Angkor Wat - Cambodia

School ends in Thailand in March, so after the tests, grading, final reports and Kindergarten graduation it was time to rest… or travel!

Yes, travel won again. Notice the orbs in the night... actually early morning before sun-up as we walked to see sunrise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I had always wanted to see the sun rise over the temples, and the spectacular burst of golden sunlight certainly did not disappoint me.

It was hot, hot but the ruins transcended the body discomfort… the many buildings and exquisite craftsmanship was amazing, truly a myriad of sights to behold.

One of my favorites was the Bayon Temples with the many Buddha faces carved into the stone. I also marvelled at the Temple of the Elephants.

 Traveling on into a cultural village we saw traditional river dwellings and even rainbow colored costumes on the stilt dancers.

It was time to shower and get ready for sunset dinner and a traditional floor show featuring  Khmer Mahori music and Apsaras dancing on the hotel rooftop.
A stelar sunset and Full Moon made the evening complete...even the ants on my dessert couldn't spoil the night.

May your days be filled with glorious sunsets and brilliant moonlight 

The Goddess Apsasa dances in bas-relief on the Temple

New Year - New House

New Years Eve back at the beach in Ban Chang and I left a few foot prints in the sand as well as sent a lighted hot air lantern to the sky with blessings for everyone all around the world.

 My first blessing of the New Year came unexpectedly at the end of January as I happened to find a house while trying to help another teacher find a place to live. He decided not to rent it so I did and moved February 1^st. I just love the extra space and wonderful outdoor patio. So there is an extra bedroom for visitors to Thailand… yes you can.

also a very big bathroom with a tub and hot water!

 Happily my first visitors to the house were my daughter Carrie and her boys Aidan and Taylor who came to Thailand for their Chinese New Year in February. They were on vacation from their International School in Hong Kong. We had a fantastic time in the house and the boys enjoyed a water fight with two hoses that I use to water my surrounding lush green vegetation. Of course we went to our small village where they fed the baby elephant who likes to visit the food market. The time went too fast, but I will see them again in April in Japan.

A goodnight snuggle at Ga-Ga's house after fun at the outdoor market.

May many blessings come to you from Thailand

Bali Holiday

Bali Holiday

School was out for Christmas break and this would be the first trip after my broken hip, so somewhere relaxing was the criterion.  Christmas Dinner in Bangkok and then a short flight to Bali…. 

The taxi from the airport to the north coast winding over the mountain took longer than the flight. 

After a brief stop for lunch and a view of the countryside we were on our way... finally arriving at the secluded “Shangri-La” Resort.

  

 Down the pathway we had to walk with our luggage as no cars were allowed on the resort grounds. Arriving at a beautiful room at the oceans edge almost seemed to good to be true. Then add to that fantastic fresh vegetarian food, restorative Yoga, meditation, massage followed by a candlelit flower petal bath... ahhh, Bali...I love you.

The doorway to the Meditation and Yoga Temple

 I went to see a traditional Balinese healer to continue my hip bone healing and had an amazing treatment with herbs and natural plant oils
 The Baliane is a healer that can help you by using Balinese traditional medicine which involves intuitive seeing, sensing, and appropriating a special traditional medicine, or giving a massage if a person has problems with muscles or joints. A Baliane assists in atuning your energy, seeking to understand the origin of your unwellness, and will attend to you physically as well as spiritually

Depending on the time of year and month which you visit Bali, you will be able to witness many ceremonies. At night you can hear the priest call out Balinese chants and lull you to sleep. Or on full moon nights you may want to participate in a lively evening Karma Temple event. Dancers and blessings will be bestowed upon all who are willing to sit on the ground for two hours under the full moon light.

Dressed in Temple dress with lace bodice, satin belt, a sarong and hair flower, I was fortunate enough to go to a traditional  Temple ceremony and celebration… one that only happens every five years… I loved the people, the music, the Bali dancers and the whole experience. Even with blonde hair, I got to help the Priest in bestowing the ceremonial blessings with the rice, flowers and water.

Watching the final Full Moon of 2012 shine down on the Buddha head reminded me of how very blessed I am to be walking, traveling and even doing Yoga again after a broken hip. 

A fond happy farewell to the beautiful owners of the Shangri-la Resort... Your kindness and spirit will always be remembered. I will be back!!

Blessings from Bali "Shangri-la"