It's the first of the month, and the first day of Melbourne winter. Tuesday is an extra early morning practice for me - at the studio at 5.30am with Astrid in tow, ready for practice with Njala. The studio was actually quite toasty this morning, given he had practiced prior. I really much prefer the warmth of summer, although Melbourne summer was warm and balmy way into late April this year. However the cold is really here, with months of endurance to go.
I am so loving practice again, despite still having limitations with my knee post arthroscope 2009. It is I must say now much stronger than even the first few months of 2010, though still a big loss of flexibility - so plenty more to work with. Padmasana is back in my grasp, but forget garba pindasana arms through - well for a while at least.
I am only now starting to grasp what I have learnt (besides look after your knees) on the road to recovery. I am definitely less rigid about the practice and the "rules". I was discussing it this morning - perhaps if you never have a major thing wrong with you, you can just follow the practice or it's evolution, but it is only after you have an issue that you seek out things beyond, the old ways or develop new ways. It is about enquiry - I have really learnt in the past 5 months to look and enquire - and to have fun.
I love this practice more than ever - it only gets harder, but that's alright by me. Winter makes it more of a challenge but at least we don't have snow! And every day brings me closer to my trip to India, the warmth, and another joyful day and practice.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Home
Hey made it home - end of the holiday, hello reality. Back to work tomorrow, and the good thing is regular practice - hard to do in small rooms and on the road. This year I hope to get my knee back in to order hence my practice too. Practice Practice..........Happy New Year!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Moi Tiet* post
New Years day was spent with the extended family at the ruins. We went to a few temples/ruins in the morning - one used in Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie, both visited had fantastic carvings, and were great examples of the ruins among the jungle terrain, with big trees growing through and over many of the ancient relics.
As usual there was plenty of fun to be had with the extended family, our last day together on this trip - like a Khmer version of the Griswalds ala Cambodian Vacation. We spent the afternoon in town having lunch, a little bit of shopping, and returning to the hotel for some respite from the afternoon heat, a swim and a beer assisting with the mission!
The family picked us ap at 4.30pm for sunset at the ruins. Suggested by our numskull guide Dom, we went to a not too secret spot, us and hundreds of others climbed a big hill and then to the top of the ruins at the summit, for a view of Angkor Wat. It was however only mildly visable through the trees, made even more difficult with the hoards of other touristas there. As usual granny was up and down the hill and temple stairs with her steadiness, not displaying any of her 70+ years - she is a dynamo, always laughing and smiling, chatting away in Khmer despite my lack of ability to respond. I did however try and tell the gate keepers I was Khmer, in Khmer of course, all for a laugh both from them and the family. Anyway sunset did not really live up to expectations, the most fun bit was decending the hill in the dark on a bush track, again granny being the champion.
We were dropped in pub street in Siem Riep, bidding our fond farewells to the family. Drinks were needed, and we ordered beer and a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea at the Temple, gaining a free t-shirt for our efforts. Another picher later we had two ts, and were all feeling a little merry. Rob returned to the hotel and Marie and I went for a massage, me opting for reflexology, neck and shoulders for $7. It was great, even had a quick nap, and soon my hour was up. Marie had a Thai/Khmer massage, and after we did a little more shopping, wandering around the precinct and the night market area buying a whole bunch of stuff we probably didn't need. A tuk-tuk home and I was soon in bed, our last night in Cambodia and final night of the trip. I am the only one so far feeling ok - Marie has a terrible cold, Rob woke with tummy pains and has been frequently visiting the WC.
Returning from the morning coffee run, we ran into the family again, they saw Marie and I walking along and stopped to say hi - I asked if they missed us already and needed to see us again. As usual lots of laughs and a couple group pics cos we don’t already have enough - various angles of course! More hugs and goodbyes and they were on their way travelling around Cambodia, while we are off to the airport soon.
A great trip has been had by all - so much crammed into two weeks, at times it feels like we have been away for months. Til the next trip - hopefully to India, but happily anywhere in the big wide wonderful world!
*Moi Tiet = one more in Khmer
As usual there was plenty of fun to be had with the extended family, our last day together on this trip - like a Khmer version of the Griswalds ala Cambodian Vacation. We spent the afternoon in town having lunch, a little bit of shopping, and returning to the hotel for some respite from the afternoon heat, a swim and a beer assisting with the mission!
The family picked us ap at 4.30pm for sunset at the ruins. Suggested by our numskull guide Dom, we went to a not too secret spot, us and hundreds of others climbed a big hill and then to the top of the ruins at the summit, for a view of Angkor Wat. It was however only mildly visable through the trees, made even more difficult with the hoards of other touristas there. As usual granny was up and down the hill and temple stairs with her steadiness, not displaying any of her 70+ years - she is a dynamo, always laughing and smiling, chatting away in Khmer despite my lack of ability to respond. I did however try and tell the gate keepers I was Khmer, in Khmer of course, all for a laugh both from them and the family. Anyway sunset did not really live up to expectations, the most fun bit was decending the hill in the dark on a bush track, again granny being the champion.
We were dropped in pub street in Siem Riep, bidding our fond farewells to the family. Drinks were needed, and we ordered beer and a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea at the Temple, gaining a free t-shirt for our efforts. Another picher later we had two ts, and were all feeling a little merry. Rob returned to the hotel and Marie and I went for a massage, me opting for reflexology, neck and shoulders for $7. It was great, even had a quick nap, and soon my hour was up. Marie had a Thai/Khmer massage, and after we did a little more shopping, wandering around the precinct and the night market area buying a whole bunch of stuff we probably didn't need. A tuk-tuk home and I was soon in bed, our last night in Cambodia and final night of the trip. I am the only one so far feeling ok - Marie has a terrible cold, Rob woke with tummy pains and has been frequently visiting the WC.
Returning from the morning coffee run, we ran into the family again, they saw Marie and I walking along and stopped to say hi - I asked if they missed us already and needed to see us again. As usual lots of laughs and a couple group pics cos we don’t already have enough - various angles of course! More hugs and goodbyes and they were on their way travelling around Cambodia, while we are off to the airport soon.
A great trip has been had by all - so much crammed into two weeks, at times it feels like we have been away for months. Til the next trip - hopefully to India, but happily anywhere in the big wide wonderful world!
*Moi Tiet = one more in Khmer
Friday, January 1, 2010
On the Road to Angkor Wat
After an early morning practice at our lovely hotel, we left the big smoke of Phnom Pehn yesterday for Siem Riep, joining the big Cambodian convoy - our friends from Melbourne and their local family members. All in all we were one mini bus and one car and we darted along the highway on the long journey to Siem Riep. Ra our driver was quite skilled - I was sitting behind him and nearly had a few heart attacks, the driving being similar to India but at higher speeds. We only made 2 stops along the way - one to see freaky food, the other for food that resembled something I might eat. Ra our driver also was one of the Amazing Race drivers when they were in Cambodia (one of my favorite TV shows). I was talking about freaky food and how it was suggested to me that I should eat something weird on my travels (BTW it was never going to happen). Anyway we stopped for fruit and a pee break and low and behold there were these people selling fried spiders (big mothers I tell you), crickets, and an assortment of other big bugs. Suffice to say many photos followed, none more so as when Ra ate a big old spider - USD $1. I was screaming - it was vile, but I guess maybe when food was tight in the Khmer Rouge and post regime period, people started eating what they could. Hey maybe it's tasty, who knows.
Anyway that plus dodging quite a few wayward cows along the way were the major highlights, arriving in Siem Riep at about 3.30pm - our hotel beconning with a pool and some beers.
An early morning planned for 31 December (today) so an early night followed a Khmer dinner with the new extended family. We woke at 4am and headed out to Angkor Wat for dawn. No food in our bellys but excitment to see the ruins - and they didn't disappoint. We spent 6 hours climbing and ascending some amazing old temples - all picture postcard stuff, except for the other 1000+ people in the immediate vicinity. It was very hot and humid in the jungle - thank heavens it's winter! The knee was tested and held up just fine - sometimes I forget I can't jump down a long way - ouch!
A free arvo was spent by the pool and napping, having some much needed R&R given I will be back at my desk come Monday (boo hoo). Dinner and shopping in town - some last minute gifts and goodies, and another early night - I will not see the New Year in but will rise early and practice, so as to see it in the New Year like a good little travelling yoga girl. Om shanti - see you in 2010 - Happy New Year from Cambodia.
Anyway that plus dodging quite a few wayward cows along the way were the major highlights, arriving in Siem Riep at about 3.30pm - our hotel beconning with a pool and some beers.
An early morning planned for 31 December (today) so an early night followed a Khmer dinner with the new extended family. We woke at 4am and headed out to Angkor Wat for dawn. No food in our bellys but excitment to see the ruins - and they didn't disappoint. We spent 6 hours climbing and ascending some amazing old temples - all picture postcard stuff, except for the other 1000+ people in the immediate vicinity. It was very hot and humid in the jungle - thank heavens it's winter! The knee was tested and held up just fine - sometimes I forget I can't jump down a long way - ouch!
A free arvo was spent by the pool and napping, having some much needed R&R given I will be back at my desk come Monday (boo hoo). Dinner and shopping in town - some last minute gifts and goodies, and another early night - I will not see the New Year in but will rise early and practice, so as to see it in the New Year like a good little travelling yoga girl. Om shanti - see you in 2010 - Happy New Year from Cambodia.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Vietnam to Cambodia - a quick summary
Arriving in Saigon/HCMC we made a quick transition to the War Remnants Museum, after organising our transport to Phnom Phen. The museum is largely devoted to the Vietnam war and was totally amazing, making us appreciate and realise even more the resilience of the beautiful Vietnamese people.
After that a beer was required and the venue was the Rex hotel, apparently a fav of the US officers stationed in Saigon - not that that was a selling point. Very camp, very 50s, and pulsing with wedding fever - one wedding each floor - wedding season Vietnam cashed up style. Marie and I had a Saigon Iced Tea, Rob his stock standard if not over inflated Tiger beer. Dinner Lemongrass restaurant - gorgeous Viet dinner, amazing view. Next morning early call for Cambodia!
Ok Ok quick summary - I'm trying!
Six hours on a bus to Phnom Phen - we were met by a relo of a friend and were soon in our hotel despite thinking 20 Tuk Tuk drivers were him. A beer or two later all our Cambodian friends arrived on mass, organising our forth coming days and catching up - all 13 or so of them. Dinner later via a few sites with our Tuk Tuk driver Hua, and an early night given our plans for the following day.
Khon and the convoy picked us ap after breakfast and we headed for the Killing Fields. Her and Urn her sister told us of their stories of flight in the Pol Pot era, as very young children - 8 and 11 respectively - all very harrowing, amazing. Killing Fields and their stories among thousands of other unheard voices, all I will say is it was totally gruesome and disturbing and I can't believe this was allowed to happen again - obviously WWII lessons were not learned. And to be with survivors of this horrid regime made it all very real - as did the S - 21 prison - right at the end of the street we are staying. Lost for words!!!!! Wake up world!
Cambodians - so happy such lovely people in the face of an horrific recent history.
Off to Angkor Wat tomorrow with the Cambodian troop - lots of fun to be had I am sure, and lots of lessons to be learned as well!
After that a beer was required and the venue was the Rex hotel, apparently a fav of the US officers stationed in Saigon - not that that was a selling point. Very camp, very 50s, and pulsing with wedding fever - one wedding each floor - wedding season Vietnam cashed up style. Marie and I had a Saigon Iced Tea, Rob his stock standard if not over inflated Tiger beer. Dinner Lemongrass restaurant - gorgeous Viet dinner, amazing view. Next morning early call for Cambodia!
Ok Ok quick summary - I'm trying!
Six hours on a bus to Phnom Phen - we were met by a relo of a friend and were soon in our hotel despite thinking 20 Tuk Tuk drivers were him. A beer or two later all our Cambodian friends arrived on mass, organising our forth coming days and catching up - all 13 or so of them. Dinner later via a few sites with our Tuk Tuk driver Hua, and an early night given our plans for the following day.
Khon and the convoy picked us ap after breakfast and we headed for the Killing Fields. Her and Urn her sister told us of their stories of flight in the Pol Pot era, as very young children - 8 and 11 respectively - all very harrowing, amazing. Killing Fields and their stories among thousands of other unheard voices, all I will say is it was totally gruesome and disturbing and I can't believe this was allowed to happen again - obviously WWII lessons were not learned. And to be with survivors of this horrid regime made it all very real - as did the S - 21 prison - right at the end of the street we are staying. Lost for words!!!!! Wake up world!
Cambodians - so happy such lovely people in the face of an horrific recent history.
Off to Angkor Wat tomorrow with the Cambodian troop - lots of fun to be had I am sure, and lots of lessons to be learned as well!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Moving On to HCMC
Today we are leaving for Ho Chi Min City - Saigon, for one night before we leave Vietnam for Cambodia. It will be sad leaving Vietnam as we have all had a wonderful time here, and also sad today leaving Hoi An as we have had 4 wonderful days here, in fact I am getting a new t-shirt printed - Breakfast, Massage, Temples, Shopping, Beach, Beer - basically the order of the days activities this week. We have been fortunate to stay in a beautiful boutique hotel, where everything has been sensational. We might all loose some weight after leaving here as breakfast is unbelievable - yesterday I had Creme Caramel after fruit, and eggs and toast - only because I could. Today I might have cake - again cos I can! My two travelling companions have been stuffing their face, me I am a bit more restrained - except for cake!
Yesterday I also did some more shopping, organised my new dress to be made, picked up my new shoes, bought bits and pieces, visited temples and the sights despite feeling a bit unwell - sore throat etc. but I still managed to be out and about. It was really hot too, after a little rain in the morning which equalled humidity and very curly hair.
The afternoon was spent at the beach, another ride down there which is so much fun, a coconut on the beach, a nice long swim, followed by a beer before the ride home. The night was capped off with dinner and again an early night - I have been so tired, but I guess that comes with an action packed day in beautiful Vietnam.
Yesterday I also did some more shopping, organised my new dress to be made, picked up my new shoes, bought bits and pieces, visited temples and the sights despite feeling a bit unwell - sore throat etc. but I still managed to be out and about. It was really hot too, after a little rain in the morning which equalled humidity and very curly hair.
The afternoon was spent at the beach, another ride down there which is so much fun, a coconut on the beach, a nice long swim, followed by a beer before the ride home. The night was capped off with dinner and again an early night - I have been so tired, but I guess that comes with an action packed day in beautiful Vietnam.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Ho Ho Ho with Uncle Ho
Christmas in Hoi An has been fantastic. Starting Christams Eve, there was a big dinner here in the garden of our hotel, and being the Christmas lovers we are, we deceided to go along. The staff were buzzing and very excited, all decked out in Christams garb, even a Vietnamese Santa. We took a few early snaps and were later seated in the garden and had a lovely table. It was all very festive without being commercial and chi chi. As it was Christams were ordered some French bubbles (I only do French at Christmas - old tradition - helps me cope!). Anyway suffice to say we downed several more bottles between the three of us, all teamed up with the fantastic buffet of seafood, and other specialties.
We were very merry and really enjoyed the evening despite the Christmas tunes - it sounded like Christmas on 45 on high repeat. A lovely night I must say, the staff were so much fun as were my dinner companions.
Christams day we all had a cruisie day - Marie and I went to temples, shopping, tailors etc. whilst Rob had a relaxing day reading and doing nothing - he said it was his best Christmas ever, and I have to agree, no pressure, no fuss, just fun and relaxation.
We rounded off the day with a trip to the beach. Rob had been the previous day and so all three of us hopped on bikes and peddled down to the coast - only about 20 minutes away. It was a great ride and the beach did not deisappoint - the water was warm - not freezing like southern oceans! We hung out on the beach and then stopped off for a nice cold Tiger beer on the way home. Dinner was at a local institution - Mermaid restaurant, where I finally got to have Green Papaya Salad, and it didn't disappoint. We all had something different, again with a Tiger for our thirst.
So that was Christmas in the land of Uncle Ho. If Christams was like this every year I could learn to love it again!
We were very merry and really enjoyed the evening despite the Christmas tunes - it sounded like Christmas on 45 on high repeat. A lovely night I must say, the staff were so much fun as were my dinner companions.
Christams day we all had a cruisie day - Marie and I went to temples, shopping, tailors etc. whilst Rob had a relaxing day reading and doing nothing - he said it was his best Christmas ever, and I have to agree, no pressure, no fuss, just fun and relaxation.
We rounded off the day with a trip to the beach. Rob had been the previous day and so all three of us hopped on bikes and peddled down to the coast - only about 20 minutes away. It was a great ride and the beach did not deisappoint - the water was warm - not freezing like southern oceans! We hung out on the beach and then stopped off for a nice cold Tiger beer on the way home. Dinner was at a local institution - Mermaid restaurant, where I finally got to have Green Papaya Salad, and it didn't disappoint. We all had something different, again with a Tiger for our thirst.
So that was Christmas in the land of Uncle Ho. If Christams was like this every year I could learn to love it again!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hanoi - Hoi An, an amazing Race moment!
We left Hanoi at 5am, after waking at 4, arriving nice and early at the airport. Lucky lucky as our flight had been re-scheduled and we were now scheduled to leave at 5.30pm - ahhhhhh!!! However as we were there early I went immediately to the Vietnamese Airline counter to see if there was a possibility of getting on an early flight to Danang. We were told that all flights were full but to wait 5 minutes and they would see if there were any no shows on the 6.45am flight. So lucky we were but I needed to pay there and then in cash, needed everyones passports, but thankfully a trip to the bank the previous evening ensured I had millions of Dong, and could pay up quick (I was told to hurry!!) - there was lots of running around and getting passports, money, lots of chaos, and getting on the plane, through security - all in a few minutes - but we did it.
We arrived in Hoi an not knowing if our pick up would eventuate, but everything fell into place, and we were soon whisked away to Hoi An.
Upon arrival at our hotel, we were taken to the restaurant for breakfast - OMG - everything you could want and more!!! We are all going to be sooooooooooooo fat when we leave this hotel. And the rooms, DIVINE, all for US $50 per night - though Rob is complaining that it's not as good as the Dubbo motel for AUD $65! (that was vile!)
We are all in heaven - and there are shops everywhere - double heaven, though shame about all the Christmas cheers and carols, though it is sooo nice I may even be nice for Christmas this year - and also go to the spa for some pampering. Better go - shops are calling!
We arrived in Hoi an not knowing if our pick up would eventuate, but everything fell into place, and we were soon whisked away to Hoi An.
Upon arrival at our hotel, we were taken to the restaurant for breakfast - OMG - everything you could want and more!!! We are all going to be sooooooooooooo fat when we leave this hotel. And the rooms, DIVINE, all for US $50 per night - though Rob is complaining that it's not as good as the Dubbo motel for AUD $65! (that was vile!)
We are all in heaven - and there are shops everywhere - double heaven, though shame about all the Christmas cheers and carols, though it is sooo nice I may even be nice for Christmas this year - and also go to the spa for some pampering. Better go - shops are calling!
Hi to Uncle - Last Day Hanoi
Arriving early this morning by train from Lo Cai, we headed back to the hotel where we waited about to go and see Ho Chi Min's Mausoleum, opening at 8.00am. Given we arrived in town at 4.45am, we had a bit of time to kill and no where to have breakfast. We watched stupid Virginia Trioli verbally box a few people on ABC early morning TV, before finally being able to get out of the hotel to walk to see the man.
It was a big walk through and around the military/defence zone, before finally arriving. We were third in line for the somber pomp of viewing Uncle Ho (as he is affectionately known). Upon entering the tomb with a uniformed military guard in front, there he was - lying serenely - albeit a little white, but otherwise looking good. It was totally worth doing, though one couldn't say they'd enjoyed it!
But it was post Ho that we were all looking forward to, breakfast then proper check in and shower. Breakfast was divine - a lovely eatery called Five, great coffee, great food!
The rest of the day was spent collecting my new prescription sunnies, and shopping, before drinks at Mao's again - Long island Iced teas on special today (35 Dong or $2 AUD). Dinner was local - Tandoor - for yummy Dhal, rice and veg dishes - to the sounds of disco Christmas tunes - how multicultural!!
Now I'm tired, tired, tired - have to be up at 4am for the next leg - to Danang and Hoi An - so enjoy Christmas eve! Maybe I'll get in a practice then.
It was a big walk through and around the military/defence zone, before finally arriving. We were third in line for the somber pomp of viewing Uncle Ho (as he is affectionately known). Upon entering the tomb with a uniformed military guard in front, there he was - lying serenely - albeit a little white, but otherwise looking good. It was totally worth doing, though one couldn't say they'd enjoyed it!
But it was post Ho that we were all looking forward to, breakfast then proper check in and shower. Breakfast was divine - a lovely eatery called Five, great coffee, great food!
The rest of the day was spent collecting my new prescription sunnies, and shopping, before drinks at Mao's again - Long island Iced teas on special today (35 Dong or $2 AUD). Dinner was local - Tandoor - for yummy Dhal, rice and veg dishes - to the sounds of disco Christmas tunes - how multicultural!!
Now I'm tired, tired, tired - have to be up at 4am for the next leg - to Danang and Hoi An - so enjoy Christmas eve! Maybe I'll get in a practice then.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sapa - Coc Ly - Lo Cai
Another action packed day, after a very amusing afternoon and evening in Sapa. We ended up being the toast of the Black H'mong ladies, particularly Rob, as he really played a game with them, so they tried even harder to sell to him. Needless to say, on a cold evening they were all lined up outside the restaurant we went to just waiting to sell us more stuff. It was hilarious, and an even bigger game by this time. As it was so freezing outside as well as our hotel, we chose a nice warm pizza restaurant with nice cold beers, where many were downed.
Still not a yoga practice to be had, today I managed a few stretches whilst waiting for a boat, it is way too cold and with no heating and my mat in Hanoi, it can wait til tomorrow.
We left Sapa early bound for Coc Ly market, about 2 hours away, a Tuesday market frequented by Flower H'mong. It was very colorful, lots of snaps to be had, and a few purchases as well. The boat trip followed down a river for about 1.5 hours, where we were lucky to visit a Flower H'mong village, where our boat driver was from. It was great - again really colorful, very tribal, just as I like! On the way back we spied over into China from the border crossing, and saw a temple dance ceremony in action right near by.
Now we are back in Lo Cai waiting for the night train back to Hanoi minus the Baileys! I am really enjoying Vietnam, the north is wonderful, hope the rest maintains my enthusiasm. Anyway better get back to my Tiger - beer that is!
Still not a yoga practice to be had, today I managed a few stretches whilst waiting for a boat, it is way too cold and with no heating and my mat in Hanoi, it can wait til tomorrow.
We left Sapa early bound for Coc Ly market, about 2 hours away, a Tuesday market frequented by Flower H'mong. It was very colorful, lots of snaps to be had, and a few purchases as well. The boat trip followed down a river for about 1.5 hours, where we were lucky to visit a Flower H'mong village, where our boat driver was from. It was great - again really colorful, very tribal, just as I like! On the way back we spied over into China from the border crossing, and saw a temple dance ceremony in action right near by.
Now we are back in Lo Cai waiting for the night train back to Hanoi minus the Baileys! I am really enjoying Vietnam, the north is wonderful, hope the rest maintains my enthusiasm. Anyway better get back to my Tiger - beer that is!
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