1. What is your favorite word?
2. What is your least favorite word?
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
4. What turns you off?
5. What is your favorite curse word?
6. What sound or noise do you love?
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
here's my list ;) whats yours?
1. love
2. kill
3. divine love & nature (grace, reverence, selflessness, compassion etc) & sensitive observers
4. whiners
5. HOLY 'anything'
6. total deep silence
7. mental noise
8. philanthropist with entrepreneur skills
9. the one who orders to kill
10. love has arrived.
Jul 17, 2007
Jul 12, 2007
little things in life...
...makes a big difference
magnetic smiles
lovely memories
kind gestures
hot coffee & tea
animated conversations
a friend who listens and shares
someone who truly cheers me up
magnetic smiles
lovely memories
kind gestures
hot coffee & tea
animated conversations
a friend who listens and shares
someone who truly cheers me up
Jul 1, 2007
Loosing myself
"Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions?
Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no
hope of finding ourselves." -- Henry Miller
"The impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances
may be necessary for our happiness." -- Gertrude Atherton
We were born to shine! Andrea Bocelli!
"Let me arise and open the gate, To breathe the wild warm air...." --
Violet Fane
Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no
hope of finding ourselves." -- Henry Miller
"The impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances
may be necessary for our happiness." -- Gertrude Atherton
We were born to shine! Andrea Bocelli!
"Let me arise and open the gate, To breathe the wild warm air...." --
Violet Fane
Jun 26, 2007
My Poem - Symphony in the Sky
Last night at Fort Canning Hill,
I lay on someones sarong throw.
Over the prickly grass,
stretching feet wide,
hands by my side.
My ears perks wistfully,
To melancholy tunes,
Unplugged, with vocalists in duets,
audiences abreast.
I lay face up watching the sky
And this is what I see ...
A wonderful glimpse it was,
Of a yearned craving met,
of a merged oneness,
with the night sky above.
Darkness has fallen but
Sky looks daylight blue,
Stars’ abundant,
winking back at me.
Air high high above,
Fresh, clear and crisp.
White Clouds floating by,
in different shapes and sizes,
In very slow motion,
waving and chuckling at me.
In different layers,
sequenced unplanned,
unfazed by each other's
type of dance.
Floating by like a symphony,
orchestrated beautifully
in this very musical night.
Yet in this sequence,
There is a special quietness
A stillness in his gaze.
A stillnes in her gestures.
In this stillness
Lies a peaceful grace,
In this thoughtless moment,
lies complete silence.
O’ Blue Sky, O’ White Clouds, O’ Starry Night,
My symphony in the sky.
In this stillness, in this silence,
How I fell in love with thee.
I lay on someones sarong throw.
Over the prickly grass,
stretching feet wide,
hands by my side.
My ears perks wistfully,
To melancholy tunes,
Unplugged, with vocalists in duets,
audiences abreast.
I lay face up watching the sky
And this is what I see ...
A wonderful glimpse it was,
Of a yearned craving met,
of a merged oneness,
with the night sky above.
Darkness has fallen but
Sky looks daylight blue,
Stars’ abundant,
winking back at me.
Air high high above,
Fresh, clear and crisp.
White Clouds floating by,
in different shapes and sizes,
In very slow motion,
waving and chuckling at me.
In different layers,
sequenced unplanned,
unfazed by each other's
type of dance.
Floating by like a symphony,
orchestrated beautifully
in this very musical night.
Yet in this sequence,
There is a special quietness
A stillness in his gaze.
A stillnes in her gestures.
In this stillness
Lies a peaceful grace,
In this thoughtless moment,
lies complete silence.
O’ Blue Sky, O’ White Clouds, O’ Starry Night,
My symphony in the sky.
In this stillness, in this silence,
How I fell in love with thee.
Jun 19, 2007
Maya Angelou
Sharing another inspiration to me..
Maya Angelou, shares some thoughts about the important virtue of courage, growing into the seventies and defining our principles.
Oprah and Maya AngelouListen in on Oprah's one-on-one conversation with Maya Angelou in link below.
She is hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author and an actress. She has moved generations with her talent and passion for social change and is recognized around the world as a leading civil rights activist.
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/omag_200012_maya.jhtml
Maya Angelou, shares some thoughts about the important virtue of courage, growing into the seventies and defining our principles.
Oprah and Maya AngelouListen in on Oprah's one-on-one conversation with Maya Angelou in link below.
She is hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author and an actress. She has moved generations with her talent and passion for social change and is recognized around the world as a leading civil rights activist.
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/omag_200012_maya.jhtml
Awesome Songs/Artists
MICHAEL JACKSON - Earth Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rch7ey-v7ks
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
The That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
INDIA.ARIE
Hear: I am not my Hair Remix Feat. Akon, Little Things, God is Real
http://www.indiaarie.com/ (under Media)
Lyrics: http://www.treehouse.cz/india/lyrics/
Julia Fordham
Hear: Love moves in mysterious ways
http://www.juliafordham.com/looklistenbuy.php
MY other favs:
Ben Leinbach - The Spirit of Yoga
Sting
Seal
Andrea Bocelli
Queen
Movies in my books:
Splash
Phenomenon
Always
Big Blue
I dreamed of Africa
Motorcylce Diaries
5th Element
Girl on the Bridge (Fille sur le pont, La)
Powder
Shawshank Redemption
Million Dollar Baby
Elephant Man
My Left Foot
Le Papillon
Braveheeart
Schindlers List
A Beautiful Mind
Lord of the Rings
Wedding CRashes **
THe Pianist
The World's Fastest Indian
Ocean's 11/12
City of Joy
The Last Samurai
The Untouchables
The Notebook
Shine
Letters from Iwo Jima
Too Hot to Handle
Forest Gump
Babel
Once Upon a Time in CHina series
Hero
etc etc etc
and all others with Richard Gere of course
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rch7ey-v7ks
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
The That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
INDIA.ARIE
Hear: I am not my Hair Remix Feat. Akon, Little Things, God is Real
http://www.indiaarie.com/ (under Media)
Lyrics: http://www.treehouse.cz/india/lyrics/
Julia Fordham
Hear: Love moves in mysterious ways
http://www.juliafordham.com/looklistenbuy.php
MY other favs:
Ben Leinbach - The Spirit of Yoga
Sting
Seal
Andrea Bocelli
Queen
Movies in my books:
Splash
Phenomenon
Always
Big Blue
I dreamed of Africa
Motorcylce Diaries
5th Element
Girl on the Bridge (Fille sur le pont, La)
Powder
Shawshank Redemption
Million Dollar Baby
Elephant Man
My Left Foot
Le Papillon
Braveheeart
Schindlers List
A Beautiful Mind
Lord of the Rings
Wedding CRashes **
THe Pianist
The World's Fastest Indian
Ocean's 11/12
City of Joy
The Last Samurai
The Untouchables
The Notebook
Shine
Letters from Iwo Jima
Too Hot to Handle
Forest Gump
Babel
Once Upon a Time in CHina series
Hero
etc etc etc
and all others with Richard Gere of course
Remembering Your Spirit
The Nurture of Nature
"My spirit is honored when I think of my connectedness to the Universe."
Sidney Poitier
When Sidney Poitier remembers his spirit, his mind wanders back to the Bahamas where he grew up..
"The sounds that came to me as a boy were sounds of the environment, the sounds of insects, the sounds of water against the shore," Sidney says of walking the beach for hours by himself. "There was a purity. There was a closeness to nature. I know that it was a most powerful influence on the rest of my life."
Sidney honors his spirit when he thinks of the core values his parents instilled in him as he grew up. "My father didn't define himself by material things. He loved us. And he cared for us. And he talked to us. And he nurtured us. My mother's spirit is always around me. Always there, guiding me almost. I first felt that sense on Cat Island. I never lost that."
The virtues of simplicity and the values he learned from his parents have kept him connected to the powerful inner spirit that continues to guide him.
"I feel that I am a part of everything. I am a part of nature."
"My spirit is honored when I think of my connectedness to the Universe."
Sidney Poitier
When Sidney Poitier remembers his spirit, his mind wanders back to the Bahamas where he grew up..
"The sounds that came to me as a boy were sounds of the environment, the sounds of insects, the sounds of water against the shore," Sidney says of walking the beach for hours by himself. "There was a purity. There was a closeness to nature. I know that it was a most powerful influence on the rest of my life."
Sidney honors his spirit when he thinks of the core values his parents instilled in him as he grew up. "My father didn't define himself by material things. He loved us. And he cared for us. And he talked to us. And he nurtured us. My mother's spirit is always around me. Always there, guiding me almost. I first felt that sense on Cat Island. I never lost that."
The virtues of simplicity and the values he learned from his parents have kept him connected to the powerful inner spirit that continues to guide him.
"I feel that I am a part of everything. I am a part of nature."
Jun 9, 2007
AUM
Aum (also Om, Devanagari, Chinese: 唵) is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Dharmic religions. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or previously to any prayer or mantra. The Mandukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the explanation of the syllable.
Origin, name and written symbols
With preceding a or ā, the o of om in Sanskrit grammar in sandhi (Sanskrit: संधि, "joining") does not form vriddhi (au) but guna (o) per Pāṇini 6.1.95.
The Sanskrit name for the syllable is praṇava, from a root nu "to shout, sound, praise", verbal pra-nu- being attested as "to make a humming or droning sound" in the Brahmanas, and taking the specific meaning of "to utter the syllable om" in the Chandogya Upanishad and the Shrauta Sutras. More rarely used terms are akṣara or ekākṣara, and in later times omkāra becomes prevalent.
The Aum symbol is a ligature of Devanagari ओ+ँ (oṃ, encoded in Unicode at U+0950 ॐ, the Tibetan script variant ༀ at U+0F00, and the Chinese 唵 at U+5535 or 吽 at U+543D) it is said to represent the vibration of the universe.
In Hinduism
is first described as all-encompassing mystical entity in the Upanishads. Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign[citation needed] for Hinduism and its philosophy and mythology.
Upanishads and Sutra literature
Further information: Mandukya Upanishad
The syllable is mentioned in all the Upanishads, specially elaborated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads. set forth as the object of profound religious meditation, the highest spiritual efficacy being attributed not only to the whole word but also to the three sounds a (a-kāra), u (u-kāra), m (ma-kāra), of which it consists.
The Katha Upanishad has:
"The goal, which all Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they live a life of continence, I will tell you briefly it is Aum"
"The one syllable [evākṣara, viz. Aum] is indeed Brahma. This one syllable is the highest. Whosoever knows this one syllable obtains all that he desires.
"This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." (1.2.15-17)[1]
The Chandogya Upanishad (1.1.1-1) states:
om ity etad akṣaram udgītham upāsīta / om iti hy udgāyati / tasyopavyākhyānam
"The udgitha ["the chanting", that is, the syllable om] is the best of all essences, the highest, deserving the highest place, the eighth."
The Bhagavad Gita (8.13) has:
Uttering the monosyllable Aum, the eternal world of Brahman, One who departs leaving the body (at death), he attains the superior goal.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states in verse (1:27):
"tasya vacakah pranavah" which translates as, "God's voice is Aum."
In the following sutra it emphasizes, "The repetition of Om should be made with an understanding of its meaning".
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum
Om Mani Padme Hum
"Hail the Jewel in the Lotus"
Here's His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's definition
"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast... The first, Om [...] symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"
"The path is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method-the altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love.[...]"
"The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom[...]"
"Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable hum, which indicates indivisibility[...]"
"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"
-- H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, "Om Mani Padme Hum"
Jun 3, 2007
Symphony in the sky
Last night as i lay down on sarong on the grass, strecthing out my feet, with my hands on my side, to enjoy the unplugged performances of some vocal artists, i found a peaceful thoughtless moment, high up above.
Just a glimpse of this: it's like a merge of oneness with the night blue sky above me. Although darkness has fallen, Sky almost looks daylight blue, so clear and clean the air above. Momentarily covering it is White Clouds. In many shapes and sizes, of many types and formations, White Clouds float by in very slow motion. They are waving, smiling. They are playing and laughing.
They are enjoying, happy.
Everything was Still. Although White Clouds floating by. Still in his gaze. Still in her gestures.
In different layers, sequenced unplanned, yet remaining unfazed by each other's type of dance. They float by like a symphony orchestrated in a beautiful starry night.
How i fell in love with thee.
O' Blue Sky, O' White Clouds, O' Starry Lights,
How I fell in love with thee.
Just a glimpse of this: it's like a merge of oneness with the night blue sky above me. Although darkness has fallen, Sky almost looks daylight blue, so clear and clean the air above. Momentarily covering it is White Clouds. In many shapes and sizes, of many types and formations, White Clouds float by in very slow motion. They are waving, smiling. They are playing and laughing.
They are enjoying, happy.
Everything was Still. Although White Clouds floating by. Still in his gaze. Still in her gestures.
In different layers, sequenced unplanned, yet remaining unfazed by each other's type of dance. They float by like a symphony orchestrated in a beautiful starry night.
How i fell in love with thee.
O' Blue Sky, O' White Clouds, O' Starry Lights,
How I fell in love with thee.
Apr 20, 2007
Eknath Easwaran
I was given a book Words To Live By from my doted bro in 2007.
Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is known as a spiritual teacher and the author of books on meditation and how to lead a fulfilling life, as well as a translator and interpreter of Indian literature.
In 1961 Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation ( http://www.easwaran.org/ ), Passage Meditation and Nilgiri Press, based in northern California. Nilgiri Press publishes over two dozen books he authored. The centre is represented by a simple beautiful logo, and located at what it seems - beautiful california, hopefully one day i get to visit!
Words to Live By has a quote & sharing. Below, two excerpts by Easwaran:
Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Joy of attaining perfect concentration and attention
To give full attention to whatever we are doing isn't easy when we have a job we dislike, or must work with people who are difficult. Then our attention wanders like a child's - looking at this glass for a moment, then at this table, then out the window. If we could attend a little more to the work, even when we dislike it, it would become quite interesting. When we can give it our full attention, anything becomes interesting. And anything, when we do not give it our full attention, becomes uninteresting.
We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
George Bernard Shaw
In an indian movie I saw recently, a villager leaves home for the first time to travel to the city of Bombay. When he returns, his family and friends crowd around him, asking what it was like in the big city. His laconic reply sums up our era: "Such tall buildlings ... and such small people."
If we were asked to give an accounting of our society's achievements, we could claim many great technological developments and scientific discoveries, plenty of skycrappers, and the amasement of huge sums of money, but few truly secure, truly wise, truly great men and women. It is not for lack of ability of energy, though; it is because we lack a noble goal.
To grow to our full height, we need to be challenged with tasks that draw out our deeper resources, the talents and capacities we did not know we had. We need to be faced with obstacles that cannot be surmounted unless we summon up our daring and creativity. This kind of challenge is familiar to any great athlete or scientist or artist. No worthwhile accomplishment comes easily.
-------
“By virtue of being human, each of us has the capacity to choose, to change, to grow.”
EKNATH EASWARAN
Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is known as a spiritual teacher and the author of books on meditation and how to lead a fulfilling life, as well as a translator and interpreter of Indian literature.
In 1961 Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation ( http://www.easwaran.org/ ), Passage Meditation and Nilgiri Press, based in northern California. Nilgiri Press publishes over two dozen books he authored. The centre is represented by a simple beautiful logo, and located at what it seems - beautiful california, hopefully one day i get to visit!
Words to Live By has a quote & sharing. Below, two excerpts by Easwaran:
Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Joy of attaining perfect concentration and attention
To give full attention to whatever we are doing isn't easy when we have a job we dislike, or must work with people who are difficult. Then our attention wanders like a child's - looking at this glass for a moment, then at this table, then out the window. If we could attend a little more to the work, even when we dislike it, it would become quite interesting. When we can give it our full attention, anything becomes interesting. And anything, when we do not give it our full attention, becomes uninteresting.
We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
George Bernard Shaw
In an indian movie I saw recently, a villager leaves home for the first time to travel to the city of Bombay. When he returns, his family and friends crowd around him, asking what it was like in the big city. His laconic reply sums up our era: "Such tall buildlings ... and such small people."
If we were asked to give an accounting of our society's achievements, we could claim many great technological developments and scientific discoveries, plenty of skycrappers, and the amasement of huge sums of money, but few truly secure, truly wise, truly great men and women. It is not for lack of ability of energy, though; it is because we lack a noble goal.
To grow to our full height, we need to be challenged with tasks that draw out our deeper resources, the talents and capacities we did not know we had. We need to be faced with obstacles that cannot be surmounted unless we summon up our daring and creativity. This kind of challenge is familiar to any great athlete or scientist or artist. No worthwhile accomplishment comes easily.
-------
“By virtue of being human, each of us has the capacity to choose, to change, to grow.”
EKNATH EASWARAN
Oct 8, 2006
The quiet side of HKong
Quiet, serene, beautiful, breathtaking, i'm so so so so blessed to have experienced a wonderful enlightening and inspiring and energizing experience so far.
our 3 day himalayan meditative yoga practices were so so so still, timeless, peaceful, and beautiful. I think its just amazing that this subtle effect can be yet so powerful and sweet, something we can't see but just experience, absorb and allow it to be shared. the 3 teachers who shared about their stories, experience, and self realisations were charismatic and wise and glowed. i especially loved Ashutosh (Hatha Yoga teacher of Himalayan tradiation) and Dr Stoma (from Michigan) and Dr Adrish (quirky Aryuveda expert). Wonderful teachers. They carried this awesome essence of surrender and grace with every gesture, speech and thought. it was hard to break the silence we all had created in the small space.
i thought I experienced the kundalini energy whilst meditating(If it WAS really, I was told its not anything to worry about, just a good sign that I'm getting more aware bout my inner energy.) but it seems it was a similar energy felt by others during meditation practice on the full moon day - Autumn Festive night.
i'm also so blessed that i had met wonderful similar energy friend, Myriam who shared her space and family with me. Her husband, Terry is amazingly wise and intuitive. I never thought i would meet someone i feel similar in things and thoughts. So amazing. A couple of 10 years thats still so spontaneous, colorful, carefree, open and true. how wonderful to be around such joy.
Myriam and Terry's home / balcony overlooks a lake called Yellow Stone that comes in from the Sea. And there are many beautiful hazy mountains a far. We are situated at Sai Kung Peninsula, Tai Tan, near the Long Harbour. Sai Kung is famed for its national parks and water scapes. Tomorrow I get to explore the way back to HKong Central going thru all these scenic places.
I could hear rivers running passed us under the bridge as we drove in at night. And we went through much winding and low and high roads. night is embraced with mistyfying cool air. We are in a sorta like a remote remote place, half or mostly jungle like. I cannot wait to see how it all looks in the morning after.
I feel like i am in heaven once again. The last time i felt this happy was when i was in NZealand, when i felt like i was in paradise and that i felt at home in timelessness. My heart tears continuously with such beauty and peace and love, first, in the workshop with likeness in these beautiful souls and now, here i am surrounded by singing trees in nature.
Its amazing that I never planned to visit HKong and what a beautiful surprise I'm given. I just really want to be present to be in one with everything and be ready to receive all that I am to receive here and enjoy...
~ Hari Om Tat Sat ~
our 3 day himalayan meditative yoga practices were so so so still, timeless, peaceful, and beautiful. I think its just amazing that this subtle effect can be yet so powerful and sweet, something we can't see but just experience, absorb and allow it to be shared. the 3 teachers who shared about their stories, experience, and self realisations were charismatic and wise and glowed. i especially loved Ashutosh (Hatha Yoga teacher of Himalayan tradiation) and Dr Stoma (from Michigan) and Dr Adrish (quirky Aryuveda expert). Wonderful teachers. They carried this awesome essence of surrender and grace with every gesture, speech and thought. it was hard to break the silence we all had created in the small space.
i thought I experienced the kundalini energy whilst meditating(If it WAS really, I was told its not anything to worry about, just a good sign that I'm getting more aware bout my inner energy.) but it seems it was a similar energy felt by others during meditation practice on the full moon day - Autumn Festive night.
i'm also so blessed that i had met wonderful similar energy friend, Myriam who shared her space and family with me. Her husband, Terry is amazingly wise and intuitive. I never thought i would meet someone i feel similar in things and thoughts. So amazing. A couple of 10 years thats still so spontaneous, colorful, carefree, open and true. how wonderful to be around such joy.
Myriam and Terry's home / balcony overlooks a lake called Yellow Stone that comes in from the Sea. And there are many beautiful hazy mountains a far. We are situated at Sai Kung Peninsula, Tai Tan, near the Long Harbour. Sai Kung is famed for its national parks and water scapes. Tomorrow I get to explore the way back to HKong Central going thru all these scenic places.
I could hear rivers running passed us under the bridge as we drove in at night. And we went through much winding and low and high roads. night is embraced with mistyfying cool air. We are in a sorta like a remote remote place, half or mostly jungle like. I cannot wait to see how it all looks in the morning after.
I feel like i am in heaven once again. The last time i felt this happy was when i was in NZealand, when i felt like i was in paradise and that i felt at home in timelessness. My heart tears continuously with such beauty and peace and love, first, in the workshop with likeness in these beautiful souls and now, here i am surrounded by singing trees in nature.
Its amazing that I never planned to visit HKong and what a beautiful surprise I'm given. I just really want to be present to be in one with everything and be ready to receive all that I am to receive here and enjoy...
~ Hari Om Tat Sat ~
Sep 6, 2006
OCD
After watching some programs and books on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, i realised that i carry mild symptoms of it. 'No wonder my dad thinks i'm anal about cleanliness,' was my first reaction, because, i am.
No wonder i love to shower more than 5 times a day, the more the better and still looking fwd to more.
Here are some OCD compulsions i found listed on an org site for kids. The first 2 are the ones I can totally relate to.
* lots of hand washing or showering (doing this way more than usual or having a hard time stopping)
* arranging things in a very particular or neat way
* counting (like having to count 25 white cars before going into school)
* touching (like touching every single fence post between home and the bus stop)
* checking things over and over (such as doors, locks, or stoves)
* doing things a certain number of times (like having to try on five dresses before leaving your room)
* asking the same question over and over
* tying and retying shoes over and over until they feel just right
I recall I used to like touching everything i see, especially buttons...till adulthood BUT how ironic, i like touching it but yet i dont like it being dirty.
Now, the main habits i still carry is being eeky about door knobs, any doors, anything with finger print marks thats not mine nor my boyfriends, toilet seats, even monitor or TV screen where i can see finger prints, keybooard, any public transport support handles and walls/ windows (i worry about oily hair stains at the back of my seat too.) one last thing, I'm fussy about my food too.
When i realise all this, i now could understand why I have such a terrible time fitting in to 9 to 5 corporate style. No showering till i get home! Eating out always! using public toilet seats! Yucks. Oh no, i may have a harder time than expected changing my lifestyle into the working corporate hours again. oh dear oh dear.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/ocd.html
No wonder i love to shower more than 5 times a day, the more the better and still looking fwd to more.
Here are some OCD compulsions i found listed on an org site for kids. The first 2 are the ones I can totally relate to.
* lots of hand washing or showering (doing this way more than usual or having a hard time stopping)
* arranging things in a very particular or neat way
* counting (like having to count 25 white cars before going into school)
* touching (like touching every single fence post between home and the bus stop)
* checking things over and over (such as doors, locks, or stoves)
* doing things a certain number of times (like having to try on five dresses before leaving your room)
* asking the same question over and over
* tying and retying shoes over and over until they feel just right
I recall I used to like touching everything i see, especially buttons...till adulthood BUT how ironic, i like touching it but yet i dont like it being dirty.
Now, the main habits i still carry is being eeky about door knobs, any doors, anything with finger print marks thats not mine nor my boyfriends, toilet seats, even monitor or TV screen where i can see finger prints, keybooard, any public transport support handles and walls/ windows (i worry about oily hair stains at the back of my seat too.) one last thing, I'm fussy about my food too.
When i realise all this, i now could understand why I have such a terrible time fitting in to 9 to 5 corporate style. No showering till i get home! Eating out always! using public toilet seats! Yucks. Oh no, i may have a harder time than expected changing my lifestyle into the working corporate hours again. oh dear oh dear.
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/ocd.html
Aug 13, 2006
My Poems ~ friends
Ode to Kelvin
The quiet yet loud
The devoted yet defiant
The simple, yet not quite
The smart, yet questionable
Perhaps its some sort of balance!
Ode to Su
Su Su, she’ll play peek-a-boo with you
Su Su, jogs so fast alike running from poo
Su Su, she‘s cool, cos she does more than moo!
Su Su, she works hard, but plays harder too!
Su Su, she ain’t no fool! bioscience & events, everything also can do!
Su Su, she rules over voodoo!
For Su,
No matter what others say,
this is what i know for sure...
SuAnn
A fun blossoming woman on the outside
who is sometimes wise beyond her corny jokes
An easy-going gal on the outside
who has taught me to see beyond her jokes' chokes
Her true colours glows from inside
from her big heart, a million times of an artichoke's
Gracious, thankful and forgiving from inside,
Its no wonder friends are willingly doped!
Thank you for this shining beauty within you.
ROY
A boy who sees joy,
is a boy who makes toys
out of small or big rolls royce
A boy who spreads joy
is a boy who's name is Roy.
The quiet yet loud
The devoted yet defiant
The simple, yet not quite
The smart, yet questionable
Perhaps its some sort of balance!
Ode to Su
Su Su, she’ll play peek-a-boo with you
Su Su, jogs so fast alike running from poo
Su Su, she‘s cool, cos she does more than moo!
Su Su, she works hard, but plays harder too!
Su Su, she ain’t no fool! bioscience & events, everything also can do!
Su Su, she rules over voodoo!
For Su,
No matter what others say,
this is what i know for sure...
SuAnn
A fun blossoming woman on the outside
who is sometimes wise beyond her corny jokes
An easy-going gal on the outside
who has taught me to see beyond her jokes' chokes
Her true colours glows from inside
from her big heart, a million times of an artichoke's
Gracious, thankful and forgiving from inside,
Its no wonder friends are willingly doped!
Thank you for this shining beauty within you.
ROY
A boy who sees joy,
is a boy who makes toys
out of small or big rolls royce
A boy who spreads joy
is a boy who's name is Roy.
Jul 27, 2006
Elvis Style Song!
All my life I've searched for love this true
At last I think I've found it in u
Now that my sky is no longer blue
There's just a little sth i'm gonna sing
I'm gonna love u in the morning
I'm gonna love u in the evening too
I'm gonna love u, no matter rain or shine
I'm gonna love u, because you're mine oh mine,
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah
I'm gonna please u in the morning
I'm gonna please u in the evening too
I'm gonna please u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna please, because you're mine oh mine
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah
I'm gonna kiss u in the morning
I'm gonna kiss u in the evening too
I'm gonna kiss u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna kiss, because you're mine oh mine
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (in the morning and in the evening)
yeah
At last I think I've found it in u
Now that my sky is no longer blue
There's just a little sth i'm gonna sing
I'm gonna love u in the morning
I'm gonna love u in the evening too
I'm gonna love u, no matter rain or shine
I'm gonna love u, because you're mine oh mine,
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah
I'm gonna please u in the morning
I'm gonna please u in the evening too
I'm gonna please u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna please, because you're mine oh mine
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah
I'm gonna kiss u in the morning
I'm gonna kiss u in the evening too
I'm gonna kiss u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna kiss, because you're mine oh mine
I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (in the morning and in the evening)
yeah
Jul 4, 2006
Books on sustainability
Books on Sustainability:
Cradle to Cradle,
William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Natural Capitalism,
Paul Hawken
Hidden Connections,
Fritjof Capra
Cradle to Cradle,
William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Natural Capitalism,
Paul Hawken
Hidden Connections,
Fritjof Capra
May 25, 2006
7 Days of experiencing humble Bali
How I felt about Bali....well, what you're about to read, is from my lenses. Everybody experiences what they see differently. What I saw, is probably what I chose to see. But hope you enjoy seeing through my lenses! ; )
Here's my experience of humble Bali..
The Balinese didin't seem to prioriotise anything above the importance of devotion, to their spiritual practise, prayers and offerings. They ritually carry the thought of simple grace, sharing their manifestation and blessings amidst a days hard work to their tight knit commmunity. This was what I felt of their being. The happiness or serenity on some of their faces did come from within.
Although adorned with intricate colors in architecture, clothing, music, art, craftwork and ongoing feasts of festivals to celebrate the gift of life, I valued the other contrasting quiet side just the same, if not more. After the gongs have struck and made their peace, the serenity from its garden pools trickling with water elements combined with earth, the endless mountain ranges and temples, the powerful waterfalls, terraced paddy fields and mystical water palaces shines through and brings a renewed breath of life from within.
I am very blessed to have experienced the art of living in surrendering mode throughout my time there. This is a summary of my experience, in my presence, crossing the path of a beautiful legendary island with a mystical past and her present joy, combining the peaceful balance of nature in life. With the fear of bombings put behind me, I'm glad I made a trip to Bali. Her mystical air and unique beauty is totally worth it.
First things first
• Conversion rate is approximately USD 1 = SGD2 = 10,000 rupiah (rp)
• Tax & Service Charge in restaurants are 21%. Tipping is not compulsory but common due to tourist.
• In each family, the children are named according to a fix naming structure — Wayan (1st child) Made (2nd child), Nyoman (3rd child) & Ketut (4th child) & repeat if there's more kids.
Day 1 — 25th May, Thursday
Depart Singapore at 4.40pm, arrival at Denpasar airport at 7pm. Caught adventure movie Eight Below on a nice and clean SIA boeing. A must see movie for dog lovers. Stewards/ess are pleasant and well organized. I like SIA, perhaps due to my love for top standard hygiene!
Driven straight to our guest house accomodation at Sindhu Merta. Its situated in Jalan Danau Poso, in south of Sanur town, a very nice cosy clean and lovely guest house @ US30 p/night (275,000 rp/night) with a lovely small pool and garden side.
Its too late to plan anything, so we just explored the vicinity and found a K mart (alike 7-eleven there). Water is not safe to drink from tap. Bought 8 bottles of mineral water (2,500rp per) and 2 yummy Classic Walls ice-cream (7,000 rp) to tantalize our tastebud before we hit the sack.
Day 2 — Friday at Sanur
Breakfast at the pool side garden with simple toast/pancake and tea. Did some reading and planning, head out for early lunch at a cheap 24hrs nasi padang warung called Sari Bundo II — a steal at 12,000 rupiah for 2.
Just before that, signed in for our dive equipments prep. Then, spent all afternoon exploring north of Sanur by foot. Entered a couple of nice Balinese hotels with awesome traditional Balinese architecture and garden pools and did some comparison on the room rates for the fun of it, all this whilst going on my citrus fruit hunt! Hallelujah that we finally found some oranges and lime — as its the best remedy for my tummy cleansing ritual. ; ) Walked back via Sanur beach front. Although baron, they were really nice hotels or restaurants with beach front and swimming pools. Quite a few lady masseurs hounding us with their services along this stretch.
Dined at Abian Boga Bar & Restaurant, a decorated place with some Balinese ambience which came with 4 in 1 Legong dance performances. (comprises of Panyembrama Dance to welcome guests, Manuk Rawa Dance, a story representing 2 birds bathing, Baris Dance, a war dance to glorify the manhood of the triumphant Balinese warrior and lastly Oleg Tamulilingan, a dance depicting a flirtation act between a male and female bumblee bee.
The funniest thing happen here — Our menu was Pineapple Juice (12,000rp) Tomato Juice (13,000rp), Grilled Squid with water spinach (33,000rp), Ikan Pepes with local vegetable (29,000rp) and rice & Tom Ayam Siap Base (26,000rp) and kangkong (7,000rp). We asked to replace the rice with more vegetables. AND when all the dishes came, ALL the vegetables turned out to be kangkong, and not just that, they were ALL cooked in the SAME STYLE. So hilarious!
So beware of the local vegetables' being the same type. Although we gave a feedback so this mistake can be corrected on the menu but possibly most restaurants aren't aware of this. I've heard kangkong given the name 'Morning Glory' too in other places/countries.
Day 3 — First Dive Day, Saturday
All ready and prepared at 7.30am! Just a piece of pancake and tea, minimal breakfast to prepare for my tummy for it! Met everyone at Bali Scuba Dive operator just across the road. ; )
Took my seasick pill when I was in the van to the beach front. Hopped on a jet boat to head to Manta Point at Nusa Penida. We had 13 people on this new orange jet boat. Oh, and didn't feel too well already. Barfed out my pancake before the jet boat even took off for the 40 minute ride!!
Vomitted again at Manta Point before i put on my wet suit. Was offered another pill but dumb as I was, I insisted I took one already. There were 4 in our group, and 6 more in another group. Sanut and Tom was our dive master with 2 boat keepers. I had Tom all to myself cause I'm a novice unlike the rest for precaution reasons. ; )
Bonz was unlucky, her underwater camera box loaded up with water due to a leak. God bless her $900 Olympus camera!! Well, because of that, they came back up and went down with me and Tom.
Everyone following Sanut saw 2 Manta from a distance. And the rest of us — Bonz, Nan and I didn't. So so so so sad. ; (((
I barfed more water when I was underwater, and at the surface when we went back up again.
Dive was 30 minute only at 20 metre.
Everyone had lunch on board, I skipped my meal cause I was feeling too ill already. The food was good though (Indonesian vegetarian — tempeh, awesome spicy sambal, some fried stuff and hard boiled egg.) I had this the next day on land ; )
I still didn't feel so well, so I decided to skip the other 2 dives and had nice short naps ( I should've ate another pil darn itl!!)
The other divers saw colorful corals and fishes at Toyapakeh and experienced medium to strong surge dive at Ped Temple on the 3rd dive. They also experienced sudden cold and warm change in temperature. When the divers came afloat, I awoke from my dreamless state and couldnt wait to get off our rocking float. Barfed one more time!!
We hit shore at 4.30pm, docking outside the sea coastal area and saw a herd of fishermans fishing lined up in a big curve, standing at waist depth. Some were wearing motorbike helmets! From here, we were transfered to shallow waters via a smaller boat (we are spoiled!) and thereafter walked over seagrass over the very vast beach on low tide. Thomas and the gals saw a tiny jelly fish and puffer baby in the puddles here. ; )
Finally, off the salty beach, we decided to soak in the pool.
i was in quite a upset state because I thought I had no choice but to skip my next day dive since I'm feeling phobic toward seasickness. There was a strong resistance to do it all over again.
And I was in a space caught up over 2 things — that perhaps I'm not meant to dive at all, ever and felt bad because I broke my agreement with myself to do 2 full day dives. (Although now, i think its a silly thing.)
Night came and we treated ourselves to a lovely power nap whilst we waited for the gals to finish their 2 hour (which turned out to be 4) Nitrox class and exam. Dined at Warung Blanjong, 10 minutes from hotel. Menu was Nasi Campur Set, Chicken baked in Spices with rice, Mie Goreng & Bee Hoon Goreng. Chicken & Nasi Campur was better than Abian Boga. They give cooking lessons here! We were the only diners out of aproximately 10 tables.
Day 4 — 2nd Dive Day, Sunday
The rest left for the dive.
I stayed at the hotel. Had a full breakfast, did more reading on Lonely Planets version of Bali. And also borrowed Bonz book, 360Degrees Leaders.
At 4.30pm divers finally returned with stories of Manta at Manta Point and Mola-Mola at Crystal Bay!!!!
We promptly set out for a drive down south to catch the spectacular cliff-top temple at Pura Ulu Watu for its sunset view.
Monkeys here are wild and vicious! If tourists are not carefully hanging tight to their things, it'd be snatched. Tourists bags, necklace, spectacles and probably even cameras are all good targets! The local gate keepers help get it back at a nominal fee.
We head back up to Jimbaran beach for a very scrumptious seafood meal at Mersati. Here we see a long line of contrasting busy and quiet restaurants. The rich frequent the bigger restaurants and the medium sizes seems to have a harder time surviving during this lull period. Our restaurant was a few metres from where bali bombing happened at Four Seasons Beach front. Bombing really changed the tourism scene apparently.
The Mersati adrenalin junkie shop owner shared some of his own experiences and recommended Menjangan Wall dive as a must see. Menjangan is a Reserved Marine Park as it sits under the National Park vicinity in West Bali forests. We noticed that bali also offers white water rafting and bunjee jumping. I respect some of these entrepreneur spirit in the locals. They make the effort to improve their English language with the awareness that language is the gateway to the outside world. The bustling tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economy growth.
Time to unwind after a good meal and channel surf back at Sindhu. Amidst the dramatic TV shows and advert, managed to find Lord of the Rings on the local channel and did a crash reading to finish up my book till 4am. ; ) Tonight, news reported 3000 over victims on the Jogjakarta earth quake. God Bless their souls.
Day 5 — Central Mountains, Monday
The gals have 3 more dive days and Thomas and I begin our land trips.
9am, we start our 2 hour drive up through Ubud to see rice paddy field slopes, whizzing by the arts and crafts area by car. We were aiming to skip all shopping and go straight up to Gunung Batur (1717m) to see the volcanic cones, a double caldera and a crater lake called Lake Danau Batur. Further to its right, Gunung Agung sits on a whopping 3142m.
We lunched at the best view restuarant overseeing the Gunung Batur. Surprisingly, food was not so good for the buffet spread charged at 60,000 rp p/pax. The very hard-sell locals managed to pursuade me to buy a chopstick set with nice box carving at SGD11. I think they were really good at using a sympathetic begging tactic and I totally bought into it! Oh well, some giving never hurts.
We finally reach The Pura Tirta Empul at Tampaksiring, the holy beautiful water temple. It keeps a fresh flow of water pools and makes a sacred place where locals still visit to cleanse their mind, body and spirit. Entry fee was 6000 rp. (This is my favourite temple in this trip).
Pura Bratan was an interesting temple. To enter, we have to rent a sarong and scarf for Thomas. I brought my own. Savoured the peace and serene annd sweet air for awhile. I especially like how they tie a scarf around the tree they believe to be sacred. Bought 2 pieces of painting here and a sandal wood fan at SGD2. My driver said I should never buy at these touristy places and should've stopped at Ubud instead or I'll get ripped off.
Dozed off on our way back. Decided t o try a Spa Treatment package at US40 p/pax which we found the ginger tea far better than the massage! Thomas and I realised we are definitely not the soak and spa kind but we are the quick and hard acupressure type!
Day 6 Central Mountains — Danau Bratan (1860m to 2276m), Tuesday
We visited Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindhu-Buddhist temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. Pilgrimage and ceremonies are held here to ensure there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali. This is a very memorable view. The perky Balinese holy rooftop compliments the salem high country fir trees in the backdrop of the wide and quiet lake. We did some macro shots on flowers where the well kept Botanical Garden decorates the landscape at the entrance of the Pura.
After that, it was a short ride up further north to Gitgit Waterfalls where we walked only 200m to reach. Entrance was 3000 rp/pax and we also decided to contribute to the tour guide with a 20,000++ fee and tip. I had a nice meditation session at the falls for 30 min plus.
Coming back down, met a German chap on a bike. I decided to to support the quiet shops and purchased some vanilla pod, 2 artwork with frame (20,000rp) and Bali Tea (10,000rp). We saw coffee fruit trees and some spice trees on the way to the falls around the foresty ravines. Bali exports spices and coffee. We had a young friendly waterfall guide, not that we needed one. Kinda feeling sorry for them during the lull period.
Short drive back to Sanur at Sindhu!! Ordered the cheapest nasi goreng (9000rp for 2).
We strolled out for night walk to see lovely stars at the south beach area in the deafening night. As we passed by a few perched up windmills sitting on high bamboo sticks, the noise began. We saw a three piece giant wind flute which made a sort of eerie melody standing tall at the beachside as well.
Day 7 Kuta's famed sunset, Wednesday
Changed plans from snorkelling at Nusa Dua to spending the afternoon visiting Museum Le Mayeur at north of Sanur instead.
The Museum is actually a house which Adrien Jean Le Mayeur, a painter, trained as an architect decorated with antique stone and wood carvings collected from across Bali. He painted mainly Ni Polok, a young and beautiful Legong dancer who he later married. He at 55 years and she at 15 years old. In his painting were pictures of lovely women dancing or bathing in the rustic ambience of Balinese artchitecture house or garden pools. Medium used were oil on matt grass, canvas and charcoal. He had a unique way of painting oil with pastel shades as well. Lovely lovely works. Entrance was 2000rp per pax.
Walked a long way back to our hotel and took a dip at the pool whilst waiting for gals to get ready for a night drive south and west, to Kuta for its famed sunset and to the Warung with a courtyard at Seminyak for dinner. My Thai salad was pretty good. The rest, Indonesian Flat noodles and Glass noodles were so-so. Burger and tea was good — Halia tea, Normal tea, Ice Lemon Tea. The courtyard was surrounded by other shops like Periplus (the only book shop i've seen so far) and other fashion brands. Interesting touristy crowd too.
Arriving back to Sindhu, everybody made a pact to catch sunrise the next day!! Yippee.
Day 8 Ubud & good massage, Thursday
Crash read to finish a book till 3am. but 4.30 I'm up! So, tried going back to bed till 5am. It was probably the tea which kept me up. We're all set at 5.15 for our morning walk out to the beach! It finally came at about 6am. Hidden behind the clouds, sunrise was pretty subtle as it was cloudy. It became windy later.
Breakfast first and then we head of to Ubud for a drive around. Walked around Ubud's Monkey Forest Rd to look for Jane's Place and picked out 1 yoga bag (2500rp) and 1 sling bag (3000rp), handsewn with Ikat material.
Found a must visit massage place called Ubud Bodyworks Centre. Traditional Balinese massage (90,000rp), Therapy Massage (100,000rp) was to die for!! The garden courtyard was heavenly and rooms were simple yet cosy and breezy. We all loved it. Ginger tea was great too. See www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com. Snapped quite a few pictures here.
Left for Kuta to find accomodation at the not so new Cottages. Settled in quickly so we could visit Fajar Restaurant for a nice cheap dinner. Fried tauhu, Asam Soup, Beef stir fry, Fuyung Hai, Vege, 1 coke, 1 pineapple juice, 2 Beers, all for just 80,000rp for 4!!!
Walked around in Kuta to soak in the night life at its main streets and had 1 hr of internet (200rp p/min) for pretty slow speed to end the day.
Day 9 Surfing morning in Kuta!
A new exciting day as we struck some morning luck with a surf shop called PALU!! After savouring our last Indonesian breakfast of fried noodles, we dressed up for our first dive crash course lesson.
Did some physical prep on sand first to familiarise how to position ourselves and then 1.5 hrs soaking in the morning sun and getting wet and trashed with waves. It was pretty wow! I realised I was pretty bad at coordinating my head turn and pedalling. I hope doing more sports will help with that!
We all had a very good lessonn. USD20 p/pax for surfing lessons. He was a good teacher.
Thomas and I rush back to catch our taxi to the airport. Bought an expensive keropok packet (USD3.50) for his mum to fry (which she handed to me to do!) and had a good lunch on board our non-pack SIA flight!
The End!
Here's my experience of humble Bali..
The Balinese didin't seem to prioriotise anything above the importance of devotion, to their spiritual practise, prayers and offerings. They ritually carry the thought of simple grace, sharing their manifestation and blessings amidst a days hard work to their tight knit commmunity. This was what I felt of their being. The happiness or serenity on some of their faces did come from within.
Although adorned with intricate colors in architecture, clothing, music, art, craftwork and ongoing feasts of festivals to celebrate the gift of life, I valued the other contrasting quiet side just the same, if not more. After the gongs have struck and made their peace, the serenity from its garden pools trickling with water elements combined with earth, the endless mountain ranges and temples, the powerful waterfalls, terraced paddy fields and mystical water palaces shines through and brings a renewed breath of life from within.
I am very blessed to have experienced the art of living in surrendering mode throughout my time there. This is a summary of my experience, in my presence, crossing the path of a beautiful legendary island with a mystical past and her present joy, combining the peaceful balance of nature in life. With the fear of bombings put behind me, I'm glad I made a trip to Bali. Her mystical air and unique beauty is totally worth it.
First things first
• Conversion rate is approximately USD 1 = SGD2 = 10,000 rupiah (rp)
• Tax & Service Charge in restaurants are 21%. Tipping is not compulsory but common due to tourist.
• In each family, the children are named according to a fix naming structure — Wayan (1st child) Made (2nd child), Nyoman (3rd child) & Ketut (4th child) & repeat if there's more kids.
Day 1 — 25th May, Thursday
Depart Singapore at 4.40pm, arrival at Denpasar airport at 7pm. Caught adventure movie Eight Below on a nice and clean SIA boeing. A must see movie for dog lovers. Stewards/ess are pleasant and well organized. I like SIA, perhaps due to my love for top standard hygiene!
Driven straight to our guest house accomodation at Sindhu Merta. Its situated in Jalan Danau Poso, in south of Sanur town, a very nice cosy clean and lovely guest house @ US30 p/night (275,000 rp/night) with a lovely small pool and garden side.
Its too late to plan anything, so we just explored the vicinity and found a K mart (alike 7-eleven there). Water is not safe to drink from tap. Bought 8 bottles of mineral water (2,500rp per) and 2 yummy Classic Walls ice-cream (7,000 rp) to tantalize our tastebud before we hit the sack.
Day 2 — Friday at Sanur
Breakfast at the pool side garden with simple toast/pancake and tea. Did some reading and planning, head out for early lunch at a cheap 24hrs nasi padang warung called Sari Bundo II — a steal at 12,000 rupiah for 2.
Just before that, signed in for our dive equipments prep. Then, spent all afternoon exploring north of Sanur by foot. Entered a couple of nice Balinese hotels with awesome traditional Balinese architecture and garden pools and did some comparison on the room rates for the fun of it, all this whilst going on my citrus fruit hunt! Hallelujah that we finally found some oranges and lime — as its the best remedy for my tummy cleansing ritual. ; ) Walked back via Sanur beach front. Although baron, they were really nice hotels or restaurants with beach front and swimming pools. Quite a few lady masseurs hounding us with their services along this stretch.
Dined at Abian Boga Bar & Restaurant, a decorated place with some Balinese ambience which came with 4 in 1 Legong dance performances. (comprises of Panyembrama Dance to welcome guests, Manuk Rawa Dance, a story representing 2 birds bathing, Baris Dance, a war dance to glorify the manhood of the triumphant Balinese warrior and lastly Oleg Tamulilingan, a dance depicting a flirtation act between a male and female bumblee bee.
The funniest thing happen here — Our menu was Pineapple Juice (12,000rp) Tomato Juice (13,000rp), Grilled Squid with water spinach (33,000rp), Ikan Pepes with local vegetable (29,000rp) and rice & Tom Ayam Siap Base (26,000rp) and kangkong (7,000rp). We asked to replace the rice with more vegetables. AND when all the dishes came, ALL the vegetables turned out to be kangkong, and not just that, they were ALL cooked in the SAME STYLE. So hilarious!
So beware of the local vegetables' being the same type. Although we gave a feedback so this mistake can be corrected on the menu but possibly most restaurants aren't aware of this. I've heard kangkong given the name 'Morning Glory' too in other places/countries.
Day 3 — First Dive Day, Saturday
All ready and prepared at 7.30am! Just a piece of pancake and tea, minimal breakfast to prepare for my tummy for it! Met everyone at Bali Scuba Dive operator just across the road. ; )
Took my seasick pill when I was in the van to the beach front. Hopped on a jet boat to head to Manta Point at Nusa Penida. We had 13 people on this new orange jet boat. Oh, and didn't feel too well already. Barfed out my pancake before the jet boat even took off for the 40 minute ride!!
Vomitted again at Manta Point before i put on my wet suit. Was offered another pill but dumb as I was, I insisted I took one already. There were 4 in our group, and 6 more in another group. Sanut and Tom was our dive master with 2 boat keepers. I had Tom all to myself cause I'm a novice unlike the rest for precaution reasons. ; )
Bonz was unlucky, her underwater camera box loaded up with water due to a leak. God bless her $900 Olympus camera!! Well, because of that, they came back up and went down with me and Tom.
Everyone following Sanut saw 2 Manta from a distance. And the rest of us — Bonz, Nan and I didn't. So so so so sad. ; (((
I barfed more water when I was underwater, and at the surface when we went back up again.
Dive was 30 minute only at 20 metre.
Everyone had lunch on board, I skipped my meal cause I was feeling too ill already. The food was good though (Indonesian vegetarian — tempeh, awesome spicy sambal, some fried stuff and hard boiled egg.) I had this the next day on land ; )
I still didn't feel so well, so I decided to skip the other 2 dives and had nice short naps ( I should've ate another pil darn itl!!)
The other divers saw colorful corals and fishes at Toyapakeh and experienced medium to strong surge dive at Ped Temple on the 3rd dive. They also experienced sudden cold and warm change in temperature. When the divers came afloat, I awoke from my dreamless state and couldnt wait to get off our rocking float. Barfed one more time!!
We hit shore at 4.30pm, docking outside the sea coastal area and saw a herd of fishermans fishing lined up in a big curve, standing at waist depth. Some were wearing motorbike helmets! From here, we were transfered to shallow waters via a smaller boat (we are spoiled!) and thereafter walked over seagrass over the very vast beach on low tide. Thomas and the gals saw a tiny jelly fish and puffer baby in the puddles here. ; )
Finally, off the salty beach, we decided to soak in the pool.
i was in quite a upset state because I thought I had no choice but to skip my next day dive since I'm feeling phobic toward seasickness. There was a strong resistance to do it all over again.
And I was in a space caught up over 2 things — that perhaps I'm not meant to dive at all, ever and felt bad because I broke my agreement with myself to do 2 full day dives. (Although now, i think its a silly thing.)
Night came and we treated ourselves to a lovely power nap whilst we waited for the gals to finish their 2 hour (which turned out to be 4) Nitrox class and exam. Dined at Warung Blanjong, 10 minutes from hotel. Menu was Nasi Campur Set, Chicken baked in Spices with rice, Mie Goreng & Bee Hoon Goreng. Chicken & Nasi Campur was better than Abian Boga. They give cooking lessons here! We were the only diners out of aproximately 10 tables.
Day 4 — 2nd Dive Day, Sunday
The rest left for the dive.
I stayed at the hotel. Had a full breakfast, did more reading on Lonely Planets version of Bali. And also borrowed Bonz book, 360Degrees Leaders.
At 4.30pm divers finally returned with stories of Manta at Manta Point and Mola-Mola at Crystal Bay!!!!
We promptly set out for a drive down south to catch the spectacular cliff-top temple at Pura Ulu Watu for its sunset view.
Monkeys here are wild and vicious! If tourists are not carefully hanging tight to their things, it'd be snatched. Tourists bags, necklace, spectacles and probably even cameras are all good targets! The local gate keepers help get it back at a nominal fee.
We head back up to Jimbaran beach for a very scrumptious seafood meal at Mersati. Here we see a long line of contrasting busy and quiet restaurants. The rich frequent the bigger restaurants and the medium sizes seems to have a harder time surviving during this lull period. Our restaurant was a few metres from where bali bombing happened at Four Seasons Beach front. Bombing really changed the tourism scene apparently.
The Mersati adrenalin junkie shop owner shared some of his own experiences and recommended Menjangan Wall dive as a must see. Menjangan is a Reserved Marine Park as it sits under the National Park vicinity in West Bali forests. We noticed that bali also offers white water rafting and bunjee jumping. I respect some of these entrepreneur spirit in the locals. They make the effort to improve their English language with the awareness that language is the gateway to the outside world. The bustling tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economy growth.
Time to unwind after a good meal and channel surf back at Sindhu. Amidst the dramatic TV shows and advert, managed to find Lord of the Rings on the local channel and did a crash reading to finish up my book till 4am. ; ) Tonight, news reported 3000 over victims on the Jogjakarta earth quake. God Bless their souls.
Day 5 — Central Mountains, Monday
The gals have 3 more dive days and Thomas and I begin our land trips.
9am, we start our 2 hour drive up through Ubud to see rice paddy field slopes, whizzing by the arts and crafts area by car. We were aiming to skip all shopping and go straight up to Gunung Batur (1717m) to see the volcanic cones, a double caldera and a crater lake called Lake Danau Batur. Further to its right, Gunung Agung sits on a whopping 3142m.
We lunched at the best view restuarant overseeing the Gunung Batur. Surprisingly, food was not so good for the buffet spread charged at 60,000 rp p/pax. The very hard-sell locals managed to pursuade me to buy a chopstick set with nice box carving at SGD11. I think they were really good at using a sympathetic begging tactic and I totally bought into it! Oh well, some giving never hurts.
We finally reach The Pura Tirta Empul at Tampaksiring, the holy beautiful water temple. It keeps a fresh flow of water pools and makes a sacred place where locals still visit to cleanse their mind, body and spirit. Entry fee was 6000 rp. (This is my favourite temple in this trip).
Pura Bratan was an interesting temple. To enter, we have to rent a sarong and scarf for Thomas. I brought my own. Savoured the peace and serene annd sweet air for awhile. I especially like how they tie a scarf around the tree they believe to be sacred. Bought 2 pieces of painting here and a sandal wood fan at SGD2. My driver said I should never buy at these touristy places and should've stopped at Ubud instead or I'll get ripped off.
Dozed off on our way back. Decided t o try a Spa Treatment package at US40 p/pax which we found the ginger tea far better than the massage! Thomas and I realised we are definitely not the soak and spa kind but we are the quick and hard acupressure type!
Day 6 Central Mountains — Danau Bratan (1860m to 2276m), Tuesday
We visited Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindhu-Buddhist temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. Pilgrimage and ceremonies are held here to ensure there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali. This is a very memorable view. The perky Balinese holy rooftop compliments the salem high country fir trees in the backdrop of the wide and quiet lake. We did some macro shots on flowers where the well kept Botanical Garden decorates the landscape at the entrance of the Pura.
After that, it was a short ride up further north to Gitgit Waterfalls where we walked only 200m to reach. Entrance was 3000 rp/pax and we also decided to contribute to the tour guide with a 20,000++ fee and tip. I had a nice meditation session at the falls for 30 min plus.
Coming back down, met a German chap on a bike. I decided to to support the quiet shops and purchased some vanilla pod, 2 artwork with frame (20,000rp) and Bali Tea (10,000rp). We saw coffee fruit trees and some spice trees on the way to the falls around the foresty ravines. Bali exports spices and coffee. We had a young friendly waterfall guide, not that we needed one. Kinda feeling sorry for them during the lull period.
Short drive back to Sanur at Sindhu!! Ordered the cheapest nasi goreng (9000rp for 2).
We strolled out for night walk to see lovely stars at the south beach area in the deafening night. As we passed by a few perched up windmills sitting on high bamboo sticks, the noise began. We saw a three piece giant wind flute which made a sort of eerie melody standing tall at the beachside as well.
Day 7 Kuta's famed sunset, Wednesday
Changed plans from snorkelling at Nusa Dua to spending the afternoon visiting Museum Le Mayeur at north of Sanur instead.
The Museum is actually a house which Adrien Jean Le Mayeur, a painter, trained as an architect decorated with antique stone and wood carvings collected from across Bali. He painted mainly Ni Polok, a young and beautiful Legong dancer who he later married. He at 55 years and she at 15 years old. In his painting were pictures of lovely women dancing or bathing in the rustic ambience of Balinese artchitecture house or garden pools. Medium used were oil on matt grass, canvas and charcoal. He had a unique way of painting oil with pastel shades as well. Lovely lovely works. Entrance was 2000rp per pax.
Walked a long way back to our hotel and took a dip at the pool whilst waiting for gals to get ready for a night drive south and west, to Kuta for its famed sunset and to the Warung with a courtyard at Seminyak for dinner. My Thai salad was pretty good. The rest, Indonesian Flat noodles and Glass noodles were so-so. Burger and tea was good — Halia tea, Normal tea, Ice Lemon Tea. The courtyard was surrounded by other shops like Periplus (the only book shop i've seen so far) and other fashion brands. Interesting touristy crowd too.
Arriving back to Sindhu, everybody made a pact to catch sunrise the next day!! Yippee.
Day 8 Ubud & good massage, Thursday
Crash read to finish a book till 3am. but 4.30 I'm up! So, tried going back to bed till 5am. It was probably the tea which kept me up. We're all set at 5.15 for our morning walk out to the beach! It finally came at about 6am. Hidden behind the clouds, sunrise was pretty subtle as it was cloudy. It became windy later.
Breakfast first and then we head of to Ubud for a drive around. Walked around Ubud's Monkey Forest Rd to look for Jane's Place and picked out 1 yoga bag (2500rp) and 1 sling bag (3000rp), handsewn with Ikat material.
Found a must visit massage place called Ubud Bodyworks Centre. Traditional Balinese massage (90,000rp), Therapy Massage (100,000rp) was to die for!! The garden courtyard was heavenly and rooms were simple yet cosy and breezy. We all loved it. Ginger tea was great too. See www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com. Snapped quite a few pictures here.
Left for Kuta to find accomodation at the not so new Cottages. Settled in quickly so we could visit Fajar Restaurant for a nice cheap dinner. Fried tauhu, Asam Soup, Beef stir fry, Fuyung Hai, Vege, 1 coke, 1 pineapple juice, 2 Beers, all for just 80,000rp for 4!!!
Walked around in Kuta to soak in the night life at its main streets and had 1 hr of internet (200rp p/min) for pretty slow speed to end the day.
Day 9 Surfing morning in Kuta!
A new exciting day as we struck some morning luck with a surf shop called PALU!! After savouring our last Indonesian breakfast of fried noodles, we dressed up for our first dive crash course lesson.
Did some physical prep on sand first to familiarise how to position ourselves and then 1.5 hrs soaking in the morning sun and getting wet and trashed with waves. It was pretty wow! I realised I was pretty bad at coordinating my head turn and pedalling. I hope doing more sports will help with that!
We all had a very good lessonn. USD20 p/pax for surfing lessons. He was a good teacher.
Thomas and I rush back to catch our taxi to the airport. Bought an expensive keropok packet (USD3.50) for his mum to fry (which she handed to me to do!) and had a good lunch on board our non-pack SIA flight!
The End!
May 22, 2006
Recommended Books for me to read...
1. Believing Cassandra — Alan Atkisson
2. Tipping Point
3. Lmits to Growth
4. The Gaia Hypothesis — James Lovelock
5. Science, & The Search for God — Gary Kowalski
6. In Praise of Idleness — Bertrand Russell
7. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek -- by Annie Dillard
8. Teaching a Stone to Talk : Expeditions and Encounters -- by Annie Dillard
9. For the Time Being (Vintage) -- by Annie Dillard; Paperback
Buddha of Compassion — Jinhua Mountain Anhui Province China
Maitreya Buddha — Bodh Gaya, Bihar State India
2. Tipping Point
3. Lmits to Growth
4. The Gaia Hypothesis — James Lovelock
5. Science, & The Search for God — Gary Kowalski
6. In Praise of Idleness — Bertrand Russell
7. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek -- by Annie Dillard
8. Teaching a Stone to Talk : Expeditions and Encounters -- by Annie Dillard
9. For the Time Being (Vintage) -- by Annie Dillard; Paperback
Buddha of Compassion — Jinhua Mountain Anhui Province China
Maitreya Buddha — Bodh Gaya, Bihar State India
May 21, 2006
Dipa Ma
I was passed this simple lovely book titled DiPa Ma, the life and legacy of a Buddhist Master, and when I started reading it, i couldnt put it down. In here, was a compiled story and experiences of people of this very loving enlightened being who had touched the lives of countless souls and apparently still doing so.
I was happy to have some affirmations aligned too when I read of this simple buddhist lady on not entertaining social events, visits and other gatherings that are not necessary. Its true for me that to find the peace that I seek, nothing else is needed, hence I don't enjoy it and don't want it. I used to think perhaps being non-socialble was a sign of selfishness, now i know more. Those of us who do a lot of self-work do need silent retreats and hence I question this no more.
Another lesson I learned this weekend was about Great Compassion. I tend to get myself in a frustrated situation because I hold people around me big enough to handle life and life's infinite powers. And, when people don't see it, I kept wanting to believe its because they are selling themselves short. Although I feel that by getting them to see the values of owning this infinite knowledge, that they could be a light itself for others, this could be a winwin, I still questioned whether I should or if it is my job at all. frustration sometimes occur for me when they choose not to see it and I knew feeling like this was amiss.
In an excerpt from the book, Dipa Ma said, anger is never justified. And the question i had hovering above me these few days about allowing myself to be frustrated due to my high expectation of others for their good, was answered. No matter what, I must unceasingly act out of compassion and loving kindness. Even if I know better. For everyone has their journey and takes their time to reach a certain level. I could hence embrace them when they are ready and bless them with prayers and blessings while awaiting them to arrive.
I learned so many things from her already. I have found my 3rd guru. She pierced right through my soul. What an awesome day I had. ; D
I was happy to have some affirmations aligned too when I read of this simple buddhist lady on not entertaining social events, visits and other gatherings that are not necessary. Its true for me that to find the peace that I seek, nothing else is needed, hence I don't enjoy it and don't want it. I used to think perhaps being non-socialble was a sign of selfishness, now i know more. Those of us who do a lot of self-work do need silent retreats and hence I question this no more.
Another lesson I learned this weekend was about Great Compassion. I tend to get myself in a frustrated situation because I hold people around me big enough to handle life and life's infinite powers. And, when people don't see it, I kept wanting to believe its because they are selling themselves short. Although I feel that by getting them to see the values of owning this infinite knowledge, that they could be a light itself for others, this could be a winwin, I still questioned whether I should or if it is my job at all. frustration sometimes occur for me when they choose not to see it and I knew feeling like this was amiss.
In an excerpt from the book, Dipa Ma said, anger is never justified. And the question i had hovering above me these few days about allowing myself to be frustrated due to my high expectation of others for their good, was answered. No matter what, I must unceasingly act out of compassion and loving kindness. Even if I know better. For everyone has their journey and takes their time to reach a certain level. I could hence embrace them when they are ready and bless them with prayers and blessings while awaiting them to arrive.
I learned so many things from her already. I have found my 3rd guru. She pierced right through my soul. What an awesome day I had. ; D
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