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
Monday, June 29, 2009
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
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