Monica's Travel Tales

Narita

2009-05-12T16:20:00.002+07:00

Hi!
Am at the Narita airport- wish I could download photos, but will have to wait until I get home.... that would be tomorrow! Had a great last couple days on Bali- in Ubud and the travel/flight part has gone well so far. Today I got in early here and with the thought of a 13 hour layover,I went crazy and escaped the airport! I met a guy from LA on the flight from Bali and we chatted and he told me this amazing temple that was close to the airport here, so I followed his advice- left the airport, caught the Nikko Hotel shuttle bus, got off there, had breakfast at the hotel, then caught the free shuttle into the train station, where I cruised thru the sweet town to the Naritasan Temple and park. IT was SUCH a GREAT way to spend the whole day. I met an Indian man living in Vancouver,BC who was out looking for something to see, so we checked out the temple together until his flight, then I just stayed up there, napped on the cool marble floors, walked in the woods, took photos, listened to the creek and birds and had some temple-time too. I walked around on some paths and in neighborhoods and did not get too lost! I then did the reverse, got back to the airport, bought a hot shower and feel good. What an adventure! I was gone 8 hours! I have a few yen left, so will get some sake and hang out in the massage chairs for the next 2 hours. Have some journal writing to do, thanks to my assignment form Shawna! Photos next blog in a day or two-after i get home. Talk to you all soon....

back on Bali-

2009-05-09T11:05:00.002+07:00

Hi-
Just got back on Bali after an amazing 5 days on Rinca/Flores. We saw a HUGE Komodo dragon-, did some great snorkeling and then did the "forced march" of a 3 day drive from Labuanbajo to Maumere- could not wait to get out of the car! Many adventures to tell, but gotta go and check into our hotel here in Bali and do some shopping and relaxing by the pool- only a couple of days left- yikes!!!

more photos- sorry the labels are off......

2009-05-03T18:52:00.003+07:00

photos are:
1. mom dropping me at Maui airport
2. my job withthe shuttle company in HNL - loading the bus so that I did not miss my flight!
3. My JAL 747 to Narita and then to Bali
4. Crazy Japanese toilet with buttons to spray "rear", play sounds to disguise what you are doing - funny!
5. Me at the Narita airport- on my way!

2009-05-03T18:19:00.005+07:00

School Kid in Bali

First Bali dinner- PRAWNS!

Good iced coffee in Kuta

Balinese dancing

Beautiful garden at Puri Bambu

Back on Bali- with internet!

2009-05-03T17:54:00.002+07:00

Arrived back to our Bali hotel- the Puri Bambu near the airport in Bali. We are just here for the night as we will fly out tomorrow to Flores and Rinca/Komodo for about 5 days, then back to Bali for 2 days, then back to Maui on the 12th.
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It is so nice to have fast internet in a comfortable place. I have been able to resize some of the first set of photos taken and will post them next. Finally. And in the morning , or later, I will try to download the photos on the camera from Ubud, Sulawesi and the Gillis and maybe post some of them too. Not enough time to do it all!
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We had a nice stay on Gilli Tarawagan- 3 nights there. Rented a boat, captain and guide for the day and went snorkeling around the islands. I was quite disappointed with the lack of life, poor visibility and heavily touristed aspect of it. I am so spoiled by Maui and from the diving in Sulawesi that was absolutely unbelievable. Dan did enjoy it though, as he was able to see some of the colorful sponges, corals and fish in the Indonesian underwater world that I had been raving about after my Sulwesi diving. We watched some surfing at some hot spots- kids and adults at separate breaks. To get to the Gillis, we flew from Bali to Lombok, then took a boat to the Gillis. Today we took a fast boat (2 hours) from Gilli T to Bali. What a ride! People got quite tossed around and Dan and I got soaked from the wild water near Bali that makes Indo famous for its surfing. *********************************************************************************
Backing up a bit- just to note- we both got VERY sick for a couple of days. We took Malarone for the mosquitoes on Sulawesi the day we left Bali. We both had terrible side-effects, dizziness, nausea, headaches, bodyaches, then the intestinal stuff set-in. We were really sick in Manado while we waited for transportation to Pulisan Jungle Beach Resort in Northern Sulwesi. That awesome place is where we recovered, vowed never to take Malarone again and enjoyed a fantastic 5 days of walking, snorkeling, diving, walking in the jungle and seeing hornbills, sea eagles, tarsiers, black macaques and being off the grid. We may have contacted some bug at the same time as the Malarone side-effects, but we will blame it on the Malarone!
Well, will post some photos now and try to download more later. Who knows what kind of internet we will have in Labuanbajo and Rinca etc. Hope to do one more day of diving while on that part of the adventure. Here are the photos- thanks for the comments!
Monk

Gillis- slow internet

2009-05-01T17:19:00.004+07:00

Hiya-
Here on Gilli Trawagan, enjoying a sweet spot on the North shore- quiet, amazing villa-like accomodation, great food, biking and trying to avoid the disrespectful, scantilly-clad tourists.
Internet is soo slow, so no photos to upload yet. Tomorrow we are chartering a boat to go around the other islands and snorkeling, then trying to get a flight to Flores to go to the volcano region and to see the dragons.
Amazing weather! Indo people so nice- very sincere and helpful. Enjoying the trip, healing well from my recent heart-stomping on Maui. Adventures and laughs, birds and shells galore! Loving being on the water.
Will write and photos when I can....

limited internet

2009-04-30T11:16:00.002+07:00

Hi All!
Wow- finally back in civilization after a week in Northern Sulawesi- absolutely amazing. The internet access and speed has been beyond challenging and frustrating, so finally came to the Sheraton Hotel here on Lombok to get access - although I may be paying for a room rate for the privilege! No time to blog now- need to get on to other adventures and the boats await to take us to the Gillis- hopefully, if not, we will got tomorrow for a few days, then on to Flores and Rince, to see volcanoes and dragons. Sorry there is very little blogging going on- hard to get to internet!!! Hi and good health to all!

Eventful travel to Bali

2009-04-21T03:21:00.002+07:00

Here in Bali- soft, sweet air, great food and lots of smiles. Have been here at the Puri Bambu Resort for 2 days and 3 nights now. We got here on Saturday. Dan arrived here in the afternoon and I got in late after flight from Maui to Honolulu, night in Waikiki and then an 8 hour flight to Tokyo, 4 hour layover in Narita airport, and 7 hour flight into Bali. (Japan Airlines is wonderful, but the food is pretty bad.) The packing and all preparations went well (with the exception of Kaiser messing up Dan's vaccination appointments and medicines which finally got worked out the day before he left)and mom took me to the airport with time to spare. 15 minutes before my flight left to Honolulu, I realized I had lost my Visa debit card- probably left it in the machine when i went to withdraw some cash for Starbucks! Panic!!! I had to have that card to get on the Japan Airlines flights to Bali the next morning early. They require that they see the card that you bought your E-ticket with. Total meltdown in Maui airport. With amazing help from airport policemen,John (my Southpoint neighbor), Keone and Nathan, I was able to get on a later Hawaiian flight, make calls to bank, Japan Airlines, hotel in Waikiki, mom, etc. It was a very stressful 3 hours while I contacted people to write and send faxes and documentation for cancelled card, etc. Mom brought me my phone and her ATM card to use on the trip. Everyone pitched in to help me out and in the face of all the craziness, I kept thinking how silly it was that I was stressing over a VACATION. I realized how fortunate I am that THAT is what my biggest stress factor is in my life right now, and that I have such wonderful people supporting me in many ways. Thank you to you all who are there for me!!!!!

So, Bali. Have not done a whole lot yet. Been eating good food that is very inexpensive. Got a massage and body scrub here at our sweet resort- the Puri Bambu Resort in Jimbaran- South of the airport and away from to much of the Kuta craziness. We took the shuttle into Kuta, where we shopped in the local market and also in the tourist streets for clothespins and a shirt for Dan and a skirt for me. The clothing is so gorgeous! We found a sweet, cool restaurant where we had "Vanilla Black"- a coffee with ice cream drink- so refreshing in the heat. We had had enough of the heat, dirt, noise and constant harassment to enter shops and buy things, so we returned with shuttle to the Resort and hung at the pool. I am still having a hard time adjusting to the time/date change, so I am so sleepy at 8 pm and wide awake at 2:20 am! Have been sneaking around the resort skinny dipping and working in the Internet room the last 2 nights at 3am!

Dan is a wonderful travel companion; so thoughtful, easy going, fun, respectful- now if I can get the snoring thing worked out! We make a good team and I imagine the rest of trip will be as easy with him as the last 2 days.

Well, going to post this blog and come in later this morning and post photos on the next blog (camera in the room right now). Stay tuned for some fun adventures- going to northern Bali- Lovina, etc. and then on the night of the 23rd to Northern Sulawesi for 6 days of diving and jungle adventure!

Has it been almost a year?

2009-04-16T05:22:00.002+07:00

Wow- how time flies. Decided to stay living on Maui instead of moving to New Zealand, and here I am preparing for another trip! It has been a year full of living...
I have worked as a PT in home health and aquatics, worked on the snorkeling boat occasionally and at the massage school supervising once per week. Mom is doing great!!! She has been accompanying Lola, Taddy (friend) and I on our morning walks along Sugar Beach. She is still doing water aerobics 3 times per week but had a couple of weeks off after having some small skin cancers removed from face and arms. She now wears a long-sleeved shirt! Lola is ok, although missing living up in Kula (we rented there for 6 months) where she had run of the neighborhood with bright stars and more wild smells. She enjoys her wave chasing at the beach! We are now at mom's as in December I had a left shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery and have been rehabbing since. Too slow for me, but it IS healing and am back to some light functional activities now. Have had some visitors: Reggie, Tam and Dana, and Shawna- nice! Have been tried emotionally this year with love-life. Am on my way to healing from that; friends and family remind me to hold to my standards and not settle for less than honesty and loving care in my relationships. AND great news...... travels again! Off to Honolulu tomorrow and then to Bali on Friday. Will be traveling with friend, Danny, whom I have known from volleyball for many years. A good travel buddy I am sure. Stay tuned for photos and travel adventures!!!!!

more Maui photos

2008-06-03T23:05:00.003+07:00

Me diving/flying... so free

Fireworks at Wailea

Shawna during her visit- out on the Seafire (boat I work on)

Lola taking a break from chasing waves at our beach

Maui life

2008-06-03T22:53:00.005+07:00

My funny Japanese desk with built-in light. It was 1/2 off at Salvation Army!

Backyard project- stone walkway from gate to lanai- thank you Robert for assistance!

Stone window box- notice MOM done in shells

Mom and I at our beach

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Hi!Here are some photos for you all to enjoy! Now that I am back on Maui, blogs will be sporadic. I did get my desk and little bit of an office beginning to be set up (photo) so now it will be easier to be on the computer. Also, since I have lots of computer time coming up (doing all the NZ qualification stuff) I will just naturally be here, so check from time to time to see if I have had any Maui adventures! Take care!
Monk

end of NZ trip photos-hawaii life

2008-05-30T14:00:00.003+07:00

Hi All-Too tired to post photos tonight- will do tomorrow!
Back on Maui now. Warm temps, soothing water, my sweet motocycle to ride, good family and friends, but missing somethings about New Zealand. Has been good to have some time with friends to further proces my trip's experiences. Many mahalos to all my friends who have spent time listening to my NZ tales and helping me get perspective on the lessons learned and gifts recieved throughout the trip! I am finally starting to settle in here; getting a bigger bed and desk for the room, got a printer and will make my office area so that I can start the NZ qualifications paperwork for my working and residency (lots of documents!). Will post some photos now of the end of the trip and some fun ones of life present and recent past here on Maui. This will be the last blog until some new excitement happens here......
Vaya con Dios!
Monk

Christchurch

2008-05-23T13:02:00.003+07:00

Hi-
Stayed last night in a seaside motor camp about 20km north of Christchurch- can't remember the name of the place, but sweet and surrounded by hiking, biking, walking and nature trails. Talked with the receptionist, Jaquie, for awhile about men and relationships-good for both of to try and figure it all out, but nothing really solved! Had a long, nice spa, then made soem food and worked on packing up stuff in the van- mostly going through receipts and finding MIKE stuff to purge! Had another excellent night of sleep- albeit quite short as I have had a hard time putting down the Pam Houston books to go sleep!- Thanks Shawna! Woke up early as usual, rain had stopeed, but cloudy and cold! Got into lots of layers and went for a most fantastic walk and RUN on the beach and trails!!! Took another spa and showered and made my way toward Christchurch town. Stopped at a Wat and had a talk withthe Monk there- said my prayers and on into the city. Arrived at the Dorset House- NICE. Cleaned and gave up my van - slightly teary-eyed! Went to town- to the Art Center, galleries, shops, the Botanical garden and then, FOR SHAWNA, went to the Dux Lux and had some seafood chowder and microbrews while checking out the locals. What a scene- good to see the groups of all ages gathered drinking lots of beer. Am back at the Dorset House now with the nasty job of PACKING- blah! Will arise at 4:15 for 4:45 shuttle for 6:55 flight to Auklamd. Will be there until 11 am departure for Honolulu - then will see Mahina at 10 pm and stay the night thee- back to Maui at about noon I think/

So, end of the New Zealand trip. There have been so many mixed emotions on this trip. Found lots of solitude-which was my goal, checked out the country to live, goal met and got cooled down- ready for a hot summer on Maui!
See some of you soon, thinking about you all and how blessed I am to have you all in my life.
Hugs and health to you all!!!
Monk

more photos of last days...

2008-05-22T08:03:00.003+07:00

Heart rocks at West coast river

Weka at Pancake Rocks- fed him oats and nuts

Wool and sheep sign- love my merino wool!!

Sunrise at Mt Hutt, Methven

Entrance to Methven schools

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last days- last postings....

2008-05-22T07:44:00.003+07:00

Apples and Kiwi at near Nelson

South Island West coast sunset

Moonrise at Fox Bay- West coast with Tyson and Oscar dog

Pancake rocks - West Coast

Me in early morning at Pancake Rocks

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Hi!
Still in Methven-inside as it rains all over NZ. Had 2 casual interviews today- witha primary school principal (THIS one maybe HAS principals Shawna!) and a physiotherapist. All good prospects here in this town, but nothing for certain and so will see how all goes after I get my qualifications and licenses taken care of. Anyway, LOVE this town and the delightful people in it. After my run at Peel Forest yesterday and posting last eve, I decided to head into the "Brown Pub". A local pub. I walked in in my shorts and running shoes to be the ONLY woman except one bartender and about 20 men- most in carharts, jeans, baseball hats, wooly jumpers. All eyes turned and I had to ask "are women allowed in here?" They got a kick out of that. I was assured yes, they were and more women did show up later as the pool contests started. I hade a naked Glen Fidditch and pumpkin soup and watched the pool game and one brave man, Doug, came up to my table and started a conversation. He was, a newbie in town- 2 weeks from the deep South of NZ, a diesel mechanic who made me feel at home. Nice. So, I have seen the night, off-season scene for Methven. Had a good night in the camper park, interviews this am and now off to Christchurch motorpark where I will try and pack a bit, write postcards (I have lots of NZ stamps that have gone unused- thank you Mike) and enjoy the sound of the rain on the roof. Will stay in the Dorset House in Christchurch tomorrow night and then fly out early in the morning. Feling a bit glad to be leaving NZ- what with the rain, and quite a bit to try and process about this trip. It will be nice to be home with Lola and mom and warmth with friends around. Hoping that this feeling of having to work hard not to feel "trashed" by my romantic experience here will leave soon. So, off to post photos!!! Last ones for the NZ trip!

From Abel to Mt. Hutt

2008-05-21T13:42:00.002+07:00

Hi!
Will be a short blog as I am FREEZING in my wet shirts and shorts after a GREAt rail run at Peel Forest. Currently I am in Methven, at the base of Mt Hutt. A cool ski town that I have had 2 interviews in and 2 more tomorrow morning. the people are soo wonderful here!!! Arrived here after leaving the North coast and Able Tasman, down the West coast where I enjoyed the wild ocean beaches and cliffs and met Tyson and Oscar. Wish I had more time to spend with you- hope you visit this website and I hear from you! Over Arthur's Pass- beautiful, grand mountains with such amazing, sunny days for like almost 2 weeks now! Stumbled upon Methven and met Lyn from Wombat's Ski Shop, and Mark form the motor camp where I stay and decided to check out the town- really like it, so maybe future is here. Also, drove to Geralidine- heard it was quit nice and it is- a bit largert than Methven, so will contact the PTs and Principals there tomorrow. Well, off for a hot shower, warm clothes and to make some arrangements for a hotel for night after tomorrow as I return van then. Will fly out of Christchurch on Sat am to Aukland and then on to Honolulu where I will stay with Mahina for the night, then back on Maui on Saturday ( we are a day ahead here). So, will try and post photos from Christchurch!
Hugs and happiness to you all-
Monk

more photos and summary

2008-05-19T06:09:00.003+07:00

Me at cafe near Taupo

Mudbaths in Rotorua area

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How can I summmarize all this!!! So many great travels! I have put the photos in reverse order- sorry, so the past to most recent start with mud bath in Rotorua and end as of this morning with the scene of Motueku-. Having trouble remembering how to spell any of these towns- even the mountain's name in the photo I butchered.

So, going back....
I departed Rotorua after Mike (the used heart salesman selling false goods) left, and headed to Taupo- did the skydiving. Went to Paraparaumu near Wellington and got my heartbroken with a text message and phone calls- stayed with Stacy and Peter and Tui- so maazing. I was really hurting then, but bucked up and headed on down to take ferry from Welling of North Island to Picton of South Island. Met Las Vegan boys and Irma form South Australia. She was traveling alone in a van, so we camped together, drank wine and helped each other through some of our life's pain and decisions. Thank you Irma!!! Went for an amazing early, cold, morning run to the marina in the photo. So beautiful and clear and made my wishes with wish rocks and said prayers and started day out strong!! Drove on to Nelson- ok city, but too much logging for me to really like it. Then went west to the town of Marahau (something like that) that is the take-off point for Able Tasman Park. Decided to do a trek- try out my new pack and tent! WOW- did a nice pack the first day and camped on this beach all alone!! Made a rat sized fire and ran, stretched and danced on the beach to an almost full moon. Slept so peacufully, no bad feelings- so happy and complete. Did the second day of a KILLER hike/run with my 45 pund pack needing to catch a water taxi out at 3 pm- 5 hours to do 10 miles of up=hill and downhill- made it in enough time to eat lunch and have a dip at the end of the trek in the ocean. So great. Spent so many hours hiking and thinking and processing. I GOT it about Mike and I- he was just caught up in the idea of me- his almost perfect woman that he had imagined, but didn't have the feelings to back it up. All he did was for us/him and it was not about me and who i was or was not. So, I am ok- seriously got it and after all my wishes and prayers, the pain is gone, replaced by thoughts and lessons learned and hopes for the future - note- read my new sayings in my profile.
Well, feelingn good- off to the western shore of the south island- down to Arthur's Passs and need to be in Christchurch in like 4 days.
So, thanks for checking in!
Will blog when i can!!!
Hugs and good health to you all!
Monk

more photos

2008-05-19T06:03:00.003+07:00

Marina near Picton camping

Ferry ride into Picton

Me on the ferry-met nice people!

Wellington from top of ferry

Me at Paraparaumu Beach-Stacy and Peter's home here

heart healing adventures-photos!!!

2008-05-19T05:45:00.005+07:00

A beautiful valley-Motoeka

Sunrise at Te Pukatea Beach- my camp spot - ALONE!

Me on Abel Tasman beach

Swinging bridge on Abel trek

Start of Abel trek

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Hi!
Lots of photos- finally able to down load them to CD and resize them for blog. I will put photos on first, then do a summary....

heartache in Kiwi land

2008-05-14T07:18:00.002+07:00

Hi All-
Quote for the day found in on the kitchen counter of where I am staying:
"...Go in the strength that you have..." Judges 6:14

Well, as some of you may notice, a photo (of Mike and I) has been deleted from last blog. That is because the relationship that held such great promise is no longer. I'll spare you all the details, suffice to say he is emotionally unready? unable? to deeply love me. Maybe he will wake up one day and feel it- who knows? (So, Tom, guess I will be coming home after all). Feeling pretty trashed today- could take a while for my blogs to take on that adventurous tone again, but will heal and I will get back on the horse as soon as I am able. Thanks to all those wonderful friends that give me my strength, filling me with the love and support and great ideas for the future and reminding me that I am loveable and it's HIS loss.

So, am done venting, blabbing, explaining and now to where I am....
I am in the town of Paraparaumu just north of Wellington on the Tasman sea. It is a beautiful day and soon I will go back to Stacy and Peter's home and take the dog Tui, to the beach. Shawna introduced me to Stacy as they are friends from Oregon State Univ. and Stacy has married Peter the Kiwi and they work here for the DOC. So nice to have their wonderful hospitality, especially in the midst of my drama.

Well, out into the sun- offering all my emotions into the skies, praying for clarity and healing for us all here on Earth.

Thanks again friends and family.
monk

Rotorua and Taupo

2008-05-12T13:33:00.006+07:00

At the door- 15K feet

Beautiful Rotorua sunset

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Wow! Am pretty high just now! Today was a beautiful day- clear and sweet upon awakening in Rotorua. Took an early morning dip in the mineral pools and set out for Taupo. Stopped for coffee ann carrot cake at a sweet (Honey Place) cafe, sat in the sun and got an urge to go skydive. Called up a place and they said, yah- come on over for an 11:45 jump.

Went theere and suited up and with about 5 others jupers and ourt tandem guides, juped from the plane at 15,000 feet. I loved it, except for the ice cold and plugged ears of the free fall part, amazing to play over beautiful Lake Taupo. Ga photo and the DVD too, so proof! Then came to town, and then hiked/ran 2 hours to Huku Falls, came back to town, got out of the sweaty clothes, grabbeed "Pure Blond" beer from the fridge of the totally cool van that I live in, and am here emailing, blogging and Skyping. Going to phone mom for mom's day next. AND, then will head to the hot springs cmaping resort for a soak!!!
What a day!!!
Am posting a couple of photos- am trying to shrink things- not working too well, but here are some. And for the finale, is news- I have met a wonderful Kiwi man, Mike who has been joining me for some of my/our travels when not working in Auckland.

Well, poting photos next. Off to Wellington tomorrow and then to the South Island!
Take care all!

In Rotorua

2008-05-08T08:18:00.004+07:00

Morning tea in the mineral pool in Rotorua

On boat in Bay of Islands

Beach at Paihia-Bay of Islands
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Hi from Rotorua!
Partly sunny/cloudy day here after fully sunny day yesterday while i drove from Auckland through nice country to my holiday camping park by Rotorua Lake. Warm mineral spring water to soak away my cares and heal all. It amazes me how it just comes up out of the ground all over the place- middle of a street, alongside a building- funny! Am enjoying my little van- so cozy and a pretty good ride too. So, am in town now- at internet place- wanted to put up more photos, but having trouble editing to make small, so only 3 this time. Am going for some hikes and also to find the Dept of Conservation office so that i can ask about backpacking for a few days, and the weather and all. So, that's it for now!
Hope you are all great!
M

NZ photos

2008-05-07T05:19:00.004+07:00

Me at Ngunguru with last night's heavy rain in boat

Shells at sunrise at Matauri Bay

Central far Northland countryside

East coast near Whale Bay

GREEN taxi in Auckland

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Hi!
Been in Auckland for a couple of days visiting new friends (Mike, Joyce and Tiggy the cat), seeing and playing on the beach at the ocean on the east and west, running around suburban ponds, cooking good food and sharing good conversations and histories. What wonderful, generous hosts I have had! It's the 7th and I am back on the road in a few minutes, headed to Rotorua. I am posting some photos- funny- where are all of the photos of sheep??? I never seem to be able to pull off the road to take photos of them- but there ARE so many, covering the green hillsides. Have had some heavy rain- usually at night, so no problems. DID do a very nice 2 hour hike up to the lookout tower in the Kauri Forest where I got POURED on for about 45 mins of the hike. BUT, I had my raincoat and trusty umbrella (yes, in the forest) and had a nice , slippery hike anyway. Traveled from the Northeast at Paihia (last blog) across the country to the northwest and down the West coast through the Waipoua kauri forest and into the kumara farming flats near Wellsford just north of Auckland. Bought a big bag of Kuara (like garnet yams but SO much better) from a roadside stand and had some baked for dinner last night- tender and sweet!!! YUM! So much beautiful country here!!!!

Well, will post some photos and get on the road!!!
Hugs to you all!
Monk

photos!

2008-05-02T12:29:00.005+07:00

Hi Alll!
Photos of a few things. This shop is about to close, so no time fror details, but you can get an idea of how great the trip is so far.
In Pahia now, heading southward tomorrow- maybe go to see the giant Kauri trees, pass through Aukland and then down toward the volcanic region of Rotarua.

The Kiwis are amazing. Will tell tales as soon as I can stay in a town long enough to hang at an internet. Went out on a cruise today in the Bay of Islands- so beautiful this country. Got brought an amazing dinner by a Maori family while camping- so generous!

Well, off to search for a dinner place, then maybe can find another internet place to email some of you and give more details.
Bye!

New Zealand- Auckland arrival

2008-04-26T02:10:00.002+07:00

Hi All- Made it here to Auckland. Amazing city- had a day of sun! My time on this computer is running out, so just a note to say that later tonight i will wrtie another blog and try and put some photos of Auckland on it, although I did not have my camera on the sunny yesterday and today looks a bit rainy/cloudy. Anyway, having fun here- beautiful dity and nice folks!
Later! Hey- Mr. P- email me, ok?

Last of Peru/Bolivia photos

2008-04-16T10:11:00.004+07:00

Breathtaking Machu Picchu, steep stairs at Waynapicchu-Machu Picchu, The mighty Amazon, me on Chalalan Lake-Amazon jungle, terrifying bus rides-notice the gas truck we will pass on a blind curve

More Peru/Bolivia photos

2008-04-16T10:02:00.004+07:00

Train trip to Aguas Caliente-Machu Picchu, Lima coastline, me in jungle attire, swimming in Madidi Park, hiking in Huaraz

Peru and Bolivia photos

2008-04-16T09:54:00.002+07:00

The Peruvian Andes, in the truck and the group while biking in the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Caiman in Madidi Park-Amazon jungle

Maui life and upcoming travels

2008-04-16T09:17:00.004+07:00

Hi-
Been here on Maui for a few months, getting Lola ready for moving to New Zealand without the quarantine time, remodeling mom's condo- inside and out, working doing fill-in PT, crewing on the snorkel boat, and watching Lola chase waves at the beach. Mom has been great- still strong and happy at 86. This busy time is coming to an end as I leave in a week for a 1 month trip in a camper van around New Zealand, looking for my next home and place of exploration. Had some trouble with my camera in Peru and Bolivia, so many photos unfocused, but have edited and saved a few and will post them after this post. May not have a camera for the New Zealand trip- but will try and blog occasionally anyway. After my 1 month trip, I will decide where and when to move next- maybe New Zealand, depending on what i find there.

Peru and Bolivia travels

2007-11-07T00:49:00.000+07:00

Hi All- Finally got time and my blog password so that i can write a bit.....

This trip has been great. Vicky and I had lots of adventures starting with Lima, then on to Iquitos in the Amazon where I swam with and ate pirhanas. Found and ate grubs that were delicious toasted! We started our careers as Pisco Sour Tasters there in the jungle- love those drinks! Didn't see too much wildlife and got an eye infection, so we left the jungle and back to Lima where we arrived to a toatlly deserted town...

...it was Census day so all the people, including us, had to stay in our hotel- with no food! The town was deserted, but after we got censused as tourists, we went walking and searching for food. Found some policemen that took us in their car to a shop, make the guy open it for us so that we could buy a bunch of junk food, beer and fruit, then drove us back. The people here have been so great, except for in the areas where there is heavy tourism, then they can get very obnoxious with begging and selling.

We then took a bus to Huaraz, in the Cordillera Blancas where we had fun on a day hike up and up and up and down and down and down through beautiful mountains. That is where we met our new friends, Chantal and Elodie who we were to travel and meet up with again. Us 4, on the bus, back to Lima for a flight to Cusco in which they held the plane for us as we ran across the tarmac to board the plane. So funny!

Stayed in Cusco and met up with the girls for fun dinners and breakfasts. Also, our hotel manager invited us to do a before race preivew mountain bike ride downhill near the town of Coya in the Sacred Valleyu where he was from. Very casual and impromtu invite and next thing we know, we are riding with about 6 boys and men and 10 bikes in an ancient county dumptruck up and up and up to the top of the mountain where we got on bikes and rode like the wind down and down and down. Great time with lots of laughs- got a great video and photos of the ride. The girls went on theirInca Trail (Lares Valley) trek and Vicky and I went via train to Aguas Calinete for the night with an early morn trip up to Macchu Picchu- amazing- I cried as I saw it-words can´t even descibe it.

Back to Cusco where I saw Vicky off at the airport and wited for the girls to finish their trek. Traveled via bus from Cusco to Puno on the shore of Lake Titcaca where we took a boat out to and stayed the night on Amantani Island and walked on Taquille Island. Lake Titicaca is huge and amazing and had a cold swim there.

Arrived yesterday here in La Paz, Bolivia via Copacabana and Puno on Lake Titicaca. Sunny weather! Will go into the jungle tomorrow into Madidi Park and will see some wildlife and hope to heat more grubs if possible! The back to La Paz and to Tiahuanaco and up into the amazing mountians here for a day hike or two. Was planning on doing a nice 4 day trek, but can´t as it had started rainy season and they stop the hikes as too dangerous. So, day hike it will be i guess.

Well, I will post photos when time- maybe even after i arrive home as it will be easier with the technology and time.

Thanks for following the travels! Photos to follow soon!!!
Monica

it worked!... more photos-life at my house...

2007-09-09T02:13:00.000+07:00

trying to post small photos....

2007-09-09T01:43:00.001+07:00

leaving Arizona soon- new adventures!

2007-09-09T01:34:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Have been here in Az for awhile- enjoying the desert and its creatures (scorpions abound right now) and still have only dial-up, so no photos to post as it takes FOREVER to do anything with a file over 10kbs. So, just an update this time. Will be leaving here on Sept 26th for a drive to Cal. where I will visit a few friends and family before flying to Maui for a week and then off to Peru and Bolivia for 5 weeks for travel. I will take photos there and will post them and keep ou abreast of my adventures. Then back to Maui for a little while- not sure how long... More on that as it pans out.
Thanks for watching these postings!
Monk

last? of the snow photos

2007-02-12T12:00:00.000+07:00

more snow in the desert

2007-02-12T11:58:00.000+07:00

desert photos & ...snow?????

2007-02-12T11:10:00.000+07:00

desert life

2007-02-12T10:58:00.000+07:00

Hi All-
Temporarily have a DSL connection (instead of my slow dial-up at home) and can post some new photos!

Am enjoying living in the country with all that it has to offer. The commute to work is long, almost an hour, but half of it is beautiful desert country. Lola is loving the country life too as she and I can roam the arroyos and dirt roads. Am looking to buy a mtn. bike this week as I am surrounded by great biking. Next weekend my old buddy from Alpine Meadows snow School, Tom, is coming for a 4 day visit and we will do some biking and exploring. Next month, Pooh (Piyathida) from Thailand (and most recently Northern Illinois Uni. where she is studying and teaching on a Fullbright scholarship) will be flying in and we will do a week-long road trip to the Grand Canyon and to Canyon De Chelley. Should be a great trip!

Am enjoying working at the Aquatic Neurological Rehab Center. Some days I am in the pool quite a bit and am I ever whooped at night!!! Do enjoy the work and coworkers there immensly.

Well, that's the news! Did I post my mailing address yet? Here it is: PO Box 31532 Tucson, AZ 85751-1532

Photos next.....
Take care- love to hear from you all!
Monica

rest of house view photos

2007-01-01T23:37:00.000+07:00

tucson update ,new numbers-photos too! Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T23:29:00.000+07:00

Hi all! Happy New Year!
Am moving today to my little house in the country. Here are some photos! My new numbers are:
home: 520 647-7170
cell: 520 668-9529

Christmas in Tucson

2006-12-25T22:41:00.000+07:00

Hi all!
Merry Christmas!
Wow, has it ever been a long time since i was last blogging!!! Been waiting to settle a bit, and I am getting there now. Well, for a short while I guess- you know -a rolling stone gathers no moss...

So, news here-
Lola and I arrived in Tucson in late November after spending Thanksgiving Day with Tamara, Dana and her mom and George in LA. We have been welcomed into my friend and ex-landlady, Benita's, house where her 5 Japanese Chins and old Bouvier terrorized Lola for a week before she finally got used to them and they to her. My catering job turned out to be a joke-guess the owner has some problems-so Benita helped me to get a job with her company. I struggled, fanagled, pleaded, promised cookies etc., with the HI and AZ PT boards and last week got my AZ PT license, so now I am a physical therapist working in Assisted Living facilities with the elderly. LOVE the people, coworkers are great, but gobs of redundant paperwork- BLAH!

Lola and I are moving next week to the country. We are renting a nice 1 BR house about 15 miles SE of Tucson. It's 3.6 miles on a decent dirt road on 5 acres. It is boarding Nat Park and BLM land, so great for our hiking! I am looking forward to living surrounded by stars and coyote howls and even those pesky javelina!

My cell phone does not work out there, but I will have a regular phone. My numbers are:

H: 520 647-7170
C: 520 664-8650

My physical and UPS address is:
7641B S. Pistol Hill Rd.
Vail, AZ 85641

Don't have a mailing address yet as I have to get to the post office to get a box and haven't had time yet.

I am going out there today to do some cleaning and to drop some things off, so I will take some photos and put them on a blog. The nice landladies will be putting in new carpeting this week sometime, so should be moving in next weekend (New Year's).

Well, it is another beautiful but chilly day here, so I am going to go out hiking and to the new house now.

My thoughts are with you all!!!!!
Take care-
Monica Monk

more photos

2006-11-01T08:42:00.000+07:00

My classroom and students Lola at Yong Ling Beach. She did not want to leave the beach!

Goodby dinner with some my fellow teachers. Lola and I at Sairung waterfall

The Vegetarian Festival parade. Notice the guy with the skewered face with the flower garlands hanging from it.

photos

2006-11-01T08:37:00.000+07:00

Above: Libong Island at the Nature Resort Above: Nab's feast. My friend on Libong made this amazing dinner for us!

Left: "Botox Johnny" our resident stray dog.

heading out....

2006-10-29T21:26:00.000+07:00

Yep, heading out of Thailand in 4 days! Lola and I are packing up (well, she is “assisting” me), saying our goodbyes and flying out via Thai Air- the dog friendly airline. Happy and a bit sad to leave.

I will miss many things about Thailand…
…nam taohoo (fresh, hot, soymilk) especially with silken tofu and ginger!- (thank you Hong!)
…bronze skin and white smiles
…so many generous, friendly people!
…crazy bird cry in the morning (sounds like a mad woman’s shriek)
…the lovely teachers and friends here
…knome jeam (Christie- will you send me some in the US?)
…the smooth, deliberate (and sometimes makeshift my hands-are-full) Wai greeting
…colorful, jasmine scented spirit houses and Temples
…chanting Buddhist monks lulling me into deep spirituality
…the sound of victorious Thai accented English voices as they tell me they got accepted into a PhD program abroad, or a job in America after I helped them study
…going “out” to eat for less than $1
…kanah vegetable
...fresh King Montong DURIAN season
…riding “Red” along the dirt canal roads and waving to the kids and ladies as they yell “Hello, hello!”
…empty beaches full of sea shells
…arrogant foreigners (usually Westerners)
…cheap cell phone programs
…the warmth
…excellent, cheap dental care
…pharmacists that diagnose and provide inexpensive medicines without seeing a doctor
…cultural, religious FESTIVALS all throughout the year
…not too many laws-or enforcement thereof- like speed limits, firecrackers, etc.

Things I will not miss…
…starving, mangy, neglected, abused dogs everywhere
…rubber processing stink permeating the air
… burn piles of garbage full of toxics like plastic
…vehicles spewing black, noxious fumes
…lying, deceitful, ignorant, coworkers
…vans/busses/ inconsiderate people noise early in the morning
…stink eye from the van driver/dog hater
…construction across the street from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm
…watching blatant nose picking (at the dinner table especially)
…Slapstick “comedy” on TV
…TV commercials selling whitening products so that the Thai women will only think they are beautiful if they buy the cream, use it and become white skinned
…hong nams with only water and no TP (how DO the Thais manage not to walk around with big wet spots on their pants?)
…the humidity
…beaches covered in trash and broken glass
…litter thrown anywhere and everywhere

So, it is a mixed bag. Like everywhere, I guess. The negatives are pretty overpowering, so I will leave. Hope you will like the photos- I am enjoying my camera immensely!

My itinerary is a bit vague after I fly into LAX on November 3rd. I know that I will be at my buddy Reggie’s house in Hughson (near Modesto) for a week or so and we will hike around in Yosemite a bit. Then will visit friends and family in Sac area, then up to visit Shawna in Oregon- can’t wait to have a cup of coffee with her!- then I guess down to Arizona where I will work somewhere for a few months before I take Lola to Hawaii. I hope to visit as many of you special people as I can. Be in touch via email and let me know if you have time to hook-up, ok?

Well, lots to do-
Hope you are all well and happy!
Monica

last of the recent photos

2006-08-07T21:51:00.000+07:00

On our road trip to Krabi it rained much of the time and was just gray the rest. So, on the way back, we couldn't get to a hot spring and waterfall as the road was washed out by the river.
This is the exquisite "Fishy Boy" or "Mr. Fishy" to some. He is very spoiled and loves it when his Auntie Pilek ( a sweet lady i work with) brings him live mosquito larvae to eat!

more recent photos

2006-08-07T21:35:00.000+07:00

Lola on her first road trip in a car that I rented. We went to Krabi-about 2.5 hours north of Trang, but it took aobut 6 hours as i had to stop often to let Lola out to toss her cookies. She was sick most of the day, but on the way back, she was seasoned enough and almost seemed to enjoy the ride! Note placement of steering wheel-on right side and we drive on the left side of the road here.
Lola Tin Tin

recent photos

2006-08-07T21:22:00.000+07:00

Lola and I on my 47th at Ratchamongkong Beach near Trang

The Girls- Nan, Pooh, Ying and I. (Amazing ladies I teach with, except now Pooh is leaving sunday for Northern Illinois Univ. on a Fulbright Scolarship)

nature and life in Trang

2006-08-07T20:54:00.000+07:00

Almost full moon. Took an evening walk with Lola doggie, my buddy out around campus. The sky was turning the deep blue of dusk as the moon stood at about 80 degrees with a small ring around it. Beautiful sunset with clouds of all types floating around the sky. Bats flew by-going out for dinner and some marsh-type birds (like some kind of duck?) circled a few times- I think to try and draw me away from their nest. This morning saw 2 baby birds walking along in the grass near the canals- maybe they were that type of bird as they had similar body type and a cute red bill. Been having some amazing nature experiences recently. At first it seemed kind of random, but with the increasing frequency and intensity of the encounters, I am thinking there may be a message in them for me. Like, Nature calling- where have you been?! I have not been camping for quite awhile, and not much star gazing. I seem to get out in nature for recreation, but for appreciation and discovery, not really too much. A few nights ago, I went walking while waiting for a friend to pick me up to go to town for tea. So, as I walked, this night hawk flew down toward me and at about 15 feet hovered there for about 15 seconds, then flew to a different angle and did the same thing again- all the time just looking at me. Odd. Then, yesterday afternoon while sunbathing behind my apartment building, quietly reading a book, I felt something tickle my side, I reached down to brush it off, and it was a snake cuddling up to me. I came up off that towel in a split second. Then I folded the towel and returned him to the weeds nearby. Also, have these cute small spiders in my house. Just a few and they are rather friendly. I rescue them all the time from drowning in the shower, of getting crushed in the fruit basket or whatever, and I swear, they look ant me and are thankful. They never jump or walk on me or scare me. Amazing butterfly, dragon fly and praying mantis encounters too! Have discovered the water tower. I can climb the ladder up about 75 feet to a platform and see forever. There is no lock or any deterrent. What a great opportunity! I feel like I can get away up there! Lola and I often just hop on the moto (Red) and cruise though the country side exploring. It is so beautiful here! I was thinking, (as you may be also) that I am going a little nuts here in the jungles of Thailand. Maybe I am, and if so, it feels ok, so no worries.

Went to town tonight to sign some paperwork for a workshop I taught last week. Was offered fresh, homegrown durian and ate it till I was almost sick. Have become quite a durian fan- they call me the Durian Princess and my friend, Kip, who often will buy and eat a whole durian in one day for all meals, the Durian Queen. For all those of you have not tried durian fruit, you have not lived, and my life had not started until I had my first here in Thailand-YUMM!

Pretty quiet around here this eve. All the teachers and much of the staff living in the apartments are at a student’s funeral. He got stabbed to death at a “pub” in town. Yes, in my little town of Trang. I am in shock. I have been most places in this town, and have never seen anywhere that even resembles anything like a real “bar” that is sleazy or dangerous looking. So, I am interested in finding out where this happened. So very sad. I did not know the student, and I don’t go to funerals anyway (only wakes and memorials), so I forewent the invitation to go with the campus bus full of mourners to the funeral.

Just finished midterm exams, and now the correcting begins. I have 90 students in one class and 135 in another, so you can imagine how long correcting will take…The students are mostly very sweet, but their lack of participation and maturity really is a problem for me. It is so much like a polite junior high school here. My contract is up March 1st ’07, so then maybe to New Zealand for a change.

Have started a project that has the approval of the campus administration and the support of teachers. We are sterilizing all the stray dogs on campus, providing medical attention and feeding them semi-daily. It is still getting off the ground, but I have been feeding them for about 2 months now and most of the dogs are pretty happy and getting healthy. I am quite a sight as I hop on my motorcycle with a bucket in the basket and drive around campus feeding the dogs, many of them running after me. I am sure I am quite a sight and a good laugh for many.

Been playing a bit of tennis –actually practicing for fun- on our campus courts that are very nice. Also, waves are up and went body surfing the other day. I have finagled a schedule of 25 hours per week working, so have some free time to do other stuff, like take Lola for walks in the Botanical Gardens, or to the beach which she absolutely loves. It is rainy season now, and sometime it is rainy and gray for a week or more and then it really sucks. But then we have these amazing sunny with occasional thunderstorm days and it makes me forget about the crappy weeks. So far, it is balancing well.

Mom is doing well on Maui. She is quite busy these days with social engagements and water aerobics. She sent a big box of paperbacks and I am devouring them as I don’t watch TV. Am starting Thai lessons again tomorrow night and teach English privately too so I am keeping busy. Fishy Boy the Siamese fighting fish is fat and happy.

Well, better get going- need to grade some papers, then go and help prepare 19 portions of food as offerings for the Buddhist monks in the early morning. I will put a few photos up for you to enjoy. Hope you are well and as usual would love to hear from you!

Watermelon Woman (theng moe is my Thai nickname)

Peeing with the big dogs....

2006-04-19T16:52:00.000+07:00

Hi- Been a long time since my last blog - have been very busy and am still - so this is a very short note. All's fine here in the South of Thailand. Am working hard teaching summer classes to a private local toy company and teaching the teachers here how to prepare to take a language proficiency test. Am editing course materials, and making my own also. Have adopted a sweet doggie, Lola, and spend my time sneaking her in and out of my apartment and making her comfy in her tarped shelter by the teachers' office building.

Also, made the news last week. Was on the Thailand television stations out of Bangkok and in the paper too I guess although I did not know about any of it until a couple of days later. It so happens that the last Prime Minister (before the current and now newly ex PM) grew up in my town of Trang. So, during holidays he comes home to his lovely house in the city. This past week was a big holiday called Songkran and is a time when we pay respects to those elders and important people. Pooh and Go, my colleagues decided we should go and see the visiting PM and they just happen to know him, so off we went. I had no idea that they knew him and that it was quite an intimate event. I was expecting crowds of people and that we would me just another face in the crowd but I was very wrong. We had breakfast there ( they made food for everyone who came) and then his brother (and secretary) had us go and meet with him. He was VERY nice, spoke good English and asked quite a few questions of me. We gave him flower wreaths and poured scented water over his hands and he said he would call and invite me to dinner. Well, I can't imagine he will, but nice thought anyway. Then, after that, I saw the mayor of the town who I had met before while doing a provincial summer camp. He was very nice at that time and so I went to him and introduced myself again and he gave ME a wreath and poured water over MY hands. WOW, what a compliment. So, we had photos taken and the PMs brother said he would send us copies which I wile try and put on the blog somehow. So, a day of peeing with the big dogs....

Today Pooh found our pictures with the ex PM and news article on the web. The link is below, so have a look!!!

http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000049638

Take care and until next time... be healthy and happy!

snail mail and email adresses, more photos!

2006-03-20T10:14:00.000+07:00

Hi All!
Since I am actually settled in one place (a year contract!) I have a mailing address so you can all send me cards, letters, packages (ok, wishful thinking).... here it is:

Ajarn Monica Williams, English Department
Trang Campus Establishment Project
Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus
Kuanpring, Muang District Trang 92000
THAILAND

Cell phone number is the same: 011 66 9 802 6976

Please use the following email address: monicaw@hawaii.edu

and here are some photos from a couple of months ago while in Ayutthaya:

The gang at the ruins.

Who are these people???

About last April or so, I was running in the park, and met Nimit (on the right holding the large black scorpion - dead) as he was walking his dogs. He befriended me and so when I am in Ayu I always call and we get together. His daughter is in the front - very shy at first, she warmed up quickly and then Gilbert (big Austrian guy on left who has lived in Thailand for many years) and I were constantly swinging and piggybacking her. Nipa is Gilbert's lovely girlfriend in the blue shirt and her auntie ( kickin' for 60 something!) is to her right. We are on a long walking adventure of eating and Wat and ruin touring.

Amazing ruin that reminded me of Chichen Itza Me with the gang.....
Nipa's Auntie (can't remember her name) and I at Nimit's house along the klong (canal). What a great spot!

Hope you are all well!

Here are a few photos of some excursions....

2006-03-17T11:45:00.000+07:00

Toi, Me, Christie and Gip in the caves

Buddha at the top of the monkey cave

At the right, we are in the cave under these weird green lights

Toi, Gip and I on our "boating in the cave" adventure.

It's Friday and more adventures to come! More photos next blog!!!

Wats, waterfalls, butterflies, monkey rage, caves...

2006-03-13T16:13:00.000+07:00

Hi!

Have been here at the Prince of Songkla (POS) or "maw aw" as they call it in Thailand, for 11 days now and I feel pretty at home. My fellow teachers here at the U. are amazing people. Intelligent, fun, friendly, dedicated and interesting individuals they are keeping me busy and well cared for. One, Pooh, has recieved a Fulbright scholarship and leaves in Aug for northern Chicago to TA a Thail language class for 9 months. She is my Thai teacher and I have a quiz in an hour! At the moment, many of the staff are in a 2 week long classical Thai instrument music class for an hour at the end of each day. They are sooo talented. I was invited, but I explained that i can't learn EVERYTHING at once!! (need to study for my quiz in a few minutes)

So, the title... wow, where to start. Life is so full of exploration these days. Briefly:

Went on a trip with teachers to an amazing cave where we took a boat tour through the cave filled with stalagtites and mites and passageways and we laughed so hard. so much fun. Then went on to another cave with Buddha statues and stairway climbing up and up into huge cave. Got trapped up there by monkeys that ran to try and bite me and we finally got rescued by a guy from the food stand below. Funny, but we were all shaking. I will post some photos when i get them emailed to me. Later that day, bought my new Honda 125 RED colored motorcycle. What a dreamy machine. So, the next day I rode to the ocean for a nice swim and hung in the water with giant pink jellyfish.

Worked part of the week at POS and also planned an English camp program for a friend that I will coteach in March and April for a day each month. Blew a transformer on campus onFriday, so as some worked by candle light, others of us left. I cleaned the screen and windows on my apartment.

This weekend I got my hair highlighted. It has now an orange stripe like a skunk's. BUT it is interesting looking and it will fade or we (my fellow teachers and I ) will do a bit of work on it with some dye....

Sunday I set out exploring on RED. We ended upat a Wat that was having a celebration and so I was captured (you are ALONE???), befriended and brought into the celebration of chanting monks. Wow. As I held my hands in the Wai (prayer position) they were full of tingling energy. I thought maybe it was from the throttle of the moto, but no, it lasted a long time and coincided withthe chanting. WILDLY spiritual manifestation. Continued on to some waterfall exploration- everywhere "Hello-Hello" and big smiles to the foreigner. Played in the cool water and then took an amazing hike up into the forest where there was a part of the path that had about 100 butterflies of about 6 different colors flying all around. The sounds from the cicadas, birds and other unknown animals was like being FAR FAR into the jungle. Found some nice petrified wood and lichens on sticks that i brought back to decorate the house and office.

Got a Siamese Fighting Fish as a pet. He is so much fun. We play hide and seek and now that I found his favorite food (frozen blood worms-lovely) he is really active.

I feed a stray cat nightly.

I cook noodles and tofu and strange green vegetables.

I ride through the countryside along the canals and streams and Thai people enjoying family and friends and I smile.

AND I give thanks for all of you, my friends and family, and for all of our health and grace in this life.

Take care!!!!
Monk ---In Thai it looks like this: โมนิก้า ( Mo-ni ga) and my nickname is "Teng Moh" which means watermelon.

workin' stiff

2006-03-02T16:04:00.000+07:00

As the title shows, I am a “workin’ stiff”. The job hunting and patience paid off, and I am now a lecturer on a 1 year contract with the Prince of Songkla University in Trang. The semester has just ended, so it is summer break now and so for the next few months, I will be working on projects like editing the international website and university press texts and preparing for my upcoming courses that start in June. I work an average of 22.5 hours per week. I will be teaching English for Tourism and Interview Skills. Sounds like 2 fun classes! As this is a new campus, I will be involved in designing the fitness center and some programs. I’m sure I will not be bored!

AND, Trang and the surrounding area are absolutely amazing!!! I have rented a motorcycle for a couple of weeks until I buy my own, and have been checking out the countryside. Within an hour’s (by scooter) drive, I have beautiful beaches, hot springs, caves, Buddhist temples, and crystal clear waterfalls and pools for swimming and sunning. AND, the people are sooo friendly! I was on a little adventure and stopped for a Sprite at a little roadside stand. Of course you sit and relax, and small crowd gathers to see the foreigner and to practice their English and you taste the fresh comb honey that is on the table and you decline to eat the baby bees and you get a nick name (for everyone in Thailand has one) of dtaang moh (somehow derived from Monica) that means watermelon. So typical of most everyday here.

My co-workers are the best. All young, happy, friendly teachers that enjoy life. They are making me feel very welcome! I have been invited so many places and as yesterday was my first day working, they took me to lunch at an amazing restaurant that specializes in using Thai herbs. Yumm! My apartment is on campus in the 5 story, pink “C” shaped “bachelor’s” housing. I am on the first floor of my own vertical block with 2 bedrooms, huyge living room/dining room, separate kitchen, office, 3 lanais, screened windows and doors, a refer, and a bathroom with hot water heater and shower that is separated from the toilet. All for $75 per month. My bedroom view is nothing but trees and birds as far as the eye can see. Pretty nice with the exception of some major construction of a large building going on a little ways away that goes from 8 am to midnight. So, that is a little bit of a drag, but not in my vision and not too close to really be annoying. I can get mail, so if anyone is interested…. Write to: Monica Williams, English Department
Trang Campus Establishment Project
Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus
Kuanpring, Muang District Trang 92000
THAILAND

Website of campus is www.trang.psu.ac.th (in Thai still)

I also have Skype on my office computer, so if you see me online, give me a ring!!!

Plan is to be back in Hawaii for a month or so in October during our semester break, so maybe see you then?!!

Take care and hope you enjoyed the update!

Watermelon Woman

Trang

2006-02-07T13:11:00.000+07:00

7 February 2006 Trang, Southern Thailand

Hi! Update for those of you interested….

Spent about 7? or so days out on Libong Island. Nice to be back on the island there. Stayed at the Nature Resort, but camped on the beach in my tent most of the nights. Was pretty comfy under the stars. The only worry was that as it was new moon, the tide was VERY high. I had my tent up as far as it would go, and each night I watched the tide come up further and further until it was lapping about 3 feet from my doorstep! Stayed dry and the tides mellowed and enjoyed waking to the softness of beach camping.

What was different from my last visit there was the addition of the Karaoke “Bar” just down the beach in the village. From 6pm until midnight, the ever increasingly drunken fishermen would wail and howl out Thai songs, sometimes to music, other times just the horrid moaning into the microphone. So, in went the earplugs to try and sleep. Apparently, it is just a fad that started about 2 days before I got there, and should get old and close up in another couple of weeks. Thank Gawd!!!

Had a clod most of my stay there, so wasn’t terribly active while there. Did join up with some folks for a round the island by long-tailed boat snorkeling trip that was fun. We saw 1 LARGE and 1 absolutely HUGE (at least 2.5 feet long) pufferfish. I was snorkeling with a wildlife guy from Canada who has tons of snorkeling/diving experience and we agreed we had never imagined, much less seen, a pufferfish so huge. Both of them we swimming together under a coral outcrop and were curious about us, so we got to enjoy them for some time. What a treat!! Later that day in front of the Resort, I was snorkeling in a deeper channel area. It was quite murky and suddenly under me there was a big gray shape-I squealed into my snorkel and as it came nearer I was surprised by a large manta ray! At the end of my stay, I went for another snorkel in that colorful coral area, and felt what I thought was a scratchy leaf on my back. As I turned around, it moved toward and grabbed onto my forehead. I pushed it away with my hand and it moved back toward me. I finally forcefully pushed it away with water and then with my fins and could see that it was a brown, 3”crab, “swimming” on the surface of the water who wanted to use me as a raft. Amazing, that was first for me. It seems every time I get in the water with a mask, I am amazed at a new color coral, a new fish, a huge eel, a colorful worm or something that makes me be still and in awe of the natural environment.

Besides the natural environment experiences, I have been continually fortunate and blessed if you will, with amazing Thai people experiences. There are so many that I cannot begin to tell about them. Just things like being on a boat with 80 Thais who were trying to make me feel comfortable and speaking English with me and teaching me Thai, taking me to wonderful seafood lunch, driving me to my guesthouse, helping me with teaching connections, inviting me for dinner in their lovely, simple wooden houses and making sure to send me off with food for later, picking me up and giving me rides on their motorcycles if I am walking, and on and on. I enjoyed dinner and such with the lovely family of Nab, Eid and baby Asmin on the island-they are becoming quite close to my heart. This area has the most happy, friendly, un-jaded by tourist, Thai people I have encountered yet. So, I am searching for a job here….

Have taken my resume to a few places for teaching jobs. It seems there is no p0roblem for me to get ajob here, I am just looking for the right situation and an actual contract. I am in hopes of teaching either at the Songklah University-English and Tourism and Job Interview Skills and whatever else, or at the Nursing College-English for Medicine, or doing contractual work for a district in a few schools and different programs. I am not pursuing any full-time one-classroom positions of which there are many offered. I want to have time to travel and to take a formal Thai language class. So, I will see what pans out in this next week or so. Then I can settle down here in Trang and start to be a new local!

Well, off to the internet to post this blog. Hope it was interesting for you! Take care and be in touch!

southern job hunting

2006-01-26T17:18:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Am back in the south, Hat Yai to be exact after a wonderful 6 or so days in Ayutthaya. It was so nice to be there among friends and the ancient city. Went running in the old city ruins and even watched a huge monitor lizard hunting for its breakfast after it came out of one of the lakes-what a surprise that was!!!

Spent a fun afternoon and evening with my friends Nimit and his daughter, Gilbert the Austrian, his sweetie Nipa and her Auntie Thong. We had quite an adventure walking all over in little alleys only to come upon beautiful temples, Buddhas, ruins, log crossings, big black dead scorpions, sour tamarind and an amazing sunset from the top of a Maya like temple. We laughed and played and were exhausted, especially Gilbert and I who played hard with Nimit's daughter, swinging her along for hours.

While I was there, I sent out some resumes for jobs posted on a website called ajarn.com. I got a few replies, and am still waiting on one that I would really like to get. Its a teaching job about 20 hours per week at the nursing school in a small city about 3 hours north of here on the gulf side. I will visit one school here tomorrow and I await some other possibilities. Will head off in a day or two to Trang and Ko Libong- that island that i really love and will camp there and swim and play some. Am looking forward to getting back in the ocean!!!

Am helping a woman named Yuwadee who is in charge of the English teaching at the university in Ayutthaya . She is looking for a full time teacher of English, so if any of you know any one interested let me know. We are putting together a flyer to email to lots of colleges in the states with the hopes of finding a newly graduated person for the job in lovely Ayutthaya.

Hope all is good with all of you!!!
Monk

photos !!!!!!

2006-01-21T14:09:00.000+07:00

Jiab, me and friends in the Emerald Cave

Our camping beach on Ko Tarutao-mmmmm

Jiab and I on the snorkeling trip-Ko Libong

In Songkhla

Back in Ayutthaya

2006-01-21T14:08:00.000+07:00

21 January 2006

Hi!
Hope you are all well……

Wow- been weeks since I last wrote and has there been so much happening!!!! Last I wrote much, I was on this amazing island of Ko Libong. The day before I left the island, I went on an all day snorkeling/boat trip to some other islands. When the dive masters from Ko Lipong Resort asked me if ii wanted to go with about a dozen people, I said “ok” , thinking it would be a day with a dozen other farangs (foreigners) and I wasn’t thrilled to not be with Thais, but figured it would be fun anyway. Next morning was I happily surprised!!!!...... long-tailed boats pulled up to our bigger tour type boat carrying only Thai people of all ages!!!! So, the day began with about 35 smiling Thai folks and me!!! I had a most delightful day of beautiful snorkeling, helping the bobbing, life-jacketed, non-swimming Thais back to the boat against the currents ( I had fins), Thai seafood, fresh coconuts, new friends (met Jiab and friends from Bangkok with whom I am pictured with in the Emerald Cave), and as usual, the grace and fun of the Thai people. A day to be remembered for sure!

Left Ko Libong to meet up with Alex in Trang. Great small Southern city with nice people and very few farangs J. We regrouped and headed off to Ko Tarutao National Park just north of the Malaysian border. We got off the ferry on Ko Tarutao and made our way by long tail boat and extensive hiking (waiting for low tide and carrying packs on heads, etc.) to our remote campsite for about 4 nights. Amazingly beautiful. We were near the river mouth/lagoon/mangrove forest and the ocean at the very southern end of a 4 kilometer (2mile) long beach. We saw wild boar, hawks and kites, exotic birds and experienced monkeys (“damned apes’” as Alex named them) raiding our camp. One morning we came back from an ocean swim to find the camp in disarray. They had been in the tent and begun to eat my banana flavored psyllium seed powder (colon cleanser), my bar of soap and had made off with a 6 pack of Alex’s orange juice cartons. Somewhere in the jungle behind our camp the apes were swigging orange juice, blowing bubbles and were getting their colons cleansed. The need for water, and food for Alex tore us away from our slice of paradise and so we took the ferry on to a small island called Ko Lipe where we heard the diving and snorkeling was great. We stayed in a sweet/funky place called Viewpoint Resort (see photo of bungalow view) and enjoyed checking out this small, flat, developing island and going for a dive. It had been unseasonably windy (like in Ko Tao) and so the visibility was not great, but pretty good and so we did 2 dives with Chao Leh Divers with only 3 or 4 of us and it was a nice day. Saw some new things and it was good just to be underwater. Alex did superbly for just having finished his certification courses!

That night it hit……… I was in the bathroom all night and when I found myself drenched in sweat, crying in pain, fully purged and still purging, lying on the dirty cement bathroom floor, I new I had to get some medical attention. Alex packed us up and somehow we made it down the hill to the long tail boat to the ferry to the minivan to the hospital in Hat Yai. It was a long, miserable day, but the Bangkok hospital in Hat Yai was amazing. Professional, compassionate, clean, but expensive for the foreigner. Stayed one night with IVs, labs, antibiotics, etc. for a bill of $500! Checked out from hospital and stayed in nice new hotel near hospital (a true find for the traveler!!! -at 400 baht per night) for a few days to recover. I am pretty much back to normal now.

We took a day trip to a beach town near by, called Songkhla. The Thai people were on holiday there and it was great to see kids flying kites and playing in the ocean. The picture of me with the cat and rat sculptures is from there. The sculptures are said to represent the 2 islands offshore.

A day or so later, Alex and I parted ways as traveling buddies and I flew up north to Bangkok and took the train to Ayutthaya where I have been for about 4 days. Just regrouping here, working on the project for the Maui massage school, my resume and am sending the resume off to some jobs today. A few of the job opportunities look promising. Will let you all know how that goes. Have been jogging around the temples and enjoying my “family” here at Tony’s Place Guesthouse.

Next, I will leave here on Tuesday, the 24th to fly down South to Hat Yai area again. For a train ride, it is 14 hours travel and about 800 baht for a sleeper car with mostly night travel. For a 1 ½ hour flight, it is 1200 baht. So, $20 vs. $30 and I choose to fly. In that area I hope to do some job interviews and then will go back to Ko Lipong and do some beach camping and staying at the Nature Resort. There I can work on the project on my laptop and be in touch via the wireless connection at the Resort. Hope to do some scuba diving and snorkeling there as well. Maybe will kayak over to see the endangered dugongs (manatees) that live in a protected area of seagrass on the island. Will visit my new friend, Sunop too. Anyway, whatever happens, it will be an adventure!!!

I will keep you informed as best I can!
Take care and thanks for following along with my travel tales! Feel free to hit “comment”at end of page to say hi to me!
Hugs-Monk

leaving for Ko Tarutao

2006-01-05T12:59:00.000+07:00

Hi All-
Just a quick blog before my ferry leaves for the islands...

Had a delightful time on Ko Lipong!!! More tales of that someday, but the momories were so great. Met wonderful Thai people and almost NO foreigners there!! :-))

So, went back to Trang where we (Alex my travel partner and I) met up again and stocked up for a camping/diving trip to the southern Marine Park of Tarutao. Our idea is to camp on islands for 5 or so days and then ferry off to Ko Lipe where there are bungalows to rent, and 3 dive shops there for some (hopefully) great diving. Then back to Trang. So, while we are camping there will be no communication, but when we get to Ko Lipe, I will blog again and check my email.

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying life!!!

Take care and choke li (good luck as they say down south here!)
Monk

Happy New Year from the Nature Resort

2005-12-31T08:39:00.000+07:00

For those of you interested-here is what I have been up to this last week or so….

After leaving Trang city, I made my way out to the coast via mini bus (the same as a van) to the Nature Bungalows at Hat Yao. There I waited with a group of fun Thais headed to the same island as I. They were so friendly and we attempted to converse with my tiny bit of Thai, my Thai phrasebook and their smattering of English. The long-tail boat ride was soooo typical. The Moslem ladies all sat under the canopy and a sweet Bettle Nut chewing grandma saved a seat next to her for me. Then a man speaking a little more English had me bring my backpack and self to the front of the boat. As we loaded up and thought we could get no fuller… on came the new motorcycle and away we went. The Thai man took my phrasebook and we proceeded to “converse” and learn languages. They love to ask how old I am, and when I tell them they are astounded. Imagine a 46 year old woman traveling around with a backpack on her own. And, they say I look young. The man told me he was 52 and added a phrase from the book “I am younger than I look” which got us laughing. He then started to spell the Thai pronunciations in English and came up with “r-a-p” which we then had fun acting like rappers. It was a memorable short voyage! As luck would have it, another guy on the boat was a motorcycle taxi guy and so he whisked me away from the pier town with my heavy backpack on back and daypack clutched at my side. I could not believe how beautiful the island was, and how remote my destination seemed to be. Dirt roads all, along paths next to tiny houses and huts, through coconut groves we drove and arrived at the end of the path-the Nature Resort. I love what passes as a “Resort”. Anyway, decent huts near the shell strewn sandy beach with a big covered, wooden floored restaurant, coconut palms, flowers and a nice bay edged by rock. Only 4 other guests, a Danish family, and a few locals-is it ever quiet here! I had arrived. So, that was about 4? days ago. Since then, I have busy exploring and getting the feel of the island and its people.

First off, I must tell you, that this island has the friendliest of Thais that I have met. AND, it is NOT the friendliness that Thais dealing with tourists are so famous for. Most of these people see so few tourists and interact with them so seldom, that they are not jaded by our money or our strange ways. They are just interested in smiling and sharing and checking us out. As I have biked, run and walked around island and to the 3 villages, almost everyone (about 90%) says “hello”, they stop and try to talk to me, they offer me rides, or a place to sit for awhile, and want to know if they can help me get somewhere. It is foreign concept for them to not really have a specific destination to get to, so my answer to the constant question “Bai nai?” (where you going?) is often just a smile and a shrug and a wave of the hands in some direction. I would like to learn to say “wherever the wind blows me” but I need to find out if that would be rude or not first. The other day on a ride on the Asian- sized 1 speed bicycle, I got curious about just HOW the rubber collected from the plantations of trees was processed. So, I stopped at a little roofed hut on the side of a hill and walked up to this man and woman working the latex, I asked if I could watch and they said of course. The woman spoke some English and so I was offered a seat and watched and learned for about an hour. This couple was so sweet and what beauties! Her name was Sunop and I was invited to her house that evening. She told be how to find it- pretty simple in a tiny village.

So, I continued my bike trip, pushing up some steep hills and holding on for dear life hoping the tires would stay on the wild down hills. That day I almost ran over a monkey crossing the road, saw a giant monitor lizard run across a coconut grove to the water, laid on a beach watching a beautiful black, red and white hawk circle just overhead, and was awed by butterflies and giant rain forest trees and so much beauty and wildness and smells (good and bad). Ended at deserted beach and played and dreamed and swam in the soft sea. SSSSOOOOO nice!!! As I finally returned to my side of the island, well sunned, sweaty and salty, I met up with Sunop and asked if I could come the next night as I was exhausted and dirty. So, new plan was made for 7 pm next day. Rode home through village along beach to an amazing sunset- a memorable one that would just not end!

One day I rented a clunker kayak and headed out to small island and all around for the morning- a great trip. As I was coming back, I ran into about 30- 10 inch PINK jellyfish floating by-they were beautiful and some even had tiny fish living in them.
Snorkeling has been another great adventure. I have really done some exploring and even today I saw new things including a small brownish eel with bright white eyes, a group of 10 tiny pink, flat fish that looked like leaves- later found out they were juvenile razor fish. They were floating nose down in a group and so they just looked like some floating leaves. Some other new fish too! Now I know how the visitors from landlocked areas feel when they see the Hawaii fish for the first time. I have been pretty spoiled snorkeling there, and was a bit disappointed when I first started here, but now that I have explored more, I have seen so many amazing things-most of which is the variety of color of corals.

Finished book “Kite Rider” –worth a read for sure. Even watched a video here on my computer one night- “Count of Monte Cristo”. Slept off an afternoon in my hammock too! There is so much hiking and running and beachcombing and STUFF to do, that I am feeling so FULL and energetic, yet am happily exhausted. Even did some yoga this am on a beach that I snorkeled to.

Did get dressed in a long skirt and long sleeved shirt last night to go to Sunop’s house. I had eaten a little food just incase, but as tradition has it, I did not need to. I stopped and got some candy and yogurt drinks to take with me and as I arrived in the village, people new I was going to Sunop’s and they took me there. She and her husband, E-it, live with their 9 month old girl, Asmin, her mom and dad and her nephews and who know who else in a small wooden house on stilts above the ground. All the family came and went, greeting me with smiles with Sunop translating her best. I loved the house, her family and I felt so at home there. We waited until her dad came back from the Mosque prayers and then we all at together on the floor circling the food. We had beef curry ( I ate the spicy vegetables only), some other beef and cabbage dish, fried omelet, fried fish, and some other vegetables and of course a large bowl of rice. They brought out a cold bottle of water for me, the guest, and they all drank water from a large tin bowl that was passed around that came from the huge ceramic pot of collected rain water. We looked at pictures of her wedding, her trip to her husband’s village on the mainland and her trip to visit her brother in Bangkok. Although her family is Moslem, in everyday life they don’t cover everything, maybe just their hair/head and arms and legs. Her very cute young brother asked if I was married and when I said no, they all smiled and talked and she said that they think I should become a Moslem and they will find a good Moslem husband for me!!! Can’t you just see that!?? Really, we had a nice evening laughing and talking and enjoying each other. As I left, they were concerned about me getting home in the dark, but I had a flashlight and so they sent me along with 2 bottles of water and an invitation to lunch or dinner anytime. I was Sunop and E-it today working hard at the latex shed as I was on a delightful run to the next village. I thanked them again for the dinner and she is expecting me again for dinner tomorrow night- my last night here.

So, I REALLY love this island. It is full of all the things that make life good. If I could have you- my family and friends here, I am sure that I could call it my home. I am looking into teaching in Trang, and then teaching English here on this island 1 day per week as their English teacher has moved away.

Oh, regarding my hut… 2nd night I came back to find a bat sleeping on the ceiling above me. We cohabitated for awhile as I read, (even with the fan on), then when it had had enough of lights, it flew around and I opened the bathroom door and it flew there and then to the outside. I WAS relieved not to go to sleep with the bat hanging above me… Last night I was sleeping and was woken by a LARGE crawling animal on my legs (on top of the sheet thank Gawd). I threw back the sheet and scrambled around in the pitch dark to find one of many (elusive) flashlights that I have around and finally found one and IT was GONE. Who know what is was-probably one of the 10 or so geckos that live with me here at the “Nature Resort”.

Well, I am finally finishing this blog (did it over a whole day in Word) to the sound of crickets and geckos, a cold large Chang beer and will watch a movie (Love Actually) on my laptop until I drift into creature serenaded sleep. Also, just met some brothers from Victoria BC who were using the internet to get (hopefully) an email from their sister ( a non traveler on her first trip outside of Canada) who is late for her arrival and has not contacted them. Ian and Colin are a bit worried, but I reassured them- this is Thailand and this area is the friendliest-they agreed. They are heading off to Malaysia in a few days where Ian works for an underwater filming company. Do I need to maybe go there?????...... diving…. Hmmmmm

Who knows where I will be next, but you will be informed when I know!!! For now, I will be here on this amazing island for a few days, then to Trang to explore some hot springs and to re-supply, then south to Ko Tarutao and then ????

You are in my thoughts and …
Happy New Year!

May your dreams become your reality.

Monk

Christmas in Buddhist Thailand

2005-12-23T09:37:00.000+07:00

Hi All!
Greetings from Ko Tao in southern gulf area of Thailand. Am on a small island that is well known for its clear waters and wonderful diving. BUT, just happened that we are here during the end of the monsoon season and have unusually big waves and crappy vis for dining. Pretty windy too and only some sun. Lots of partying 20ish scantily clad kids here and it is just not my scene, so will be leaving tomorrow to explore some more pristine areas of Thailand to the south near Trang and some marine parks near there.

Arrived in Thailand on the 12th I think and spent a few days in Ayutthaya recouping from jet lag. Headed south via night train for about 7 hours to a port city of Chumpron. We spent the day there, renting motorcycles and exloring the beach and towns nearby. Was VERY windy there- even though it is a wind/kitesurfing area, no one was out. We then caught the ferry to this small island. Alex wanted to get certified SCUBA diving so we could be buddies, so he is doing that in between days of bad weather.

I have been just hanging out, wandering the streets withthe exception of one day that i rented a motorcycle and went exploring. WOW- beautiful island, but only small parts are accessible as it is very hilly and the roads are steep, rutted and gravel=very dangerous! So, found a nice beach and chatted with an English kid escaping his homeland's dreary winter. Nice kid and fun to hear of his adventures and future travels. Did a long snorkel swim-was nice to be in the water, but not such interesting snorkeling. While slowing to park near a beach trail head, the front brake stuck and the cycle slid out and fell over. No damage at all to cycle, just that it pulled my right hamstring muscle at the back of my knee and bruised my legs, and i have been hobbling around and icing for a few days. Went to the clinic for an ace wrap and watched as a fellow motorcyclist got his leg stitched and burns cleaned from a gravel road slide out. I took the cycle back and decided to walk or take a taxi truck from now on.

Doesn't look as though the visibility will clear for at least a week, so will head off the island, I think tomorrow to southern areas. Will probably be traveling on Christmas day, but it wont feel any different than any other day since i will be in Buddhist and Moslem country. I wish for all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and I will be in touch as soon as I have news.

Oh, have a cell phone and incoming calls are free for me, so would love to hear from you. To call me, go to some asian or oriental market and get a $5 phone card. Ask for the TCC 24/7 brand as you should have like 200 or more minutes on it. Then dial the 800 access number, put in pin from card and dial the long distance code which is 011 I think, then 66 (country code for Thailand) then my number 9 802 6976. So, 011 66 98026976.

Also, you can send me an email from the comment bar at the bottom of this blog. Please remember to sign your name as it comes into my email as anonymous.

Take care!!
Thanks for following my travels!
Monica

Leaving Maui for Thailand

2005-12-11T01:46:00.000+07:00

Hi All-
Well, the awaited day is here and I am not packed yet, so it will be a crazy one i am sure! I leave tonight for Oahu and then in the am to Thailand to arrive on Monday afternoon there. My friend Alex is there and will pick me up at airport and we will go up to Ayutthaya where I will nurse jetlag and go running among the ruins for a few days. Then plan to head to southern Thailand, but will let you all know via blog what is up after Ayu.

Take care all!!!
Monk

Maui

2005-10-04T15:54:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Back on Maui since September 20th. Started working on the Seafire boat on the 21st and have been working most mornings crewing and guiding snorkeling trips in the beautiful waters. Free diving with the manta rays and monk seals and seeing the happy faces of tourists as they swim in fish bowls of colorful fish, sharks, eels and rays make my days pretty special. It also feels good to be active and in the sun again. Also working some up at the massage school supervising and will sub some for teaching. Doing a bit of massage also.

Bought a mtn bike (steel at $40!) and ride it a bit. Have been going to the beach with mom and she is back bobbing around in the ocean. She is healing well and almost back to her pre-leg break functional level.

Am happy to not be too crazy busy as my mission here for these 6 or 7 weeks is to get healthy, fit and spend some time with mom. Her 84th birthday is here on the 17th and once again she will go parasailing.

Was blessed to have Zach the dog for about 1 week to take to the beach daily and snuggle with.

Would love to hear from any of you!!! Mom's number is 808 879-7182. After noon is the best as i work most mornings.

Will be going back to Thailand in mid/late November to travel some in Thailand and India. Then who knows?!!!

Take care all of you and you are in my thoughts!
monk

Cambodia

2005-09-17T18:41:00.000+07:00

S'Sadai!
(Khmer for hello)
Been here for about 7 days i think. Time is hard to keep track of on holiday. What a wild 7 days. I am exhausted from Wat exploration, biking, motorbiking, hiking and being BUSY. I keep thinking that i will get some time to just relax, but there is so much to do and see and experience and explore that all of a sudden, it is late eve and I have only eaten 1 meal. I did read "the rule of 4" while raining one day!

What can i say about this place. There is so much. First, it is rainy season and we have had our share of rain and mud. BUT, the good part of that is that there are fewer tourists and i have had many a temple to myself, or at least only seeing like 12 other tourists during my whole 3 hours in Angkor Wat! I went to Wat Ta Phrom at 5:30 am and for 2 hours only 2 tourists wandered by. Otherewise, it was an ancient nun and myself doing our devotions to Buddha together. Nice.

Went to many temples all over. Rode a bike 2 days and wow - put some miles on. Great just to find a dirt path or road and go and explore. Have definitely seen the countryside and the people as they all wave and smile and say hello or goodby. Little neked kids playing in the well water or drawing in the dirt-they run out to the road wanting to get a good look at the white woman riding arond out in their neighborhood (out in the boonies!)

Ohter days i went with my scooter driver, SoPheak, and we went exploring to temples and villages and yesterday, went up to the mountain-deciduous huge green trees with giant rocks on the sides- and hiked to the stream/river. Went for a cool swim and then to look at the carvings in the river. AMAZING! These people 1K years ago carved beautiful figures and animals and circles into the river rock for a hundred yards. I am sure there are images on the web. It is called "the river of 1000 linguas". We did some more hiking WAY up river and it was beautiful. One of my most favorite things of Cambodia are the butterflies!! Everywhere and beyond belief colors and patterns. A huge black one landed on me today as i stopped the bike to take a drink of water. Because i am not driving, i can look as we cruise past the little wooden houses, rice paddies and the PEOPLE. So poor, but i see tons of laughter and playing among their routine for survival. Inspriring. And, the mosquitos are not nearly as bad as in Hawaii! SoPheak is this thin-as-a-rail shy, sweet Cambodian motor taxi driver. His motorcycle is old but quiet and reliable and he makes so little per day and has as family to feed. He is a hard worker, reliable and who makes me laugh when we have muddy adventures and drop into potholes and as we go flying up over bumps. I was very fortunate to have made his aquantance and for him to be my driver.

The bad thing about these boom towns is that you are pestered by kids selling STUFF. They can get a bit nasty and are very persistant. I think maybe i haven't had it so bad as i am very firm and say I don't want or need ANYTHING so NO THANK YOU. Also, i am sure that because there are less tourists here now that there is less of the pestering and begging ("you give me one dolla, one dolla"). The wonderful smiling people outweigh the vultures though, so it is mostly quite pleasant.

Found a massage place here that i have been to 2 times. It is a little building right in town and is owned and operated by the Da Ley husband and wife. They are both blind and his massage is wonderful. A combo of Shiatsu and Anma and 2 hours is $6. Yes, you read that right. I give him tips so that he can survive. That is the going rate for blind massages in this town. I have seen at least 3 other blind businesses, but Da Ley is great!

I am so filled with amazing images, and conversations from this area. So rich and vivid in my memory. I am thankful that i came here, learned and am awed by the history, both old and new. Although Siem Reap is more expensive than Thailand, dirtier, less infrastructure, etc. , it is still very well worth comoing to to experience. Another plus is that the French at least brought and left recipes for good bread, food and coffee!

So, tomorrow I leave via small, old bus on the road from hell (pray it doesnt' rain tonight) back to the border. Cross, the take another bus to Bangkok. Will stay there, pack on the 19th and leave very early on the 20th for Maui!

The job in Thailand starting on the 23rd was a no-go and I got an offer to fill - in for Vicky as she vacations. So, I will be onthe Seafire in the mornings, and doing massage when i can. Will be there for about 6 or 7 weeks. Then? Maybe Colorado, maybe back to Thailand ( I have a RT ticket) to meet up with Alex to travel around India and SE Asia and ???

So, hope to see you fellow Mauians soon!

Be in touch and I will write another blog when i am settled in maui and tell of my plans then.

Bye from Cambodia! Hope you are all well!
Monica

Poipet to Siem Reap and the road from hell

2005-09-11T17:36:00.000+07:00

Hi!

It's another 9/11 again and i haven't heard of any new tragedies. I guess a natural one of Katrina was enough. Hope you are all well.

Am here in Siem Reap recouperating from the 4.5 hours of torture yesterday. It was a long day of travel-to recap:
Left Tony's Place in Ayu at 7:30 am by nice bus. Got to Bangkok northern bus terminal at 9 am and got a seat in the bus leaving at 9:30 for Aranya Prathet which is at the Thai/Cambodian border. Got there in one piece which is amazing since we were in the opposite lane passing about 75% of the time. At A.P. i took a mototrcycle taxi driven by a woman (not usual) and went the 7 km to the border. Crossed, meeting groups of fellow travelers. Many people waiting for their "bus" to take them the 152 kms to S.R. I hooked up with a 3 some from the states and we got a taxi that was totally covered in mud to take us the trip. Started out not too bad. We were chatting and eating crackers and the driver was negotiating the VW sized potholes, dogs, bicycles, cows, trucks and people rather well-for about 1.5 hours. Then the road got REALLY nbad. Add in giant and small rocks and washboard, mud and broken down vehicles. We were all pretty miserable, but kept our sense of humor making jokes about "booble head dolls" and young travelrs admitted to the clininc with "shaken baby syndrome". We had 2 by the side of the road pee stops, and a beer stop in which i bought the driver one too and we swerved and swayed and bumped along for 3 more hours. We wondered when and if those folks on the big bus made it and today i saw one passenger, so guess they did.
Made it to Siem Reap about 8:30 just as it started to pour! Fionally found a guesthouse and dumped our stuff, ate out and got to bed about 12am. I swear, i woke up at 6 am and had not moved the whole night!
The others slept in and we parted ways, and i rented a bike and rode all around the back streets of the town. It is like a step back in time with sweet kids all saying "hello" and the green, water- filled fields and wooden houses and shacks, the monks praying in the temple and amazing bulue sky and white clouds. Very nice way to begin my first day here in Siem Reap!

Found a nicer guesthouse and am set up there for at least 4 days. It is an old but nice wooden house with a private thatch roof balcony on the second floor very near the temples. I set up my hammock and it was sweet just to lie there and read about tomorrow's exploration. Got back on the bike and rode into town (about 20 mins) and found a massage place that is staffed by blind massage therapists. They do Anma and Shiatsu at $3 for 1 hour. As my body really needed it after my 12 hour travel day, i had one with a nice young man named Da-Ley. (interesting name for you local Pidgin speakers). Enjoyed 2 hours of massage in a cool, clean, simple, small concrete building with fans. It reminded me that we don't need spa environment to have a good massage!

So, tomorrow is the big day....Ankor Wat complex. I will be here for many days- may get the $60 for 7 day pass. It will rain some days, so i can take a day or two off when it does. I will write more about the travels soon. You can comment to this blog if you have any suggestions of things to do or see here. As my atsu.edu email has been getting lost lately, may be best to write to both of the following:
mawilliams@atsu.edu with a cc to monicaw@hawaii.edu

Take care and stay tuned...
Monk

traveling shoes

2005-09-09T20:01:00.000+07:00

Hi All-
The traveling shoes kicked their way out of the closet and i am on the road. Bought a backpack and some used Tevas and hit the train north out of the smog. It felt soooo great to leave Bangkok. As i tried to leave Bangkok, i was stuck in a taxi in terrible traffic and finally ditched the taxi for the skytrian, then the underground to get to the train. Made the commuter train with all the working folks and had a memorable ride with amazing Thai people north to Ayutthaya. Being in gridlock in the traffic made it all the sweeter to leave the city.

So, have been here in Ayu for a few days. It has been nice to stay at Tony's guesthouse with my friends there and just reading and relaxing and walking and smiling and chatting and fumbling in the market with my little bit of Thai language. Visting with friends brought me to some schools looking for teachers and as i casually dropped off my resume, i found myself in interviews, and then getting job offers. I told them i was still firming up my plans, but that teaching to 50 Tahi kids all day was not going to work for me, so they are trying to make an offer that will work for me. As i have some other options, i am just keeping them up to date by emails.

Tomorrow morning early i leave for Cambodia via bus. From what i understand, the roads are beyond bad and since it has been raining, it may take us 9 hours to cover 140 kilometers fromm the border to Siem Reap!!! I'm sure it will be worth the survivor type trip to be in Angkor Wat for 2 weeks or so.

Will blog again when i get there.
Hope you are all well!!!
Be in touch!
Bye!
M

Bangkok life and chchch...changes

2005-08-24T06:35:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Hope this blog finds you well. It has been forever since I last wrote a blog, mostly because since I work 5 days a week, life has been pretty uninspiring. Not that I haven’t had adventures-in fact most every day getting to and from work is an adventure, and many days the language and food are adventures too. It is mostly, that I just do the daily grind and after most of the workday on the computer, I when I get home I just can’t rally to bathe in the blue glow any more hours of the dayto blog. So, tonight is the night. Catch up on my life it you dare….

My weekdays are pretty much as follows:

Wake up at 4:30 am to the moaning Moslems (they are praying believe it or not) on loudspeakers throughout the neighborhood. Go back to sleep. Wake at 5:30 or 6:00 am to the bell ringing… and ringing… and ringing Christians. Get up and walk to the Chinese cemetery/park to run for 20 minutes and fight my way through the cars, motorcycles, tuk tuks and severe exhaust home to shower. OR, as more recently, lie in bed thinking about the day ‘till 6:30 when the man with crackly voice in the park announces what is going on in the Chinese Buddhist community over yet other loudspeakers. Get up, feed “Bubbles” my friend the Siamese fighting fish. Water plants on lanai. Close lanai door. Turn on AC and fan. Make breakfast. Turn on the news (once in while). Shower. Pick out some sort of business clothing for the day. Lock up and leave my homey studio apartment. Head downstairs from 4th to 1st floor. Hope Mr. O the motorcycle taxi driver is there instead of the always asleep kid driver. Give “Dreads” the hairy dog (not too many dogs with hair here) and “3 Legs Lilly” (my favorite dog that has 3 legs) dog cookies. Hop on a motorcycle taxi (sidesaddle if wearing a skirt or dress), say a prayer and hold on for a wild ride through the narrow alleys and exhaust for a 4 minute “E ticket” ride along with the rest of the15 million people here in this city to the Skytrain station. Many mornings I buy a 50 cent tuna sandwich or fish spring roles from the street vendors for my lunch. Sometimes I buy a jasmine and marigold garland for a ferry boat blessing and sometimes I buy bags of little roles filled with bean or taro paste for the therapists and trainers at work. I then fight my way up the stairs behind the slowest moving people I have ever encountered. When asked why they walk so slowly, they reply “It’s hot”.

On the Skytrain, I cool down for 1 station, where I fight the oncoming crowd as I disembark. Clipping down the steps in my heels, I fight the urge to give all my belongings, especially my polyester business skirt, to the begging women with babies. If I have time, I head on over to the coffee shack where the owner makes an iced latte just the way I like it-for 75 cents. A minute walk to the ferry dock and I find my favorite street doggy sleeping beneath the benches or scrounging in the garbage. She gets a little loving and a dog cookie (which she is interested in only because I brought it to her, but shows her disappointment that it is not a nice big chicken drumstick) and at about quarter hours, the complementary ferry shows up for a nice, breezy 15 minute ride to the Marriot Hotel. Also, most every morning and evening some of the Mandara trainers, spa managers, or office people are there for the ride too and it makes for a nice social time as we slowly make our way on the river in comfort.

Arrive at the Marriot, walk to the office in the plaza, start up the computer, go to morning planning meeting and then either teach a class, prepare curriculum or other office tasks at the computer. The joy in my day is really interaction with the trainers and therapists in training. We have some good laughs as they attempt to teach me Thai and finally, their English and my delivery is getting good enough that they understand it when I am sarcastic and joking! They are the sweetest, most sincere, loving, funny group of individuals I truly have ever met.

At 6 or 7 in the evening, pretty much a reversed schedule. Ferry, dog cookie, Skytrain and sometimes I have a simple street vendor veggie and noodle dish and a beer, motorcycle taxi wild ride home, say hi to Tom the night manger, up to my room, AC and fan on, lanai door open, sweaty, exhaust ridden clothing off, feed Bubbles, shower, maybe make dinner in microwave (the TV dinners here are spiiiicey) and watch some bad TV or read (if my eyes are not too trashed from the computer) or get out the Thailand map and plan a trip or maybe go up to the rooftop and sit by the pool, look at Bangkok city buildings and have a beer.

If the “high heels inside the house” woman upstairs is not moving furniture in her wooden shoes, the next door neighbors aren’t watching French movies with volume up loud, or the mouse under the sink isn’t chomping on plastic bags and paper towels, I don’t use the earplugs and go to sleep with fan on around 10 or 11 pm.

So, more than you ever wanted to know about a day in Monk’s workweek in Bangkok?

I have however, had a weekend life too, ranging from flights to and weekends in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Phi Phi, riding with friends for a day trip to Ko Samet, many train rides to Ayuthaya and motorcycle riding all around the country sides at these places. So, it is not all Bangkok and I have seen some beautiful, interesting places always inspiring me to explore more!

So, what is new? …changes in store. I quite my job as of the 31st of August, and gave notice on my apartment for the 4th of September, and I am out of Bangkok!!!!

I have some ideas of where I will go and what I will do, but not decided yet. Hey- I have another 10 days until I am out on the street, and something will come up before then!! I am exploring working at an ocean side English language camp in Thailand, teaching skiing at Telluride, an environmental internship in New Zealand, crewing on a sailboat somewhere, meditation at a retreat or ?????

By next week I should have some clearer picture of my future. I am not worried, only excited for a new adventure and trusting that all will be as it should be. Check back then for news on where I will be next…

The Gypsy

Birthday Buddha, mop, massage and men's insoles

2005-06-12T21:49:00.000+07:00

This morning I lay in bed and enjoyed yet another beautiful sunrise. I then received birthday phone calls and opened my cards from family and friends. I even received some e-cards! Thank you for all your thoughts. Being in your hearts has always meant so much to me, but now, being so far away and alone here, your love and friendship is even more precious. I hope you all feel the same from me.

On Friday, I had to receive a facial from our trainers to critique. We are opening a spa in Dar Es Salam and the trainers have created a signature facial for it, so we had to experience and critique it. So, as I enjoyed the fresh product facial from Anne, trainer Kay gave my lower half a Thai massage. What a treat! Afterward I told them they had given me a great early birthday present without them knowing it!

As I have a big project due on Wednesday, I pretty much have worked through the weekend. I did take half the day today to play-hence the title of this blog. I decided to take the ferry up the river to the infamous Khao San Road. There were a few things I wanted to buy for the apartment, and that destination allowed me to be on the river the longest and do some bargaining. I really like to try and buy things from the cart vendors. It helps them to make a living, and it makes the item feel so much more personal. As I entered the Khao San area, I ran into a vendor selling… mops! I have been looking to buy one to complete my apt. cleaning supplies. Even though I have a serviced apt., the job the cleaners do is hysterical. One time when instructed to clean only the floors, they didn’t do the bathroom, but took the top sheet off the bed, turned it upside down (lace was tucked into the bottom of the bed) and remade the bed. Another time they threw out the garbage can with the garbage, and another time only moved items on the bathroom counter without cleaning it at all! Pretty funny. So, decided to give up and clean it myself. It is so small that it takes no time at all to do it myself. I purchased a mop and a dust pan and headed off for Khao Sanh. I got some strange looks cruising with my mop.

As I entered Khao San, I recongnized a woman at a clothing stand. Yes, it was a woman who worked in my beachside massage for me-Tanmayo! What a small world. She was here teaching some massage courses and now on her way to India for a couple of weeks, then will call me on her way back to HI. Window shopped for awhile, then I ventured into a Monk supply shop and finally found the perfect Buddha. I have been looking for one seated dispelling fear or in teaching and in gold too. So, Buddha hung with me as I shopped some more. Wandered into a great little massage place and got talked into Thai massage. Met Tukta-sweet and talented girl! Very nice, inexpensive and except for the loud French boys on the mats nearby (those Frenchies…), it was a perfect birthday treat to myself.

Looking for a plain old extension cord to plug the fountain into so I don’t need to move the couch everytime to turn it on or off. Seems simple, yes? NO! Very difficult to find- only can find the ones with the strip of many plugs. Looked at the department store to no avail, but did find some cushy insoles for my running shoes. Last week I bought a pair-to cut down to size, for ladies- and got home only to find that even without cutting them, they were way too short!!!! So, today bought the men’s size and only had to trim off about ¼ inch!!! Still searching for bras. I ask at every store, for a 36. Seems to be nonexistent. I am an Amazon woman here……

I have a friend. I am in love. She is the 3 legged dog that recently underwent an amputation at her hip from some hack vet or maybe the local blacksmith. It is finally healing. “3 legs” is finally getting to trust me and this morning she was lying in front of our building so we hung out and I petted her for quite awhile. Bought her some chicken today and found her down near the mosque and fed her. What a sweet and strong soul to survive the street life. Took a photo of her with a disposable camera and will try and have it made into a CD and then can put it onto this site!!!!

Speaking of the mosque… they put up 2 new loudspeakers… right outside of my balcony. So, even with my earplugs jammed into my ears, at 4:30 am it is LOUD. I went today and checked out the speakers. They are new and only connected with some tape. And, they are reachable from the fence below with a hook on a stick. The plan of attack is taking shape. I talked to the Buddhist manager of our bldg. He thinks it is illegal for them to put them up on the public post. He says that they won’t be able to put me in jail even if they do catch me dismantling the speakers…..

Mom went to MD last week. She will be in brace 4 weeks more, but is weight-bearing to 30% now and promised me that she will try driving this week. Susanne and Richard have been taking good care of her, bringing flowers and weekly dinners. Pauli and Christina are gardening and doing every other day chores. She gets dinners from St Theresa’s still and her friends Lois and Diana do errands and visit. Kika the security guard stops by often on her night shift. So, mom is plugging along…

Dan from Maui is going to Shanghia in July, and will stop in Thailand for a 10 day visit. I have plans for us to visit both Chaing Mai and Phuket area! He will be leaving July 5th or so, so if you have anything to send with him, check with him before that.

Well, guess I have yakked long enough!!!! Just want you to know what is up here in this exotic, crazy land in my life.

Take care!!!! Be well. Hugs-
Monk

Chicken Green Curry TV Dinner and McDonald's for lunch

2005-06-06T21:00:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Hope all is well with you. I image you are all going through the usual and not so usual life's trials and tribulations, and as i am not there in verbal communication, i am with you in spirit. I hope that helps to know that you are thought of often and deeply.

I was thinking today, that i haven't really made good friends here yet. I analyzed it and came to the conclusion, that it's because i already have such great friends that i value so much and that i want to save what little time and energy i have for friendships for my good old friends. I also don't really know how to be in a friendship with in this culture. There are so many underlying dos and don'ts and just unspoken communications that are so foreign to this foreign woman, so it makes it quite hard to go deep here and know what the boundaries are etc. I DO work with some exceptional women and we care about each other and it makes a nice working environment. WORK. Well, who would ever have expected me to be in a 9-6 job in an office, with a computer and stress deadlines and business type clothing? Well, i have arrived. I live in a huge city. I live in an apartment-very small about 12'x23''. Has a full bath and shower (with hot water when they get the heater working -tomorrow?) and is ALL black marble (dark is the image), has microwave and small fridge, bult in lighted desk (very cool), a clothes closet, chest of drawes, old color TV with like 10 cable channels ( a few in English), a grey vinyl chair and love seat combo, small glass table, king sized bed with peach satin spread, headboard and full slider door curtains (got the peachy picture?), and a nice balcony witha chair and a view of tin roofed houses 3 stories below. This weekend i bought a little fountain and some plants and so now there is a corner in the house that is peacful and green. The full slider windows and balcony face east, so i can see from my bed the beautiful sunl rising between tall buildings quite aways away.

Thunder hails the rain now-as it is most afternoons and evenings during the rainy season. I slop through many a puddle on my way home from work, Samsonite umbrella open to cover myself and my lucky motorcycle taxi driver if i can find one. My commute is like this: walk (8 minutes) or motorcycle taxi (25cents) to the skytrain. Walk upstairs to take Skytrain (like monorail at Disneyland) for 25Cents one stop. Get off, walk down stairs toward ferry. If early enough get iced latte from favorite vendor (75 cents) and walk to ferry boat (3 minutes). At quarter hours, get on Marriot ferry for pleasant 15 minute ride on river to hotel. Disembark, walk 6 minutes to office on 2nd floor. Turn on computers and away i go for 8 hours +!. Timing is everything, and it seems i am always running to catch the ferry or skytrain that is just about to leave!

So, life is a bit crazy after just having gotten back from Maui, moved into new place and really gotten into the thick of work projects. So busy in fact, that the title of this blog is explained. Yes, Mcdonald's for lunch as i worked at my desk, and a TV dinner tonight. So much for healthy thai foods!!! I have started to run in the park nearby. It is a large area in a Chinese temple with running paths (arrows for direction to go) and 3 different aerobics areas and Tai chi area, large wieght area and grwonover grassy graves surrounding the whoel thing. VERY interesting. Saw 2 other foreigners there exercising, but no contact yet. Had to buy some running gear as below the knee or long pants are the norm even though it is 80+ degrees out....

So, you now have a pretty good vision of my life here.

Talked to mom. she is doing ok, but pretty depresses as she found out she has to have the brace on for another 4 weeks. But, she has increased her weight bearing status to 30%, so that helps and the therapist was sposed to help her get in the car so she can drive! That will help her attitude some.

Well, that's about it. I hope to get to Ayuthaya this weekend for my birthday get-away. But, now that i have thins nice little place of my own, Bangkok isn't so bad!!!

Take care all!
Comment if you like, but sign it ok?!
Monk

back in BKK

2005-05-31T21:23:00.000+07:00

Hi!
I'm back in Bangkok after 2 weeks with mom on Maui. it was a very full 2 weeks between working some on the Seafire with Don and Vicky :-) and readying mom and the condo for her emerging independence. I am sorry that i was unable to see many of you while i was there, but as Susanne reminded me, "You were here to take care of mom, not to visit friends".

So, mom is doing pretty well. She has a full leg brace on left leg and is now wlaking with toe touch weight bearing with a walker. She had had a full cast and was not very mobile, so she had been enjoying both my sisters caring for her every whim. Well, as i arrived, she exchanged her cast for a brace, got the ok for flexion of knee to 60 degrees and the PT in me came out and the month of luxury was over! I told her that if she didn't exercise, she didn't get fed. A bit harsh, but it all worked as now she is progressing well and i have left her with only part-time care and she is doing well with it. It was nice to be back on Maui, but i am very happy to be home here in Thailand.

I returned on Sunday the 29th and moved into my new apt. Little sweet studio that i will tell about when i am not so jet lagged and tired from work and all. I have a new address to mail to and a phone number besides my same cell #. So, feel free to call or write!!!

Well off to iron clothing for work tomorrow. We are in a big push for many new therapist training prgrams, so i am VERY busy at work. Yesterday we began training of 11 Thai women and 1 man to go to the Dar Es Salam spa in a month. Sweet group!

I just got internet access in my room, so will be able to blog and call from home now. Here's my info:

Monica Williams Room # 317
201/1 Sathorn Soi 15-17, Sathorn Rd
Sathorn, Bangkok 10120
Thailand

phone 011 66 2675892130 room 317
cell 011 66 70650179

Hugs to you all!
M

feeling philpsophic

2005-05-12T11:49:00.000+07:00

Have been carrying around this prose by Hugh Prather since the late 70's or early 80's and it is
so much of what I feel that I thought I'd publish it here. Am off to Hawaii tomorrow and am packing to leave and move from my room here at Dieter's too. On the 29th I should be moving to my new place here in BKK. More about that later when i have stories. Well, back to work on this project for Mandara Spa.

As I look back on my life, one of the most constant and powerful things I have experienced within myself is the desire to be more than I am at the moment-an unwillingness to let myself remain where I am-a desire to increase the boundaries of myself- a desire to grow, improve, accomplish, expand.

I used to interpret this inner push as meaning that there was some one thing out there that I wanted to do or be or have. And I have spent too much of my life trying to find it. But now I know that this energy within me is seeking more than the mate or the religion or the profession, or more even than pleasure or power or meaning.

It is seeking out more of me; or better it is, thank God, flushing out more of me. The past is over and the future is not.
Hugh Prather

motorcycles and more

2005-05-09T09:26:00.000+07:00

Hi All-
It's been 3 weeks since last blog and i have been trying to find the time and energy to post new adventures, but have been BUSY. Some of you will say "so what else is new..."
What is new...
Well, mom has a cast on ankle to hip and both sisters have taken turns going to Maui to take care of her. It was so great of them to do this as i had just started in my job and it was pretty bad timing for me to leave at that time. I am going back to Maui from May 13th-27th to take care of her for 2 weeks. Hope to fit in a couple of massages as i miss doing "oil" massage here in the land of Thai massage. After i return to Thailand she will still need care, so we will figure that out when i am there. Strange to imagine my mom needing so much care when she has always been the one providing it for everyone else. Hopefully she will heal well and the prosthesis will tighten up and she wont need surgery!
I have been the recipient of Dieter Buchner's generous hospitality while here inm Bangkok, but i have finally found some housing of my own. I am signing contract this week to rent a little studio in a serviced apartment with a tiny pool, laundry, etc in a nce part of Bangkok called Sathorn. A short walk, skytrain trip and ferry ride to work (that is considered a short trip here in huge Bangkok) . Did you know that Bangkok is the size of NYC? With double the population? Wow. Now i understand the daily mayhem here, but that the Thai people do it much more gracefully than the new yorkers. i have also rented a little cottage in Ayutthaya about an hour north of BKK. It is actually a 2-3 hour trip with all the traffic and train stops etc. But , it is my weekend, and hopefully 1 night a week, sanity break from BKK. Just have it leased for 2 months as i need to see how it all goes, but i have frineds there and it is quiet and fairly clean and THE RUINS ARE EVERYWHERE! It is amazing to just ride around on bike or motorcycle ans explore.

Which leads me to...
Motorcycles. After more than 2 months here, i got up the nerve and rented a motorbike for the streets and dirt roads of Ayutthaha (Ayu). Yuip-about 3 weeks ago i rented one and off i went for a full day of peaceful country and some hair-raising city travel. I only started down the street the wrong way one time and since then, it has been normal to drive on the left and do all the wild circle things and totally unmarked intersections and no road rules driving. The second day, i gave a guy (Al fromCanada/Seattle) a ride to a Watetc. and around sightseeing. As we pulled into thie big park, we saw 2 dogs go after 1 dog into a fight so i gunned the engine, jumped a small curb up onto the gravel and speeding toward the dogs blasting the horn and screaming like a wild woman, chased the dogs into the water where they could not really fight. A natural reaction for me, but my poor passenger (who was forewarned that i was a novice at Thailand scooter riding) thought i had gone off the deep end. Actually he was in shock, but later admitted he was quite impressed with my driving. I now take on passengers regularly, even the Thais say i do pretty well! I am very careful as there really are not to many rules here and the obstacles are everywhere. I will let you know when i take on the car driving with steering wheel on right side of car...

This weekend visited some out of the way spots with Poon (the Tuk-Tuk driver from Tony's guesthouse) and Rich ( a Cal/Idaho guy doing video for internet sales). We visited ruins, monkey village where the monkeys ate our food and played in the pond, and the stainless steel making village. Bought 2 sets of a handmade stainless steel table utensils for 1,400 baht about $36-they are amazing!At the monkey village, there were about 50 or so wierd "human" plaster sculptures. They were in groups depicting what happens to people who do these "bad" things like lie or steal or other things we couldn't figure out. They were scenes like a man on his knees with a turtle shell on his back being scewered in the butt with a bird with a huge bill (don't know what the signifigance of all the figures with animal parts on them were). Another alarming one was this huge plaster base built up around a real tree and up on the tree were hanging people all bloody and 2 men had huge penises that were being chewed/speared by eagle type birds. The whole area of about 6 groups were explained to me to be the visions of like hell when you do bad things in life. It was WILD! Rich got some footage, so if he sends me a photo, i'll post it!

Work- i work for Mandara Spa which in August will be M-Spa International. I am working mostly now to upgrade the internal training/education center for all the spas we have and are opening. I am in charge of curriculum development and teaching of anatomy and physiology , assessment, etc. It is exciting, but being in the business world has its due stress. As i leave for Maui on Fri, i have a big project that needs to be completed before then, so need to get tro work now! My Thail language skills are nil. Now that i know where i will be living, i can sign up for some classes. It will make my train travel much easier and more enjoyable!

well, hope you all enjoyed a bit of travels!
Take care until next time!
M

update

2005-04-18T22:39:00.000+07:00

Update…..
Here in Bangkok. Mom should be moved today to the Hale Makua rehab center where she will be prepared in how to get around, bate, etc. with her new cast. She should graduate from there in a few days, and then go home where Suss, my middle sister will care for her till end of month. Lori, my oldest sister will then arrive and care for mom for about 2 weeks. Then I will be back on Maui around May 14th when mom gets her cast off and we assess whether she is healed enough for a hinged cast or if she needs surgery or something else. I’ll probably stay for a couple of weeks and get her going in rehab and back to aqua aerobics. She will be happy to be home for sure!

I am beginning my job working with a large spa provider company to design knowledge based and training curriculum for massage/spa therapists. Also, we are opening spas in Tanzania, Dubai, etc. so am assisting in the opening of these spas by expanding our training facility to accommodate the large numbers of therapists needed.

I am still enjoying Bangkok with it’s variety of experiences. Been swimming some laps in the pool here, but it is not the ocean for sure. Dave, my buddy from Maui who has moved to Pai in the north of Thailand to settle down with his wife and new family, is in Bangkok for a visa thing. He and his wife, Won are coming to dinner tomorrow eve. It will be good to see him!

Well, boring update I know. May get out of the city this or next weekend for some adventures. Will blog again and let all know when I will be on Maui.
Take care!

new number, mom in hospital etc.

2005-04-14T17:55:00.000+07:00

Hi all-
Wish this was a happier blog, but am feeling so many emotions right now. Mom slipped on water in Safeway, fell and broke part of her femur at the knee. Also loosened her prosthesis in that knee. So, she is at Maui Memorial Hospital room 411 (sorry, forgot to bring the phone # with me) waiting for some dicisions to be made by the doctors there. They will cast and immobilize her for about 5 weeks, or do surgery, on Oahu or the mainland somewhere. It is driving me crazy not to be there, BUT, i start my new job with many things to do on Monday and am looking for an apartment in Bangkok, buying a computer and many things just to keep my life going here. I will be going to take care of her for awhile, but need to get settled here first and get the work/project things all in line first.

Interesting timing for all this as it is in the middle of Songkran here with festivities EVERYWHERE. Just walking to the internet place, i got SOAKED with water about 5 times. A taxi, your home an a few shops are the only safe places.

I have a new cell company and phone number. You should be able to get through on this new number. From US dial: 011 66 70650179

AND, have you heard of Skype? It's amazing. It is a free download onto your computer. You don't need much, just some basic size requirements for your computer, a headset (with microphone if computer doesn't have one built in) , make a user name, dial me and we talk for FREE. Yes, it works. I have been chatting for hours with Alex in Germany for free. And the sound qulity is BETTER than a phone. So, please go to the website and check it out. It is easy-if i can do it, you can!!! Then we can chat for free-i miss talking to you all! Website: www.skype.com

Well, am going out to check out som festivities, then to buy my own laptop for work, and to talk to you with (Skype)!

Sayb some prayers for mom.

I'll keep you all posted on her condition, my plans, etc. Don't think my blogs will be so adventurous for awhile....

Hugs-
Monk

Ayutthaya, Khao Yai, Songkran

2005-04-11T16:55:00.000+07:00

Hi! Sitting here in late afternoon, overlooking the Chao Praya River and all of Bangkok and enjoying this city greatly. My last blog left off with only a hint at my dive trip. More now.... I was for 4 days and nights on a live-a-board boat, the Explorer, with West Coast Divers going to the 9 main Similan Islands up to Koh Bon and Richeleiu Rock. I had a great cabin (front top deck) and an excellent roommate, Rachele from Canada who teaches English in Japan. 3-4 dives per day, currents and not, but always pretty calm top side. Most dives 60-90 feet and more sea life than I thought could ever exist in one place. Most folks were excited to see the big stuff, but for me, it was the tiny stuff that was most captivating. Open a book about the sea and reef life of SE Asia and you will see what I saw. My favorites were the large orange with reddish spotted clown fish (relative of Nemo) that were so territorial. They would come out of thier anemone andattach you. One got a hold of my watch and it was unpleasantly surprised by its hardness. It was a bit fearful of me after that. We had wild thunderstorms and rain 3/4 nights, but always clear and beautiful at daybreak. There are 2 isalnds that you can camp on as it is in a Nat. Park. It is a true get-away from it all, and will go there for a vacation sometime! A few great adventures on Phuket with Rachele and the "Hazard" family (yes it is thier name) from Canada. What a wild , fun bunch they are. If in Canada, a visit with them is a must!!!!! Back to Bangkok via Asia Airlines (about $60 round trip for 1 1/2 hour flights) where I hung at Dieter's nice condo and palled around with him mom who was visiting from Germany. She spoke no English, so my shabby German got a workout!!! It was interesting shopping with her in the markets where I would try to make us understood in English and then back to German with her and Thai word or two slipping out. I have not learned Thai yet. I was doing well for awhile, then just started to be around people who all speak English, so need to get back at it! Worked on some job descriptions for the project for Mandara Spa company that I will be working for. Dieter has aacontract with them to upgrade internal training and knowledge and start an academy for international massage teaching, Mandara just got two spa contracts in Tanzania and Zanzibar besides some other countries, and the 2 African ones open in July, so we are under the gun to get the massage therapists ready for there. So, our short term focus has changed and now my job description has changed slightly, although after the budget gets final approval (should be today) I will hopefully be doing curriculum development and teaching as planned, just on a different project. Maybe a blog will be written from the spas in Africa! So, after the paperwork of 5 days in Bangkok, I decided to head North via train to the old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. On the train, gave up my seat to an older lady and she took me under her wing when we arrived at Ayutthaya. Got me into a tuk tuk (small, noisy 3 wheel vehicle thing) with her and a friend ahd took me to my guesthouse. She insited on paying for me. It happens all the time here!!! I love these people. I stayed at Tony's Place for about $2 a night for a clean, screaned room with shared shower/toilet. Cool old wood place that is a maze with frienly people and Tony is a great guy. Rented a bike and biked all around the old city of ruins, went to the museum ( the one in the old palace, no other tourists there!) and got caught on a street corner under a big tent like thing with 2 barbers, their customers, another pedestrain, 2 motorcycle taxi drivers and thier riders and a great gal from Whales named Carly. Only one other Carly I know and I thought of you on Kauai! So, we were trapped by a huge and I mean huge thunder and rainstorm that came out of nowhere. It was the first rain in like 6 months or something. Am I a rainmaker or what?!!! We all spent about 1 1/2 hours there, getting drenched as the rain blew in sideways and the roof leaked. Quite funny and this nice man gave us his umbrella and they gave us chairs andI shared the watermellon with everyone. Finally, the rain let up and Carly and I walked home and changed and I jumped on the bike again and went out to see the ruins lit up at night. Now, I cannot even begin to tell you how cool this whole city is. FILLED with ruins everywhere, and some quite intact.They are made of bricks and stucco covering with stone buddas and stuff all over. The lights are like on the pyramids at night with the soft gold glow. Oh, I forgot about earlier in the day when I met another nice lady by some out of the way temples. She took me inside a beautiful typical Buddhist temple where a monk was sitting and blessing people. We sat ( I just did what she did as there is a strict protocol for this interaction) and he blessed me ( i guess that's what he was doing-maybe he was saying i needed to get my grey hairs dyed) and shook water off a wooden whisk thing onto me. We then did our Wais, and knee walked over to the buddah image and said some prayers and put money in a couple of the boxes-for food, water, etc. Lit candles, the usual temple stuff. Pretty cool. Not a tourist in sight. So , later in the eve, as I was sitting at a restaurant, having a Singha beer, waiting for the Wats to be lit, the restaurant owner told me about the parade, etc, that eve for the founding of Ayutthaya. What a nice coincidence. I was nearby, so hopped onto my bike and headed out to see the parade. Oh my. Amazing costumes, elephants all dooded up, beauty queens that I told how "sawai" (beautiful) they were to, old Siam warriers with poles and it was all so amazing!!!!!!! A huge concert had just ended and there was great music on the tape to dance to in the middle of this grassy ampitheater and everyone was gone off to the carnival/market area. Walking through the carnival, market withall kinds of fun stuff-commercial 99 cent type junk to beautiful pictures of the king and buddah. Fianlly rode back to Tony's where he was sitting at a table talking to 2 visitors. I was so excited to tell them about the parade and all. They laughed a bit at my excitement, but it was just sooo perfect! Then, I made an interesting move.... I sat with them and offered my festival popcorn and askerd their names. Alex I remember, but what was the Swedish man's name? Many beers later at the club next door, Full Moon Cafe or some such thing, we had a great time. The other guy was leaving next am, but I had a new buddy, Alex. Alex and I hung out together for the next 2 days, visiting his friends, ruins, riding bikes that were way too small, shopping for clothes for me as all of mine were wet except shorts and you dont' wear shorts here, and feeling like we had known each other a long time. He is so full of knowledge (does he have an off switch?) and helped to get my brain thinking again. We met Sunday night, and he had to leave back to Germany on Tuesday night after about 4 years of traveling. SO, saw my buddy off at the train station and hired a motrorcycle taxi to drive me around the city for an hour ($2.50). I looked at lit ruins, saw new parts of town and let my tears dry for missing my new good friend. His plans are to return to start a business here at the end of the year! :) Ayutthaya was not the same afterhe left, Tony was a bit sad too as they have know each other for years now, and so I hopped on a train to the East to Pack Chong, the gateway to Khao Yai National Park. Stayed at Greenleaf Guesthouse in a sweet, plain, CLEAN room with screne window and door for $5 and as soon as I dropped my bag in my room, A couple from Holland, Seieberen and Marrlet, a guide and our driver took off for the bat caves at sunset. Now this is truely one of those awesome moments in one's life that will always be with them. There are 2 million bats coming out from this cave hole in the wall of this hill about 200 feet up above us. We had a spotting scope and watched as the bats came out in what I can only describe as a swirling, spiraling, smokelike column of bats moving off toward the north into fields to eat insects. This lasts for about 45 minutes. Then we watch the sunset and the cold spots on it through the scope and walk through the fields to another place where we stand about 8' apart. Then another bat group leaves their cave, but in single file through the tree branches and at us narrowly missing us in their "Star War" like flight. This is accompanied by symphonies of cicadas, also in perfect orchestration with each other to start and stop. This evening's events are inmprinted in ever fiber of every sense organ of my body. That is evening one of 1 1/2 days at Khao Yai National Park. The next day my two new friends, Marrlet and Sieberen, and 2 other couples ( I was wishing Alex to be there!), guide (Tun) and deriver/scope carrier (Boyle) and I headed off in safari like vehicle to the park itself. I will just tell you that it was amazing. They give you leach socks to wear although it is dry, the little bastards live in the leaf litter and try and climb up. I got bitten under the arm by one as I held treee leaves out of the way to view the gibbons by scope. So, we rode, we hiked and we saw. Gibbon family resting and grooming in tree, 9'reticulated python on rode at night, pocupine, male elephant scratching himself on boulders and trees at the stream-watched him for half and hour at 50' away, monitor lizard and baby at stream, dragon lizard in tree, many hornbills of different types, baby marten, huge squirrel, butterflies and so much more. It was overwhelming with beauty. And the air so clean and quiet. I went for a run the next morning as I did in Ayutthaya after Alex left. It feels good to have my ankle back in shape, and my body feeling pretty good to run and play. Back to Bangkok via AC bus and who should `i meet? Marlett and Sieberen! We passed the time chatting about life and how there are no coincidences. We must just listen to our intuition. They also gifted me with my first EURO. -one from Italy with Leonardo's Man on it. I was surrounded by interesting and intelligent Europeans, and it was great to talk geography, politics, and religion. Just now here in Bangkok, the evening prayers are being sung from an Islamic mosque-such sad sounds. Back in Bangkok, I have been hanging with Dieter, doing some work getting ready for the spa openings, and playing too. The other day we went to the kick off parade, etc. for the Songkran festival. `it is the biggest holiday in Thailand. It starts on Wed. The 13th and goes through the 17th. Full -on 4 days of partying!!! It is the beginning of their New Year, and the theme is water throwing. Apparently is something to do with rainmaking in history, so now, the street vendors are stocked with water guns and no place is safe from getting splashed, squirted or doused. I have been instructed to put all things in plastic bag, and carry extra dry clothes in a plastic bag also, starting Wed. We got a taste of it at the parade on Sat. The elephants (from Ayutthaya!!!) were there all painted and robed in red, and they had barrels of water on carts and would reachin with their trunks and spray the audience as they traveled along. Dieter, his Thia friend, Chai, and I just happened to be at he turn around for the route, and so the elephants stayed there. We got sprayed quite a bit, and then, this elephant walks up to me with a trunk full and I just put my hands over my face, and for about 15 seconds he terrorized me! I was laughing and then I peeked out and he swung to my right and blew all over the crowd behind me. Somewhere there are some great pictures of that!!! Chai and Dieter did get some photos, and I will try and get them to put them on here for your enjoyment. Well, that leaves me to now. I am witing for budget approval and full job description to be able to get my own apt,. etc here. Then I will be more settled. I am welcome to stay at Dieter's until things are defined, so I will. So, bye for now. Hope you have enjoyed catching up!!!! Thinking of you all!

amazing diving

2005-03-29T21:18:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Back in Bangkok after 4 days of diving the Simillan Islands and a day at Kata Beach. Had no idea that there was so much life under the ocean in one place!!! Am at a internet/games plafce in local town and the crazy kids and teenagers have the speakers cranked and are dancing around...wild and fun these Thais!!!! I'm probably the only Farang (foreigner) to ever have crossed this doorway and they are having fun with/at me. So many amazing experiences these last days. Have to go back to Dieter's castle to finish up my job proposal and description. Had a 3 hr meeting with him today and got the big picture of his goal here, and think I can fit in, but because there is sooo much to do, how to define what I will do is a challenge. So, more on the diving., etc. in another blog when I finish this job perspective thing.

Phuket, tiny bras, diving

2005-03-22T16:07:00.000+07:00

Hi!
Hope you are all well. I am wondering if my email is not working as i have emailed you, Susanne, and my sister Suss, and have gotten no replies. What is up????

Been pretty busy walking every inch of this town and other beach towns nearby. Went to the famous "Patong" beach and it is so full of tourist even though the Tsunami wiped out the whole oceanfront block. Karon beach was impacted about the same. Piles of rubble abound and bulding is going on everywhere. Kind of strange feeling there..... The Thai people think I am pretty funny that I like to WALK around. The women/girls from massage class would always offer me rides on their scooters, sometimes I would agree, other times I just liked to walk, especially after a long day indoors. I have gotten to pretty adept at riding sidesaddle on the taxis if wearing a skirt. It's such a way of life here, and when I finally get used to the way traffic moves (driving on the left side of the road from the right hand side of the car) I will get a scooter like everyone else in Thailand. Passed the exam and graduated on Saturday the 19th. I'm now certified to give Thai Yoga Massages! Actually had the opportunity last evening..... Was returning on the little bus from Karon Beach about 5pm yesterday when I noticed a felllow traveler type and struck up a conversation. HIs name was Kazu from Japan. He said his flight didn't leave for Bangkok until 11pm, so I invited him to pass his time at my hotel in the pool. We hopped on motorbike taxis and he trusting me without even knowing me, followed me to my hotel. We swam and played with the kids (Oht and Baht) from the hotel owner and then as he was upstairs showering he noticed my Thai massage book. When i came up to shower, he asked for a massage. After we went to get some great Thai food and shopped for a towel for me for the dive trip to come, I gave him a quick 1/2 hour tune up for his stiff neck and shoulders before the hotel owners took hom to the airport. He was impressed, and I was so happy to have it all be soo natural feeling to design a program to help him. Most Thai yoga massages are about 2 hours in length. It was so nice to meet and spend an evening with him even with our limited English conversation!

About the hotel... I moved from my old hotel last week. I was out walking one eve, and came across a new hotel in a nice, quiet neighborhood. I checked it out and it was great! Had a pool, nice clean rooms about a month old, only 100 Baht more than my old roach hotel ($2.63 more), and the families that own/run it were so nice. So, they came and got me at my old hotel and I moved in! The place is PJ's Inn on Soi Surin #1 in the Eastern part of the city of Phuket. I will publish the phone # next blog. I LOVE the place! The other night, the owners kids came to my room with a bag of sweets and hot soy milk to go with them! I swim with the kids, chat with the family and this am, Lynn, the woman who is1/2 owner of the hotel, took me to breakfast at the local Dim Sun place (her background is Thai/Chinese) and drove me around up to the hill park and out to the bay, etc. We chatted and have lots in common and I will definitely be in touch with her as she feels like a new friend. In the morning here, I see the monks walking the neighborhood recieving their bowl of rice and food from a household giving. It is a beautiful ceremony and it is surely a way to get a good perspective on what is important to do in the day=give, recieve and be thankful.

Everyday I end up going shopping. I marvel at the array of small bras. Finally, I am in a place where smaller cup cotton bras are the norm. Forget about finding any C or D cups here ladies, so, for my friends (Shawna, Linda Pearl etc.) this is bra heaven for us!

Tomorrow I leave for a 4 night/4 day live-aboard dive trip to the Similan Islands!!!!! Wow. I am so excited that I got all ready to go today and just found out that I am a day early!!! Will go back to the hotel and check in and relax. The trip leaves from the northern part of Phuket island and travels out to arrive at the islands in the am on Thursday the 24th. We do diving all day and night dives too and should see many manta and whale sharks too. So, I'll be back on land Sunday afternoon the 27th. Will stay in the area and then fly back to Bangkok on Monday. Will again stay at Dieter's condo and he, his mom who is visiting from Germany, and I will go shopping for many bushes and trees for the many lanais he has. We will then talk business and what part I will have in developing the school/training center for therapists here in Thailand,. At that point , I will have an idea of where I will be going to language school, and where I will be living for awhile. THEN you can all figure out when you will be coming to visit, yes??!!

I am so much enjoying the people of Thailand. The only downers are the people in the tourist areas where they are jaded by the tourists and have taken on the mentality of "get what you can" from the tourists. Since I frequent those areas so little, I have have little exposure to them and continue to have great experiences one after another (including getting fed doughnuts and sweets by the police men at the police station-which is another funny story)..... There are many to tell and each day brings more.

Please know that as much as I am enjoying this new epsode in my life here, I do thinnk of you all and miss you very much. If you ever thought of visiting Thailand or SE Asia, or if you have dreamed of ruturning, now is the time, 'cause as soon as I have my work plans settled, I would love to entertain you here!

Well, off to experience some more!!

Will check email tomorrow before diving, then blog after the scuba trip with more tales....
Hugs to you all-Monk

day off and corrected phone # again

2005-03-13T16:33:00.000+07:00

Hi!
It's Sunday and a day off from school. Caught a motorcycle taxi to Kata Noi beach for a beautiful day of sun and swimming, rock hopping and exploring. So pretty here, and the people so nice considering all the tourists they must cater to. There must be 95% Germans and Swedes here, and they all must have some pretty distorted body images as they try to stuff themselves into (and don't fully succeed in) tiny bikinis and Speedos-yulk. I don't think I could spend much more time here without handing out some one piece swimsuits and bathing trunks! Today was a well needed break from class this week. Those darn Thai women are so sharp that I am struggling to keep up! We have 6 more days to learn alll the prone position work and practice and take the exams-I'll be ready for another break then and plan on doing a live-a board dive trip out to the Similan Islands. People keep asking me how things are here since the Tsunami. I don't have refernence point, but what I do see, is that there are quite a few closed businesses, and empty lots full of walls of rubbish of plants and cinderblock and furniture. You can see some of the water marks high up on buildings, and lots of new paint is being applied. A big rumor was going around that yesterday there was going to be another Tsunami. Ya. Very superstitious the Thais. Remember my bowling buddies? They were here visiting. I had diiner with them one day and we had some good laughs, but I was just recovering, so didn't go bowling with them here.... Well, off to enjoy some more of my day out of doors!!!! The way to dial my # from the US is: 011 66 58033874. Health and happiness to you all!
Monk

Thai massage school and the ceiling mold

2005-03-10T19:20:00.000+07:00

Hi again! Last time I wrote was Monday eve after my first day of class. This afternoon, I finally made it back to class. For two full days I was sick in bed staring at the mold on the ceiling near the AC and watching really bad movies on TV such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alien and other worse movies. I was feverish, achey, felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest and like my head was in a vise. Two full days and three nites of yulk! AND, I missed two days of class. My fellow Thai students were so cute. There I am in my deathbed (about wishing I would die) and a group of about 10 of them show up after class to wish me well and to take me to the hospital if I needed it. Later another one showed up with a bag of oranges! Soooo sweet these girls. I am learning so much about graciousness from them. Dieter came by (since he was up off his deathbed and on his way back to Bangkok) and brought a cool camphor type sniffing vial, drugs and amazing flower garlands. I awoke this morning after a night of coughing and realized I still felt crappy. I was so depressed I cried. Then, realizing that I would have another day of bad movies and mold, I got up and took lots of meds and tried to find a spa with a sauna that could perform elephant removal. Not an easy find her in the city, so decided an hour of hot sun at the beach and a dip ithe ocean might turn things around. It did!!! I dried up a bit, and came home, took a shower and went to massage class. I just observed the women practice what they learned the last two days and tried to implant it in my slowly functioning brain. These therapists are a quick study!!!! They don't even need to look at their notes!! It's a good thing I have my PT background, because alot of what they are doing is similar to how I do stretching and range of motion to clients so I don't think I'm too far behind. Think I'll head off for a bowl of hot vegetable soup and study for tomorrow.

Take care and STAY WELL.

Bangkok flower market to Phuket

2005-03-07T20:11:00.000+07:00

Hi from Phuket!
Thanks to all for your emails.
Ohhhh, such busy days! Dieter arrived home to a house full of flowers. The only way to imagine Bangkok's flower market is to have been there. I walked around for hours with mouth agape and arms filling to past capacity. For under $5.00 I bought over 100 roses, a dozen lotus flowers in pink and white, many bunches of oange and pink orchid stems, and other ginger type flowers along with bags of fragrant pikake type buds. I got lost and walkedr for half an hour with arms loaded and tired and finally found the river and a ferry home. The river at night is a beautiful sight with fireworks and all. Dieter came home next night and we had a nice hour chatting. He wasn't feeling well after so many countries in a little over a week. Next morning I was packing and trying to reign in my sprawl when I realized that the noon flight was actually a 10:50 flight. I broke the bad news to Dietrer and he said I had 10 minutes and maybe we could make it. It was 9:30 and we were quite aways from the airport. The mad dash through the house, clothes left in the washer, me without a shower, ....crazy!!! Poor Dieter-welcome home to a scramble!The taxi driver was a a"hell devil" per Dieter. He drove like a mad man, and I have yet to see seatbelts in a taxi. I asked Dieter if he had asked him to hurry and he said "no". The hell devil got us to the airport in racecourse record setting speed. We arrived just as they were closing the flight, but we made it!!! On the bus out to the airplane, we were delayed to let the princess' cars pass-she was flying to Phuket I think! On the bus, Dieter saw one of his colleagues who he worked with 7 years ago in Phuket. AND, at the back of the bus was Kurt, who I sat next to a week before on the flight over from Hawaii. We laughed about what a small world it is! Once in Phuket, Dieter rented a car (with seat belts) and he tried to act as tour guide of the island, but became sicker and sicker. Bouth a thermometer and he had a temp of 102.8. Got him to his friend's house and they took me to my hotel in Phuket city. Nice people at the hotel, but old and moldy descibes it well. Watched TV with English, German and other languages! This am met up with "The Germans". Evelyn and Charley are the Thai massage teachers. We FINALLY found the hotel where the training was and entered into 19 sweet , young, tiny Thai woman doing yoga exercises to an audio tape (in English thankfullly). Dieter was too sick to join us and he is to go back to Bangkok as soon as he is able to travel. I jumped right in to the yoaga seesion and at the end we all had a good laugh.... It was time to do a back to back partner stretch where you lift your partner. They all giggled and picked the largest one for me. Still, she teetered and almost fell over and we all laughed. I feel like an amazon woman here. Motivation to loose a few pounds!! The rest of the day was spent learning and practicing Thai massage. We are learning the technique of Asokananda (check the websight www.asokanada.com) and so the next 12 days (with Sunday only off!) we do yoga from 8-9am and learn and practice massage from 9-1 and 2-6. I think I will be flexible at the end. BUT.... since my new schedule is sooo full (and quite well planned) I will probably not do much blogging for awhile. Will try and check email, but the internet places are harder to find here, and the connection is like molasses compared to Bangkok's facilities.
well, it's 9pm. gotta go and eat some more great Thai food and go in for the night. Long, full learning days ahead. The Thai women are so sweet with names of " K, C, A, Eh, Nam, Won, Nie, Pui "and so forth. They are beyond belief sweet and I am learning so much from them besides the instructors. More when I have a chance!!!

Bowling and fungus

2005-03-03T12:07:00.000+07:00

Another day in Bangkok....
Hope this finds you all well. Watching TV news at the restaurant the other night (TV's are everywhere including the tiny barge shack homes), the anchors closed the evening not by shuffling and collecting papers, but by the polite, respectful "wai" done in unison. For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is the hands in a prayer like pose, with hands near the chin or nose or forehead (depending on the degree of respect and formality) and a slight bowing of the head. So beautiful and yet another reminder of the the graciousness of the people here.

A bit in stark contrast to experience of this am.... Funny and a bit shocking.... Was walking on the main street here to the internet place. Group of business men in black slacks and impeccably ironed white dress shirts sitting at a food stall table eating. Man turned away from the table and closing off one nostril, blew the other nostril's snot onto the sidewalk. He then wiped his nose with the back of his hand and went on eating. Cultural differences!!!!

This city is soooo great!!

So, about the bowling and fungus....
It seems that every time I leave my oasis of a condominium, there is another adventure. Yesterday I set out to get a cell phone. Seemed simple enough, but after searching all the regular type mall places, I found that they were upwards of $100 for a very basic model. On the skytrain on the way to yet another possible shopping mall, I was squeezed next to a Thai Michael Jackson look-a-like (although he didn't bleach his skin). He smiled and seemed so sweet! He was hanging with an older western-looking chap who also had a nice feel to him. We all got off at the same place and changed trains and were together again. We started conversation and I mentioned I was going phone hunting. Where were they going?...Bowling. Yes, in the middle of the afternoon, bowling. Well, Nom (michael j.) decided that I should have the same Nokia phone that he had and that he would get it for me for cheap like he had gotten it. Anyone traveling in Thailand (and other countires like Egypt as you remember, mom) have to be wary of the local that will take you to his "cousin's" shop and then you can't leave without buying lots of stuff. I just trusted, and as Nom sped through the mall crowds through hundreds (so it seemed) of shops, up escalators, around corners with Andrew and I dashing behind trying not to loose him, we arrived at a maze of shops all selling phones. Here Nom bargained with one after another until he found a great deal for me-his same phone for 1600 baht + 200 for SIM card = about $47. What a deal! Only problem was, that everything on the phone was in Thai, so Nom set me up with the English settings. We were then informed that yesterday was Nom' birthday (26) and Andrew should buy him a gift. What he wanted was a $5 multicolored flashing light phone face plate. He gave me his old baby blue plate. Nom wanted me to come bowling with them and how could I resist such a warm hearted "character". Bowling in Thailand-what a trip. How long has it been since you've been bowling ?(not too long for Lori I know!) Ya- me too. This bowling "alley" was a high tech, disc (CD) spinning, loud, amazing scene. Everyone know Nom and he soon had my cell phone charging somewhere, a pitcher of beer ordered and us with "grateful dead" and neon colored bowling balls brought to us by the many helpers (labor is very cheap here!) We danced as we bowled and Andrew and I did our best to loose to our Michael Jackson performer host. I( I won the first and lost the last game). Onto the fungus.....
Gotta eat after bowling, so off to the MK restaurant in the mall. Nom ordered. They bring an electric wok to the tabel filled with water and it simmers and boins whatever you order and put into it. Tons of veggies went into it first. Then you take your ladle with holes, fill it with whatever else you have ordered that is on the little trays, and you cook it in the water. Ate lots of undiscernable stuff-jellyfish? etc...At one point Nm decided to feed me this "thing" . It looked like across between tripe and the net sponges that you use in the shower. He said it would make me "healthy and more beauty". Couldn't resist. I just kept asking " no animal intestines, right?" Seemed he fed me a huge mashrrom fungus thing that was highly prized and it was rather good!!!

Onward to ice cream shop where we ate great american style ice cream and picked our teeth (with other hand covering mouth) with little American flag toothpicks (gotta get some of those for you Susanne!). Finding a photo booth, we picked out backgrounds and crammed into the booth, took picutres of us to remember the eve together! I finally bid my farewells and found my way home and to bed. About midnight, Nom and Andrew were leaving their "club" (they said I wouldn't like it-not any heterosexuals there for me I guess) and they called my new phone just to say goodnight. So sweet! I have two new friends in Bangkok who I will meet up with and go and laugh with some!

The sun rises on the calm river and I lay in bed watching its crimson orb make its way through the smog and clouds to begin the day. Mornings are almost quiet in the city. Most places don't open 'till 10am. As the sun rises to about 45degrees, it becomes yellowish and the sky a light blue. The heat begins. Not opressive as I thought, but is still winter I'm told. Moon rises over the river again, now not so calm as the boats of the day have churned it up. Moon rise is subject to the same smog as the sunrise and the color is an orangey/gold color.

Amazing city. Amazing people. Think I'll go and explore some more!!!
Best to you all-
Monk

Days later....

2005-03-02T10:24:00.000+07:00

Hi! Hope you are all well!
Well...it's days later and life is so full. It seems an insurmountable task to tell all, so, just the highlights?.......

Last i wrote, I was on my way to the grocery store. It is in a big mall area which is typical for the large stores here (have since been to 2 others). They have one WHOLE AISLE devoted to bottles of cooking oil. They have freshly juiced fruit juice-yummm!!!! Had carrot, beet and lilikoi mixture that i dream about now-all for about a dollar for a pint. Tried a "durian" fruit-also yumm, but pricy at about $2.00 for a mango sized fruit. The food is out of this world, and for most stuff except imported items such as cheese (8 oz mozerella = $2.50) it is pretty cheap. I now enjoy breakfast at home on the lanai, just like with mom in the am, except missing her!

The Thai massage was interesting. I picked up the ladies at their place and we walked to the condo. They were rather impressed with it's size and Dieter's great taste. We put blankets and towels on the floor, and for the next 2 hrs i was rubbed with oil, compressed and then finally stretched Thai style. It was nice, but give me some deep tissue, lomi and swedish any day!

Next day was a real Bangkok tour day. SOOO full of experiences. Did the Khao San Rd. thing. The Thai people there are a bit jaded by the enormity of the tourist population there. Very different than most other places off the tourist grid that I have wondered into where the peole are friendly and don't speak English. Took a river boat, a canal boat, the skytrain, visited a Wat and got lost in the interior of it and ended up in the monk's living quarters. Took my shoes off to sneak around trying to find my way out and glimpsed a monk robing/disrobing (don't know which as i averted my eyes as soon as I realized what was happening). Finally found my way out and as i was still lost i ended up on a tiny waterway of tiny wooden houses and alleys and two tables full of crispy fried grasshoppers. I think they were going to eat them, but i just smiled and asked how to get to a different Wat. They all point and nod and smile and after many more circles and bigger streets, i finally saw an office with a "translator" sign. Figured I could find English there! Nice man who directed me in the right direction to get to the canal boat (wild wet ride) to get to the shopping center where i had sensory overload. As Dave in Thailand says something like "they have taken our idea of commercialism and expanded on it to the limit". Bought a few things in this multistory monstrosity of hundreds of shops. Had a nice dinner there for less than a dollar! Was so glad to get home after that FULL day in the icty. So happy to be home, that yesterday i stayed at the condo all day. Spent 4 hours studying Thai language and culture. On one of my shopping forays, I found an office supply and bought a tiny compass (the brilliant idea of a Swede and his wife who visit Bangkok every year and were tired of getting lost) and 2 kids learning books. One is of the letters and one of numbers. Yesterday i traced the numbers 1-4 and can now write and read them. The script is so beautiful with curves and an ancient feel to it. I can't wait to enroll in language school! While enjoying being home, I worked out in the gym here, and swam in the pool. Had it all to myself which was good as i'm sure i would draw laughter with my mask and snorkel lap swimming.

Last evening walked in a new part of my neighborhood. Amazing all that goes on here. So creative these folks! Looked into store full of orange robe materials and watched as men hand sewed items for monks whose giant pictures adorned the walls. Ate at a real restaurant-had fried rice with srimp meat-yum! Also, always eat at the little stands and have good food, although sometimes don't know what some of it is. I'm still a bit shy to try some stuff fearing that it is some amimal intestines or "pet" (spicy).

Did the comfort thing this am. Walked to the Marriot Hotel and had a cup of coffee and quiche and read an English paper while in AC and comfy chairs. So nice to read a paper that is filled with local and WORLD news. Called mom and she says Bubby fish is eating well- guess he doesn't miss me too much. She is doing fine too-going to visit my aunt Dot in Honolulu for the day. Dot is on a cruise ship that is bound for Hong Kong. Also talked to Dave near Chaing Mai. Am looking forward to getting up there to visit him sometine soon.

Still waiting to hear from Dieter on my work and schedule here. For now am enjoying Bangkok immensly. Hope to get a cell phone today. All incoming calls are free, so i will publish my new number and you can call if you'd like! It's 17 hours ahead of Hawaii time here. MCI makes a calling card that you can buy at Costco and that makes it about 25 cents a minute. OR try at the service desks at the grocery store and check on calling cards there for Thailand.

I hope you like this system of keeping up on my life here in Thailand. I am happy to email any of you personally too, so be in touch!!!

Well, off to more adventures.
Hugs, Monk

2005-02-01T15:17:00.000+07:00

Hi All!
Am typing this on a keyboard with Thai letters on it and is it everdistracting! So, sorry in advance for the many typos...Hope you are all well!
I am doing more than great here. China Air rocks! Got the little slippers, choices of 4 movies- one of the was Sideways-(thought of you DAN!), good food and it was a nice flight. Just happened that Shari Sunshine, a fellow teacher at the massage school and 2 other Maui gals were on the flight too. They are on their way to India and who knows where after that! Nice surprise to see them at Starbuck's in Honolulu airport. Shari worked on my ankle/leg and it is much better! Thanks again Shari! Bangkok is a huge, interesting, fun, smoggy, thought provoking city. Have immersed myself quite a bit already, and find the people easy to mingle with. Surprisingly few people speak English, so Thai is a must. Spent hours this am by the pool with my books and pencil and paper learning. Speaking of pool... Am staying at Dieter's (my new co-worker) condo while he is in Europe. Quite a surprise... beautiful, spacious condo on the 13th floor in a tower on the river. Amazing is all I have to say. I bought pikake plants yesterday at the huge market in the north of town and potted them this am. They provide a bit of nice fragrance for the lanai as I look out at the city and it's endless sprawl. Bangkok... wow what a city is all I can say. I have only been here 1 1/2 days and I am so excited to see and experience more of it. Will be here in Bangkok for about another week, then down to Phuket for a Thai massage training. Mandara Spas is sending me there to get acquainted with the skill and to meet some of the therapists I will be teaching. The plan is develop curriculum in Anatomy and Assessment appropriate for the spas here. Then to teach it to the therapists. May need a translator if my language learning is slow, but will attend a school here or in Chaing Mai. When Dieter gets back, will have more news on that. So, am going to go to a big grocery store now and see how that goes. Should be interesting and an adventure for sure. Had a real funny one yesterday while at the BIG weekend market... sat down at a little corner food place with a bunch of Thai people. Unable to read the menu, I pointed to what the two at my table (a mom and her twenty-ish daughter)were having. Looked like a fried chicken leg and some sort of stringy salad thing. I just said "no pork, no beef, no peanuts" and the young woman translated it to the waiter as she spoke a little English . I forgot one other thing which was evident the first large spoonfull of the salad. I found out that I was eating green papaya salad with dried shimps. OK. I forgot to mention "mai pet". NOT spicey. Oh my gawd!!!..... I immediately almost fainted -seriously, and everyone in the place stopped eating and watched me as I could barely move except to drink my cold green tea, tears running down my face and my nose running and trying to look just fine. After the worst of it, we all laughed, and they brought me another dish, "mai pet". My most important Thai lesson so far. Wandered the streets and alleys last night and poked into a little home/hair salon. Saw the sign with foot reflexology chart and next thing I knew, sat and had a 1 hr foot massage with all of the nieghborhood coming in to see me, smile, show me their babies, and try and speak English. What a great evening. I'm having a 2 hour full body massage tonight-well deserved after dragging Dieter's massage table halfway across the globe and feeling every muscle to do that. Well, that's the update from Bangkok.... I'll write again soon! Take care all!
Love, Monk