So, here I am, it's October of 2009 and I'm still riding my beach cruiser around Buena Vista, CO where the mountains extend to the sky and the friendly people open their hearts with smiles. I was going to just stay until August and hang with good friends, work at the famous Asian Palete and just take a breather while I figure out the next Jenna adventure. Let me remind you or remind myself, I have a quote from last years epic yoga retreat Haramara that I made up that I promised to live by and unravel.........."To embrace clarity and a grander love for myself, ignites the power within and all around!". I have realized that both of these goals (to have clarity and a grander love for ones self) can be a challenge in many different ways BUT......if one can seek and find then it's a beautiful treasure to find. Have I? Geezzee, at times I felt as if I was battleing with monsters from my child hood under my bed, screaming at the universe, begging my angels to listen or give me answers in a quite noticable way and analyzing every step or emotion I was feeling. When I finally realized that every day was an embraced effort towards both of those realizations and to not panic, breath with grace, be gentle to my questions or unanswered future then clarity and love started to flow in like a roaring river! This WAS a beautiful thing and within time I realized I had found not only my 'shri' (my juicy nectar) I had also reached clarity within my own heart and spirit. A sweet sensation it is!
I haven't written in my blog since I returned and today when I woke up to small white fluffy flakes falling from the sky I wondered why? So, I jumped out of bed and decided to keep going with the adventures of Jenna and where my next journey will be. I don't think anyone is reading this blog now so perhaps it's just a journal for me and an inspiration for my creative path to be. I mean the USA can be just as interesting as Asia or other parts of the world so why not?
So, where did I leave off...Oh yes, I'm still in Buena Vista, CO. This is a small little mountain town and I mean SMALL!!!! Really not much going on for a Gemini but at the same time a lot about to happen, I think. The views are spectacular and people around my age are starting to make this place their home for many years. Everyone has been so loving and welcoming and a sense of community is truly here. I'm still working at the restaurant and engaging with all types of locals and having fun being a waitress and using my actressing skills as much as possible to entertain and see some smiles. So, as you all know I have had a love for yoga for many years and having clarity has brought me to the realization that I need and want yoga to be a bigger part of my life and so VAVOOM!.......I have decided to open a small little yoga studio, 'Jala Blu'. Yes, you have heard the goooood news...Jenna is opening a yoga studio! First one in Buena Vista, CO and the locals seem to be taking the news in a positive way. Jala represents "water". However, I want this space to be so much more and perhaps bringing a little bit of Asia into BV may not be such a bad idea. Stay Tuned...have to go get ready for work!
Lot's Of Love and Clarity!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
"Patience and Fortitude"...;)
Some of you know that I have pointed the sail home for the US. I arrived on July 1st and was greeted by a wonderful friend, Astrid. I have kept this a secret for a while to surprise some friends for a big event, wink wink! And with success, my surprise was indubitably a surprise!!!!!!! :)
I have had an amazing journey for 6 months and feel so blessed that I crossed paths with a few amazing people that now are friends for life. The experiences along the way emotionally, physically and culturally were beyond description but will forever be in my heart and spirit. I have no doubt that my traveling bug will ignite over and over in this life and my passion for adventure in other cultures will forever be a steady flow throughout this life journey. I have traveled only South America and Central America before this journey BUT.....I will say without a doubt everyone should travel to Asia and embrace it's sweetness and colorful worldly views. Asia was a slow love for me, it wasn't "love at first sight"..........However, as I continued to dance through Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and back to Thailand I fell in love to the fullest.
What will I miss? Oh, so many things and so many people. I will miss the smiles from the Asian people, I will miss the sweet smell of flowers and incense in Indonesia, I will miss the romantic feeling in Bali, I will miss the special friends I made along the way, I will miss the romances that were short but open hearted and honest, I will miss the freedom of just "being" in the moment, I will miss riding my bike through crazy traffic, I will miss my favorite cafes, I will miss the beautiful laundry woman of Thailand and there laughs, I will miss the yoga community, I will miss the ocean and it's vivacious personality, I will miss the fruit that melts in your mouth, I will miss living out of a bag and having almost nothing, I will miss the times of "lone wolf" and getting to know myself in a deeper and connected way, I will miss the funny soup man in Bangkok, I will miss having beers with my friend Manis on the "curb", I will actually miss crazy Bangkok, I will miss Elinza and our nights of ever flowing laughter and comedy...;) and I will just miss the soul of being a traveler for a while......;) I know it will return so in comfort my traveling feet will dance again to unknown places and cross paths of unknown strangers.....!!!!!! If I have given any of you the "bug" to travel then I have given you a little inspiration and a gift to last a life time and enrich your soul along with others and that is a gift to me......:)
Some of you know I did have some hard times along the way but I have embraced those times with clarity and with content, I ended my journey a little earlier then I had planned. Some of you want this explanation and I will try to give it to you in a very simple way if that is possible. I was supposed to only travel for a month or two with the "purpose" of getting certified (TEFL) to teach English and then actually teaching English abroad (Taiwan or Korea). Well, 5 months later and still traveling (not working) I realized that I needed a "purpose" to not feel guilty about wanting to travel without a "purpose". I believe that traveling abroad is one of my biggest passions and yet I felt guilty to just travel without any purpose....hmmmmm Why, I don't know but I do know, NOW......it's ok to put a backpack on your back and travel without any purpose at all. The purpose is the experience and the experience in the traveling / backpacking world is one of the most amazing journeys you will experience in life......This I know! Ok, that was a bit confusing but do you get the PURPOSE!!!!?????? LOL!!!!! There of course are a few more reasons but this is the simplest way of explaining my reasons for coming home early and not staying or living in an Asian country for another year.
I have let myself melt back into the American culture with wonderful Colorado friends and every day I smile at the beauty that surrounds this amazing place (mountains, rivers, friendly people, etc...). I have decided to stay in Buena Vista for the summer to enjoy a little mountain town and spend time with some beautiful chicas, babies, wedding celebrations, wonderful mountain men and some really cool dogs....:). I will hopefully be working at a friends newly opened restaurant, "The Asian Pallet" until I can work in Denver but have plans to spend the rest of my summer in BV and living a simple life for a while.
I also just want to say thank you to ALL my friends and family for your support along the way, I love you all very much and feel blessed that you are in life!
I have no doubt this blog will continue with other Jenna journeys but until then I wish you all an abundance of happiness and laughter within your own journeys!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Love and more Love!!!!
Jenna
P.S......Can't wait to see you Mom and Dad!!! xoxox
I have had an amazing journey for 6 months and feel so blessed that I crossed paths with a few amazing people that now are friends for life. The experiences along the way emotionally, physically and culturally were beyond description but will forever be in my heart and spirit. I have no doubt that my traveling bug will ignite over and over in this life and my passion for adventure in other cultures will forever be a steady flow throughout this life journey. I have traveled only South America and Central America before this journey BUT.....I will say without a doubt everyone should travel to Asia and embrace it's sweetness and colorful worldly views. Asia was a slow love for me, it wasn't "love at first sight"..........However, as I continued to dance through Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and back to Thailand I fell in love to the fullest.
What will I miss? Oh, so many things and so many people. I will miss the smiles from the Asian people, I will miss the sweet smell of flowers and incense in Indonesia, I will miss the romantic feeling in Bali, I will miss the special friends I made along the way, I will miss the romances that were short but open hearted and honest, I will miss the freedom of just "being" in the moment, I will miss riding my bike through crazy traffic, I will miss my favorite cafes, I will miss the beautiful laundry woman of Thailand and there laughs, I will miss the yoga community, I will miss the ocean and it's vivacious personality, I will miss the fruit that melts in your mouth, I will miss living out of a bag and having almost nothing, I will miss the times of "lone wolf" and getting to know myself in a deeper and connected way, I will miss the funny soup man in Bangkok, I will miss having beers with my friend Manis on the "curb", I will actually miss crazy Bangkok, I will miss Elinza and our nights of ever flowing laughter and comedy...;) and I will just miss the soul of being a traveler for a while......;) I know it will return so in comfort my traveling feet will dance again to unknown places and cross paths of unknown strangers.....!!!!!! If I have given any of you the "bug" to travel then I have given you a little inspiration and a gift to last a life time and enrich your soul along with others and that is a gift to me......:)
Some of you know I did have some hard times along the way but I have embraced those times with clarity and with content, I ended my journey a little earlier then I had planned. Some of you want this explanation and I will try to give it to you in a very simple way if that is possible. I was supposed to only travel for a month or two with the "purpose" of getting certified (TEFL) to teach English and then actually teaching English abroad (Taiwan or Korea). Well, 5 months later and still traveling (not working) I realized that I needed a "purpose" to not feel guilty about wanting to travel without a "purpose". I believe that traveling abroad is one of my biggest passions and yet I felt guilty to just travel without any purpose....hmmmmm Why, I don't know but I do know, NOW......it's ok to put a backpack on your back and travel without any purpose at all. The purpose is the experience and the experience in the traveling / backpacking world is one of the most amazing journeys you will experience in life......This I know! Ok, that was a bit confusing but do you get the PURPOSE!!!!?????? LOL!!!!! There of course are a few more reasons but this is the simplest way of explaining my reasons for coming home early and not staying or living in an Asian country for another year.
I have let myself melt back into the American culture with wonderful Colorado friends and every day I smile at the beauty that surrounds this amazing place (mountains, rivers, friendly people, etc...). I have decided to stay in Buena Vista for the summer to enjoy a little mountain town and spend time with some beautiful chicas, babies, wedding celebrations, wonderful mountain men and some really cool dogs....:). I will hopefully be working at a friends newly opened restaurant, "The Asian Pallet" until I can work in Denver but have plans to spend the rest of my summer in BV and living a simple life for a while.
I also just want to say thank you to ALL my friends and family for your support along the way, I love you all very much and feel blessed that you are in life!
I have no doubt this blog will continue with other Jenna journeys but until then I wish you all an abundance of happiness and laughter within your own journeys!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Love and more Love!!!!
Jenna
P.S......Can't wait to see you Mom and Dad!!! xoxox
Monday, June 29, 2009
OH Thailand!
I keep thinking of a few stories I haven't told yet and may be worth telling.
So, I decided to head to the beach for a few days and visit a friend in BK before life transitions again. First, I must tell the story of Dirty Deider and the Winery in Chiang Mai. Yes, wine in Thailand. Wine is hard to find in this country and if you do find it, it's expensive and not so good. However, my roomie Kom has a friend named Deider who is German and owns a winery outside of Chiang Mai and one day we all decided to take the drive and try some good Chiang Mai wine. Now, as I have discussed previously in some of my blogs, there are quite a few of older men that have very young Thai girlfriends and at times I have a hard time even looking at them but..........everyone is different, eh? So, Deider is probably in his 70's and has a couple VERY young girlfriends and yes, he is "Dirty Deider". Actually, a very nice man and of course a love for grapes and making wine. We went to the winery mid day and let me tell you, after sitting in the cold cold wine tasting room drinking way too many glasses of wine and then going out in the Thai heat of day light is quite the experience. When I opened the door from the tasting room to enter the outside world I suddenly felt like a true vampire....."NO, not the light"...LOL!!! and not too mention at exactly 3:00 in the afternoon all of us had a wine buuzzzzzzzz. Following the wine Dirty Deider decided to bring out homemade cheese...WOW...I haven't had a good piece of cheese in 6 months and not too speak of a nice glass of wine. I was loving life with the homemade cheese and beautiful wine. The simple and yummy things in life. So, if you are ever in Chiang Mai and want to be in the company of Mr. Dirty Deider who is a funny man and sip on some beautiful wine while cheesing it up, let me know and I will send you in the right direction.
Hmmmm, I thought I had another story but it has drifted from my memory. So, off to the beach.
I will say BK grows on me every time and I really love my Guesthouse that I stay out. It's like a home away from home. There is one staff member, Oh who I love...she is so cute and always greets me with a big hug, I love it. I have been here so much they give me the same two rooms everytime, either 105 or 103. I stay here for 250 baht (7.00). Accross the street is my favorite little breakfast stand with good coffee and the best egg, cheese and tomato sandwich (with wheat bread..:)), 45 baht...a little over a $1.00 for coffee and a sandwich, wow! The owner of this little coffee stand is adorable too and she always yells to me after I leave, "i love you"...so funny! My friend Manis Man lives around the corner in his flat so it's always nice to also come to a place near a friend. We have been spending a few nights sitting on his porch enjoying the Thai weather. I'm also one of his best fans in the BK area when he plays his music, it's nice to hear guitar and singing (reminds me of the mountains and friends). So, I went to an island called Koh Somet, I was so lucky with weather and spent 4 days enjoying the sound of the waves and just having lone wolf Jenna time. As always stayed in a rustic little bungalow (300 baht) and enjoyed the fire dancers at night. I finally got a tan again, it's been a while. So, back in BK fro a few days and then heading back.
Wherever you all are, sending you lot's of love!
Jenna
So, I decided to head to the beach for a few days and visit a friend in BK before life transitions again. First, I must tell the story of Dirty Deider and the Winery in Chiang Mai. Yes, wine in Thailand. Wine is hard to find in this country and if you do find it, it's expensive and not so good. However, my roomie Kom has a friend named Deider who is German and owns a winery outside of Chiang Mai and one day we all decided to take the drive and try some good Chiang Mai wine. Now, as I have discussed previously in some of my blogs, there are quite a few of older men that have very young Thai girlfriends and at times I have a hard time even looking at them but..........everyone is different, eh? So, Deider is probably in his 70's and has a couple VERY young girlfriends and yes, he is "Dirty Deider". Actually, a very nice man and of course a love for grapes and making wine. We went to the winery mid day and let me tell you, after sitting in the cold cold wine tasting room drinking way too many glasses of wine and then going out in the Thai heat of day light is quite the experience. When I opened the door from the tasting room to enter the outside world I suddenly felt like a true vampire....."NO, not the light"...LOL!!! and not too mention at exactly 3:00 in the afternoon all of us had a wine buuzzzzzzzz. Following the wine Dirty Deider decided to bring out homemade cheese...WOW...I haven't had a good piece of cheese in 6 months and not too speak of a nice glass of wine. I was loving life with the homemade cheese and beautiful wine. The simple and yummy things in life. So, if you are ever in Chiang Mai and want to be in the company of Mr. Dirty Deider who is a funny man and sip on some beautiful wine while cheesing it up, let me know and I will send you in the right direction.
Hmmmm, I thought I had another story but it has drifted from my memory. So, off to the beach.
I will say BK grows on me every time and I really love my Guesthouse that I stay out. It's like a home away from home. There is one staff member, Oh who I love...she is so cute and always greets me with a big hug, I love it. I have been here so much they give me the same two rooms everytime, either 105 or 103. I stay here for 250 baht (7.00). Accross the street is my favorite little breakfast stand with good coffee and the best egg, cheese and tomato sandwich (with wheat bread..:)), 45 baht...a little over a $1.00 for coffee and a sandwich, wow! The owner of this little coffee stand is adorable too and she always yells to me after I leave, "i love you"...so funny! My friend Manis Man lives around the corner in his flat so it's always nice to also come to a place near a friend. We have been spending a few nights sitting on his porch enjoying the Thai weather. I'm also one of his best fans in the BK area when he plays his music, it's nice to hear guitar and singing (reminds me of the mountains and friends). So, I went to an island called Koh Somet, I was so lucky with weather and spent 4 days enjoying the sound of the waves and just having lone wolf Jenna time. As always stayed in a rustic little bungalow (300 baht) and enjoyed the fire dancers at night. I finally got a tan again, it's been a while. So, back in BK fro a few days and then heading back.
Wherever you all are, sending you lot's of love!
Jenna
Sunday, June 21, 2009
I love the women in my life!
A lot has happened since my last blog and I feel a bit lazy lately with keeping my blog updated. I apologize to all of you who look forward to my thoughts and adventures and I also smile when some of you wonder why I haven't written .................it's a nice to know that you have interest and also enjoy my stories. So, thanks for always asking and having curiosity and may you all have many adventures to share with others along the way.
I'm still living in Chiang Mai, Thailand and really falling in love with the people and the culture every day. In life we always to take for granted the everyday beauty within ourselves and around us and at times even in such a new culture I find myself doing this. However, I'm still in WOW everyday by Thailand and the funny and beautiful things and people that surround my everyday life here. My neighborhood is such a relaxing and friendly area and I feel blessed just to get on my bike every morning and be greeted by the Thai smiles and the friendly wave of the hands. Many people recognize me already and especially the laundry woman....LOVE those woman!!!!!! It's so cheap to have your laundry done in Thailand and for some reason my laundry always smells so good when I get it back......Yes, when you wash your clothes it's supposed to smell good but there is something that is more fresh about it here in Thailand. The funny thing is they always line dry and sometimes when I'm riding by on my push bike I notice a dress that looks so familiar and OH YES.....that is my dress hanging in the middle of the street drying in the Thai air....:). I also have my two favorite cafes that I go to on a ritual basis everyday!!!!! First it's the Internet / coffee bar that I can drink a yummy late for one dollar and use free Internet and then it's off to hang with the yogis and massage students for some fresh juice and humus....:). I know, rough life eh?
I'm still in the process of looking for the right school to teach for and have contacted an orphanage to do some work with in the meantime. I have always had a fascination for an orphanage and when I do return to the US I would still like to take a walk down that path.
One beautiful aspect of Chiang Mai is connecting with same amazing woman along the way who live in Chiang Mai. Whether it's through yoga, roommates, friends from TEFL or a brilliant "Wild Woman Circle" they have given me strength lately and a since of community and love. Every Sunday we all come together at the Wild Rose Yoga Studio and engage with discussion on all kind of life subjects. I know, it's a woman thing for all you men out there that read my blog....;) and that is why I love being a woman!!!!! We eat chocolate, drink wine, cry, laugh and tell our deepest secrets or thoughts about life. Last night the subject was FEAR, a good one but a very emotional one for most people when you really think about it. When we are children of course we have fears and as we get older our fears become struggles within which can affect our lives in many ways. I'm not a closed book when it comes to sharing and I would really recommend thinking about your own fears and acknowledging them. Mine include death, love and not having clarity within. We had to choose three which is a good number...I mean yes, I fear spiders, sharks etc....but really thinking about fears and how you can let go and maybe open those fears to something more positive and accepting. Now, that is a challenge....:). Anyway, once again, I'm so thankful to my many woman (family and friends) in the world that always support me and accept me for who I am. I truly love all of you and feel very lucky!!!!
This past weekend Elinza and I took a bus to Chiang Rai which is also in the mountains and not too far from Chiang Mai (3hrs) to visit a friend. WOW!!!! Chiang Rai is truly a gorgeous place and at times I felt as if I was in CO which was nice to feel....:). We went to the most beautiful temple, I mean it was AMAZING!!!! I know, I know, where are the pics...I promise one day in the land of downloading I will figure it out...:) The artist who designed this temple has made it a lifelong commitment and probably won't even finish it before he leaves this life. The intricate design and detail is beyond anything I have seen and I felt at some times, it was very unreal. That same day Renate and Chris took us to the river and it was surrounded by lush green mountains and the clear blue skys enhanced the day with a AH feeling!!!! So we all sat along the river in a a little bamboo hut and had a beer to soak up the views and breath in peace.
For those of you in Colorado I'm sure you are soaking up those beautiful blue sky days and enjoying the mountain life. Remember to take a look at those beautiful things and people around you because sometimes in our busy everyday lives we tend to forget and WOW!!!!
So much love to all of you!!!!
Jenna
I'm still living in Chiang Mai, Thailand and really falling in love with the people and the culture every day. In life we always to take for granted the everyday beauty within ourselves and around us and at times even in such a new culture I find myself doing this. However, I'm still in WOW everyday by Thailand and the funny and beautiful things and people that surround my everyday life here. My neighborhood is such a relaxing and friendly area and I feel blessed just to get on my bike every morning and be greeted by the Thai smiles and the friendly wave of the hands. Many people recognize me already and especially the laundry woman....LOVE those woman!!!!!! It's so cheap to have your laundry done in Thailand and for some reason my laundry always smells so good when I get it back......Yes, when you wash your clothes it's supposed to smell good but there is something that is more fresh about it here in Thailand. The funny thing is they always line dry and sometimes when I'm riding by on my push bike I notice a dress that looks so familiar and OH YES.....that is my dress hanging in the middle of the street drying in the Thai air....:). I also have my two favorite cafes that I go to on a ritual basis everyday!!!!! First it's the Internet / coffee bar that I can drink a yummy late for one dollar and use free Internet and then it's off to hang with the yogis and massage students for some fresh juice and humus....:). I know, rough life eh?
I'm still in the process of looking for the right school to teach for and have contacted an orphanage to do some work with in the meantime. I have always had a fascination for an orphanage and when I do return to the US I would still like to take a walk down that path.
One beautiful aspect of Chiang Mai is connecting with same amazing woman along the way who live in Chiang Mai. Whether it's through yoga, roommates, friends from TEFL or a brilliant "Wild Woman Circle" they have given me strength lately and a since of community and love. Every Sunday we all come together at the Wild Rose Yoga Studio and engage with discussion on all kind of life subjects. I know, it's a woman thing for all you men out there that read my blog....;) and that is why I love being a woman!!!!! We eat chocolate, drink wine, cry, laugh and tell our deepest secrets or thoughts about life. Last night the subject was FEAR, a good one but a very emotional one for most people when you really think about it. When we are children of course we have fears and as we get older our fears become struggles within which can affect our lives in many ways. I'm not a closed book when it comes to sharing and I would really recommend thinking about your own fears and acknowledging them. Mine include death, love and not having clarity within. We had to choose three which is a good number...I mean yes, I fear spiders, sharks etc....but really thinking about fears and how you can let go and maybe open those fears to something more positive and accepting. Now, that is a challenge....:). Anyway, once again, I'm so thankful to my many woman (family and friends) in the world that always support me and accept me for who I am. I truly love all of you and feel very lucky!!!!
This past weekend Elinza and I took a bus to Chiang Rai which is also in the mountains and not too far from Chiang Mai (3hrs) to visit a friend. WOW!!!! Chiang Rai is truly a gorgeous place and at times I felt as if I was in CO which was nice to feel....:). We went to the most beautiful temple, I mean it was AMAZING!!!! I know, I know, where are the pics...I promise one day in the land of downloading I will figure it out...:) The artist who designed this temple has made it a lifelong commitment and probably won't even finish it before he leaves this life. The intricate design and detail is beyond anything I have seen and I felt at some times, it was very unreal. That same day Renate and Chris took us to the river and it was surrounded by lush green mountains and the clear blue skys enhanced the day with a AH feeling!!!! So we all sat along the river in a a little bamboo hut and had a beer to soak up the views and breath in peace.
For those of you in Colorado I'm sure you are soaking up those beautiful blue sky days and enjoying the mountain life. Remember to take a look at those beautiful things and people around you because sometimes in our busy everyday lives we tend to forget and WOW!!!!
So much love to all of you!!!!
Jenna
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Rainy Season in Thailand
Sawdee Kai!
And so, I was welcomed with many Elinza colorful signs...............WELCOME HOME JENNA , JENNA'S ROOM, MAYBE THIS IS JENNA'S ROOM (we have a few rooms)...etc...and so my mind is at ease for a bit. I do feel very at home in Chaing Mai (not like CO of course) and once again the area that I live in is great. I can ride my push bike to almost anywhere and near by are amazing food markets, cute cafes, restaurants, a great little yoga studio etc.....Unfortunately my body decided to break down and be sick the past few days but I think I just needed a good cleanse to look at in a positive view. It's rainy season now but the weather feels good, not so hot and the air feels fresh! Since I'm living on so much baht per day due to the flow of money....:) the woman who owns a small little vegetarian cafe and yoga studio is letting me practice for free on my own (practice yoga that is). It has been a while since my yoga spirit has been alive but I'm starting to flow back in to it and it feels good. Yoga always opens more doors for me in my life and motivates me to manifest what I truly need and want. And so, with a little yoga medicine I'm hoping I can make Chaing Mai, Thailand be my balance for a while....:)
I never imagined I would be back in Thailand again and to be honest this place has grown on me....it wasn't an instant love but I like that kind of love (not instant). There is something to be said about things in life that grow on you in time and with patience....:) This time I took the overnight train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai and what a trip that was.............geeze O peas...:) A grand total of 18hrs...I mean I could have flown back to the states if only flying back to the states would have only cost the same (591 bht)....which is $19.00 dollars. The train was supposed to leave at 10:00pm and arrive the next day at 12:45pm but it didn't arrive until 4:30pm....so calculated, that is 4 hrs late..............by 2:00pm I was ready to jump off the train and then I thought maybe I'm on the wrong train....HA!!! I wouldn't put it past me...I had these visions that I was taking a train all the way to India and as I got off the train I would just laugh and say, "so be it...." India it is...let's do some serious yoga practicing and get into some REAL culture shock!!!!!!! BUT, that story was a dream and I finally reached my destination of Chaing Mai.
Yesterday Elinza and I went to a fabulous art fair...tons of stuff going on (music, art work, photography, workshops, cool things to buy, yummy food etc...). Elinza is quite the motivated artist so we took a shadow puppet workshop and put Elinza's imagination to work. Our puppet ended up being an "Elephant Fish"....a huge colorful fish with an elephant trunk...:). We then proceeded to go furniture shopping for the house (Elinza went furniture shopping for the house, I just assisted) and we def. attempted yet another Thai scooter challenge. How many furniture items plus two people can you fit on a scooter.....HA!!!!! and as always the Elinza and Jenna show laughed all the way home with one small coffee table, one large rug and two medium sized shelving units. We are moving up the ladder when it comes to the famous scooter!
Hopefully I will continue to post more updates and get back into the groove. All I can say for now is you may be seeing me very soooooooooooooooooooooooon....:) OR you may not be seeing for a while.......;)
Love and Fresh Rain from the land of Thailand!
Jenna
And so, I was welcomed with many Elinza colorful signs...............WELCOME HOME JENNA , JENNA'S ROOM, MAYBE THIS IS JENNA'S ROOM (we have a few rooms)...etc...and so my mind is at ease for a bit. I do feel very at home in Chaing Mai (not like CO of course) and once again the area that I live in is great. I can ride my push bike to almost anywhere and near by are amazing food markets, cute cafes, restaurants, a great little yoga studio etc.....Unfortunately my body decided to break down and be sick the past few days but I think I just needed a good cleanse to look at in a positive view. It's rainy season now but the weather feels good, not so hot and the air feels fresh! Since I'm living on so much baht per day due to the flow of money....:) the woman who owns a small little vegetarian cafe and yoga studio is letting me practice for free on my own (practice yoga that is). It has been a while since my yoga spirit has been alive but I'm starting to flow back in to it and it feels good. Yoga always opens more doors for me in my life and motivates me to manifest what I truly need and want. And so, with a little yoga medicine I'm hoping I can make Chaing Mai, Thailand be my balance for a while....:)
I never imagined I would be back in Thailand again and to be honest this place has grown on me....it wasn't an instant love but I like that kind of love (not instant). There is something to be said about things in life that grow on you in time and with patience....:) This time I took the overnight train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai and what a trip that was.............geeze O peas...:) A grand total of 18hrs...I mean I could have flown back to the states if only flying back to the states would have only cost the same (591 bht)....which is $19.00 dollars. The train was supposed to leave at 10:00pm and arrive the next day at 12:45pm but it didn't arrive until 4:30pm....so calculated, that is 4 hrs late..............by 2:00pm I was ready to jump off the train and then I thought maybe I'm on the wrong train....HA!!! I wouldn't put it past me...I had these visions that I was taking a train all the way to India and as I got off the train I would just laugh and say, "so be it...." India it is...let's do some serious yoga practicing and get into some REAL culture shock!!!!!!! BUT, that story was a dream and I finally reached my destination of Chaing Mai.
Yesterday Elinza and I went to a fabulous art fair...tons of stuff going on (music, art work, photography, workshops, cool things to buy, yummy food etc...). Elinza is quite the motivated artist so we took a shadow puppet workshop and put Elinza's imagination to work. Our puppet ended up being an "Elephant Fish"....a huge colorful fish with an elephant trunk...:). We then proceeded to go furniture shopping for the house (Elinza went furniture shopping for the house, I just assisted) and we def. attempted yet another Thai scooter challenge. How many furniture items plus two people can you fit on a scooter.....HA!!!!! and as always the Elinza and Jenna show laughed all the way home with one small coffee table, one large rug and two medium sized shelving units. We are moving up the ladder when it comes to the famous scooter!
Hopefully I will continue to post more updates and get back into the groove. All I can say for now is you may be seeing me very soooooooooooooooooooooooon....:) OR you may not be seeing for a while.......;)
Love and Fresh Rain from the land of Thailand!
Jenna
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Jenna Summary....:)
Can I trigger all my adventures and experiences within the past month. I will try. So, some of you know I just recently went back to Thailand (BKK, Kanchuburi and Chaing Mai) to extend my Taiwan visa and spend some time with some friends along the way. Well, I have landed back in Taiwan as of yesterday and will be headed back to Thailand, Chaing Mai on Sunday to stay for a while (maybe 2 months). For now Chaing Mai feels good; blue sky's, delicious and healthy food, mountains, riding a push bike, being among friends and just feeling at ease. It feels good. I will be living with my lovely friend Elinza (with an 'I') and Kom who is Thai/German. They live in an amazingly huge house with character and I will be paying rent for a couple months. It will feel good to finally land my wings for a bit and take a rest. I'm hoping to find temporary work along the way and at least make enough money to live off of (food and rent). I'm hoping (Gusio???) to still have an interview in Sorth Korea in July and open the door to a possible job that starts in September but we will see....:) Sounds as if Nouth Korea is not such a friendly place at the moment in the news (not that it has ever been a friendly place). Anyway, what is up with people in this world anyway...how can there be such people (making nucleur bombs) on this planet...Makes me sick! Sorry, got a bit off subject.
So......Back to Thailand on Sunday to hang with my friend Manis for a couple days in the big city (BKK) and then taking the overnight train (this time I will make it) to Chaing Mai to feel a bit grounded for a while. I did find a great little yoga studio around the corner and going to hopefully trade English lessons for yoga classes. Looking forward to getting back with my love of yoga. I'm also hoping to find some camps and other options of teaching just to get some experience and give it a go.
I have to admit my last few weeks in Taiwan were pleasant. I decided to just relax, enjoy the culture and travel around a bit. I was so consumed with finding a job and adjusting to the culture shock here that I wasn't even enjoying what was in front of me (not at all like me and disappointing at times). I actually like Taipei, it's a very nice Taiwan city and it has a lot to offer if you travel around to the different areas. It is expensive though, nothing like Thailand where everything is affordable. I also enjoyed watching all the break dancers in the MRT stations along the way, they are great and so talented. A famous food in Taiwan is "stinky tofu" and believe me when they say STINKY, you can smell it from far far far away. Today was the day to try the tofu and so me and couple friends ventured out. The smell IS overwhelming but it's actually quite nice if you can get past the st inkiness....:) Today was the Dragon Boat races on the river so we attended a huge festival. They have several teams that race and all the boats are in shapes of dragons. Tonight I will be going to a dumpling eating contest.....hmmm, I don't think I will partake :).
Last weekend was my 38 (yikes, what happened, 38!!!) in Chaing Mai and a few friends sneaked around while planning a surprise Birthday Bash for me. It meant so much to me since I have been in a state of confusion and missing all of you....:) Everyone made tons of food, a huge Birthday sign with balloons, corn burnt over a fire in a flower pot...:), music was played throughout the night with talent guitarist along the way and a delicious chocolate desert that Elinza made...............YUM!
And so there you go in a nutshell. I know there is so much more to tell but hopefully I will have a few more stories once I reach my destination of Thailand for a while.
Sending all of you an abundance of happiness with the acceptance of change and the unknown!!
love,
Jenna
So......Back to Thailand on Sunday to hang with my friend Manis for a couple days in the big city (BKK) and then taking the overnight train (this time I will make it) to Chaing Mai to feel a bit grounded for a while. I did find a great little yoga studio around the corner and going to hopefully trade English lessons for yoga classes. Looking forward to getting back with my love of yoga. I'm also hoping to find some camps and other options of teaching just to get some experience and give it a go.
I have to admit my last few weeks in Taiwan were pleasant. I decided to just relax, enjoy the culture and travel around a bit. I was so consumed with finding a job and adjusting to the culture shock here that I wasn't even enjoying what was in front of me (not at all like me and disappointing at times). I actually like Taipei, it's a very nice Taiwan city and it has a lot to offer if you travel around to the different areas. It is expensive though, nothing like Thailand where everything is affordable. I also enjoyed watching all the break dancers in the MRT stations along the way, they are great and so talented. A famous food in Taiwan is "stinky tofu" and believe me when they say STINKY, you can smell it from far far far away. Today was the day to try the tofu and so me and couple friends ventured out. The smell IS overwhelming but it's actually quite nice if you can get past the st inkiness....:) Today was the Dragon Boat races on the river so we attended a huge festival. They have several teams that race and all the boats are in shapes of dragons. Tonight I will be going to a dumpling eating contest.....hmmm, I don't think I will partake :).
Last weekend was my 38 (yikes, what happened, 38!!!) in Chaing Mai and a few friends sneaked around while planning a surprise Birthday Bash for me. It meant so much to me since I have been in a state of confusion and missing all of you....:) Everyone made tons of food, a huge Birthday sign with balloons, corn burnt over a fire in a flower pot...:), music was played throughout the night with talent guitarist along the way and a delicious chocolate desert that Elinza made...............YUM!
And so there you go in a nutshell. I know there is so much more to tell but hopefully I will have a few more stories once I reach my destination of Thailand for a while.
Sending all of you an abundance of happiness with the acceptance of change and the unknown!!
love,
Jenna
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Not so confused but maybe a little Dazed....:)
Sorry for the non commitment with my blog writing. I was a bit confused of my desire to teach, live in a different country etc...and thought it be best to take a break....:) However, so many of you are writing and asking what is going on it has given me strength to visit my blog.
I'm back in Thailand visiting friends in Bangkok and Chaing Mai and enjoying the easy culture of Thai people and the comfort of getting around easily...AND my love for Thai food was missed greatly!!! I'm still a bit undecided in the teaching world but have no desire to give. Of course I'm missing you all in ways I can't even explain but I have to know in my heart this is the right decision, to teach abroad. I think I have given up on Taiwan and have decided to pursue a different path but I don't want to say to much until I have a concrete answser......:)
Sending you all love and inspiration to live each day with passion!
Jenna
I'm back in Thailand visiting friends in Bangkok and Chaing Mai and enjoying the easy culture of Thai people and the comfort of getting around easily...AND my love for Thai food was missed greatly!!! I'm still a bit undecided in the teaching world but have no desire to give. Of course I'm missing you all in ways I can't even explain but I have to know in my heart this is the right decision, to teach abroad. I think I have given up on Taiwan and have decided to pursue a different path but I don't want to say to much until I have a concrete answser......:)
Sending you all love and inspiration to live each day with passion!
Jenna
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