend of a friend told me she was going to India for work. All expenses paid. She had never thought about even going there. The opportunity came and she said “why not”. I went home that night and looked through the magazine pictures I had cut out and taped to the walls in my room. The elephant statues throughout my apartment and the posters, trinkets and even the box of chai in the cupboard and cried.
I was jealous and mad as hell. I thought “why does she get to go and not me?”
I cried when I saw her pictures of her travels throughout India and when she returned and told us stories, I smiled while inside my heart was breaking.
So, long story short. This is why I get the gleam in my eye when look around my house now and see pieces of places I have been.
This will explain why on my free time at work, I look at plane tickets, travel stories, and of course am obsessed with Anthony Bourdain, may he rest in peace.
My passion to explore and see the world has been in my heart and soul long before I purchased a ticket, stepped on a plane or crossed a border.
Our passions drive us to live. Whatever they may be.
My Dream I was recently talking to a friend about travel plans for next year and received an off hand comment, probably not to be taken to heart about the usual "must be nice to afford it".
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There is something about Seattle which has always captivated me. Just as New York did. Perhaps this is from being a teen in the 90s who was mesmorized by the coffee scene.
I always envisioned great works being written in the coffeehouses, while writers tweaked out of nicotine and caffeine discussed with one another plots and dialogue. Then afterwards they ventured to the thrift stores for the must have threads of their kind.
The first time I visited Seattle, I was reminded of my first espresso. Eyes wide, jittering hands and taking in the moment.
This was my time on the West Coast and yes I was looking for the remnants of the “grunge” scene. Everything was new to me and I wanted to take all that I could possibly see and do in.
I remember walking around alone with the idea of “how many coffees can I try in one day?”
So I did.
Minus Starbucks.
One place in particular the decor, atmosphere and ambience were not what I was looking for as “my coffeeplace”. First of all, it was a Cherry themed plaace that was way to clean.
But, as I talked to one of the baristas there, I could see the passionand love for their city not only in their work, but their eyes as well.
They truly loved living in Seattle.
When I returned this past week, for the first time in many years, and saw the changes around each corner. I felt a little disheartened.
I wondered about that young guy who talked to me about his town, his home… does he still live there?
When a town re-invents iteself, not everyone gains from the riches of the splendor.
In a place known for culture of my youth, I see more now the importance of our adulthood.
Coffee vs Amazon.
Dogs and Construction. Seattle luminance There is something about Seattle which has always captivated me. Just as New York did. Perhaps this is from being a teen in the 90s who was mesmorized by the coffee scene.
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Shaming the dead.
Last night before bed, I was browsing Facebook and came across a post from a friend, who I have never met in person.
The post was in regard to the recent passing of Anthony Bourdain and the post had a picture of him from one of his publications. So I looked at and was appalled.
This was a post celebrating the death of “another animal killer”. Ok, now anyone who has watched his shows knew his…
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Last Thursday, I attended my first Therapy Session.
I decided to go to therapy for very obvious reasons. My mother had basically stolen my niece and I am mad as hell.
Not only mad, but a great deal of anger, confusion and betrayal.
For 36 years, I have had a mother who get mad for no reason, give you the silent treatment while you begged for answers, and cancel plans with the only explanation being “Because”.
I kept a lot of this “under the rug” growing up. While my friends had mothers who were supportive, understanding and easy to be around, mine was ducking behind corners when asked “where is your mom tonight?”
So I came home last Thursday from my first session and already the shackles of the past were breaking away. The euphoria of someone understanding what I was going through was like early morning sunlight beaming into my heart.
Then,on Friday morning, a man I admired passed away.
Anthony Bourdain took his own life. I have been a fan of since his first show. His life seemed perfect with the stamped pages of his passport to prove it.
If my Dad were still alive, they would have been the same age. So process that.
Bourdains words have carried me into the jungle and gave relief when leeches were latching on and nervousness of traveling alone tried to creep in.
His advice was like that of a Father’s and he was in fact a Dad to a young girl.
I am not going to try to understand why or dissect every interview, show and writing of his, and yes there are quite of a few doing this.
To me, I lost a friend, and I am in mourning. This man was more than a famous face. He inspired many, like myself to live life, see the world and don’t give a damn about others judgments.
Why is needing help so Taboo? Last Thursday, I attended my first Therapy Session. I decided to go to therapy for very obvious reasons.
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Hello everyone,
So I have not been as committed to this blog as I have wanted to be.
A lot has been going on, personally and with family so my focus was on those things.
So to recap what has been going. I visited Mexico City again in April. The last time I was there was in October 2015 with my sister. When the time and air fare (amazing deal) fit together, I had to go.
I was part of two amazing tours. One of the markets and food tour, the other was Cantinas, Lucha Libre and Mariachi in Garibaldi Square.
I highly recommend checking these and the other incredible tours given by Mexico City Urban Adventures. You can read more about them on TripAdvisor or on their website.
I will post the link to their site as well as TripAdvisor at the end.
I also did a bunch of sight seeing on my own. Thank You Uber for existing!
I toured Frida Kahlo’s home again, the Museum of Anthropology, markets and allowed myself to get a little lost. (don’t worry, google maps was on) 🙂
I met some very sweet people including a woman whose grandmother started the restaurant she now runs, this was where I had black fungus corn. I know it sounds disgusting, but trust me, it isn’t.
My guide for both of the tours was a great guy named Roo. He has so much knowledge and is very easy going and fun.
Mexico City is one of my favorite places. There is so much beauty, flowers and tequila, oh and you MUST try the mezcal.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150800-d4359413-Reviews-Mexico_City_Urban_Adventures-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html
https://www.urbanadventures.com/destination/Mexico-City-tours
Catch up and keep going Hello everyone, So I have not been as committed to this blog as I have wanted to be.
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So, my last blog entry was quite a while ago and a lot has gone on.
To begin, India was great. Although, I did have three massive migraines while there, but long story short, that has been remedied and I feel great.
If you have the chance to visit India, DO IT! DO IT PLEASE! Do not be afraid because of what a few may have experienced. If we allowed fear and uncertainty to rule our lives, just think about what we may miss out on.
I had the honor of attending a wedding in Bangalore. Three days of festivities and celebration, plus amazing outfits, henna and meeting the nicest people.
Thank You to the beautiful bride and groom for allowing me to be a part of their wedding. I will never forget it!
My welcome home from India was Fall in full force! Which included a new and spectacular view to wake up to in our new home.:)
What I wouldn’t give for that instead of snow, which is continuing to fall as I write this.
Pictures such as these though will keep my spirits high.
India! So, my last blog entry was quite a while ago and a lot has gone on.
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I put my blog on pause while my husband and I were in the process of purchasing our new home.
For over ten years, we have rented in the city of Pittsburgh. While I love the closeness and convenience of markets, acupuncture and Thai food, I am excited for this new chapter in our lives.
Our new home is nestled in the woods. Deer munch on leaves in our backyard as our cats, full of curiosity watch in wonder.
Along with unpacking, we are adjusting to life in our new town.
An evening drive through Murrysville has the haunting feel of mystery. Venturing around in the daytime, you get to see houses decorated with pumpkins and scarecrows for the season.
A few months ago, my husband purchased a ticket to India for me as an early birthday present.
I will not be traveling alone though, but with a few wanderlust women from a travel group I am a part of.
We will dine, shop and see the sights as well as attend a wedding!
So many changes, I still can not believe I wake up to the calm of the leaves and sunshine in the trees.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
New home, new town and new country to visit. I put my blog on pause while my husband and I were in the process of purchasing our new home.
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Each night after work, Luke and I have been packing.
The going through what to keep is well annoying. A friend of mine told me “Hold each object for at least two minutes, then you will be able to tell if you you are meant to keep it.”
That’s fine and all, but we would both be dead at the end.
Moving brings out nostalgia. Memories of times with family and friend. Parties and in my case hideous chicken wallpaper, I tore down during my birthday.
You reflect on those who have moved away, and those who are right down the street but still feels like worlds apart.
I lived in this house for over eight years. The second longest, after the home I grew up in.
Attachment to a place comes from connection and the pieces you put on the shelves and walls, like I lovingly placed which belonged to my Dad and my grandparents.
There have been ice jigs in the kitchen, cookouts on the porch and a dance party or two.
Time and places may fade, but memories remain the same.
Each night after work, Luke and I have been packing. The going through what to keep is well annoying.
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While I was growing up, vacations were not really on priority list of my parents.
If they had been perhaps life would have taken a different turn…
As an adult, I never let the chance to experience a new place slip by.
Last month, we took a family vacation to a beach none of us had ever been to.
This time will have a special spot in my heart forever.
To be able to play in the waves, see dolphins, explore together and see my niece and nephew play together well it was magical.
When you pack up to leave and embark on facing reality, you take more than the memories. Sometimes there may still be sand in the book you enjoyed or seashells stuffed in a pocket.
Our last night there, my nephew Jack made a speech, a toast you may say about our first family vacation together.
“We tried something new, and we all had a good time.”
Seeing the world through young eyes While I was growing up, vacations were not really on priority list of my parents. If they had been perhaps life would have taken a different turn...
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So Saturday evening brought the end of three weeks of traveling.
From DC to Long Beach, San Francisco to Cherry Grove Beach in South Carolina.
Sun, sand, flowers in my hair and the sweet smell of hash on Hippie Hill.
My heart is happy, limbs sore, and memories to forever hold.
Summer Splendor So Saturday evening brought the end of three weeks of traveling. From DC to Long Beach, San Francisco to Cherry Grove Beach in South Carolina.
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Within moments of stepping off the plane, I knew I was going to be hot. The reality of how hot it can get in Phoenix though…
My singular reason for visiting was two witness the spectacular exhibit of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Also, the chance to stay in a shipping container which has no windows.
One thing Phoenix does not lack is beauty especially when you venture out into the desert.
Colors so vibrant and sand you want to run through, yet don’t want to end up burning the s*** off the bottom of your feet.
My first morning, I trekked to the Heard Museum in already 100 degree heat.
Heat gulping water like it’s air you do not realize how hot you are silly are because sweat evaporates almost immediately.
A sweaty mess by the time I arrived meant nothing to me. I was fully prepared to spend the whole day in awe.
The GPS on my phone though was overheating and within hours I needed to retreat back to the Airbnb for the charger I had left behind.
What can one say when staring directly into the eyes of their hero?
The Majestic Beauty Frida Kahlo portrays in each piece of hers this dark and raw, painful and true.
Frida, Heat and a bit of Phoenix Within moments of stepping off the plane, I knew I was going to be hot. The reality of how hot it can get in Phoenix though...
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Off to Phoenix
Tomorrow I leave for Phoenix, Arizona to see the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera at the Heard Museum.
One of her pieces Self Portrait with Monkeys and Diego on My Mind are part of the exhibit.
Each time I see her work, I am just in wonder.
Phoenix was the only North American stop for this world tour.
There are some other exciting surprises awaiting me. For instance, I am staying in a shipping…
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Yesterday morning an alarm went off on my phone. The alert that in my focused inbox was a message.
The first line said: “Please Confirm Your My FlightNetwork Account Registration”and my first thought was “Oh shit, I’ve been hacked, AGAIN!”
Within minutes an another email was sent my way with flight confirmation to INDIA!!!
My husband who had been awake since before the sun was up, had found a great deal and purchased a round trip ticket for my trip in October.
This has not been the first time the love of my life has surprised me with the gift of travel though. A few months ago, hotel confirmation for my July travels to San Francisco were another good morning alarm.
Two great passions and look forward to writing and sharing the experiences. Viva la Frida!
Awoke with a ding, thought I was hacked! Yesterday morning an alarm went off on my phone. The alert that in my focused inbox was a message.
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So I have until the end of the month to make a deposit on the amazing trip to India in October.
If I can not make the trip, I am gifting myself the birthday present of a less expensive trip to here: https://kripalu.org/ for a writers retreat.
October 13–15, 2017
Friday–Sunday: 2 nights
The Stories We Carry Meditation and Writing
For everyone.
We carry our stories inside us. Some stories are easier to tell than others. There are stories we polish into well-formed, amusing anecdotes, and others we bury deep until they rise up and take us by surprise. When we attempt to write these stories, we face our own resistance. One of the most powerful ways to plumb the depths of our resistance and self-censorship is to come to know our own bodies and minds, where these stories live.
Join best-selling author Dani Shapiro for an inspiring experience that stays with you long after you return home. Through a powerful blend of meditation and movement accessible to everyone, generative writing exercises, group sharing, and discussion, we explore the courage, persistence, and patience that it takes to dive into memory and generate new work.
My guidebooks for India though are taunting me, wanting to be seen.
Tick Tock… So I have until the end of the month to make a deposit on the amazing trip to India in October.
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