Wednesday, June 24, 2015
31 Years Sober
Today I am 31 years sober. Got taken to Thai lunch and then to a chip meeting. I was so emotional all day. I cried thru lunch realizing I was feeling disconnected, like a feather on the breeze. When I shared at the meeting, I could hardly talk, I was overwhelmed with emotions of gratitude for my life. They did not have a chip for my years. David being resourceful called the Serenity Shoppe and begged them to stay open so he could get me a chip today. They did that for me and I now have a pretty one. When we got home there was a Tres Leche cake! Cake for my anniversary has not happened in many years. Then we watched a DVD of Duffy recorded about the time I got sober. It was of tombstones and the people on them who chose to drink. When I saw this originally I got hysterical and was taken from the room by an old timer. When asked if I knew why I was so affected, my answer being-no, he said I had buried the old Jeanne in there and now I was new. And, so it was. Thank you all.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Sri Lanka January 2015
Finally I get back to Sri Lanka to see the Lion Mountain that I missed last time. Was having too many roadblocks to get to this mountain, so, just ordered me up a tour with Intrepid. Turns out it was the best in the people department. We all agreed, it was the most amiable group we all had experienced.
One language is Sinhalese. Our leader Ruwan told us it has 63 letters and 12 half 'letters', which are to indicate sounds. Komaden is-how are you? And-Hondai is -good.
When a woman has her first menses she must stay in a dark room for 7 days, come out in a white dress, bring 7 pots of water to put in a well. The caste system is alive and well, it shows in your name and cannot be changed.
The very best part of Sri Lanka is the Elephant Ginger Beer. I don't like fizzy soda's but this-is magical. I introduced my group to it and it was taken to just like I had on my previous trip.
Mihinat'e is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka since 247BC. Anuradhapura is the place of the Bodhi tree that is a sapling from the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment. Many old palaces, temples, 'dagobas'-monuments, stupas. In fact the biggest Stupas I have ever seen, in fact, one was so big we went inside.
Then to Sigiyira, my reason to come. It is a huge citadel carved from a rock similar in shape to Masada in Israel. 750 steps to the top in searing heat. I got as far as the mirror wall to see that and the 1500 year old frescoes that are very well preserved. The common name is Lion Rock, there was a lion façade carved into the rock, which only the paws remain today. I was glad to get that far, the rest of the climb was straight up. I was satisfied. In fact, temples and shrines are all up way too many steps. And, there one must walk in bare feet on the hot gravel-once was enough for that scene. I had two pair of socklets, put two panty liners between them, voila-comfort.
Many caves with carved statues of Buddha as is wont in this part of the world. 'Thewawa' ceremony is the the relic of Buddha's tooth displayed with accompanying drums played by men in huge red cummerbunds and a sarong.
Up into the hills for a night of comfort in an old British Hill Station, called Hill Club. Dressing for dinner was the order of the evening.
Nice walk in the tea area, beautiful water falls, area where some of the the scenes from "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" were filmed.
Watched baby elephants called to lunch, they sure knew it was time, as do we all.
One night in a very nice resort, except for the men who were doing some voyeurism, watching the over the fence from the beach to the grass where the girls were sunbathing. Did speak to the Hotel about that. As we were attempting to relax in the sun, I thought I saw an elephant walk by on the beach. I did. It came into the resort and offered rides. Don't see that every day.
Ah, nature. Peacocks in trees, monkeys preparing for sex, pig families having a walk, turtle hatchery, donation boxes at the side of the road for motorcycles and cars to donate.
Food: Kola Kada, a leafy vegetable soup with coconut cream-outstanding. Egg Hopper-a crepe made like a bowl with onion sambol and egg.
A good trip.
One language is Sinhalese. Our leader Ruwan told us it has 63 letters and 12 half 'letters', which are to indicate sounds. Komaden is-how are you? And-Hondai is -good.
When a woman has her first menses she must stay in a dark room for 7 days, come out in a white dress, bring 7 pots of water to put in a well. The caste system is alive and well, it shows in your name and cannot be changed.
The very best part of Sri Lanka is the Elephant Ginger Beer. I don't like fizzy soda's but this-is magical. I introduced my group to it and it was taken to just like I had on my previous trip.
Mihinat'e is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka since 247BC. Anuradhapura is the place of the Bodhi tree that is a sapling from the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment. Many old palaces, temples, 'dagobas'-monuments, stupas. In fact the biggest Stupas I have ever seen, in fact, one was so big we went inside.
Then to Sigiyira, my reason to come. It is a huge citadel carved from a rock similar in shape to Masada in Israel. 750 steps to the top in searing heat. I got as far as the mirror wall to see that and the 1500 year old frescoes that are very well preserved. The common name is Lion Rock, there was a lion façade carved into the rock, which only the paws remain today. I was glad to get that far, the rest of the climb was straight up. I was satisfied. In fact, temples and shrines are all up way too many steps. And, there one must walk in bare feet on the hot gravel-once was enough for that scene. I had two pair of socklets, put two panty liners between them, voila-comfort.
Many caves with carved statues of Buddha as is wont in this part of the world. 'Thewawa' ceremony is the the relic of Buddha's tooth displayed with accompanying drums played by men in huge red cummerbunds and a sarong.
Up into the hills for a night of comfort in an old British Hill Station, called Hill Club. Dressing for dinner was the order of the evening.
Nice walk in the tea area, beautiful water falls, area where some of the the scenes from "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" were filmed.
Watched baby elephants called to lunch, they sure knew it was time, as do we all.
One night in a very nice resort, except for the men who were doing some voyeurism, watching the over the fence from the beach to the grass where the girls were sunbathing. Did speak to the Hotel about that. As we were attempting to relax in the sun, I thought I saw an elephant walk by on the beach. I did. It came into the resort and offered rides. Don't see that every day.
Ah, nature. Peacocks in trees, monkeys preparing for sex, pig families having a walk, turtle hatchery, donation boxes at the side of the road for motorcycles and cars to donate.
Food: Kola Kada, a leafy vegetable soup with coconut cream-outstanding. Egg Hopper-a crepe made like a bowl with onion sambol and egg.
A good trip.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Australia April 2015
AUSTRALIA APRIL 2015
I feel purple today. And I can do it because I am at a real computer and there are many choices.
How can a whole country not know about eggs over easy? Or, medium for that matter. I asked many places and friends, nope. I tried to give a bit of show and tell, that did not work either, figured it was the wrong pan and I am sorely out of practice.
Darwin, thought I would see the highly touted lightning that takes place there, but alas, not. So very hot and humid in Darwin, still. Hung out with friend that introduced me to the series of Fargo. I watched them all while he was at work. Good fun.
Took the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. Wanted to do this part since it got built. Two nights in the chair, this was very comfortable. I had my food all set, reading material, big window, good seat mate, all good. Stopped in Katherine and Alice Springs. Walked to see a museum in Alice that I had not seen, lots of local history. Hermannsburg, home of famous Aboriginal painter Albert Manatjira was the focus. Also very hot, but dry.
Adelaide was having a Fringe Festival while I was there, the night light parade was fabulous, the show I saw was not. However, I will always remember it. Met a travel mate from the India, Bhutan, Nepal trip to hang out with. Also got to go south to visit other travel mates at the Goolwa area, mouth of the Murry River. Beautiful, many beaches and penguins.
On to Mildura for more visiting and new things to see. I went to Lake Mungo where the Mungo Man and Woman came from, the fossils are about 42,000 years old. Their bones show a hard life. Did some sewing for my friend and off to Swan Hill where the Australian and US military had a secret amphibian repair depot during the 2nd World War. Best roast lamb dinner at the local RSL, so good my friend and I went twice.
Melbourne as good as ever. And, the best Greek food ever! Fusion at it's best. Saganaki with peppered fig sauce, so amazing, talk was impossible, and went back the next day for more.
Sydney, took the train overnight to get there in time for the biggest Gay Parade. It was big in terms of people walking, not so many floats, which is what I like. Done it, not again.
Lucky me, I missed the extreme weather, several times. I went to the AA convention in Newcastle on the East coast. A hugh storm tore thru the park across from the venue. Trees downed like pick up sticks. Another place I stayed had two very tall eucalyptus trees fall on the house and yard. I seem to be ahead of the troubles. Thinking of Africa and the Middle East. Got out of there before it got bad as well.
Another travel buddy picked me up from Newcastle went to her place for a few days and then picked up our third mate and we went to the Blue Mountains for a few days. The three sisters are the attraction there, rather like the 12 Apostles in the south, carved by wind and rain. We rode on the steepest funicular in the world, it is a hoot. Have to hang on both ways as we were at 64 degree angle. Also there is a glass bottom gondola over the deep valley and a cable way to the bottom of the gorge. Hotels that were the the honeymoon destination for Sydney folks, very plush with the view to the gorge.
On to the bush for another visit with a travel mate. We were safe from the storm and hung out while I learned to set a new type of mouse trap. Good food, beautiful environment good company. One of the things we liked to do was watch her seedling grow, fascinating.
Back to Sydney to fly out. Had me a tour of the Opera House and as show of tall buildings in the world done by a Lego expert, very cool that was.
I feel purple today. And I can do it because I am at a real computer and there are many choices.
How can a whole country not know about eggs over easy? Or, medium for that matter. I asked many places and friends, nope. I tried to give a bit of show and tell, that did not work either, figured it was the wrong pan and I am sorely out of practice.
Darwin, thought I would see the highly touted lightning that takes place there, but alas, not. So very hot and humid in Darwin, still. Hung out with friend that introduced me to the series of Fargo. I watched them all while he was at work. Good fun.
Took the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. Wanted to do this part since it got built. Two nights in the chair, this was very comfortable. I had my food all set, reading material, big window, good seat mate, all good. Stopped in Katherine and Alice Springs. Walked to see a museum in Alice that I had not seen, lots of local history. Hermannsburg, home of famous Aboriginal painter Albert Manatjira was the focus. Also very hot, but dry.
Adelaide was having a Fringe Festival while I was there, the night light parade was fabulous, the show I saw was not. However, I will always remember it. Met a travel mate from the India, Bhutan, Nepal trip to hang out with. Also got to go south to visit other travel mates at the Goolwa area, mouth of the Murry River. Beautiful, many beaches and penguins.
On to Mildura for more visiting and new things to see. I went to Lake Mungo where the Mungo Man and Woman came from, the fossils are about 42,000 years old. Their bones show a hard life. Did some sewing for my friend and off to Swan Hill where the Australian and US military had a secret amphibian repair depot during the 2nd World War. Best roast lamb dinner at the local RSL, so good my friend and I went twice.
Melbourne as good as ever. And, the best Greek food ever! Fusion at it's best. Saganaki with peppered fig sauce, so amazing, talk was impossible, and went back the next day for more.
Sydney, took the train overnight to get there in time for the biggest Gay Parade. It was big in terms of people walking, not so many floats, which is what I like. Done it, not again.
Lucky me, I missed the extreme weather, several times. I went to the AA convention in Newcastle on the East coast. A hugh storm tore thru the park across from the venue. Trees downed like pick up sticks. Another place I stayed had two very tall eucalyptus trees fall on the house and yard. I seem to be ahead of the troubles. Thinking of Africa and the Middle East. Got out of there before it got bad as well.
Another travel buddy picked me up from Newcastle went to her place for a few days and then picked up our third mate and we went to the Blue Mountains for a few days. The three sisters are the attraction there, rather like the 12 Apostles in the south, carved by wind and rain. We rode on the steepest funicular in the world, it is a hoot. Have to hang on both ways as we were at 64 degree angle. Also there is a glass bottom gondola over the deep valley and a cable way to the bottom of the gorge. Hotels that were the the honeymoon destination for Sydney folks, very plush with the view to the gorge.
On to the bush for another visit with a travel mate. We were safe from the storm and hung out while I learned to set a new type of mouse trap. Good food, beautiful environment good company. One of the things we liked to do was watch her seedling grow, fascinating.
Back to Sydney to fly out. Had me a tour of the Opera House and as show of tall buildings in the world done by a Lego expert, very cool that was.
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