So it's official - I'm loving Thailand Like I said before I've never really been that fussed about the country. But then I'm thinking sometimes you need to move on from somewhere/something/someone to fully apprecaite them. Even the indosincracies you're not so keen on. This I think is the case with my 'relationship' with Thailand.
The last time I visited Thailand, indeed Bangers, was six months ago and since then I've travelled around Tibet, Nepal, India, Balia and been to KL and Singers. I now fully appreciate all that Bangers has to offer. Where I am right now I love the fact I can get a taste of everything that I adore about the west.
I can wander into Boots and pore over the wide selection of tolitories, spicy tuna and glass noodle salads are everywhere, I can walk around annoymously (unlike India)and above all I can fully induldge in my obssesion - beautiful magazines - I've been known to blow two day's budget on Grazia, Glamour, Vogue and Elle. Yep, since I've been in Bangers, deciding on whether to accept a job offer in Bahrain, I've been enjoying the lighter side of Bangkok.
That is spending my time sunnying myself by the roof top pool side of Rambuttri Village Inn where I'm currently residing, catching up on the lastest gossip at Mr Yims over my staple breakfast of fruit, home made yogart and honey, eating gorgeous organic lunch delights at Ethos, wandering around Boots looking at makeup, sauntering around the clothes stalls on the Koah San Road, staring wildly at the pervs (now taken to trying to maintain eye contact which the guys don't like), updating my blog which I virtually abandoned during my month of spiritual awakening (!) in Bali at Internet Cafe called 'Hot Spot' where I've virtually set-up residence and watching the latest movies at Home Guest House each evening. Oh and reading magazines.....tons of them. I'm am LURVING Bangkok.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Back to Bangers and to the categories
This is my fourth time in Bangers and I finally get it. Now appreciate the city for what it is and I'm loving it. Before I couldn't stand the place. Well, that's a bit harsh but I just couldn't be arsed with the hassle. The endless nagging from tuk tuk drivers who tell you they'll show you the sights for 20 Bhat, drag you into various shopping emoriums and if you don't buy anything, leave you stranded at a tourist landmark and tell the other tuk tuk drivers not to take you anywhere. Please note when in Bangers never, ever take a tuk tuk. Taxis (ensure they put their meter on) cost the same, if not cheaper and don't dick you about. However it's been six months since my last visit of Bangers and it's only now that I fully appreciate all that sin city has to offer.
Admittedly Bangers is the mecca for all sexual deviants. And I mean deviants in the strongest term. Walking along the Khao San Road you see social leapers all here to act out their, no doubt, highly illegal sexual fantasies. You can spot them a mile off. They just don't look right; usually sporting long finger nails..... However perverts aside, the atmosphere in Bangers is electric and I've never really noticed it during my previous visits - I was too busy being disgusted with 60 year old men walking down the street feeling up 15 year old Thail girls.
The shopping is great too - I'm loving my Diesel jeans, the food (I'm currently mainling spicy tuna glass noodle salad like it's going out of fashion) and there are some great sights. Again, I'm refering to the vast number of Wats and meditation on offer - for those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know I love a Wat, I love a Monk and I love to meditate.
Talking of Monks I was 'had' by a Monk the other day. No! Not in that way - my mind drifts back to when I was traumatised during a monk chat at at Wat in Chiang Mai when the Monk I was chatting to asked me out on a date. No, this was a FAKE monk. Only Bangers can offer faux monks who ask for money. I knew he was a faker by his shoes but handed him some money anyway. And looked him straight in the eye as I did so - cheeky git looked right back too!
Anyway, Bangers gave me the chance to do two things which I love: scouring the shops and updating my Categories List. More on shopping later - I want to talk about my pride and joy: The Categories List.
This has been in existence since I arrived in Thailand last year. It's four defined categories which outline the types of men you see with Thai ladies. It has been checked with various travellers around the globe - men and women, young and old. I've refined it many times and have now had the opportunity to fine tune it again. I think you'll agree, it's a master piece. I've now introduced a new element - primary and secondary options as sometimes one category just isn't enough ie divorcee/sexual deviant, divorcee/looking for love, Loner (read: can't pull in his own country)/sexual deviant. You get the picture.
So here they are again - some of you will remember the Categories List from last year - fine tuned for your enjoyment:
Category 1: the divorcee:
A personal favorite of mine in terms of value - they get really uncomfortable if you stare at them which of course I love to do...if nothing else I'm puzzled as to why they think combing over two strands of hair hides their bald head.
This species is easily identifyable, usually with dyed auburn coloured hair to hide the grey hair when introduced to the woman's village family. 8 out of 10 sport a comb over 'hair style' which usual amounts to two or three strands of hair, geled and combed over the skull. Hides a multitude of sins don't you know!!
Normally dressed from head to toe in one colour (either light blue of beige), usually cotton short sleeved shirt and trousers with alarming footwear. Being a shoe lover, the footwear bothers me the most. It can range from black or brown leather slip-ons or sandals....with matching socks.
The divorcee is tired of women from his country and/or 20 years younger than him. He thinks women within this age range expect to much, they are too opinionated. Frankly too much like hard work. He's after someone who's attractive, who will look after him, won't question his tactics and sexula prowness (assuming he has any) in bed and generally will agree with what he says...this is mainly due to the language barrier as she can't really understand what he's saying or if she does, she doesn't have the vocab to reply!
The bonus for the South East Western woman is that he offers a nice lifestyle and she doesn't have to engage in too much conversation. A simple nod or yes will suffice.
Category 2: In love:
Young or old it can happen to anyone if you're lucky. You can spot it a mile off and it's lovely to see.
Category 3: The Loner:
This guy rarely pulls women in his home town. He needs to go abroad and pay for it to get a look in with a pretty girl. He's in awe of his mates who get to go home with attractive women so naturally enjoys the kudos of 'pulling' a good looking girl abroad.
The girl usually look a bit pained or bored as they listen to him waffle on about himself. The Loaner usually wears a logo tee with light faded jeans and trainer. He tends to walk the streets hand in hand with said woman with a massive grin on his face. Fair enough!
Category 4: The Sexual Deviant:
Basically a bit of sex pest. No age or looks category here - men who fall into this category are out to satisfy as many of the sexual perverse fantasies as possible. Have been known to get quite violent. Tend to treat the woman with contempt or on the flip side are just thankful someone has finally allowed them to act out their greatest and potentially sickest fantasy.
Admittedly Bangers is the mecca for all sexual deviants. And I mean deviants in the strongest term. Walking along the Khao San Road you see social leapers all here to act out their, no doubt, highly illegal sexual fantasies. You can spot them a mile off. They just don't look right; usually sporting long finger nails..... However perverts aside, the atmosphere in Bangers is electric and I've never really noticed it during my previous visits - I was too busy being disgusted with 60 year old men walking down the street feeling up 15 year old Thail girls.
The shopping is great too - I'm loving my Diesel jeans, the food (I'm currently mainling spicy tuna glass noodle salad like it's going out of fashion) and there are some great sights. Again, I'm refering to the vast number of Wats and meditation on offer - for those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will know I love a Wat, I love a Monk and I love to meditate.
Talking of Monks I was 'had' by a Monk the other day. No! Not in that way - my mind drifts back to when I was traumatised during a monk chat at at Wat in Chiang Mai when the Monk I was chatting to asked me out on a date. No, this was a FAKE monk. Only Bangers can offer faux monks who ask for money. I knew he was a faker by his shoes but handed him some money anyway. And looked him straight in the eye as I did so - cheeky git looked right back too!
Anyway, Bangers gave me the chance to do two things which I love: scouring the shops and updating my Categories List. More on shopping later - I want to talk about my pride and joy: The Categories List.
This has been in existence since I arrived in Thailand last year. It's four defined categories which outline the types of men you see with Thai ladies. It has been checked with various travellers around the globe - men and women, young and old. I've refined it many times and have now had the opportunity to fine tune it again. I think you'll agree, it's a master piece. I've now introduced a new element - primary and secondary options as sometimes one category just isn't enough ie divorcee/sexual deviant, divorcee/looking for love, Loner (read: can't pull in his own country)/sexual deviant. You get the picture.
So here they are again - some of you will remember the Categories List from last year - fine tuned for your enjoyment:
Category 1: the divorcee:
A personal favorite of mine in terms of value - they get really uncomfortable if you stare at them which of course I love to do...if nothing else I'm puzzled as to why they think combing over two strands of hair hides their bald head.
This species is easily identifyable, usually with dyed auburn coloured hair to hide the grey hair when introduced to the woman's village family. 8 out of 10 sport a comb over 'hair style' which usual amounts to two or three strands of hair, geled and combed over the skull. Hides a multitude of sins don't you know!!
Normally dressed from head to toe in one colour (either light blue of beige), usually cotton short sleeved shirt and trousers with alarming footwear. Being a shoe lover, the footwear bothers me the most. It can range from black or brown leather slip-ons or sandals....with matching socks.
The divorcee is tired of women from his country and/or 20 years younger than him. He thinks women within this age range expect to much, they are too opinionated. Frankly too much like hard work. He's after someone who's attractive, who will look after him, won't question his tactics and sexula prowness (assuming he has any) in bed and generally will agree with what he says...this is mainly due to the language barrier as she can't really understand what he's saying or if she does, she doesn't have the vocab to reply!
The bonus for the South East Western woman is that he offers a nice lifestyle and she doesn't have to engage in too much conversation. A simple nod or yes will suffice.
Category 2: In love:
Young or old it can happen to anyone if you're lucky. You can spot it a mile off and it's lovely to see.
Category 3: The Loner:
This guy rarely pulls women in his home town. He needs to go abroad and pay for it to get a look in with a pretty girl. He's in awe of his mates who get to go home with attractive women so naturally enjoys the kudos of 'pulling' a good looking girl abroad.
The girl usually look a bit pained or bored as they listen to him waffle on about himself. The Loaner usually wears a logo tee with light faded jeans and trainer. He tends to walk the streets hand in hand with said woman with a massive grin on his face. Fair enough!
Category 4: The Sexual Deviant:
Basically a bit of sex pest. No age or looks category here - men who fall into this category are out to satisfy as many of the sexual perverse fantasies as possible. Have been known to get quite violent. Tend to treat the woman with contempt or on the flip side are just thankful someone has finally allowed them to act out their greatest and potentially sickest fantasy.
Flashpacking in Railay, Thailand
Above: me and Chase on my b-day, West Railay Beach, James Bond Island and the Floating Village
I've heard great things about Phuket and then not so great things too and thankfully Dan and I were of the same opinon that we didn't want to risk embarking on endless girly bars, sun burnt beer swilling tourists and general madness. However the sheer limestone cliffs, white sand and emerald waters of Laem Phra Nang was looking like a very attractive alternative so we decided to catch a boat to West Railay having heard such glowing reports about the peninsular.
The scenery as we sailed towards Railay was incredible and the horizon was dotted with what now seems to be almost mandatory massive limestone rocks. My jaw nearly dropped on the floor when I saw the beach at Ao Phra Nang though however nothing prepared me for the sight as we chugged into Railay bay. Set against a magnificent backdrop of cliffs and palms with crystal blue water and white sands - it was truly beautiful. Dan and I were whooping and jumping up and down on the deck much to the amusment of the other 'cool' traaaavellers on the boat.
Dan was very insistent on the standard of the accommodation. 'Neen, I loved Varkala but we've done the traveller beach hut thing. I'm only here for 10 days and I want luxury.' And who was I to argue.
A friend of his had recommended Railay Bay Beach and Spa which is were we based ourselves. It was gorgeous. We had a beautiful bungalow with a massive veranda, air-con, sat TV...mini bar fully stocked with goodies. I was in heaven.
Originally we planned to stay for four days but then it got to day three and we were like 'nah, can't be arsed to move'. Plus to be really honest with you I'm sick of carrying my rucksack around so I was pretty glad we weren't moving on for a while.
The next 10 days were literally spent doing nothing but sunbathing, reading and having spa treatments. I wasn't drinking nor was Dan really. In fact we both woke up daily at 7 - Dan to go for a run and me to practice yoga. My how things have changed.
The resort was a bit couple centric and we both commented that you wouldn't come here if you wanted to pull, although a quiet girly holiday or something family orientated would be ideal. And although there were a few potentials for both of us on the beach neither of us could be bothered to get up from our sun loungers!
Railay was great. Beautiful. The beaches are amazing, sea calm. Restaurants great - pretty samey but fresh seafood etc is never a thing to knock. I was there at the end of the season so the staff were pretty tired, ratty and generally moody - in most places. If you want to eat within an hour of sitting down don't bother going to Real Coffee on West Railay. The staff are too busy chatting however the juices and coffee are brilliant so it's a hard one to weigh up!
Dan and I were walking along the beach when we literally bumped into Charlie's boyfriend, Greg. Pretty strange as neither of them knew we were in Railay but they'd just arrived from Krabi. Always strange how you bump into people in random places esp when you're travelling. I love that part of it (in fact I love every aspect of it - aside from my blimmin ruck sack).
So they stayed a few days and celebrated my 35th birthday with me. As did the rest of Thailand in a way as it was also the Thai New Year on my birthday. Finally I've found a country and people who celebrate my birthday as much as I do. Marverlous. Accept this year my birthday celebrations were somewhat different to the last 20 (shudder at that nos) as I was....
wait for it.....
SOBER
Yep, you read correctly. I've stopped drinking. In fact I've stopped doing anything which alters my frame of mind. The craziest thing I did all evening was have three coffees. It was hilarious. Talk about a massive change in lifestyle. The next day I was up at 7am practising yoga. A year ago I was still celebrating my birthday at 7am in fact I don't think I went to sleep until 1pm the following afternoon.
After my 'wild' birthday we headed out to Phang Naga Bay, which is famously knows as the James Bond island - it featured in the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun". See pic above. We then headed to Koh Pannyi (Sea Gypsy Island) which is a remarkable village, the whole of it built out over water on stilts and with a giant rock monolith guarding its rear. We then headed to a temple built into a giant cliff - with a reclining Buddha and you know how I love a Buddha. And as luck would have sitting in front of the giant reclining Buddha was non other than an authentic Monk (they have fake Monks in Bangers!) giving blessings. I skipped up to him and was promptly blessed. I was in my element. Show me a Monk, a reclining Buddha and I'm as happy as Larry!
So all in all Railay was pretty brilliant.
Returning to Thailand
Okay, so I'll admit I really didn't see what the fuss was about Thailand when I came started my travels from there last July. I really didn't get it. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't as though I didn't not like it. I just wasn't blown away by the country. Maybe I had high expectations as everyone was like 'you'll love Thailand'...I have to be honest I didn't really. True I met some amazing people and had a fabulous time during the two months I was there but the country and the people itself? I wasn't desperate to return. I thought, and still do think, Thailand is knackered. It's been ravaged by tourism, the natives are worn out, tired generally over it or rather over us and there is a real seedy side to Thailand which I personally find hard to digest.
Personally I think when you come to Thailand you witness first hand the real hedonistic side to human nature. Where money can buy you anything and you can indulge in every sexual perversion possible for a small amount of money. Anything goes and I mean anything. It's pretty sick. I shudder when I see tiny, prepubescent like Thai girls - and most of them are girls - with fat, unattractive, sexual deviants - and you can spot a sexual deviant a mile off, they have that unkempt look) or worse still guys who look like one of you dad's mates. In my experience if you want to avoid this side of Thailand then you have you to really search for those parts where it's not in your face. And that my friend is pretty hard. The sex trade is rife and it's virtually everywhere.
No country is perfect though and obviously it's not all bad. Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, the food is amazing in terms of the sheer range and once you head outside of Bangers - or sin city as I like to affectionately call it - you get a true feel for the culture which is peaceful, calm and giving. The Wats (temples) are stunning as is the scenery - in fact one of my most memeroble momments in Thailand was trekking in Pai. The landscape was beautiful. I hasten to add that's the first and last trekk I'll ever do however I can still appreciate the beauty....admittedly even more so from the comfort of the Hot Spot Internet Cafe in Bangers that currently I'm writing from!
So although I was looking forward to meeting Mr Dan Pimm in Phuket - also known for it's girly bars and the Thai's version of Benidorm - I wasn't massively enthralled about the thought of heading back to the country which had left me feeling pretty no plused.
That was until I flew over the Anadaman Coast and OH. MY. GOD. My eyes were popping out of my head as I saw the coast line - it was one of the most beautiful landscapes I'd ever seen. Tropical vegatation with massive rubber and coconut plantations replacing the rice and sugar-cane fields you see in central Thailand. Sheer limestone crags spiked out of the calm turquise sea which, set against the pure white sandy beaches, looked nothing short of stunning. It was at that point that I knew I was finally going to understand the attraction of Thailand and perhaps appreciate it for what it is.
I met Mr Pimm in Phuket Town. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, Pimm is like the brother I never head and was over from London on a 10 day holiday. Like me he has no 'significant other' in tow. All his mates are coupled up it's pretty hard to find someone to go on holiday with. So it works out rather well what with me travelling. The last time I saw him was when he came to see me in Kerala in November. Plenty, and I mean plenty, has happened to both of us since then so we had a lot of catching up to do. And we always chew the fat extremely well. So I was looking forward to seeing a friendly face.
Dinner at Thammachat was not only delicious it was hilarious and the perfect start to the next 10 days. The restaurant provided all the necessary people watching elements required for a 'oh my god look at that' night out.
To the right of our table were two 60 plus highly unattractive German men with what looked like a mother and daughter Thai act. The daughter being about 15 and that's no exaggeration. Thankfully I had birds eye view of all of them - much to Dan's disappointment who had to do the 'scratch the neck and turn' manoeuvre to get a good look. Both of the pervy men kept avoiding eye contact with me but I made sure I kept smiling at the Thai mother though just for full effect.
Directly in Dan's view were a two gay lovers: one older Western guy (nationality unknown but we suspected British) and a very young Thai guy. Then on another table was a scenario I personally hadn't witnessed before: mum, dad, daughter and an middle aged Western guy who had coloured his hair the tell-tale aurban colour - for some reason most of the older western guys who want to look around 40 try to perfect this look. I have no idea why. I think it must be home colourant they all use as the grey is never covered properly. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better Dan and I were eagerly surveying our dinner companions when our waiter or rather waitress arrived to take our order - a lady boy! We were in heaven. Welcome to Thailand!
Personally I think when you come to Thailand you witness first hand the real hedonistic side to human nature. Where money can buy you anything and you can indulge in every sexual perversion possible for a small amount of money. Anything goes and I mean anything. It's pretty sick. I shudder when I see tiny, prepubescent like Thai girls - and most of them are girls - with fat, unattractive, sexual deviants - and you can spot a sexual deviant a mile off, they have that unkempt look) or worse still guys who look like one of you dad's mates. In my experience if you want to avoid this side of Thailand then you have you to really search for those parts where it's not in your face. And that my friend is pretty hard. The sex trade is rife and it's virtually everywhere.
No country is perfect though and obviously it's not all bad. Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, the food is amazing in terms of the sheer range and once you head outside of Bangers - or sin city as I like to affectionately call it - you get a true feel for the culture which is peaceful, calm and giving. The Wats (temples) are stunning as is the scenery - in fact one of my most memeroble momments in Thailand was trekking in Pai. The landscape was beautiful. I hasten to add that's the first and last trekk I'll ever do however I can still appreciate the beauty....admittedly even more so from the comfort of the Hot Spot Internet Cafe in Bangers that currently I'm writing from!
So although I was looking forward to meeting Mr Dan Pimm in Phuket - also known for it's girly bars and the Thai's version of Benidorm - I wasn't massively enthralled about the thought of heading back to the country which had left me feeling pretty no plused.
That was until I flew over the Anadaman Coast and OH. MY. GOD. My eyes were popping out of my head as I saw the coast line - it was one of the most beautiful landscapes I'd ever seen. Tropical vegatation with massive rubber and coconut plantations replacing the rice and sugar-cane fields you see in central Thailand. Sheer limestone crags spiked out of the calm turquise sea which, set against the pure white sandy beaches, looked nothing short of stunning. It was at that point that I knew I was finally going to understand the attraction of Thailand and perhaps appreciate it for what it is.
I met Mr Pimm in Phuket Town. For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, Pimm is like the brother I never head and was over from London on a 10 day holiday. Like me he has no 'significant other' in tow. All his mates are coupled up it's pretty hard to find someone to go on holiday with. So it works out rather well what with me travelling. The last time I saw him was when he came to see me in Kerala in November. Plenty, and I mean plenty, has happened to both of us since then so we had a lot of catching up to do. And we always chew the fat extremely well. So I was looking forward to seeing a friendly face.
Dinner at Thammachat was not only delicious it was hilarious and the perfect start to the next 10 days. The restaurant provided all the necessary people watching elements required for a 'oh my god look at that' night out.
To the right of our table were two 60 plus highly unattractive German men with what looked like a mother and daughter Thai act. The daughter being about 15 and that's no exaggeration. Thankfully I had birds eye view of all of them - much to Dan's disappointment who had to do the 'scratch the neck and turn' manoeuvre to get a good look. Both of the pervy men kept avoiding eye contact with me but I made sure I kept smiling at the Thai mother though just for full effect.
Directly in Dan's view were a two gay lovers: one older Western guy (nationality unknown but we suspected British) and a very young Thai guy. Then on another table was a scenario I personally hadn't witnessed before: mum, dad, daughter and an middle aged Western guy who had coloured his hair the tell-tale aurban colour - for some reason most of the older western guys who want to look around 40 try to perfect this look. I have no idea why. I think it must be home colourant they all use as the grey is never covered properly. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better Dan and I were eagerly surveying our dinner companions when our waiter or rather waitress arrived to take our order - a lady boy! We were in heaven. Welcome to Thailand!
Monday, 7 April 2008
I Lurve KL (Kuala Lumpur)
I have such fond memories of Kuala Lumpur or KL as those in the know call it. I didn't actually plan to go to there - I ended up in Mayalsia's capital (twice) purely by coincidence and consequently met some really lovely people; the kindest hotel receptionists I've ever met and had one of the best spur-of-the-moments dinner dates with Dick the Dutchman.
The reason I headed to KL the first time was because I didn't check the flight routes to Bali when booked my flight from India to Singers. I kind of assumed Air Asia (cheap, no frills airline...and I mean NO frills) would fly from Singers and they do but the flights were booked up for a week. I was in a massive hurry to get to Bali. So decided to fly to KL and get a flight from there to Bali. Anyway as I was heading to KL and hadn't been before I completely contradicted myself on my 'I have to get to Bali asap' notion and decided to spend a few days in KL on the way. I know, my reasoning is an unknown entity to me too.
My second visit to KL was on the way from Bali to the Andaman Coast in Thailand. I did manage to stick to my 'plan' the second time though and only stayed in KL for one night. It was literally a stop over. Supposed to be a cheap stop over at the that but for those of you who've been following me blog for a while, me and cheap or rather 'cost effective' as I like to put it, just don't work. I have no idea why and I've tried many, many times to court 'cost effective' but I get blown out every time. Which leads me to firmly believe that I'm meant to lead the life of a wealthy lady. How I don't know how but I am working on it!
Anyway, I'm banging on. Back to my adventures in KL.
As much as I enjoyed the experience, after spending two nights in a dorm I decided to go all out and treat myself....to a mid range hotel. Aaah the joys of being a traaaaveller. I now fully appreciate 'luxuries' like air con, clean bathrooms and sat TV. After a lengthy conversation with my taxi driver (who was so cheerful he'd put the London cabbies to shame) about Formula One - the circus was in town - I checked into Hotel China Town Inn in the middle of China town, where I met yet another friendly face - the receptionist. All these lovely people in the space of 2 hours. I was beginning to like KL.
I was in heaven when I realised what I'd stumbled upon in China Town. Fake designer sunglasses. I was so relieved as while my Dior ones had served me well and seen some serious action in Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, India and Singers; I felt it was time for a change. I needed to revamp my look. I needed a new pair. But in my excitement at the cost, the vast selection and just general adrenaline rush I get when I purchase anything these days, I brought four pairs. Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Dior.
It must have been my new Gucci sunnies which caught Dick the Dutchman's eye as I sauntered (these days I don't speed walk, I saunter) up to the admissions counter of the Telecoms Tower. The lady behind the counter mistook us for a couple and charged him for my entry fee. 15 mins later I find myself at the top of the worlds tallest telecoms tower having my very own 'sleepless in Seattle' moment, chatting to Dick the Dutchman.
Now I would be lying if I didn't admit to inwardely smirking when he introduced him self as Dick. In fact I now know he was searching my face for a reaction. All I could muster up while trying to keep a straight face was 'Dick? Did you have a turbulent relationship with your parents as a teenager?' to which he laughed and said he didn't but he should've done.
Dick had a a great sense of humour. We spent the morning at the top of telecoms tower, followed by lunch. Then we met later for dinner. I must admit I'm always pretty suspicious of dinner dates with a stranger. I've had my fingers burnt with a small selection of blind dates plus the 'sensible' side of me - which seems to have adopted my fathers voice since I've been travelling which slightly scares me - yells 'he could be a murderer...this might be the one who kills you...'. Then I go to jugde: 'He's over 33 and single so he's either a perv, sex pest and/or generally odd'. Then it dawns on me again (this bit is like waking up every morning screaming from a recurring nightmare) that I too am now well and truly over 33 so does that mean that I'm a perv, a sex pest and/or odd? Let's move on.
But Dick didn't kill me - otherwise I wouldn't be writing this now - he was lovely. I had a lovely time with him. I've stopped drinking, smoking and taking anything else which effects my state of mind so I actually could remember the evening too. historically on this kind of evening I'd be sinking vodkas, mainlining cigs, hasseling the underworld of KL for some form of narcotic and then talking at my date for several hours. Usually about the time I was seven, most definately about my three sisters, how fabulous they, how lucky I am and how much I miss them. This would turn into tears followed by an obligatry lunge at the guy. And you wonder why I've stopped drinking? I think you probably understand why now.
My second visit to KL I arrived late on a flight from Bali. I decided to stay at a hotel near the airport as I was flying out early the next day, and KL itself is about an hours drive from the airport. So there I am thinking 'mid range hotel, sat tv, room service...nice'. I arrive to find that there's no room at the inn. In fact all the mid range hotels were fully booked.
Wait for it.
The only hotel with a room was a five star hotel.
I don't really know what came over me. I just went into some sort of zombie like zone. Like I was drugged. Eager for five star treatment. Nothing would stop me. 30 mins later I find myself in an executive suite at the Pacific. I was in heaven. See pics above. The room was gorgeous. Well, airport hotel gorgeous. I complimented myself on how easily adaptable I was; one minute I'm happy in slums, next I'm jumping up and down on Queen size bed deliberating over whether to watch HBO or Star Movies channel. Decisions, decisions.
It's here that I'll introduce some words of wisdom from the great Buddha. And when you read the next sentences you'll understand why. You see in this life it's all about understanding 'impermanence'. Nothing lasts, everything changes. What goes up, must come down. Get used to it. That's life. And my god did I come down..with a massive bump when the next day - running late for my flight as I was too busy swimming around in the bath tub to notice the time - I went to pay for my night of luxury and my card wouldn't go through. Jeeeeeeesus.
Now I have always managed my finances with the zest and optimism. So it won't come as any surprise to you that having my card refused in fine (and not so fine) establishments is like water off a ducks back. It's happened so many times it's like telling me it's about to rain. 'oh'...no rush of embarrassment. Nothing. Totally calm. It's happened in Selfridges, Mui Mui, Prada, Hakkassan, Nobu, Tescos, M&S, The Dog and Duck, Circle K. You get the picture. Everywhere.
So there I was thinking I was about to spend the next five days washing dishes in the kitchen or working as a Chamber Maid (jobs I've actually done before) when my saviour came before me. See pic above) Before I knew where I was the problem was solved and I was on my way to the airport in the hotel limo - he didn't ask for any sexual favours in return either. He was my KL angle.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Meeting The Don
It's funny how someone you bearly know can lead you to another who opens your eyes up to a completely different way of thinking which ultimately changes your whole perspective entirely. Fleur did exactly that. When I met her at the Yoga Cafe she'd just spent a couple of hours chatting with a guy called Don. She described him as a modern day guru who gives you a really interesting insight to how your mind works, how your thoughts affect others and ultimately the world. I was intrigued so I called him up and arranged to go and see him the following morning.
Don is American and NLP expert who, along with Tjokorda Gede Rai, I attribute to the massive change in my perspective. In a nutshell Don and Tjokorda Gede Rai 'turned on the light switch' for me. Meeting them both was incredible and the 'work' Don and I did definitely changed my life. For the better I hasten to add.
Don introduced me to two fascinating approaches: the wonders of PEAT - Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence and also emotional energy and how it affects you physically.
Basically there are two fundamental possibilities for us as conscious human beings: dualistic and unified consciousness. Most human beings live predominantly on the dualistic plane, in which they see, perceive, and experience everything in opposites. It is always either/or, good or bad, destroying or creating, advancing or retreating, freedom or slavery, love or freedom, life or death, I or you… endlessly…
Connected with this dualistic consciousness is this strange fact: all of us have one single most fundamental problem in life. Mystic masters say that if we do not resolve this fundamental problem in this lifetime we will have to return to work further on it in future lifetimes. Now, using the PEAT process, it is possible to solve that problem across all your lifetimes.
In 1999, Zivorad Slavinski created Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence (PEAT) from roots in various systems of Energy Psychology. Shortly after its creation, he made an essential creative breakthrough which allows you to transcend dualistic consciousness and to effectively solve hard-core problems – most importantly, your core, fundamental life problem. His presentations of PEAT were very well received at the Toronto Energy Psychology Conference in November 2000 and at the European Energy Psychology Conference in Switzerland in July 2001.
At its basic level, which is called Shallow Processing, PEAT is similar to other energy psychology systems, involving the acupressure and the heart chakra systems.
In PEAT Deep Processing you start with a problem and you uncover deeper and quite different contents in the chain of links leading to the deepest cause of the problem you started with. Each session lasts from 15 minutes to two hours (on average 40 minutes). When you reach the deepest cause, the problem vanishes for good.
Most importantly, in one to three sessions of PEAT Deep Processing, you are able to uncover, make conscious and Neutralize your Primordial Polarities ("Primes" for short). Neutralization of your Primes solves your most fundamental problem forever. You can’t avoid this resolution, even if you wanted to. This process liberates each human being from the deadly grasp of the fundamental forces of duality. At the moment when you discover your own Primes (Primordial Polarities) there is a Neutralization of opposites. You see one Primordial Polarity in another and vice versa. You become ONE. You are one with the Cosmos. And I actually experienced this.
Like I said before, I'm always slightly disappointed when I read other peoples accounts of their spiritual experience - hopefully by explaining in detail you'll get a good idea of what I experienced. It was pretty incredible. Basically once I'd discovered my primes (wrong v right in my case) I was surrounded by this bright, white light which has a hint of green to it. It felt really good or rather I felt really good. Not like 'oh my god, I feel good, this is wonderful'. I felt complete, peaceful, calm and very loved. They call this nirvana - it was amazing. Short lived but truly mind blowing nevertheless!
Still with me? Good.....I promise you I haven't gone mad...
So as well as introducing me to the wonders of PEAT, Don also introduced me to emotional energy, how it causes blockages in your body and ultimately this can
result in disease. He also taught me how to remove it using a magnet of all things.
Again this was fascinating - by focusing on an individual problem and 'feeling' it in your body (you can feel a problem if you relax and focus on the feeling it conjours up) you can eliminate it using a magnet to draw out the energy.
I had to imagine the negative emotion, what it looked like, its colour and where it was also lying in my body (in my case solar plexus - area just below the centre of your rib cage). Then using the magnet I had to envisage the energy moving out of my body. In my case up through my throat, into and out of my mouth. It was unbelievable - I could actually feel and taste the energy. It took ages to removed too which meant it was an emotion which had been lying dormant for a very long time. And afterwards how did I feel? Lighter - in fact when I went to recall the emotion I felt nothing. No anger, no resentment.
I saw Don twice and what we uncovered was pretty mind blowing for me. Explained a lot. Put so much in perspective and totally made sense. In fact the last 35 years of my life made complete sense. I won't go in to the details cause that my friend is way too personal, and I'm not sure you'd find it particularly interesting anyway! What I will say though is it completely changed my perspective.
Don is American and NLP expert who, along with Tjokorda Gede Rai, I attribute to the massive change in my perspective. In a nutshell Don and Tjokorda Gede Rai 'turned on the light switch' for me. Meeting them both was incredible and the 'work' Don and I did definitely changed my life. For the better I hasten to add.
Don introduced me to two fascinating approaches: the wonders of PEAT - Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence and also emotional energy and how it affects you physically.
Basically there are two fundamental possibilities for us as conscious human beings: dualistic and unified consciousness. Most human beings live predominantly on the dualistic plane, in which they see, perceive, and experience everything in opposites. It is always either/or, good or bad, destroying or creating, advancing or retreating, freedom or slavery, love or freedom, life or death, I or you… endlessly…
Connected with this dualistic consciousness is this strange fact: all of us have one single most fundamental problem in life. Mystic masters say that if we do not resolve this fundamental problem in this lifetime we will have to return to work further on it in future lifetimes. Now, using the PEAT process, it is possible to solve that problem across all your lifetimes.
In 1999, Zivorad Slavinski created Primordial Energy Activation and Transcendence (PEAT) from roots in various systems of Energy Psychology. Shortly after its creation, he made an essential creative breakthrough which allows you to transcend dualistic consciousness and to effectively solve hard-core problems – most importantly, your core, fundamental life problem. His presentations of PEAT were very well received at the Toronto Energy Psychology Conference in November 2000 and at the European Energy Psychology Conference in Switzerland in July 2001.
At its basic level, which is called Shallow Processing, PEAT is similar to other energy psychology systems, involving the acupressure and the heart chakra systems.
In PEAT Deep Processing you start with a problem and you uncover deeper and quite different contents in the chain of links leading to the deepest cause of the problem you started with. Each session lasts from 15 minutes to two hours (on average 40 minutes). When you reach the deepest cause, the problem vanishes for good.
Most importantly, in one to three sessions of PEAT Deep Processing, you are able to uncover, make conscious and Neutralize your Primordial Polarities ("Primes" for short). Neutralization of your Primes solves your most fundamental problem forever. You can’t avoid this resolution, even if you wanted to. This process liberates each human being from the deadly grasp of the fundamental forces of duality. At the moment when you discover your own Primes (Primordial Polarities) there is a Neutralization of opposites. You see one Primordial Polarity in another and vice versa. You become ONE. You are one with the Cosmos. And I actually experienced this.
Like I said before, I'm always slightly disappointed when I read other peoples accounts of their spiritual experience - hopefully by explaining in detail you'll get a good idea of what I experienced. It was pretty incredible. Basically once I'd discovered my primes (wrong v right in my case) I was surrounded by this bright, white light which has a hint of green to it. It felt really good or rather I felt really good. Not like 'oh my god, I feel good, this is wonderful'. I felt complete, peaceful, calm and very loved. They call this nirvana - it was amazing. Short lived but truly mind blowing nevertheless!
Still with me? Good.....I promise you I haven't gone mad...
So as well as introducing me to the wonders of PEAT, Don also introduced me to emotional energy, how it causes blockages in your body and ultimately this can
result in disease. He also taught me how to remove it using a magnet of all things.
Again this was fascinating - by focusing on an individual problem and 'feeling' it in your body (you can feel a problem if you relax and focus on the feeling it conjours up) you can eliminate it using a magnet to draw out the energy.
I had to imagine the negative emotion, what it looked like, its colour and where it was also lying in my body (in my case solar plexus - area just below the centre of your rib cage). Then using the magnet I had to envisage the energy moving out of my body. In my case up through my throat, into and out of my mouth. It was unbelievable - I could actually feel and taste the energy. It took ages to removed too which meant it was an emotion which had been lying dormant for a very long time. And afterwards how did I feel? Lighter - in fact when I went to recall the emotion I felt nothing. No anger, no resentment.
I saw Don twice and what we uncovered was pretty mind blowing for me. Explained a lot. Put so much in perspective and totally made sense. In fact the last 35 years of my life made complete sense. I won't go in to the details cause that my friend is way too personal, and I'm not sure you'd find it particularly interesting anyway! What I will say though is it completely changed my perspective.
More of the unexpected....
I arrived in Ubud armed with a list of things I was going to do: see the palace, various temples, the monkey sanctuary, bontantic gardens, art galleries the list was endless. In fact for the first three days in Ubud each day was planned with military precision. I think someone said (can't remember who) 'life is what happens when you're busy making plans'. Never really appreciated that comment until I went travelling and especially when I arrived in Ubud.
Each morning, after a delicious Balinese brekkie at Pramesti, which usually consisted of pancake topped with banana and coconut, I would head to the Yoga Cafe where I would end up chatting to various people - usually Californian hippies. This in turn would lead to a recommendations of some sort and my planned day would be dropped like a hot brick as I embarked on the unexpected. So my usual hangouts of the the Yoga Cafe, Buddha Cafe, Indus (gorgeous restaurant over looking the rice fields with the best fresh juices in town)and the Three Monkey's would always come up trumps in terms of the people I would meet. They were always interesting with great recommendations and with out a doubt people I would never normally meet.
What kept making me smile though is the way I would think to myself how I'd really like to do x y or z and then I would meet someone who had, or knew someone or knew where I could do exactly what I'd been thinking about. It was pretty strange in a way but it just kept happening while I was in Ubud. For a while I'd been thinking 'hmmm I'd really like to meet Ketut Liyer the medicine man, palmist and Balinese astrologist everyone has been raving about. I wonder who knows him'. Kept popping into my head. And this is exactly what was preoccupying my thoughts on the morning I bumped into Fleur at the Yoga Cafe.
I'd got chatting to Fleur - a European documentaries director - the day before at Wayan's place. She had an air of calmness and grace I always aspire to have but realised long ago that no amount of meditating and yoga will ever bring out self assured waftiness which I'm convinced is hiding somewhere deep inside me. I immediately liked Fleur - not just because I was is awe of her total zen-ness - but she had clearly lived a bit, no doubt been delt a few rough deals in life and that was something I could resonate with at that time.
Anyway, we got talking about Wayan and the 'Eat, Pray, Love' book that everyone seems to read when they come to Bali. Kinda makes sense what with it being about Bali and Ubud specifically! Anyway, the author became friends with Wayan and also struck up a friendship with Ketut Liyer. I was saying to Fleur how I wanted to meet him, as I've heard on the grapevine he's quite a character, and what do you know she'd seen him a few days before. Gave me his card and my 'to do' list was, for the third and last time, binned.
With Ketut's cards firmly in my grasp I caught a taxi bike to his compound. I found him sitting crossed legged, on a small pavilion, with a few Balinese locals dotted around him, listening to him giving the diagnosis to teenage girl. I have no idea what he was saying as it was in Balinese!
I can't actually put an age on Ketut - let's just say he was old, maybe over 80 but he looked good for it. Not as lined as you'd think for someone over 80. Practically bald except a few strands of long hair and with hardly any teeth. To the left of him where books piled high which I later learnt were his grandfathers who also used to be a healer. The information on palm reading and Balinese medicine were written on coconut laves and bound. There were beautiful colourful birds in cages dotted around the compound and aside from Ketut talking, the only other noise was the distant gentle hum of motorbikes from the main road a five minute walk away.
I learnt a lot from Ketut and went back to see him a few times. He mainly reads Westeners palms - I wasn't there for that though although he did read my palm. He was pretty accurate and said if I return with my future husband he will bless us. He kept asking me why I wasn't married - I was a bit like 'aren't you supposed to know the reason Mr Palm Reader!'...in fact that's a question I have been asked in every country I've been to. To be honest I'm actually thankful I haven't married any of my previous boyfs. My recent realisation that I've actually been dating the same man for the last 20 years (same content, different packaging) has led me to believe that I have developed a pattern (read addiction maybe?) for inappropriate men (read: issues, misers, flashy, mummies boys, music snobs, addicts.. .the list is endless). Armed with this new information the fact I'm not married is something to be celebrated!
In fact, one of the three questions I repeatedly get asked in Bali are: 'where you going? what you're doing? and are you married?'. The Balinese have to know where to 'put' you so to speak - it's part of hte Balinese culture you see. Not meant to be rude or intrusive as it sometimes feels when you've been asked 30 times in 20 minutes and you're rushing to find a loo! Anyway, if you're not married always reply: 'No I'm not married - yet'. The Balinese prefer it this way as it's hopeful.
However Ketut has assured me that I will be married (whatever) but like I said my future, how he saw it, wasn't the reason why I paid him a visit. I wanted to find out about Balinese meditation and had heard he was the man to ask. And he was a fountain of knowledge in this area as I'd hoped. He taught me the Balinese method of meditation and told me about the various spirits on the island, how they 'interact' with humans. It was fascinating.
Each morning, after a delicious Balinese brekkie at Pramesti, which usually consisted of pancake topped with banana and coconut, I would head to the Yoga Cafe where I would end up chatting to various people - usually Californian hippies. This in turn would lead to a recommendations of some sort and my planned day would be dropped like a hot brick as I embarked on the unexpected. So my usual hangouts of the the Yoga Cafe, Buddha Cafe, Indus (gorgeous restaurant over looking the rice fields with the best fresh juices in town)and the Three Monkey's would always come up trumps in terms of the people I would meet. They were always interesting with great recommendations and with out a doubt people I would never normally meet.
What kept making me smile though is the way I would think to myself how I'd really like to do x y or z and then I would meet someone who had, or knew someone or knew where I could do exactly what I'd been thinking about. It was pretty strange in a way but it just kept happening while I was in Ubud. For a while I'd been thinking 'hmmm I'd really like to meet Ketut Liyer the medicine man, palmist and Balinese astrologist everyone has been raving about. I wonder who knows him'. Kept popping into my head. And this is exactly what was preoccupying my thoughts on the morning I bumped into Fleur at the Yoga Cafe.
I'd got chatting to Fleur - a European documentaries director - the day before at Wayan's place. She had an air of calmness and grace I always aspire to have but realised long ago that no amount of meditating and yoga will ever bring out self assured waftiness which I'm convinced is hiding somewhere deep inside me. I immediately liked Fleur - not just because I was is awe of her total zen-ness - but she had clearly lived a bit, no doubt been delt a few rough deals in life and that was something I could resonate with at that time.
Anyway, we got talking about Wayan and the 'Eat, Pray, Love' book that everyone seems to read when they come to Bali. Kinda makes sense what with it being about Bali and Ubud specifically! Anyway, the author became friends with Wayan and also struck up a friendship with Ketut Liyer. I was saying to Fleur how I wanted to meet him, as I've heard on the grapevine he's quite a character, and what do you know she'd seen him a few days before. Gave me his card and my 'to do' list was, for the third and last time, binned.
With Ketut's cards firmly in my grasp I caught a taxi bike to his compound. I found him sitting crossed legged, on a small pavilion, with a few Balinese locals dotted around him, listening to him giving the diagnosis to teenage girl. I have no idea what he was saying as it was in Balinese!
I can't actually put an age on Ketut - let's just say he was old, maybe over 80 but he looked good for it. Not as lined as you'd think for someone over 80. Practically bald except a few strands of long hair and with hardly any teeth. To the left of him where books piled high which I later learnt were his grandfathers who also used to be a healer. The information on palm reading and Balinese medicine were written on coconut laves and bound. There were beautiful colourful birds in cages dotted around the compound and aside from Ketut talking, the only other noise was the distant gentle hum of motorbikes from the main road a five minute walk away.
I learnt a lot from Ketut and went back to see him a few times. He mainly reads Westeners palms - I wasn't there for that though although he did read my palm. He was pretty accurate and said if I return with my future husband he will bless us. He kept asking me why I wasn't married - I was a bit like 'aren't you supposed to know the reason Mr Palm Reader!'...in fact that's a question I have been asked in every country I've been to. To be honest I'm actually thankful I haven't married any of my previous boyfs. My recent realisation that I've actually been dating the same man for the last 20 years (same content, different packaging) has led me to believe that I have developed a pattern (read addiction maybe?) for inappropriate men (read: issues, misers, flashy, mummies boys, music snobs, addicts.. .the list is endless). Armed with this new information the fact I'm not married is something to be celebrated!
In fact, one of the three questions I repeatedly get asked in Bali are: 'where you going? what you're doing? and are you married?'. The Balinese have to know where to 'put' you so to speak - it's part of hte Balinese culture you see. Not meant to be rude or intrusive as it sometimes feels when you've been asked 30 times in 20 minutes and you're rushing to find a loo! Anyway, if you're not married always reply: 'No I'm not married - yet'. The Balinese prefer it this way as it's hopeful.
However Ketut has assured me that I will be married (whatever) but like I said my future, how he saw it, wasn't the reason why I paid him a visit. I wanted to find out about Balinese meditation and had heard he was the man to ask. And he was a fountain of knowledge in this area as I'd hoped. He taught me the Balinese method of meditation and told me about the various spirits on the island, how they 'interact' with humans. It was fascinating.
Meeting World Renowned Healer, Tjokorda Gde Rai
Tjokorda Gde Rai is world renowned healer and considered one of the most important healers on the island of Bali. He has been written about in numerous articles, medical journals, newspapers and books. His “clients” have included headline celebrities and internationally-renown authors and medical experts, to local Balinese from remote parts of the Island. He has trained many healers worldwide, and his teaching comes from traditional Balinese lontars (sacred texts) passed down from generation to generation. At age 77, he is the grandson of the last King of Ubud.
I was meeting royalty no less. No, wait....I was being healed by royalty. I'm sorry but frankly it really doesn't get much better than this. Who do you know who goes to Bali and gets healed by royalty? Eh? Eh?
I have to tell you though my healing with Tjokorda was life changing for me. No word of a lie. I'm sure you'll appreciate that I won't go into the details of what he uncovered, so to speak as, it's private. But he touched and consequently healed a few things that no one else on this earth knew about so how he spoke about it with absolute precision is pretty amazing.
We walked into another compound where Tjokorda was on a pavilion in the process of finishing off a healing on this guy. 'There's nothing wrong with you - why are you here' he joked. To which Wayan replied 'maybe he's to shy to ask for a bigger penis'...my jaw dropped to the floor as all of a sudden my Balinese Herbal Healer slipped slowly down off her pedal stall and then catapulted back up to the top and even higher still! Hilar.
Tjokorda sat on a chair and I sat on the floor in between his legs. He touched my head at various points, put his fingers in my ears (so pleased I cleaned them that morning!) and then placed his hands on various points over my back and chest. I then lay down where he got to work on my feet with this tiny little twig like thingy. Jeeeesus it really hurt at some points. Again, he made 'oooing' and 'aaaaaring' noises whenever I shot up and yelped in pain. His diagnosis left me stuck for words which never happens. I had some very painful memories which I'd been carrying with me for many, many years. These had consequently been affecting my entire digestive system and top half of my liver. He applied pressure with the twig thingy to the points of my feet which represented these areas as he said this - I nearly cried out in pain.
The then started the healing process. He told me he could see the sadness in my face - I had to be reborn. I needed a new face - hurrah! Sadly not literally. I had to breath in and out really deeply to 'suck my face in' - at one point he and Wayan were repeatedly tell me to breath in and out 'harder, harder, harder'. I then had to hold my breath and release. He then touched various points over my body and went to work again on my feet. All over a sudden a huge surge of sadness came over me and tears uncontrollably came steaming down my face. I was so sad but not if you get what I mean. It was a release I suppose but I couldn't stop crying for ages. It was really emotional and intense.
I tell you something though, once I'd stopped sobbing I felt like a different person and I have done ever since. Afterwards I could visibly see the difference in my complexion. Seriously meeting Tjokorda completely changed my life, my perspective. Everything was different for me after that experience.
I was meeting royalty no less. No, wait....I was being healed by royalty. I'm sorry but frankly it really doesn't get much better than this. Who do you know who goes to Bali and gets healed by royalty? Eh? Eh?
I have to tell you though my healing with Tjokorda was life changing for me. No word of a lie. I'm sure you'll appreciate that I won't go into the details of what he uncovered, so to speak as, it's private. But he touched and consequently healed a few things that no one else on this earth knew about so how he spoke about it with absolute precision is pretty amazing.
We walked into another compound where Tjokorda was on a pavilion in the process of finishing off a healing on this guy. 'There's nothing wrong with you - why are you here' he joked. To which Wayan replied 'maybe he's to shy to ask for a bigger penis'...my jaw dropped to the floor as all of a sudden my Balinese Herbal Healer slipped slowly down off her pedal stall and then catapulted back up to the top and even higher still! Hilar.
Tjokorda sat on a chair and I sat on the floor in between his legs. He touched my head at various points, put his fingers in my ears (so pleased I cleaned them that morning!) and then placed his hands on various points over my back and chest. I then lay down where he got to work on my feet with this tiny little twig like thingy. Jeeeesus it really hurt at some points. Again, he made 'oooing' and 'aaaaaring' noises whenever I shot up and yelped in pain. His diagnosis left me stuck for words which never happens. I had some very painful memories which I'd been carrying with me for many, many years. These had consequently been affecting my entire digestive system and top half of my liver. He applied pressure with the twig thingy to the points of my feet which represented these areas as he said this - I nearly cried out in pain.
The then started the healing process. He told me he could see the sadness in my face - I had to be reborn. I needed a new face - hurrah! Sadly not literally. I had to breath in and out really deeply to 'suck my face in' - at one point he and Wayan were repeatedly tell me to breath in and out 'harder, harder, harder'. I then had to hold my breath and release. He then touched various points over my body and went to work again on my feet. All over a sudden a huge surge of sadness came over me and tears uncontrollably came steaming down my face. I was so sad but not if you get what I mean. It was a release I suppose but I couldn't stop crying for ages. It was really emotional and intense.
I tell you something though, once I'd stopped sobbing I felt like a different person and I have done ever since. Afterwards I could visibly see the difference in my complexion. Seriously meeting Tjokorda completely changed my life, my perspective. Everything was different for me after that experience.
Meeting the spiritual folk of Bali
Left: Wayan and Andrea at the market buying offerings and a pic of the outside of a family compound.
It is said that almost every foreigner who lives in Bali has some kind of recognition of the intense magic that moves over the land there. Some can feel the energy, some see it, some hear its voice in the night. Not everyone is allowed to live in Bali either, a non-negotiable fact that has nothing to do with the Immigration Department. A visiting Buddhist nun once stated that she thought Bali was a karmic vortex; people come here to meet their karma. Hmmm so maybe I came to meet my karma? After the intense healing I experienced it certainly felt like it would've been effected. In a good way obviously. At least I hope...only time will tell!
Anyway, I turned up at Wayan's early the following morning and was promptly taken upstairs to change into more suitable clothes - my denim mini and tee wasn't suitable for going to see spiritual healers - I was told. Tut, tut...didn't think about that. So sporting a gorgeous traditional Bali sarong, a sash and with my hair neatly pulled up in a bun I was deemed suitably dressed and allowed to go down stairs for more blood cleansing Tumeric juice - which is actually rather tasty.
Turned out I wasn't the only one going to see two of Bali's most renowned healers - Andrea from USA was too. She was suffering from chronic back pain and literally was in the most excruciating amount of pain. She winced with every step.
It's perfectly customary for the Balinese to visit healers much the same as it is in the west to see a doctor if you're unwell - it's only different for us westeners rto to see a healer....My first visit was to see a spiritual healer who meditates on your body and heals it with a 'holy knife'. Oooookay. It was pretty surreal though. Me, Wayan and Andrea turned up at his family compound. All family compounds/houses in Bali look inward. On the outside is a high wall. Inside there is a garden and various small buildings. In Bali there's a mild tropical climate so people live outside. The 'living room' and 'dining room' are open veranda areas, looking out on to the garden.
We were sitting outside the temple area within the compound when a man with greg bobbed hair, enormous presence and over six foot tall came bounding down the path with a massive smile on his face and the kindest eyes. His name was Pemangku Manbal who is a lower rank of Hindu priest which explains the 'holy' knife.
After offering various goodies to the spirits and praying - we had to say our names and our parents names including where they lived. This worried me slightly as I have an aunt Barbara who lives in Bursledon. My mum is also called Barbara and also lives in Bursledon. Just to be sure I repeated her full name several times...didn't want them to get the wrong Barbara. All this praying ain't gonna be for nuthin!
Pemangku Manbal, who was sitting down crossed legged on the floor of a small pavilion, ushered me over. I sat on the floor in front of him with my back facing him. He scanned my back with his hand then started prodding it with the knife -laughing when I yellped in pain. Then I had to turn around to face him with my legs out straight in front of me. He then got to work on my feet....with the knife. It was blunt, obviously, but still flippin painful at some points. I was clenching my jaw and simpering at some points. Manbal was laughing. Then at a particular point when I thought I was going to scream the place down and he could tell, his eyes widened with what looked like glee and he was like 'ahaaaa'. Swivelled me round again so my back was facing him and then began pointing and pressing the knife at certain points on my lower back. It hurt. A lot. Then he told me to stand up and walk about. Seriously I felt really different. Lighter. Not as stiff.
Andrea's healing was pretty impressive too. You could tell he'd worked some magic and she could definitely walk more easily. Off we went to see the next healer who was none other than world renowned healther, Tjokorda Gede Rai.
Meeting Wayan
One of the main reasons, actually the only reason, I went to Ubud was to pay a visit to some of the spiritual healers I'd heard about. Admittedly I didn't hear about any specific healers but I'd heard from various people that's where most of the traditional 'old school' healers resided. So without any idea whatsoever of who I wanted to meet or where, I headed to Ubud with the attitude of 'if I'm supposed to meet anyone, they'll come my way'. And I was right.
I didn't have any expectations in mind; in fact I wasn't even sure what kind of healing would be on offer. But I did know that I was in serious need of re-energising. I also wanted to see for myself exactly what kinds of therapies traditional Balinese healers offered, plus I thought I had nothing to lose.
The healing I had was really quite unbelievable and to be honest if I hadn't actually experienced this all myself, I'm not sure I would believe half of what I'm about to tell you. I mean for me it makes sense as I whole heartily believe in the benefits of holistic therapies. Some of you would have never heard of this type of approaches so it'll be a harder pill to swallow.
I'm always slightly disappointed when I read an account of anyone else's 'spiritual' experiences so I'm going to write mine in detail in the hope you get a true understand of what occurred and you can make what you will of it. Some of you will think I'm bonkers, others will totally get where I'm coming from. It really makes no difference to me - I just like writing!
The people I met (healers and otherwise) were pretty amazing for all sorts different reasons. Some I immediately gelled with, others I could really resonate with despite coming from very different walks of life and others performed and introduced me to such intense and powerful healing therapies, they completely changed by perspective on life and everything that's happened to me (good and 'bad') to date. In fact, my experiences in Bali (and India) have fundamentally changed me as a person. No doubt changes imperceptible to anyone else but nonetheless huge to me.
My NHF (new hippy friend) told me about Wayan a Balinese Herbal Healer. The only advice she gave me was 'Wayan or something like that lives near the Buddha Cafe'...so off I went in search of Wayan. I found the Balinese Traditional Healing Center and Wayan - in her mid 40's although could easily pass for late 30's, Wayan is an attractive lady with hair down to her bum.
Thankfully she didn't have her usual queue of people waiting to see her - I was pretty lucky. Wayan was taught be her grandfather on the traditions of herbal medicine. She's very well known in Ubud and indeed in Bali. She's mates with the woman who wrote 'Eat, Pray, Love' which has ensured her a steady flow of customers. She's good though. Wicked sense of humour - pretty rude in fact but funny. Direct if nothing else.
First off I was given a glass of Turmeric, honey and carrot juice to cleanse me blood. Before she scanned my body she took the sheet of paper with my details on it, walked up to her shrine and began praying - I assume to ask her god for assistance in diagnosing me. Then she scanned my body: while I was standing in front of her she placed her hands on different areas of body, asked me to lift my left then right leg, checked my tongue and mouth, eyes, skin on my face, nails and pulse. Her diagnosis was pretty spot on as it completely matched what I've been told a zillion times of the last 10 months.
By the time my assessment was over another four people were sitting on the same table as me. One woman I got chatting too was a designer called Cathy, has a line and a stall called 'Lollipops and Ice Cream' on Portobello - aaaahhh the London accent, so good to hear. She was lovely, really sweet - very zen. Anyway, she was one of the people I ended up literally bumping into all over the place while I was in Ubud. We all had lunch at Wayan's which was completely amazing and extremely healthy - never tasted food so good - even the seaweed was lovely.
After lunch I was escorted upstairs for what turned out to me a 2.5 hrs massage with various herbs. At one point I had four hands massaging me. It was amazing. Afterwards I had a party mix of herbs to take away with me. I was about to leave when Wayan asked if I wanted to go with her the following morning to visit two other healers. Really old guys, renowned in Bali. 'Er, is the pope Catholic Wayan?!' I wanted to say but didn't. So I skipped out of the shop feeling very pleased with myself that I'd secured an appt with two traditional healers, two of the best in Bali and I'd only been in Ubud for two days....progress!
I didn't have any expectations in mind; in fact I wasn't even sure what kind of healing would be on offer. But I did know that I was in serious need of re-energising. I also wanted to see for myself exactly what kinds of therapies traditional Balinese healers offered, plus I thought I had nothing to lose.
The healing I had was really quite unbelievable and to be honest if I hadn't actually experienced this all myself, I'm not sure I would believe half of what I'm about to tell you. I mean for me it makes sense as I whole heartily believe in the benefits of holistic therapies. Some of you would have never heard of this type of approaches so it'll be a harder pill to swallow.
I'm always slightly disappointed when I read an account of anyone else's 'spiritual' experiences so I'm going to write mine in detail in the hope you get a true understand of what occurred and you can make what you will of it. Some of you will think I'm bonkers, others will totally get where I'm coming from. It really makes no difference to me - I just like writing!
The people I met (healers and otherwise) were pretty amazing for all sorts different reasons. Some I immediately gelled with, others I could really resonate with despite coming from very different walks of life and others performed and introduced me to such intense and powerful healing therapies, they completely changed by perspective on life and everything that's happened to me (good and 'bad') to date. In fact, my experiences in Bali (and India) have fundamentally changed me as a person. No doubt changes imperceptible to anyone else but nonetheless huge to me.
My NHF (new hippy friend) told me about Wayan a Balinese Herbal Healer. The only advice she gave me was 'Wayan or something like that lives near the Buddha Cafe'...so off I went in search of Wayan. I found the Balinese Traditional Healing Center and Wayan - in her mid 40's although could easily pass for late 30's, Wayan is an attractive lady with hair down to her bum.
Thankfully she didn't have her usual queue of people waiting to see her - I was pretty lucky. Wayan was taught be her grandfather on the traditions of herbal medicine. She's very well known in Ubud and indeed in Bali. She's mates with the woman who wrote 'Eat, Pray, Love' which has ensured her a steady flow of customers. She's good though. Wicked sense of humour - pretty rude in fact but funny. Direct if nothing else.
First off I was given a glass of Turmeric, honey and carrot juice to cleanse me blood. Before she scanned my body she took the sheet of paper with my details on it, walked up to her shrine and began praying - I assume to ask her god for assistance in diagnosing me. Then she scanned my body: while I was standing in front of her she placed her hands on different areas of body, asked me to lift my left then right leg, checked my tongue and mouth, eyes, skin on my face, nails and pulse. Her diagnosis was pretty spot on as it completely matched what I've been told a zillion times of the last 10 months.
By the time my assessment was over another four people were sitting on the same table as me. One woman I got chatting too was a designer called Cathy, has a line and a stall called 'Lollipops and Ice Cream' on Portobello - aaaahhh the London accent, so good to hear. She was lovely, really sweet - very zen. Anyway, she was one of the people I ended up literally bumping into all over the place while I was in Ubud. We all had lunch at Wayan's which was completely amazing and extremely healthy - never tasted food so good - even the seaweed was lovely.
After lunch I was escorted upstairs for what turned out to me a 2.5 hrs massage with various herbs. At one point I had four hands massaging me. It was amazing. Afterwards I had a party mix of herbs to take away with me. I was about to leave when Wayan asked if I wanted to go with her the following morning to visit two other healers. Really old guys, renowned in Bali. 'Er, is the pope Catholic Wayan?!' I wanted to say but didn't. So I skipped out of the shop feeling very pleased with myself that I'd secured an appt with two traditional healers, two of the best in Bali and I'd only been in Ubud for two days....progress!
Californian Hippies
Ubud is known as the spiritual centre of Bali and also home of the best restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries so it seemed only natural that I gravited there.
Hahahahahaaaaaaa. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Seriously though I loved Ubud. It was chilled, really great astmosphere, great food, shopping was pretty good and culturally it was interesting. I found a brilliant little guest house and literally bedded down for way longer than I had intended. If fact I found it really hard to leave and if Charlie and Greg (we meet again) hadn't turned up in Kuta I would've stayed in Ubud longer.
I had originally planned to go to Ubud, see the sights and leave after three days. I ended up staying there 10. You see this is why I don't bother planning anymore. Pointless and besides I think you're much more open to exiciting opportunities if you don't have a ridged plan. And I'm all about new and exciting opportunties these days!
I checked into Pramesti guest house on Monkey Forest Road and immediately fell in love with the place and the family who run it. Again, I refer to Skyline in Varkala, Jayson and Sree who are my benchmark for all guest houses in terms of friendlness and charm. Pramesti and Madi (see pic above) who owns the place came a very close second.
Pramesti is set in a lovely tropical garden, the bungalow style rooms are clean, spacious and have a porch - I've got to have a porch. Plus you get a home made delicsious brekkie cooked my Madi's hubby and coffee/tea on tap all day. Perrrrfect. Plus I had the bonus of chatting to Madi who has a wicked sense of humour; very dry and very quick. Her family were gorgeous and I had to stop myself from pinching her son's cheeks who, at the mature age of ten, I suspect wouldn't have appreciated it.
It was at Pramesti where I met my very first Californian hippy. I'd never met a Californian hippy before and it was an experience to say the least. As I got to know more I found that: a.) the no bra look is very much in b.) top lip facial hair is fine (and lots of it), c.) shaving/waxing arm pits or legs is a definate no, no d.) advocating free love then saying how much you'd like to find one love is common place.
Now don't get me wrong my new hippy 'friend' was lovely. I met her while I eating my breakfast on my porch, she came bounding up to me and asked if she could eat hers with me too. 'Why not' I thought. She was sweet but kept doing things which made me smirk ie blessing her food and making a really big deal out of it or she'd say things like 'oh my godess instead of of my god'...you get the picture. Look, there's nothing wrong with any of it but it does bring a smile to my face. All so serious and there always seems to be a bit of ceremony/performance of sorts with these kinds of 'spiritual' people.
Anyway when she wasn't blessing food, talking about free love then saying how much she wants life partner (get in line love!) or replacing the word peace with 'shanti' which really grates on me 'everything is so shanti here' (cue roll eyes) she was telling me all the gossip about the area and also being extremely kind in recomending various treatments, healers etc. I have a lot to thank her for as she pointed me in some brilliant directions.
But I have to admit I struggle around fair weathered people. I really do. And I knew instantly she was another fair weathered person. You know the type: Always got an eye out for a better offer and drops you like a hot brick when they get one. She invited me to 'the' party which was to be full of 'beautiful people' who 'sometimes ignore new people'. 'Sell it to me baby' I thought. On hearing all of this I thought to myself 'I'd rather stab my hand than go to this party'. So my opportunity to mix with more Californian hairy hippies was dashed before my eyes....in fact I was in the midst of reading 'Allen Carr How to Stop Smoking' and figured I'd be better of cracking the back of that than going to a party with people who would drive me to drink, cigs and drugs - all of which (fags aside at that point) I'd stopped.
My new hippy 'friend' (NHF) went on to confide the 'beautiful people' ignore her sometimes although she didn't understand why. I felt for her at this point. Shame when you want to be accepted into a crowd but for whatever reason they aren't budging, and lets face it we all want to be accpeted on some level so I'm thinking she found this really hard to deal with. In fact I know cause she told me. Anyway, once she'd off loaded her woes onto me her mate turned up and yep, you've guessed it, she turned on her heels with barely a bye. I was exhausted. The one thing I've noticed about fair weathered people is they are also drainers. Which leads me nicely on to my other theory. There are two types of people in this life peeps: drainers and radiators. You either one or the other. Naturally I am a radiator. Drainers I like to keep well away from but they find me whereever I am. Clearly Bali is no exception. Still I can smell a drainer like a fart in a car and I tend to exit quickly at first whiff!
Drainer or not I do like to try (and sometimes I have to try very, very hard)to find a place for everyone (although I must admit sometimes the place isn't that complimentary but they don't need to know that!) and my NHF was no exception. 'Look for the similarities, Neen'. I find it's easier that way. Anyway, I was introduced to a flurry of other Californaian hippies, and once I got over the excess hair and learnt to focus firmly on their faces rather than their chests - it was really hard, found they were all very sweet. Okay, I'll admit not like gorgeous lot I hang out with in London or Brighton but I didn't expect to travel this far and meet life long friends who I'd have so much in common with. However having said that I have actually met people along the way who I have no doubt will see me nicely into my grey years.
So my NHF's not only introduced me to a whole new world where hair is celebrated and bra's are a thing of the past (although I must admit I didn't personally experience their new world) but also told me about Wayan the Balianse Herbal Healer who was the talk of the town as she featured in the book of Bali - Eat, Pray, Love. This lady I had to go and see.....
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Seminyak & Legian - Bali
I needed to get to Bali badly. As to be expected when you travel solo for five months around a country known for its extremes, India had knocked me for six. It was was hard in every sense and I need to recuperate from my good and 'bad' experiences.
So why Bali? A friend of mine, Yvonne, had raved about Bali to me so it was on my radar to a certain extent but I hadn't actually planned to go there. I have my Yank friend Rebecca to thank for 'sending' me to Bali. I'm a strong believer in that people come into your life for a reason; for you to learn a lesson, tell you something, point you in another direction. Whatever the reason (and there are many) and either way it's up to you to work out why your paths have crossed, learn what you need to learn and move on - some people are around for a short time, others longer. Either way they are there for a reason and sometimes we don't realise the reason until after they are gone. When I met Becs in Auroville during the depths of my nightmare her 'job' - apart from to cheer me up (which she did a very good job of doing) - was to tell me about Bali. And thank the Lord she did!
Bali is without a doubt the best country I have travelled around to date. In my opinion It has it all: the culture, scenery, people, weather, food, atmosphere (admittedly some places better than others) lifestyle. Everything about Bali I love. Of course no country is perfect but for me Bali is as close as it gets.
Bali is where I spent the most amount of time on my own - and I loved it. Hand on heart I truly did. In fact in all honesty I'd never really enjoyed my own company that much before. That said up until Bali I hadn't really spent any time on my own - no matter where I went I always met people. Got chatting and that was it. However that completely changed in Bali. I was really aware of the fact I didn't want any company at all which is most unlike me. Well, not so much cause now I'm like 'I vant to be alone'. Read in to what you will about people who don't like to spend time on their own. Personally I think it's pretty insightful - not happy being by yourself, with your own thoughts or just sitting still for a while? Hmmmm...
In fact Bali is where I really felt I came into my own. Everything I'd learnt on my travels fell into place. I never thought of travelling as finding myself - I thought of it more in the sense of me accessorising. So let's just say I took accessorising onto another level while I was in Bali.
You see for the last 10 months - and I will write about this cause I haven't in much detail as yet - I've been doing some investigation if you will into all manner of approaches, treatments, traditions etc. In areas which I've always been interested in but never had the chance to really look into in any great detail in terms experiencing it directly.
So since I've been travelling I've been privileged to have been taught various meditation techniques - from walking, sitting and lying to Tibetan, Kundalini, Vippassana, Hindu, Reiki (channeling of universal lifeforce energy). Experienced different holistic healing treatments: from Shamanism, Chakra balancing, Balinese/Chinese/Tibetan herbal treatments, Reiki, Balinese spiritual healing. Participated in various types of yoga: Tantric, Kundalini, Hatha, Iyenga, Tibetan, Ashtanga, Sivinanda. I've had my palm and tarot cards and met psychics, chatted and meditated with Tibetan Buddhist Monks, Thai Buddhist Monks, Spiritual Healers, yogis, Hindu spiritual leaders and I've completed Reiki level II so I can actually channel healing energy to others which is a rather nice thing to do for others.
Don't get me wrong. It's not as though I've wandered into every country/village/town, stood there and shouted 'take me to the nearest healer/yogie/monk'. No, no, no, no, noooo. Much better than that. I've literally pumped into these people or they've been introduced to me, we've got chatting - all these 'meetings' have happened naturally which I think speaks for itself and firmly supports me 'people come into your life' belief. To be frank I think it's much better/healthier to think of it in this way rather than we just plod through life for no apparent reason but maybe that's just me. Anyway to say I'm interested in the holistic side would really be an understatement. I'm fascinated.
So I had all this information but hadn't really had the chance to compartmentalise any of it or really work out how or where it fitted into my daily framework. That all change in Bali. It's like somebody turned on the light switch and it all made sense.
I spent the first week in Seminyak where I went for serious beach action. However I made a school girl error and got seriously burnt on the first day - be warned the sun is really strong in Bali. It was cloudy and you are talking to someone who is militant when it comes to the application of sun cream and I never apply anything other than factor 30 to my delicate skin. I was 'scared' of the sun after that so I literally spent my time reading (spent a small fortune in magazines - one thing I do miss about the UK), wandering around the shops - clothes/jewellery are amazing in Seminyak - and practising yoga. My own little retreat. It was great. I stayed at this friendly little guest house called Senen Beach Inn in Legian - I was sold on the porch and shady garden. They guys who ran it where really friendly and sweet and reminded me of Jayson and Sreejith from Skyline in Varkala which just happens to be my bench mark for all future guest houses I visit - a very hard act to follow too.
One of the things I love about Bali is the culture. It's easy for a tourist to think they are the honoured guests in Bali but really it's the gods, ancestors, spirits and demons who are the real honoured guests. They are presented with offerings (see pics above of ready made offerings at the market in Ubud) throughout each day to show respect and gratitude. The gift has to be attractive so each offering is a work of art. They usually consist of flowers, bits of food. The more important shrines and occasions call for more elaborate offerings such as citrus fruits, cooked meat etc. You don't have to worry too much if you step on an offering as many are dotted along the pavements outside shops (but obviously try not to). Usually you see animals eating them but given the belief that gods absorb the essence of an offering instantly, the animals are really getting the leftovers - so everyone benefits! It's so peaceful. The pace of life is really steady and the daily offerings just give the country a really nice feel. I loved it.
I indulged in treatment after treatment: facials, pedi, mani, massage. I took a leap of faith and had my hair cut (usually I don't let anyone other than Ben Cooke touch my hair) - my 'special' hairdresser Baxu at Kudos in Legian did a great job.
I wandered about the shops and sampled the local food and having never really tried Indonesian cuisine before I was pleasantly surprised - it's opened up a whole new territory. It was so good to be able to eat salads again after India and how could I forget my all time favourite fruit - avocado. I was in heaven. Couple of places I frequented while I was in the area were Warung Yogya and Indo National. Brilliant.
I actually planned to stay in the area for three or four days but the pace of life is so laid back I literally couldn't be arsed to move. And to be honest I'm pretty over carting my ruck sack around esp given that I have what could only be called a library of books which I can't sell or swap so I keep them with me as I keep going back to them all the time....so I stayed for a week instead. Finally I managed to get my arse into gear and organise transport to Ubud which is known as the spiritual mecca of Bali....
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
More on Singers....
Surprised myself in Singers by checking into a dorm. 'A dorm?' I hear you cry in amazement. Yep, a dorm. Not very 'flashpacker' esq I know but I decided to take the bull by the horns so to speak and experience life on the other side. Figured as I turn 35 soon (NOTE HINT - 12th April) I should get in there before I 'graduate' to the grannies dorm. Also to be brutally honest with you I had it on good authority that 'Westerners' frequent hostels and the thought of more European humour really appealed what with me having spent the last five months in India surrounded by...well, Indians. Not that I didn't enjoy mostly every moment but it's nice to have a change...and I'm all about change at the mo.
Decided to stay at The Inn Crowd in Little India - free breakfast, lockers, internet...felt a bit strange all this free stuff but I went with it...although you had to cook your own breakfast so I obviously didn't benefit from that freebie seeing as I am alergic to cooking.
So for two nights I slept on the bottom bunk with eight other people in the room. And as lady luck would have it I also met two lovely people - Alex (who is actually Swedish but she had such an amazing English accent I was like 'which part of London are you from?'...) and the lovely Richard (who actually is British).
And dorm life was good. For two days that is. Alex was slightly horrified at the fact a Japanese guy over 40 was sleeping in the same dorm. He snored and farted throughout the night and naturally we were all suffered as a consequence. Still I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for him. Poor guy - he was really friendly. Obviously seeing as I am heading rather more quickly than I'd like towards the door of 40 I actually felt myself starting to resonate with him; travelling on his own and...well, that was about it but anyway I was having a compassionate moment and decided to go with it. Suddenly reality smacked me in the face. 'You're not quite there yet, Neen' I told myself. Horrified with my 'over 40 sympathy' dalliance I pulled myself together 'sod the old bastard' I thought...while I could still get away with such a comment...
Ended up spending the day looking around Singers with Richard (see pic above)which was where I finally admitted to the fact that I'm unable to read a map. Yep, I've been travelling for nine months now and I've only just been able to accept the fact I have no real idea where I'm going most of the time. In fact thinking about it I'm lucky to be alive. The way I read a map ie not at all I should for all intense and purposes be at the bottom of the Bengal sea..I have no idea.
Sadly for Richard he experienced this first hand when I made him - I can be very persuasive when I think I know where I'm going...so much so that I actually believe it myself - walk up and down Orchid Road several times. Admittedly it wasn't the worst street in the world to walk up and down. We stepped out in front of Gucci, Prada and the like a number of times but even I got a bit bored with myself repeadedly saying 'shite, I think this is the wrong way again, lets go back'.
Now I'd know Richard about one hour when I started inflicting this slow form of torcher on him. You know the kind when you've only just met the person so you don't want to offend. Typical British politness - if Richard had been German he would've told me I was wrong and crap right away! By the seventh time I'd taken us down the same road I looked over at Richard and could tell he was thinking 'is she for real'...I sighed and did something I never usually do. I admitted I was wrong. And I didn't know where I was going.
Hi, my name is Nina - sometimes I am wrong and usually I don't know where I'm going'. Perhaps a new mantra?
I gingerly gave the map to Richard as I said; 'you should read it and besides I can't really read maps so you know you shouldn't have let me try to direct us anyway'....I squirmed when I heard myself saying this - he smirked and gently removed the map from my grip...
Pics above are of me and Richard plus me at the Fountain of Wealth which I obviously had to have a pic of me with it - felt is would be a positive omen...here's hoping!
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Shopping in Singapore
OH. MY. GOD. I've died and gone to heaven. Arrived in Singapore and the difference compared to India is astounding. It's so clean! Even the loos in the airport have bacterial wipes for the loo seat. No children shitting on the side of the street, no cows wondering down the road, hardly any noise (comparatively), no rickshaws driving into me to in order to try and get me to ride in their rickshaw (when will they realise it won't work - fear doesn't make someone jump in the back of one).
Singers is clean roads, pruned trees, hedgerows, flowers, it's tidy and there seems to be a place for everything. No one has asked me for money and I'm not constantly being starred at. I feel strange. Lost even.
First day in Singers and I decided to do some sightseeing. But before I knew where I was I found myself in a shopping mall; Gucci, Prada, YSL - I nearly yelped when I saw the luxury brands sparkling at me crying 'come to me, Nina...buy, buy, buy'. But sadly $800 handbags just doesn't work with my traaaaaveller attire so I headed to Top Shop instead and brought knickers (totally justifiable).
Then I headed to the beauty department. Why oh why did I buy so many Aryvedic products before I left India? Had to do some quick thinking in order to justify the Clarins anti wrinkle sun (face) cream (I'm 35 April 12th - another hint!) and an aging lady needs all the help she can get, battled as to whether to buy a bottle of Marc Jacobs fragrance (reminds me of home even though I'm not so sure about the smell on me anymore) and Kate Moss fragrance (decided I like it and it's full of synthetics so the fragrance will stick despite what 'smells' are going on around me!). Lancome mascara (needed it), Laura Mercier eye shadow in various shades (needed it), MAC burnt orange nail varnish (needed it, makes my feet look really brown)....I was just about to head over to the SK II counter for some skin care purchases when suddenly I realised what I was doing. I stopped dead in my tracks and moved slowly away from the counter and out of the mall before I spent my entire travelling budget.
Decided I needed a drink to help me overcome the purchases so headed to Raffles to experience a Singapore Sling (see pic above). Mainlined a few of those and then walked (stumbled) out only to find myself in another shopping mall....but this time I was drunk. My head was saying no, my heart was saying 'yeeeees'. I skipped around Kate Spade, trotted around the Shisedo counter, purred up against the Marc Jacobs handbags and rolled around Chanel (obviously not but you know what I mean). And then I saw Fendi. The beautiful handbags where whispering to me. The gleaned and sparkled, they felt like old friends. But I was strong. Well, I wasn't but my budget really couldn't handle a pasting from Fendi. I wasn't that drunk.
Decided I needed to leave Singapore quickly. I have no self control. Headed to the Internet cafe and promptly booked my flight to Bali. Via Kuala Lumpa. In my haste to leave India I didn't check to see if there were direct flights to Bali. Turns out there isn't and I have to fly there via KL. When I booked the flights the 'I don't want flight insurance' button didn't work. I have insurance, I don't need anymore. But I ended up paying for it anyway. You see budgeting and me just doesn't work. I try as hard as I can but it never works out - clearly I'm born to be wealthy. I really am. Really.
More Beauty News from India.....
Rrrrrright, listen up ladies, I've discovered another brilliant beauty find. This range is seriously good but it's not available in the UK - you'll have to order it online which I strongly suggest you do. I'm in lurve with it and the products I've tried so far have more than exceeded my expectations.
Sadly I cant' take all the credit for this...my dear friend Reji - owner of Reji's Beauty Parlour in Varkala (Kerala) recommended the BIOTIQUE range so you have her to thank. Regi, who I've written about before on my blog, is in my opinion the oracle when it comes to Ayurvedic beauty products available on the market in India. She's worked in the beauty industry for years, born and bred in Kerala (home of Ayurveda) so has been surrounded by the benefits of the philosophy all her life. She's the font of all knowledge in terms of Indian beauty products so if she says try something, I'm on to it quick smart. No questions.
I'm feeling pretty smug about that fact I've met such a brilliant beauty authority in such far found location. In fact (cue opportunity to brag) I now have two beauty gurus whom I call upon in times of need...some people have spiritual gurus, I have beauty gurus: Anastasia Achiellos in London who is arguably the best facialist on the planet - a session with her and your skin looks incredible...reiki, massage, general sheer brilliance combined with a lot of know-how and she literally changes the shape of your face. Good bye lines, cherrio wrinkles and hello looking better than ever. And now I've met Reji who is probably the best beauty therapist in Kerala. Now I know that's a bold statement but believe me I've hunted around the state and if you want a decent facial - I actually gave her a brief to 'make me look 10 years younger' and while she's no mirical worker her Papaya facial is definitely heading in the right direction. Anyway, enough bragging from me - back to the Biotique range.
Bit of background: Ayurveda is literally translated as the ‘Science of Life’. 5000 years ago the Ancient Sages who founded Ayurveda, discovered that plants and plant extracts had a startling effect on skin and hair. According to Ayurveda the powers of nature - the Heat of the Sun, Light, Air, Water, Minerals and Plant substances have immense therapeutic value and play an important part in leading a healthy, fulfilled and aware life.
The Ayurvedic Sages had the ability to control aging. The Sages were expert biotechnologists and practiced yoga and meditation to achieve health and good looks throughout life. They developed potent herbal remedies for prevention and treatment of disease. Modern Science is each day discovering the benefits about the substances found in nature and the long historical tradition of its role in health and beauty.
I've tried the Honey Dew mosituriser, under eye cream and Papaya facial scrub and to be honest my skin is now behaving the way it's supposed to. Or rather the way I like it to. All I need to do now is kick the fags but having said that despite smoking over 20 dirty, filthy fags a day the range is still working wonders so it must be good!
Personally what I love about this arrange, aside from the fact it actually works, is that it doesn't contain harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances or artificial preservatives. Biotique does not conduct cruel tests on animals and all Biotique preparations are environmentally friendly and bio-degradable. A skincare range which does what it says is does and gives you peace of mind - who'd have thought?
Have a look on http://biotique.com - you may have to contact distributors direct. It's a bit of leg work but I promise it's worth it. Enjoy!
Sadly I cant' take all the credit for this...my dear friend Reji - owner of Reji's Beauty Parlour in Varkala (Kerala) recommended the BIOTIQUE range so you have her to thank. Regi, who I've written about before on my blog, is in my opinion the oracle when it comes to Ayurvedic beauty products available on the market in India. She's worked in the beauty industry for years, born and bred in Kerala (home of Ayurveda) so has been surrounded by the benefits of the philosophy all her life. She's the font of all knowledge in terms of Indian beauty products so if she says try something, I'm on to it quick smart. No questions.
I'm feeling pretty smug about that fact I've met such a brilliant beauty authority in such far found location. In fact (cue opportunity to brag) I now have two beauty gurus whom I call upon in times of need...some people have spiritual gurus, I have beauty gurus: Anastasia Achiellos in London who is arguably the best facialist on the planet - a session with her and your skin looks incredible...reiki, massage, general sheer brilliance combined with a lot of know-how and she literally changes the shape of your face. Good bye lines, cherrio wrinkles and hello looking better than ever. And now I've met Reji who is probably the best beauty therapist in Kerala. Now I know that's a bold statement but believe me I've hunted around the state and if you want a decent facial - I actually gave her a brief to 'make me look 10 years younger' and while she's no mirical worker her Papaya facial is definitely heading in the right direction. Anyway, enough bragging from me - back to the Biotique range.
Bit of background: Ayurveda is literally translated as the ‘Science of Life’. 5000 years ago the Ancient Sages who founded Ayurveda, discovered that plants and plant extracts had a startling effect on skin and hair. According to Ayurveda the powers of nature - the Heat of the Sun, Light, Air, Water, Minerals and Plant substances have immense therapeutic value and play an important part in leading a healthy, fulfilled and aware life.
The Ayurvedic Sages had the ability to control aging. The Sages were expert biotechnologists and practiced yoga and meditation to achieve health and good looks throughout life. They developed potent herbal remedies for prevention and treatment of disease. Modern Science is each day discovering the benefits about the substances found in nature and the long historical tradition of its role in health and beauty.
I've tried the Honey Dew mosituriser, under eye cream and Papaya facial scrub and to be honest my skin is now behaving the way it's supposed to. Or rather the way I like it to. All I need to do now is kick the fags but having said that despite smoking over 20 dirty, filthy fags a day the range is still working wonders so it must be good!
Personally what I love about this arrange, aside from the fact it actually works, is that it doesn't contain harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances or artificial preservatives. Biotique does not conduct cruel tests on animals and all Biotique preparations are environmentally friendly and bio-degradable. A skincare range which does what it says is does and gives you peace of mind - who'd have thought?
Have a look on http://biotique.com - you may have to contact distributors direct. It's a bit of leg work but I promise it's worth it. Enjoy!
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Rescued in Chennai
By the time I arrived in Chennai I felt my love affair with India was well and truly over. I'd just 'celebrated' my fifth month anniversary in the country and lets just say there weren't any signs of party hats, poppers or cake - I was O.V.E.R it. I was sick of the smell, the filth, the food constantly being stared at, the comments, the hassle. Most unlike me. I love India. Always have but too much of a good thing and all that and five months in a long time.
My gorgeous friend Claire Humphries (nee Glennane) told me before I left that if I got into trouble/homesick/fed-up that I should just chuck money at the problem and switch on the TV to watch News 24. At the time I didn't really imagine I'd have to use her advice so I neatly filed it into the deepest darkest corner of my brain. Funny how the little things pop into your head sometimes - I was just about to scream blue murder at a rickshaw driver for 'accidentally' brushing his dirty, filthy little hand on my breast as he 'helped' me with my rucksack when Claire's words of advice rang in my ears. I need to get out of India, I need to be where others (ie rickshaw drivers) aren't. I need to escape and quickly. Before I knew where I was there I am sitting with Charlie and Greg, who had flown down to Chennai to save me from myself, poring through LP looking for a five star hotel.
OH. MY. GOD. It was sheer luxury. A large room, double bed, clean white sheets, mini bar, room service, sat tv, air con....pool, bar, restaurant. Let me put this into context for you - I haven't slept directly on bed linen for eight months (sarongs are neatly placed on every bed I sleep on for fear of bed bugs or any other kind of skin related disease), nor has my foot directly touched any floors for fear of some sort of fungal infection. I hadn't watched TV in over three months and my mild obsession for my hand anti bacteria sanitiser was out of control.
After a few nights at the Ambassador, Greg got a bit carried away and tried to pursued us to stay at the Taj Connemara 'Taj me up'...very plush hotel who I think would've laughed if we'd turned up with in our 'traaaaveller' get up ruck sacks. We had to reign him in and thankfully we all settled for a slap up meal there instead. Ahhhhh salmon steaks, cheesy mash potato, asparagus, artichokes...I nearly wept with joy at the taste senstaions.
So that's what we did for a week - luxury all the way. Greg and Charlie stayed in a 'daddy' suite - I naturally gate crashed. We watched sat tv, crappy films and ordered room service. I developed a mild obsession for tuna, mayo, cheese sarnies and chips...after 5 months chili alo gobi has lost its appeal and if I see another illidy (rice cake) I will cry. I ordered breakfast in bed, lay by the pool and generally did nothing...oh and I watched News 24 - a lot. And I mean a lot!!!
My gorgeous friend Claire Humphries (nee Glennane) told me before I left that if I got into trouble/homesick/fed-up that I should just chuck money at the problem and switch on the TV to watch News 24. At the time I didn't really imagine I'd have to use her advice so I neatly filed it into the deepest darkest corner of my brain. Funny how the little things pop into your head sometimes - I was just about to scream blue murder at a rickshaw driver for 'accidentally' brushing his dirty, filthy little hand on my breast as he 'helped' me with my rucksack when Claire's words of advice rang in my ears. I need to get out of India, I need to be where others (ie rickshaw drivers) aren't. I need to escape and quickly. Before I knew where I was there I am sitting with Charlie and Greg, who had flown down to Chennai to save me from myself, poring through LP looking for a five star hotel.
OH. MY. GOD. It was sheer luxury. A large room, double bed, clean white sheets, mini bar, room service, sat tv, air con....pool, bar, restaurant. Let me put this into context for you - I haven't slept directly on bed linen for eight months (sarongs are neatly placed on every bed I sleep on for fear of bed bugs or any other kind of skin related disease), nor has my foot directly touched any floors for fear of some sort of fungal infection. I hadn't watched TV in over three months and my mild obsession for my hand anti bacteria sanitiser was out of control.
After a few nights at the Ambassador, Greg got a bit carried away and tried to pursued us to stay at the Taj Connemara 'Taj me up'...very plush hotel who I think would've laughed if we'd turned up with in our 'traaaaveller' get up ruck sacks. We had to reign him in and thankfully we all settled for a slap up meal there instead. Ahhhhh salmon steaks, cheesy mash potato, asparagus, artichokes...I nearly wept with joy at the taste senstaions.
So that's what we did for a week - luxury all the way. Greg and Charlie stayed in a 'daddy' suite - I naturally gate crashed. We watched sat tv, crappy films and ordered room service. I developed a mild obsession for tuna, mayo, cheese sarnies and chips...after 5 months chili alo gobi has lost its appeal and if I see another illidy (rice cake) I will cry. I ordered breakfast in bed, lay by the pool and generally did nothing...oh and I watched News 24 - a lot. And I mean a lot!!!
Friday, 14 March 2008
Beauty news from India.....
It may come as no surprise to you that while I've been travelling, I've felt somewhat duty bound to sample the various beauty salons, parlors and spas. It's actually one of my favourite past times and let's face it - who doesn't like to be pampered and preened? I like to look at in as research really. You know, get to know a little bit more about another culture and...actually, not sure who I'm trying to kid here - the opportunity to have weekly facials, massages and pedicures (not manicures as my Lancaster sun cream plays havoc with nail varnish!) for a fraction of the price I would usually pay back in the UK is just too good to miss.
One of the benefits of whiling away my time with beauticians, masseuses and the like is that I get recommendations on the best products to buy. So ladies (and gentlemen), I've discovered two brands (from India and Tibet) which are so good that, with slight hesitation, I feel compelled to share with you.
Some of you beauty obsessives out there may already have heard of Himalaya - personally before my travels I'd never tried the range but let me tell you its a beauty (excuse the pun!). Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to create pharmaceutical grade Ayurvedic products. Given the Ayurveda is steeped in over 500 years of history, in my opinion, it's pretty handy these clever guys have developed a range which incorporates the old with the new so to speak; they marry Ayurvedic knowledge with scientific know how. And this stuff really does work. Admittedly I haven't tried the entire range - simply because it won't all fit into my backpack and my back is already suffering from its current weight - but people I've travelled with have raved about the entire range.
Personally I can recommend: the Gentle Face Wash Cream which doesn't leave your skin feeling stretched and dry but fresh and glowing (must be the cucumber and Aloe Vera ingredients). The Foot Care Cream should be positioned next to the crown jewels - perfect for hard, dry and cracked skin. It works wonders. And the Soothing Body Lotion which has sunflower oil extracts which soften and smooths dry skin, Apricot Kernal Oil to revitalize, while Grape, with its axioxident activity keeps blemishes at bay. It doesn't leave a thick, greasy film on your skin like so many of them do either - you don't have to wait very long for it to dry.
Personally, I'd skip through the range (any excuse) and see what suits your skin - the good news is you can buy the products on line...so no excuses.
http://www.himalayadirect.com/noneu.asp
Right, this little baby is called NYERDAK-GAMOLI or Sorig Anti-Wrinkle cream and its a true gem especially if you want to get rid of wrinkles - form an orderly queue! I swear you see a difference even after one application. Thought I was imagining it but I've given it to a few friends who literally shrieked with glee down the phone at me for sending it to them.
It originates from Tibet and it is based on natural herbs derived from a formulation of a renowned 17th century Tibetan physician. It was originally developed as a protective and nourishing cream to withstand the cold winds of the Tibetan plateau. Perfect for the UK then! It helps to prevent dryness, revitalizing the skin and making it smoother and more youthful. And another bonus is the cream doesn't contain any animal ingredient and are not tested on animals. So you can look beautiful with a guilt free conscience!
http://www.men-tsee-khang.org
Have discovered another little find called Biotique - so blimmin obscure I can't get any info on it - will try for next month.
Go forth, purchase these finds - your skin will thank you for it!
One of the benefits of whiling away my time with beauticians, masseuses and the like is that I get recommendations on the best products to buy. So ladies (and gentlemen), I've discovered two brands (from India and Tibet) which are so good that, with slight hesitation, I feel compelled to share with you.
Some of you beauty obsessives out there may already have heard of Himalaya - personally before my travels I'd never tried the range but let me tell you its a beauty (excuse the pun!). Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to create pharmaceutical grade Ayurvedic products. Given the Ayurveda is steeped in over 500 years of history, in my opinion, it's pretty handy these clever guys have developed a range which incorporates the old with the new so to speak; they marry Ayurvedic knowledge with scientific know how. And this stuff really does work. Admittedly I haven't tried the entire range - simply because it won't all fit into my backpack and my back is already suffering from its current weight - but people I've travelled with have raved about the entire range.
Personally I can recommend: the Gentle Face Wash Cream which doesn't leave your skin feeling stretched and dry but fresh and glowing (must be the cucumber and Aloe Vera ingredients). The Foot Care Cream should be positioned next to the crown jewels - perfect for hard, dry and cracked skin. It works wonders. And the Soothing Body Lotion which has sunflower oil extracts which soften and smooths dry skin, Apricot Kernal Oil to revitalize, while Grape, with its axioxident activity keeps blemishes at bay. It doesn't leave a thick, greasy film on your skin like so many of them do either - you don't have to wait very long for it to dry.
Personally, I'd skip through the range (any excuse) and see what suits your skin - the good news is you can buy the products on line...so no excuses.
http://www.himalayadirect.com/noneu.asp
Right, this little baby is called NYERDAK-GAMOLI or Sorig Anti-Wrinkle cream and its a true gem especially if you want to get rid of wrinkles - form an orderly queue! I swear you see a difference even after one application. Thought I was imagining it but I've given it to a few friends who literally shrieked with glee down the phone at me for sending it to them.
It originates from Tibet and it is based on natural herbs derived from a formulation of a renowned 17th century Tibetan physician. It was originally developed as a protective and nourishing cream to withstand the cold winds of the Tibetan plateau. Perfect for the UK then! It helps to prevent dryness, revitalizing the skin and making it smoother and more youthful. And another bonus is the cream doesn't contain any animal ingredient and are not tested on animals. So you can look beautiful with a guilt free conscience!
http://www.men-tsee-khang.org
Have discovered another little find called Biotique - so blimmin obscure I can't get any info on it - will try for next month.
Go forth, purchase these finds - your skin will thank you for it!
Friday, 7 March 2008
Auroville - the community....maaaan
I skipped through Maduria (met a crazy Kashmiri Muslim guy on the roof top of a shop who told me Indian was going down, or rather the women were - they wear tees and jeans - so loose, so immoral - ditched him quickly), then headed to Trichy (hot guide you know about), then Tanjour (where a lovely guy took time out of his day to negotiate the purchase of my Indian SIM card - aaah there are kind people!) then finally arrived in Pondicherry.
Pondicherry, or Pondy as the locals like to refer to it, used to be a French colonie so think India meets France. It's such a pretty town, right on the coast, tree lined streets, clean and dare I say a welcome change. Many of the Indians speak French so I was 'parla vous-ing' wherever possible as to be totally honest with you I needed a change. I've been in India for nearly 5 months and let me tell you it's constant and after a while it's pretty tiring, especially when you're travelling on your own. You need a sense of humour and well, after 5 months I'm starting to lose mine.
But I was in Pondy which amounted to heaven. After months of chili alogobi, apoms etc I found myself mainling soup du poisson, salad niçoise, red wine, fags (everyone in France smokes). Let me tell you it felt good. Really good.
While I was in Pondy (darling) I decided to check out Auroville - a township devoted to an experiment in human unity. Started by a lady referred to a 'The Mother', The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity – in diversity. Today Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness, also concerned with - and practically researching into - sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind. Basically it's in the middle of now where, nothing like India at all (it's clean for starters) and you have the opportunity to further your development(maaaan). It was gorgeous. So peaceful, tons to do and I was in my element; yoga, meditation, the odd cultural dance (which I never understand so end up day dreaming or falling asleep) and because it's run my lots of rich lost souls from France and America (mainly Californians) the food is tasty but healthy and the coffee is great!
It's a community (man) and I have to be honest I can't help but smirk at these 'communities' or rather the types of people who tend to crop whenever you hear the words 'religion' or 'spirituality'. There are a lot of people there who, if they were chocolate, would eat themselves. So spiritual (man), way too enlightened to speak to anyone which in my opinion defeats the object - good job Buddha, Jesus and the like didn't take that attitude!
The turbans from the Prada catwalk of summer 07 were out in force. In fact I think Prada may have sponsored the key 'look' for the Aurovillians (as they like to call themselves - cue dry wretch). So there I was surrounded by people who were too spiritually enlightened to speak to me, wearing multi coloured turbans and all manner of flowing dresses, kaftans etc. I was scorned at for wearing a short sleeved tee - I'd just like to add that there are hardly any Indians in Auroville however some people (Westerners of course) have fully embraced the Indian culture (good on them) and now scorn at anyone who merely resembles their 'old world'. Like they are impostors!
Just when I thought I'd have to hot foot it out of there before I brought a turban and started chanting to myself as I walked around (seriously, I saw someone doing this) I found my saviours. Who rather handily turned out to be my partners in crime -Rebbecca and Eda.
Totally on my wave length and happy to indulge in the activities but have a fag a coffee afterwards I breathed a sigh or relief....'I is about to have me some fun!' I thought (and in that accent). So we spent four days bombing round on scooters, sunbathing, looking at the hot men, drinking in Pondy, embraced all the activities (okay, so admittedly we missed 4 classes and ducked out of one before it even began), drank coffee (proper!) and smoked spliffs (the thought of being escorted off the premises for breaking the rules did sort of appeal to the 'rebel without a cause' side of my - complex - personality).
I laughed constantly for 4 days and loved being part of the 'community'...maaaaan - well my version of it at least!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)