Happy Birthday to ME!

Year after year of birthday "dinners and drinks" gets so old, it becomes so routine, so vanilla. I was fortunate enough to be in a beautiful place this year for my 32nd birthday, Chiang Mai, Thailand! Although my close friends and family were absent they were still in my heart, and I was just fine being alone with my fellow travelers in this exotic place.

My birthday morning all I wanted to do was take this beautiful bike ride to grab an iced cold white mocha. Check out this view.

Winding through the back roads of the green rice patties sitting up against the blue smoked mountains gave me such peace.  It's as if time had stopped and I was the only alive in that moment.  

Iced white mocha, check!

Mid morning we were off to Chiang Mai to change locations for a week.  It was finally time for some FREE time, some ME time.  First things first - pedicure!

After our pampering we walked around, checked out more markets and settled into our hostel - then you know what time it was, dinner time!  It was my birthday dinner so nothing was off the table.  We found an amazing restaurant at the Le Meridian hotel, Favola.

We were SO overdue for some nice Cabernet and familiar food.  First things first, Cabernet and a fresh caprese salad!  Delicious!

Main course, pumpkin ravioli bolognese.  Man it was so delicious!

You can't have a birthday dinner without dessert......

The favorite part about this day was it was all about me!  Just kidding, but really it was just perfect.  The morning coffee run was so refreshing, serene and peaceful.  We changed our housing situation to a place with AC and less bugs = awesome!  Then this dinner?!  I mean it was perfect.

It feels good to be 32.  It is true what they say, life only gets better with age, just like fine wine.  :)

Miraculous Present

"A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson is still blowing my mind, and I'm only on page 70.  Not only is each paragraph extremely moving, but so is each sentence.  I often find myself pausing to understand, reflect and apply her eloquently structured sentences.

I think forgiveness and living in the present are one of the most difficult tasks in our daily lives.  I wanted to share a few excerpts out of the recent chapter I'm reading pertaining to these items...



Forgiving the past is an important step in allowing ourselves the experience of miracles. The only meaning of anything in or past is that it got us here, and should be honored as such.  All that is real in our past is the love we gave and the love we received.  Everything else is an illusion.  The past is merely a thought we have.  It is literally all in our minds.  The universe provides us with a clean slate in every moment.  Let us give ourselves permission to begin again.

Only the ego speculates about tomorrow.  The ego bases its perception of reality on what has happened in the past, carries those perceptions into the present and thus creates a future like the past.  If we felt that we were lacking in our past, our thoughts about the future are based on those perceptions.  We then enter the present in an effort to compensate for the past.  Since that perception is our core belief, we recreate its conditions in the future.

Past, present and future are not continuous, unless you force continuity upon them.

In the present, we have the opportunity to break the continuity of the past and future by asking the universe to intervene.  This is the miracle.  We want a new life, a new beginning.  We desire a life untainted by any darkness of the past, and being "entitled to miracles" we are entitled to that full release.

A miracle is a release from internal bondage.

All your past except its beauty is gone, and nothing is left but a blessing.

The only point where eternity meets time is in the present.  The present is the only time there is.

Our capacity for brilliance is equal to our capacity to forget the past and forget the future.  That's why little children are brilliant.  They don't remember the past, and they don't relate to the future.

First Camping Trip EVER!!

This week I went camping for the first time EVER in my life!!!!!!

Growing up in the South of the United States I've had plenty of opportunities to go camping. My home state is close to the mountains and the beach, and with four seasons there are plenty of opportunities to go camping. However, every offer I had to go camping I always decided against it. I've never been a big fan of bugs, especially spiders, I HATE SPIDERS! But for some reason I have this fear I am going to be a random act of violence. Although I would not consider being mauled by a bear a random act of violence, going camping was just too risky in my mind. Can I just make a tent in my house like I was when I was a kid? That sounds great to me! You know, take a blanket and tuck it under the couch cushions and over the coffee table and across to the recliner? We can rock out to pocket rockers and eat fruit snacks all night. That's the kind of camping I like....so I thought...

So, I've been in Thailand for almost two weeks now volunteering with elephants and being immersed in Thai culture. One of the nights this week our coordinator told us we were going camping! Honestly I thought it was a joke, but it wasn't! Here we are in the hills of western Thailand, near Myanmar, going camping. Hmmmm, I don't think there are any bears or mountain lions here, maybe just some malaria and elephants? I love elephants and am taking anti-malaria meds, so I had no fear! I also knew our coordinator/guide is a local and familiar with the area and doubt he would put 22 volunteers from across the globe in any kind of danger. Off we go!

We had the opportunity to hike some up the mountain, or for those who were not interested we could just ride up. I chose the ride. See my recent post on Erawan National Park Waterfalls and you will know why! I had enough of hiking, or trekking! So three of us decided to take the easy way up. Boy I am glad we did. Not only did we get first dibs on our tents, but we got to see this amazing view first!!!

There were a few of the coordinators helpers setting up the camp site. With 22 volunteers there were quite a few tents to set up. We started helping them set up the tents and draping and tying up tarps in case of rain. There was music in the background and I suddenly realized it was "Just A Dream" by Carrie Underwood. The lyrics on the hook go, "this can't be happening to me, this is just a dream...."  Suddenly it that moment I felt like I was dreaming. Here I am doing something I never thought I would do, something I never had an interest in, and I could not have been more happy or more excited. It really felt like a dream. In that moment I was actually standing there holding a corner of a tarp waiting to see what tree we would tie it to, and all I could do was look in the distance, the horizon and my surroundings and realize how happy I was. Not only with everything in my life at that moment, but with camping! Isn't it funny how you can be so firm and sure of certain things in your life, then you experience them and you are completely WRONG, just wrong! Turning over a fear or disinterest you've had in your life feels so beautiful, and now I cannot wait to go camping again!  

After the remaining volunteers got there we started cooking!  We started frying up chicken wings and making kabobs to put on the grill. We also had pancakes! It was such a team effort, everyone was hungry, excited, and a little anxious to get this camping thing started!  

I had not had chicken wings since I left the states, they were so amazing!  The kabobs were great too! There was chicken, pineapple, peppers, tomatoes. Now every time I get the chance to grill out I will always bring a pineapple! Grilled pineapples are so juicy and have great flavor! The pancakes, man, don't get me started! They use carnation milk in their pancakes here, and I have no idea exactly what that is but it tastes like they are soaked in butter!! SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!  

Of course I ate way more than I should have, and we were off to our tent by 8:30 to head to bed. We were rising at 6:00am to see the sunrise.  :)

Unfortunately due to early morning rain the sunrise was not as amazing as expected. But how can the above NOT be amazing.  It was beautiful. We cleaned up and were on our way back to our cabin.  

I am so excited that I finally experienced camping for the first time. I know my best friend and her Dad will be proud!  :)  Now I am ready to go camping again, as long as you can promise me there are no crazy animals or insects around I cannot prepare for.  

Our main coordinator Tun.  :)

Thailand Waterfalls - Erawan National Park

This week I had the amazing opportunity to visit Erawan National Park in Thailand.  This park is located in western Thailand about 3 hours from Bangkok.  It's known for it's 7 tiers of waterfalls!

We were staying in Kanchanaburi (awesome party town close to the waterfalls) over the weekend so we took a day trip to check it out!  Buses run from Kanchanaburi to the falls about every hour.  

The above picture was one of the first waterfalls I encountered, and that one did not even count as #1!  The park was so vast and so serene, even with the plentiful amount of tourists the place was still breathtaking.

The park is also known for it's "pedicure" type fish.  You can sit on the edge with your feet in the water and the fish will come up and suck on your feet, toes and ankles!  Their suction is quite strong it feels like a pinch at first!

Look how clear the water is!  Amazing!

We asked a tour guide if we needed sneakers to get to the falls, and she said no that flip flops were fine.  HOWEVER - I will say now I do recommend tennis shoes.  These falls are not at the end of a driveway.  I would say it was about 2 miles from our car to peak #7 - each way.  And not a straight road either - I'm talking trekking!!!  

This was the half mile walk to the start of the trek.  

Do you see the lizard/iguana in the above picture?!  Those are the dense type woods that surround you, or jungle may I say.  

This is my friend Cassie on our hike up some stairs.

Falls #5 was my favorite.  The plentiful smooth covered rocks surrounded by dense green trees and dainty butterflies soothed my soul like no medicine could.

Being on a group tour really limited our time to enjoy more of the falls.  Our it could have been our determination to reach #7 while not realizing I could have been relaxing at my favorite fall #5 the whole time.  Oh well.  I sure hope I can come back and visit soon.  You should definitely add this to your list of places to see!  I really enjoyed it!

Things to Remember if Visiting Thailand

Now that I am on my second tour of Thailand I've come up with a list of tips or advice I'd like to share for those who plan to visit this beautiful country.

1. It is HOT.  Get use to it, get over it.  Be prepared to sweat.
2. Wear bug spray.  Trust me.  
3. Wear sunscreen.  Trust me.
4. If a hotel or the accommodation where you are stating states they have cold showers don't be turned off. Trust me that is the exact temperature of shower you are going to want!
5. Remember that a little spicy means VERY spicy.  If you are not a fan of "the spicy" tell them NOT spicy at all. If you are a fan of "the spicy" you may have just walked into heaven.
6. Thai people take Buddha and respect seriously.  Yes Thai people are fun and kind but respect is an undertone they expect. When visiting temples (for women) make sure your knees and shoulders are covered.  Yes capris and long shorts are OK.
7. If ever sitting down at a table do not prop your feet up on a chair across from you.  To them, your feet are the lowest part of your body and it is rude and disrespectful to ever point your feet at someone.
8. Do not ever touch anyones head, especially Buddha's.  Your head is the highest part of your body and most sacred and should not be touched by strangers.
9. If ever taking pictures with Buddha make sure to kneel down so you are lower than him.  You should never stand taller or over Buddha.
10. Come with an open mind, and open nose.  Some of the smells can be alarming at first.
11. Don't over-pack.  Thailand has some cheap, cute and amazing clothes.  You will want to buy the big flowy pants after you realize all the clothes you brought are too tight and stick to you.
12. Only drink purified or bottled water.  I have not put this to the test as I'd rather be careful, let me know if you find out otherwise. But most resorts or hotels are aware that most foreigners cannot stomach (literally) their drinking water and provide water bottles on the daily, or for purchase depending on your accommodation.  It is OK to shower with their water but I would not brush my teeth with their tap water - use bottled or purified water to be safe.  Same with ice.... I normally tell them no ice with any drink. The other night I did order a small bucket of Sex On The Beach and that came with ice and I was fine. Ingest at your own risk. 
13. Their safety standards are quite different from what I'm use to in the US.  You will see three to five people on a motorbike, without helmets, and there are plenty of trucks and buses with people chilling in the back with no seat belts.  This has been quite fun though. Such a cool and interesting way to explore Thailand.  They do drive on the opposite side of the road than the United States so I would recommend hiring transportation unless you are already comfortable and experienced with driving on the left side of the road.
14. Upon entering certain homes or restaurants you may notice shoes piled outside the door.  If you see that please take off your shoes as well before you enter.  
15. Of course with visiting any foreign country is will pay dividends if you are able to speak a few greetings or questions in their local language.  
16. In most "non 5 star" type establishments the "napkins" they use are almost the equivalent to kleenex.  Very thin, almost invisible small squares.  It takes some time getting use to using this type texture as a napkin.  Be prepared to go through a lot.
17. Speaking of tissue, in these same "type" establishments - when it comes to the toilet paper there are no differences.  Very thin toilet paper.  Sometimes you may even need to provide your own!
18. Speaking of the toilet - be prepared to wipe and place your toilet paper in a bin beside the toilet.  You will most likely see a sign requesting that you do so. There may also be a chance that you will need to "flush" the toilet yourself.  In that instance you will see a bucket of water next to the toilet with a smaller bucket in there.  Simple fill up the small bucket and pour it into the toilet. Yes, gross I know.  Same thing for squatting toilets....

Ok I know the top three things may make seem unappealing at first glance. BUT - everyone will be sticky, sweaty, greasy, etc.  If you don't accept this you will end up with extreme sunburn and a plethora of bug bites.  I saw a girl yesterday that looked like she had chicken pox, but they weren't small dots, I'm talking welts.  Women - it is actually nice to be all natural and not wear makeup, etc.  Embrace letting your skin GLOW!

Thailand is SUCH a magical place it's very hard to put experiences into words.  The southern part of Thailand including the islands has the best snorkeling I've ever experienced.  If you have not yet checked out this beautiful country I HIGHLY recommend putting this on your list!

My 1st Buddhist Temple Experience

Ever since first stepping foot in Thailand in 2011 I knew it was a special place.  It touched me to the core and ever since it's been a place I've never wanted to or have been able to forget.  Buddhism has a special place in my heart, soul and mind, and today I had my first real Buddhist Temple experience - in Thailand.  I was blown away.  

Before we entered the temple we walked on the outskirts of the grounds being able to view this giant Buddha from afar. As we got to the main entrance of the temple we took off our shoes and listened carefully to the directions on what we needed to do. In the front there was an alter where we needed to stop and make our blessings. There were candles, incense and flowers. The first thing we needed to do was light our candle and place it on the rack with the other burning candles. We then lit our incense and placed that with the other incense and the same with the flowers. We then kneeled down in front of the alter and privately said a blessing. We also blessed the Buddha, the teachings and the Monks by placing our hands near our third eye and bowing our head to the floor three times. Also included in our "entry packet" was a small stack of thin gold sheet stickers. Once our blessings were finished we put a gold "sticker" on each of the five Buddha statues in the background.

After this we were off walking around the temple. Little did I know I was about to get to see this big gold beauty up close and personal!

If you look closely you will see it is made up of many small golden tiles.

In no way did I expect to see a Buddha of this size, beauty or stature. I was captivated. I had a couple moments of my emotions almost starting to pour out, but I held it together. At this point anyway. We continued walking around the temple and slowly made our way out after in depth discussions on the history of Buddha. In all of my readings I did not realize that the Thai people and the Chinese viewed Buddha differently. I thought they all thought of Buddha as the same man. In short I think they do - it's more so the history that's different. Wow - doesn't that sound like all types of religion...

When I left that temple my soul felt SO full. A piece of my puzzle was finally found which now put me one step further in my journey of life.  

I hope each and every one of you are able to experience something as beautiful as I did today.  Namaste.  :)

A Return to Love

I just started reading this amazing book called, A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.  My wonderful friend and energy teacher/healer Dana Childs recommended it to me.  I am only in the introduction but have found SO MANY amazing quotes that have touched me to the core.  I thought I would share as A Return to Love is what so many of us need.....  :)

"Love is what we were born with.  Fear is what we have learned here."

"Our childlike self is the deepest level of our being. It is who we really are and what is real doesn't go away."

"Love is the intuitive knowledge of our hearts. Its a world beyond that we all secretly long for. An ancient memory that beckons us to return."

"We overvalue what we perceive with our physical senses, and undervalue what we know to be true in our hearts."

"Its as though we've been lost in a dark, parallel universe where things are loved more than people."

"When we attach value to things that aren't love - money, cars, prestige - we are loving things that cant love us back."

"Meaning doesn't lie in things. Meaning lies in us."