I checked out of my cute bungalow resort, Lime N Soda, yesterday and finally got moved into my new monthly bungalow rental. I am pretty pleased with it and although it is close to a main road, it is not bothering me and I enjoy watching cars, scooters and people go by. The landlord also runs a restaurant right across the street and I can see what is going on over there too. This way I don't feel so isolated! I've got great wifi, a small living room area with a TV and loads of channels, and a small kitchen. There is no a/c which I will be okay without it, but to get air flow, you have to open all the windows which give you no protection to the mosquito's or for theft. The owner assures me in 10-years the only thefts he has had was with two different guys who had prostitutes in their bungalows and they decided not to pay them. The ladies came back and stole their computers. I guess I am still bothered by my robbery in Guatemala as I am much more sensitive to security issues now. Gawd,I use to be so trusting!
I shopped for groceries and it is very expensive here. I think it might be cheaper for me to eat at the food court daily. For $26 USD, I bought 6-eggs, 2-bananas, 3-tomatoes, 2-sm apples, 2-yogurts, crackers, 2-beers, sugar, tea, cheese, a small bag of Lays, a Snickers bar, little tube of local toothpaste, 2-cans V-8 juice, a mosquito coil, and 2-liters of bottled water. I guess anywhere in the world with rising food cost, $26 dollars doesn't buy much! The owner just had someone bring over a 5-gallon jug of water but I need some sort of stand and attachment to use it.
I took off on the bike to Haad Rin. This is the famous area for the Full Moon parties. I got scared after a few very steep hills and 15% grades and turned around. I couldn't get the bike to slow down enough going down hill! I don't trust these old brakes! The bike is an automatic so I couldn't put it in a lower gear. I had just read an article on the Koh Phangan "tattoo". These are permanent scars left on tourists who have had scooter accidents. Also after I read the article I took off on my scooter and got blocked on the road by a roll over accident. A French guy rolled his jeep while going to fast and an approaching car came on a narrow bridge. He was shaken, but not hurt! A rain shower came out of nowhere while I was on the scooter and I got drenched and was actually chilly for a few minutes!
It's hard to sight see while driving, but I swear I have seen a couple of dogs riding scooters and even a monkey! A dog on the street was chasing the scooter so I noticed it was because of the monkey passenger! I haven't seen any other monkeys on the island. Did I mention I saw a snake in the yoga hall in Goa? I hate snakes!!!!!! I was going into the last relaxation,(Shavastana, the corpse pose) and looked on the ceiling. Sure enough, in the rafters was a medium sized tree snake. Luckily, there was netting between us if that is any comfort. I also saw one dead sea snake on the beach in Goa, and next to him was a live one. I think sea snakes are extremely poisionous! Why do I have such a fear of snakes?
So now that I finally have good wifi where I am living, I can right more. I am now a "senior" reviewer on Tripadvisor! After so many years of me personally being reviewed for my spa and massage, it's been fun to write reviews on my experiences of traveling!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Journey to Koh Phangan
Oops, post out of order. Forgot I never posted this so it is out of chronological order:
I booked an overnight train ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani taking 13-hours. It was very clean and comfortable despite the long ride. Then they had our butts parked in a holding terminal area for five more hours waiting on the ferry ride. The ferry ride was about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival to the island I was transported with luggage on a scooter to my hotel. I was beat and had not fully recovered from the plan flight from Goa yet!!!!!
I’ve been in Thailand almost a week. It is very different than India. The filth and chaos in India is hard to handle sometimes. So the cleanliness and orderliness in Thailand is one of the first things you notice.
Within 24-hours of being on Ko Phangan, I ran into several people I know from Rishikesh from my yoga studies. It is comforting to arrive to a foreign country and already know some people!
Koh Phangan is in the South and located on the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Sumai, a larger better known island. Koh means island, pha means meet or find, Ngan means a sandy beach that can be seen at low tide. Most of the people are Chinese descendents. It’s 100 kms from the mainland, 168 square kilometers in size and has a population of 14k. This island is famous for its Full Moon Parties. They are generally located on the other side of the island, thank goodness.
I rented a scooter from an Agama yoga teacher. It is a bit older but I got a fair monthly rate for it. After we greed on the rental, he said “By the way, you need to put the orange string tied to the key around the handle bars.” After making several start and stops and running errands, within hours of renting the scooter, I looked down and the key had vibrated out of the ignition. I panicked and called the owner. He was kind of a smarty pants and said, “The thing to do is to retrace where you have ridden”. I rode for 45-minutes looking for the key to no avail. We met with the bike still running for about 30-minutes without me riding it. His spare key had broken and wouldn’t turn off the ignition either. You would have thought that the owner should have a spare key that works. I complained to him about the brakes. Remember, the bike is still running and instinctively he tried to use the brakes while standing at the handle bars. So instead of squeezing the brakes he squeezed the gas and was run over by the bike. He jumped out of the way then it hit another bike nearby. What a fiasco, but luckily with very little damage. I never found the key, nor had a new one made from the broken one. I ended up getting a new ignition installed for him. Thankfully it was not expensive! But I am thinking he should re-imburse me because he should have had a spare key and/or the bike should have been fixed before he rented it
to me.
I booked a beach bungalow with the Milky Bay Resort on-line with travelfish.org prior to my arrival. The rate was great for such a nice place! When I got here, they tired to put me in a Robinson Caruso bungalow. It was adorable with lots of amenities and had beautiful views of the beach. But it was pitch black on the inside and you had to open the shutters for light and views. There was nothing on the large open shutters and I felt too exposed since my room robbery in Guatemala. I didn’t want to wake-up with two men in my room again! They didn’t have another room in my price range and put me at the affiliate, a lower end property called Lime-N-Soda. It’s cute and professionally run by a lady from South Africa, but a tad overpriced in my opinion. I planned to stay here a couple of days anyway until I could find a suitable monthly rental. So today I finally found a bungalow. Of course I am here during high season so everything is way over priced. I’ll move in 2-days and have the bungalow for a month. It is cute, has a kitchen and a great location with everything but air conditioning. I hope I won’t burn up! It’s terribly hot and humid and little to no breeze. I haven’t had a/c since August, and hope I’ll acclimatize!
I’m still adjusting to being here and ready to have a routine. Because of the high tourist season, I am unable to take my Level I yoga class again for free. I am too early for Level 2, it starts in early February. But my visa expired so I had to leave India. There are 80-people in the class and the management says it is too crowded for any more people. I am missing the quaintness and quiet days of Rishikesh. Repeating some of Level I was a selling point to joining the program and for me coming here to Koh Phangan. I’m a tad pouty and realize it sounds like I am complaining. Although I really am happy and grateful to be here! Just a bit bummed.
The massages are more expensive here than Bangkok so I can’t afford one every day…. darn it! I got one earlier today and it was quite good too. I was sore from the ones in Bangkok and needed a few days to recoup.
While exploring the island on the scooter I rode to a waterfall and scenic over look. Boy did I work up a sweat on the journey! Last night I walked in to the main town of Thongsala to the food court and shopping area. For 110-baht or $3.50 I had pork fried basil and rice, a Tiger beer and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The atmosphere was lively and fun!
I booked an overnight train ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani taking 13-hours. It was very clean and comfortable despite the long ride. Then they had our butts parked in a holding terminal area for five more hours waiting on the ferry ride. The ferry ride was about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival to the island I was transported with luggage on a scooter to my hotel. I was beat and had not fully recovered from the plan flight from Goa yet!!!!!
I’ve been in Thailand almost a week. It is very different than India. The filth and chaos in India is hard to handle sometimes. So the cleanliness and orderliness in Thailand is one of the first things you notice.
Within 24-hours of being on Ko Phangan, I ran into several people I know from Rishikesh from my yoga studies. It is comforting to arrive to a foreign country and already know some people!
Koh Phangan is in the South and located on the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Sumai, a larger better known island. Koh means island, pha means meet or find, Ngan means a sandy beach that can be seen at low tide. Most of the people are Chinese descendents. It’s 100 kms from the mainland, 168 square kilometers in size and has a population of 14k. This island is famous for its Full Moon Parties. They are generally located on the other side of the island, thank goodness.
I rented a scooter from an Agama yoga teacher. It is a bit older but I got a fair monthly rate for it. After we greed on the rental, he said “By the way, you need to put the orange string tied to the key around the handle bars.” After making several start and stops and running errands, within hours of renting the scooter, I looked down and the key had vibrated out of the ignition. I panicked and called the owner. He was kind of a smarty pants and said, “The thing to do is to retrace where you have ridden”. I rode for 45-minutes looking for the key to no avail. We met with the bike still running for about 30-minutes without me riding it. His spare key had broken and wouldn’t turn off the ignition either. You would have thought that the owner should have a spare key that works. I complained to him about the brakes. Remember, the bike is still running and instinctively he tried to use the brakes while standing at the handle bars. So instead of squeezing the brakes he squeezed the gas and was run over by the bike. He jumped out of the way then it hit another bike nearby. What a fiasco, but luckily with very little damage. I never found the key, nor had a new one made from the broken one. I ended up getting a new ignition installed for him. Thankfully it was not expensive! But I am thinking he should re-imburse me because he should have had a spare key and/or the bike should have been fixed before he rented it
to me.
I booked a beach bungalow with the Milky Bay Resort on-line with travelfish.org prior to my arrival. The rate was great for such a nice place! When I got here, they tired to put me in a Robinson Caruso bungalow. It was adorable with lots of amenities and had beautiful views of the beach. But it was pitch black on the inside and you had to open the shutters for light and views. There was nothing on the large open shutters and I felt too exposed since my room robbery in Guatemala. I didn’t want to wake-up with two men in my room again! They didn’t have another room in my price range and put me at the affiliate, a lower end property called Lime-N-Soda. It’s cute and professionally run by a lady from South Africa, but a tad overpriced in my opinion. I planned to stay here a couple of days anyway until I could find a suitable monthly rental. So today I finally found a bungalow. Of course I am here during high season so everything is way over priced. I’ll move in 2-days and have the bungalow for a month. It is cute, has a kitchen and a great location with everything but air conditioning. I hope I won’t burn up! It’s terribly hot and humid and little to no breeze. I haven’t had a/c since August, and hope I’ll acclimatize!
I’m still adjusting to being here and ready to have a routine. Because of the high tourist season, I am unable to take my Level I yoga class again for free. I am too early for Level 2, it starts in early February. But my visa expired so I had to leave India. There are 80-people in the class and the management says it is too crowded for any more people. I am missing the quaintness and quiet days of Rishikesh. Repeating some of Level I was a selling point to joining the program and for me coming here to Koh Phangan. I’m a tad pouty and realize it sounds like I am complaining. Although I really am happy and grateful to be here! Just a bit bummed.
The massages are more expensive here than Bangkok so I can’t afford one every day…. darn it! I got one earlier today and it was quite good too. I was sore from the ones in Bangkok and needed a few days to recoup.
While exploring the island on the scooter I rode to a waterfall and scenic over look. Boy did I work up a sweat on the journey! Last night I walked in to the main town of Thongsala to the food court and shopping area. For 110-baht or $3.50 I had pork fried basil and rice, a Tiger beer and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The atmosphere was lively and fun!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Arrival Koh Phangan Island, Thailand
I booked an overnight train ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani taking 13-hours. It was very clean and comfortable despite the long ride. Then they had our butts parked in a holding terminal area for five more hours waiting on the ferry ride. The ferry ride was about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival to the island I was transported with luggage on a scooter to my hotel. I was beat and had not fully recovered from the plan flight from Goa yet!!!!!
I’ve been in Thailand almost a week. It is very different than India. The filth and chaos in India is hard to handle sometimes. So the cleanliness and orderliness in Thailand is one of the first things you notice.
Within 24-hours of being on Ko Phangan, I ran into several people I know from Rishikesh from my yoga studies. It is comforting to arrive to a foreign country and already know some people!
Koh Phangan is in the South and located on the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Sumai, a larger better known island. Koh means island, pha means meet or find, Ngan means a sandy beach that can be seen at low tide. Most of the people are Chinese descendents. It’s 100 kms from the mainland, 168 square kilometers in size and has a population of 14k. This island is famous for its Full Moon Parties. They are generally located on the other side of the island, thank goodness.
I rented a scooter from an Agama yoga teacher. It is a bit older but I got a fair monthly rate for it. After we greed on the rental, he said “By the way, you need to put the orange string tied to the key around the handle bars.” After making several start and stops and running errands, within hours of renting the scooter, I looked down and the key had vibrated out of the ignition. I panicked and called the owner. He was kind of a smarty pants and said, “The thing to do is to retrace where you have ridden”. I rode for 45-minutes looking for the key to no avail. We met with the bike still running for about 30-minutes without me riding it. His spare key had broken and wouldn’t turn off the ignition either. You would have thought that the owner should have a spare key that works. I complained to him about the brakes. Remember, the bike is still running and instinctively he tried to use the brakes while standing at the handle bars. So instead of squeezing the brakes he squeezed the gas and was run over by the bike. He jumped out of the way then it hit another bike nearby. What a fiasco, but luckily with very little damage. I never found the key, nor had a new one made from the broken one. I ended up getting a new ignition installed for him. Thankfully it was not expensive! But I am thinking he should re-imburse me because he should have had a spare key and/or the bike should have been fixed before he rented it to me.
I booked a beach bungalow with the Milky Bay Resort on-line with travelfish.org prior to my arrival. The rate was great for such a nice place! When I got here, they tired to put me in a Robinson Caruso bungalow. It was adorable with lots of amenities and had beautiful views of the beach. But it was pitch black on the inside and you had to open the shutters for light and views. There was nothing on the large open shutters and I felt too exposed since my room robbery in Guatemala. I didn’t want to wake-up with two men in my room again! Besides, my last night in Bangkok, I awoke at 1:30 am to someone trying to get into my room. Honest mistake right..........NO, I looked out the keyhole and disocvered this Thai man trying to get into several rooms. I guess he was hoping people forgot to lock their doors. It was an old-fashioned lock at a pretty nice place. So you can understand I am overly concerned with my security now. So this hotel did not have another room in my price range and put me at their affiliate, a lower end property called Lime-N-Soda. It’s cute and professionally run by a lady from South Africa, but a tad overpriced in my opinion. I planned to stay here a couple of days anyway until I could find a suitable monthly rental. So today I finally found a bungalow. Of course I am here during high season so everything is way over priced. I’ll move in 2-days and have the bungalow for a month. It is cute, has a kitchen and a great location with everything but air conditioning. I hope I won’t burn up! It’s terribly hot and humid and little to no breeze. I haven’t had a/c since August, and hope I’ll acclimatize!
I’m still adjusting to being here and ready to have a routine. Because of the high tourist season, I am unable to take my Level I yoga class again for free. I am too early for Level 2, it starts in early February. But my visa expired so I had to leave India. There are 80-people in the class and the management says it is too crowded for any more people. I am missing the quaintness and quiet days of Rishikesh. Repeating some of Level I was a selling point to joining the program and for me coming here to Koh Phangan. I’m a tad pouty and realize it sounds like I am complaining. Although I really am happy and grateful to be here! Just a bit bummed.
The massages are more expensive here than Bangkok so I can’t afford one every day…. darn it! I got one earlier today and it was quite good too. I was sore from the ones in Bangkok and needed a few days to recoup.
While exploring the island on the scooter I rode to a waterfall and scenic over look. Boy did I work up a sweat on the journey! Last night I walked in to the main town of Thongsala to the food court and shopping area. For 110-baht or $3.50 I had pork fried basil and rice, a Tiger beer and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The atmosphere was lively and fun! I think I'll try it again tonight. The low price for a meal helps with my budget for the next few days while I am paying a higher hotel rate than for a month long bunglow rental.
I’ve been in Thailand almost a week. It is very different than India. The filth and chaos in India is hard to handle sometimes. So the cleanliness and orderliness in Thailand is one of the first things you notice.
Within 24-hours of being on Ko Phangan, I ran into several people I know from Rishikesh from my yoga studies. It is comforting to arrive to a foreign country and already know some people!
Koh Phangan is in the South and located on the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Sumai, a larger better known island. Koh means island, pha means meet or find, Ngan means a sandy beach that can be seen at low tide. Most of the people are Chinese descendents. It’s 100 kms from the mainland, 168 square kilometers in size and has a population of 14k. This island is famous for its Full Moon Parties. They are generally located on the other side of the island, thank goodness.
I rented a scooter from an Agama yoga teacher. It is a bit older but I got a fair monthly rate for it. After we greed on the rental, he said “By the way, you need to put the orange string tied to the key around the handle bars.” After making several start and stops and running errands, within hours of renting the scooter, I looked down and the key had vibrated out of the ignition. I panicked and called the owner. He was kind of a smarty pants and said, “The thing to do is to retrace where you have ridden”. I rode for 45-minutes looking for the key to no avail. We met with the bike still running for about 30-minutes without me riding it. His spare key had broken and wouldn’t turn off the ignition either. You would have thought that the owner should have a spare key that works. I complained to him about the brakes. Remember, the bike is still running and instinctively he tried to use the brakes while standing at the handle bars. So instead of squeezing the brakes he squeezed the gas and was run over by the bike. He jumped out of the way then it hit another bike nearby. What a fiasco, but luckily with very little damage. I never found the key, nor had a new one made from the broken one. I ended up getting a new ignition installed for him. Thankfully it was not expensive! But I am thinking he should re-imburse me because he should have had a spare key and/or the bike should have been fixed before he rented it to me.
I booked a beach bungalow with the Milky Bay Resort on-line with travelfish.org prior to my arrival. The rate was great for such a nice place! When I got here, they tired to put me in a Robinson Caruso bungalow. It was adorable with lots of amenities and had beautiful views of the beach. But it was pitch black on the inside and you had to open the shutters for light and views. There was nothing on the large open shutters and I felt too exposed since my room robbery in Guatemala. I didn’t want to wake-up with two men in my room again! Besides, my last night in Bangkok, I awoke at 1:30 am to someone trying to get into my room. Honest mistake right..........NO, I looked out the keyhole and disocvered this Thai man trying to get into several rooms. I guess he was hoping people forgot to lock their doors. It was an old-fashioned lock at a pretty nice place. So you can understand I am overly concerned with my security now. So this hotel did not have another room in my price range and put me at their affiliate, a lower end property called Lime-N-Soda. It’s cute and professionally run by a lady from South Africa, but a tad overpriced in my opinion. I planned to stay here a couple of days anyway until I could find a suitable monthly rental. So today I finally found a bungalow. Of course I am here during high season so everything is way over priced. I’ll move in 2-days and have the bungalow for a month. It is cute, has a kitchen and a great location with everything but air conditioning. I hope I won’t burn up! It’s terribly hot and humid and little to no breeze. I haven’t had a/c since August, and hope I’ll acclimatize!
I’m still adjusting to being here and ready to have a routine. Because of the high tourist season, I am unable to take my Level I yoga class again for free. I am too early for Level 2, it starts in early February. But my visa expired so I had to leave India. There are 80-people in the class and the management says it is too crowded for any more people. I am missing the quaintness and quiet days of Rishikesh. Repeating some of Level I was a selling point to joining the program and for me coming here to Koh Phangan. I’m a tad pouty and realize it sounds like I am complaining. Although I really am happy and grateful to be here! Just a bit bummed.
The massages are more expensive here than Bangkok so I can’t afford one every day…. darn it! I got one earlier today and it was quite good too. I was sore from the ones in Bangkok and needed a few days to recoup.
While exploring the island on the scooter I rode to a waterfall and scenic over look. Boy did I work up a sweat on the journey! Last night I walked in to the main town of Thongsala to the food court and shopping area. For 110-baht or $3.50 I had pork fried basil and rice, a Tiger beer and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The atmosphere was lively and fun! I think I'll try it again tonight. The low price for a meal helps with my budget for the next few days while I am paying a higher hotel rate than for a month long bunglow rental.
Monday, January 16, 2012
First days in Bangkok
I arrived in Thailand after an exhausting trip. I had an easy one hour flight from Goa to Mumbai then an 8-hour lay-over there. We had a one hour flight delay, then a four hour fight. Coupled with a one hour forty five minute stand in the immigration line at the airport and a one hour taxi ride to my hotel. I checked in about 10 am and crashed for a few hours! I was so tired I could barely stand up.
Afterwards I walked around the hotel a bit on Khao San Road, a big low budget tourist area, then enjoyed a 2-hour massage. My gawd, I'll get one daily at $10 for 2-hours! You can't be bashful thpough. There is no privacy. The room is filled with 6-mats and full of other people. I guess I can't expect much with those prices.
I walked the road at night. It turns into a lively outdoor market area. This is the tame area, but some of the things I saw were pretty eye catching. I paused for some fresh mango, then a Tiger Beer and a pork salad. Smoke was coming out my ears it was so spicy. I have to be careful asking for "medium spicey". People were getting their hair done in dreadlocks, henna on their hair and tattoos. Young adults were drinking mini kegs of beer and signs read, "Very strong cocktails, we don't check ID's here". Vendors were selling everything from clothes to street food. I saw a lady selling fried grasshoppers, worms and ants! Her signed said 30-baht please for photo! People were getting fish pedicures and one lady kept laughing and pulling her feet out of the water because it tickled. It was fun to watch! The live music and the trance CD's were blarring all down the street. The hedonist I am had to stop for a $3, 30-minute pedicure, even after my 2-hour massage earlier in the day. It was bizarre to see 25-people on the street getting pedicures. Some drinking beer, others half asleep and relaxed yet others had conversation with friends while their feet were rubbed. It was nicely done. The chairs were clean and matching and all the workers had uniforms on. All the sudden the foot therapists starting grabbing their chairs, stools and supplies and running. I thought it was about to rain, or there was a bomb scare which there had been in Bangkok recently. But the cops came. I think they weren't suppose to block the streets. Within minutes all the street vendors were gone where the police had just passed. If I get the courage and desire, my next journey is Patt Pong..................the sleezy, red light district with sex shows! I've always wanted to go there and will do so if I decide to stay a couple of more days here!
Today I enjoyed and included breakfast at my hotel, the D&D Inn. Later I took a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace, one of the major tourist venues. It takes a lot to impress me and this did so. It was 60-acres of grandeur where the king lives and houses government offices. I took a delightful free tour of the grounds with six other people. It was terribly hot and humid. To get ack to my hotel, I took a cheap scooter ride back then I was off to get my teeth cleaned. I was certain I had some issues. I had 2-cavities that needed filling along with the cleaning. It was a professional dental experience, other than the dentist talking on the phone a couple of times! I have never had my teeth cleaned with lazers. The entire experience was not painful at all. Most of my fillings are over 40-years old. The new fillings look natural.
I intend to write more on my final days and reflections of India, but for now, it is time for another massage!
Afterwards I walked around the hotel a bit on Khao San Road, a big low budget tourist area, then enjoyed a 2-hour massage. My gawd, I'll get one daily at $10 for 2-hours! You can't be bashful thpough. There is no privacy. The room is filled with 6-mats and full of other people. I guess I can't expect much with those prices.
I walked the road at night. It turns into a lively outdoor market area. This is the tame area, but some of the things I saw were pretty eye catching. I paused for some fresh mango, then a Tiger Beer and a pork salad. Smoke was coming out my ears it was so spicy. I have to be careful asking for "medium spicey". People were getting their hair done in dreadlocks, henna on their hair and tattoos. Young adults were drinking mini kegs of beer and signs read, "Very strong cocktails, we don't check ID's here". Vendors were selling everything from clothes to street food. I saw a lady selling fried grasshoppers, worms and ants! Her signed said 30-baht please for photo! People were getting fish pedicures and one lady kept laughing and pulling her feet out of the water because it tickled. It was fun to watch! The live music and the trance CD's were blarring all down the street. The hedonist I am had to stop for a $3, 30-minute pedicure, even after my 2-hour massage earlier in the day. It was bizarre to see 25-people on the street getting pedicures. Some drinking beer, others half asleep and relaxed yet others had conversation with friends while their feet were rubbed. It was nicely done. The chairs were clean and matching and all the workers had uniforms on. All the sudden the foot therapists starting grabbing their chairs, stools and supplies and running. I thought it was about to rain, or there was a bomb scare which there had been in Bangkok recently. But the cops came. I think they weren't suppose to block the streets. Within minutes all the street vendors were gone where the police had just passed. If I get the courage and desire, my next journey is Patt Pong..................the sleezy, red light district with sex shows! I've always wanted to go there and will do so if I decide to stay a couple of more days here!
Today I enjoyed and included breakfast at my hotel, the D&D Inn. Later I took a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace, one of the major tourist venues. It takes a lot to impress me and this did so. It was 60-acres of grandeur where the king lives and houses government offices. I took a delightful free tour of the grounds with six other people. It was terribly hot and humid. To get ack to my hotel, I took a cheap scooter ride back then I was off to get my teeth cleaned. I was certain I had some issues. I had 2-cavities that needed filling along with the cleaning. It was a professional dental experience, other than the dentist talking on the phone a couple of times! I have never had my teeth cleaned with lazers. The entire experience was not painful at all. Most of my fillings are over 40-years old. The new fillings look natural.
I intend to write more on my final days and reflections of India, but for now, it is time for another massage!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Days left in India are numbered
Karen has kept me busy with yoga, and socializing with her friends. The weight I had lost in Rishkesh has crept back up with all the good food in Goa. And all the beer I have been drinking, yummy! I discovered a Danish beer called Tuborg. It's cheap, good and cold!
Today we lounged around the beach in Morgim. It seems the area has slowed down a little with all of the Russian and India tourists. We had lunch at La Plague, a wonderful French restaurant. Since we had been on the beach, neither of us had much rupees and we scrounged to pay the bill. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to leave a tip! My budget is a bit out of line with all the expensive dinners, but thankfully I haven't had to pay a hotel bill. Although, had I been paying for a hotel, my stay would have been only a few days instead of a month.
My highlight has been to see Prem Joshua & Band at an outdoor venue!
Google his name, my link doesn't work. The evening was lovely and the moon almost full. The music, world infusion. Prem Joshua played the sitar, flute, and saxophone. He had an electric guitar player, a drummer who played contemporary as well as the India tabla drums. There was a keyboard artist and an Indian singer. Her voice was divine! They also had a dancer in various costumes who did improv contemporary with a bit of a classic Indian and Asian style. All of this for about $10!
Another highlight is my friend from Delhi returned to see me. He took me on an over night trip to the south of Goa. I loved the beaches in that area because they were massive, the sand so white, the water smooth and silky and there was very few people! We walked the beach at night and the full moon was our flash light. It was very romantic, and the fool I am, really enjoyed this! We had a nice dinner and wonderful relaxing lunch. He of course loves my massages. I think this keeps him coming back for more of me!
I also saw the Aussie again. He went away for a few days to tour another part of India. He is nice to me. But frankly I got a bit bored with him and sexually he was too intense and demanding for me and where I want to be right now. He took me to a nice dinner, and I just wanted to relax and visit afterwards and he just pounced on me like a tom cat. Unlike my older Delhi friend who is a true gentleman, and my companion. We talk about everything and visit for hours! I feel like the 50-year old virgin! My one year of traveling has brought little romance. I guess I am looking more for a companion than a quick roll in the hay.
My friend is trying to get me to start a massage business here in Goa. I am giving it some thought. I know I could do well here, but it is a matter of staying low profile enough or getting the correct working/business papers which could be difficult and problematic to obtain.
I now only have 2-full days left in India and I'm sad!
Today we lounged around the beach in Morgim. It seems the area has slowed down a little with all of the Russian and India tourists. We had lunch at La Plague, a wonderful French restaurant. Since we had been on the beach, neither of us had much rupees and we scrounged to pay the bill. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough to leave a tip! My budget is a bit out of line with all the expensive dinners, but thankfully I haven't had to pay a hotel bill. Although, had I been paying for a hotel, my stay would have been only a few days instead of a month.
My highlight has been to see Prem Joshua & Band at an outdoor venue!
Google his name, my link doesn't work. The evening was lovely and the moon almost full. The music, world infusion. Prem Joshua played the sitar, flute, and saxophone. He had an electric guitar player, a drummer who played contemporary as well as the India tabla drums. There was a keyboard artist and an Indian singer. Her voice was divine! They also had a dancer in various costumes who did improv contemporary with a bit of a classic Indian and Asian style. All of this for about $10!
Another highlight is my friend from Delhi returned to see me. He took me on an over night trip to the south of Goa. I loved the beaches in that area because they were massive, the sand so white, the water smooth and silky and there was very few people! We walked the beach at night and the full moon was our flash light. It was very romantic, and the fool I am, really enjoyed this! We had a nice dinner and wonderful relaxing lunch. He of course loves my massages. I think this keeps him coming back for more of me!
I also saw the Aussie again. He went away for a few days to tour another part of India. He is nice to me. But frankly I got a bit bored with him and sexually he was too intense and demanding for me and where I want to be right now. He took me to a nice dinner, and I just wanted to relax and visit afterwards and he just pounced on me like a tom cat. Unlike my older Delhi friend who is a true gentleman, and my companion. We talk about everything and visit for hours! I feel like the 50-year old virgin! My one year of traveling has brought little romance. I guess I am looking more for a companion than a quick roll in the hay.
My friend is trying to get me to start a massage business here in Goa. I am giving it some thought. I know I could do well here, but it is a matter of staying low profile enough or getting the correct working/business papers which could be difficult and problematic to obtain.
I now only have 2-full days left in India and I'm sad!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Still in Goa
Some people are good at being a beach bum. And yes, maybe a few years ago I could be a good one too. Or maybe it is Goa. This area is way too big, spread out and much too crowded for my taste. I am hoping Ko Phangan Thailand will be more to my liking. I think I am also having a major let down of having to leave India in a couple of weeks. My visa is expiring soon.
Right now I can hear the nearby Catholic church playing Christmas music over their loudspeakers. Christmas was 5-days ago. In the background I hear trance music from a bar. Mosquitoes are eating me alive!!!!!!!! The bites hurt, but the pain goes away fast and doesn’t leave a mark after a few scratches. As the night progressed, I got more annoyed with the church music and even went outside to look around. They were playing to a total of 10-people and it went on from 2:30-11 pm!
I had a minor accident on the scooter. I am lucky to not have gotten more hurt. I just stretched my calf muscle and am limping today. No bruises or abrasions. I did a U-turn right into a concrete road side religious cross on a base. Funny I had just politely yelled at the guy walking in front of me that I wouldn’t hit him as I made the U-turn. I was embarrassed when he came running over to me. So I got right back on the bike and kept going. I’ll take tomorrow off from yoga to let my calf heal. I new I was going to have an accident. I felt it coming and I knew it would be minimal. I have gotten even more intuitive, if I would just trust my self. Everyone I know here has had an accident on their scooter.
I watched the kitty go after a small mouse that came through the window. She wasn’t sure what to do with it. I don’t think she killed it, but not sure what happened to it. I also watched 8-ants carry off a morsel of her dry food. Pretty cheap entertainment! I’ve been coloring in my chakra coloring book. These aren’t just kid like books. They are on beautiful art paper and are impressive. I’ve enjoyed being artistic.
Some ladies are not shy about wearing a bikini on these beaches. They are all ages, sizes, shapes and antionalities! I guess I am more self conscious and I don’t want to make anyone sick. Hehe. I’m a rarity with my belly covered up. Many ladies are topless, which is a no-no in India. I hear there is a hidden nude beach! I’m sure the police are bribed to turn the other way. I am trying to find someone to make me a bikini and get over my belly shyness!
I met an Aussie gentleman on the beach one day. He was lost! We hooked up later that day on a beach bed when I asked if I could join him. We had beer together and several days of fun! The highlight was New Year’s Eve. We had planned to take a private car out for the evening, but it ended up being too expensive so we decided on staying on the beach instead. We had dinner on a beach hut called “TANTRA”. I liked the name! We had to climb a ladder upwards and we sat on the floor on cushions near the beach for a relaxing dinner. Several Indian’s came in to our private hut and just sat for a few minutes then left. It was bizarre. Later we went to his place (above the beach) for a beer and then by midnight we walked out front and witnessed the most spectacular firework display I had ever seen.
My birthday is the 4th of July, so it takes a lot to impress me. We were high enough to look down onto the entire beach. Every beach hut (bar & restaurant) had their own private firework show. Granted none were spectacular, but together it made a nice display. The ambiance could not have been better. We could hear the crowd of thousands below, oowing and aahhing while our intimate crowd of 30 or so on the hillside enjoyed the distant view. We were close enough to be loud and thrilling without it being too loud and dangerous. There were even a few red Chinese lanterns filled with propane intermixed with the fireworks. The hash smokers were out in full force and you could get a whiff of the aromatic smoke.
My friend Karen has arrived and it is great to see her! She knows everyone in town and where to go. The beaches have gotten uncomfortably crowded, mostly with either Russians or wealthy Indians. They seem to be the only ones with money right now. I guess the week between XMAS and New Year’s and the week after is the busiest time of year in Goa. I honestly don’t like the crowds and will be certain to never return during this time period.
We have had a couple of relaxing days around the house, a little yoga at Brahmani studio and at home. Karen gave me a special instructor for Kriya Yoga, a meditative type of yoga. The yoga at the studio was more of a Western style power yoga which I don’t care for as much. Sure you get a good workout and get all hot and sweaty, but for me it does not give you the mind body connection that yoga is suppose to be about. A “union”, to yoke the mind and body is what yoga actually means.
We had a nice Israel dinner one evening. The scooter ride home was lovely. And I got some sort of 24-hour bug and was bed ridden with a high fever, cramps and diarrhea. Thankfully it didn’t last long. During my hallucinogenic fever stage I am thinking to myself I must have gotten Malaria.
We ran errands at a nearby town and I had hoped I got my camera cable sorted out but did not. I have been unable to use my camera for months because of a dead battery. I’m having a hard time finding the right sized USB to recharge it. Today we go to her landlord’s birthday party for lunch and then a concert tonight, Prem Joshuha, a world fusion artist.
So I am staying pretty busy. Thank goodness. I was drinking way too much beer on the beach and getting really bored with it and with Goa overall! I realize I am happiest when I am busy, doing yoga daily and have a purpose in life. The purpose which suits me for my time in India has been when I am taking care of the animals. I already have a new project picked out for when I am able to return to India again.
Right now I can hear the nearby Catholic church playing Christmas music over their loudspeakers. Christmas was 5-days ago. In the background I hear trance music from a bar. Mosquitoes are eating me alive!!!!!!!! The bites hurt, but the pain goes away fast and doesn’t leave a mark after a few scratches. As the night progressed, I got more annoyed with the church music and even went outside to look around. They were playing to a total of 10-people and it went on from 2:30-11 pm!
I had a minor accident on the scooter. I am lucky to not have gotten more hurt. I just stretched my calf muscle and am limping today. No bruises or abrasions. I did a U-turn right into a concrete road side religious cross on a base. Funny I had just politely yelled at the guy walking in front of me that I wouldn’t hit him as I made the U-turn. I was embarrassed when he came running over to me. So I got right back on the bike and kept going. I’ll take tomorrow off from yoga to let my calf heal. I new I was going to have an accident. I felt it coming and I knew it would be minimal. I have gotten even more intuitive, if I would just trust my self. Everyone I know here has had an accident on their scooter.
I watched the kitty go after a small mouse that came through the window. She wasn’t sure what to do with it. I don’t think she killed it, but not sure what happened to it. I also watched 8-ants carry off a morsel of her dry food. Pretty cheap entertainment! I’ve been coloring in my chakra coloring book. These aren’t just kid like books. They are on beautiful art paper and are impressive. I’ve enjoyed being artistic.
Some ladies are not shy about wearing a bikini on these beaches. They are all ages, sizes, shapes and antionalities! I guess I am more self conscious and I don’t want to make anyone sick. Hehe. I’m a rarity with my belly covered up. Many ladies are topless, which is a no-no in India. I hear there is a hidden nude beach! I’m sure the police are bribed to turn the other way. I am trying to find someone to make me a bikini and get over my belly shyness!
I met an Aussie gentleman on the beach one day. He was lost! We hooked up later that day on a beach bed when I asked if I could join him. We had beer together and several days of fun! The highlight was New Year’s Eve. We had planned to take a private car out for the evening, but it ended up being too expensive so we decided on staying on the beach instead. We had dinner on a beach hut called “TANTRA”. I liked the name! We had to climb a ladder upwards and we sat on the floor on cushions near the beach for a relaxing dinner. Several Indian’s came in to our private hut and just sat for a few minutes then left. It was bizarre. Later we went to his place (above the beach) for a beer and then by midnight we walked out front and witnessed the most spectacular firework display I had ever seen.
My birthday is the 4th of July, so it takes a lot to impress me. We were high enough to look down onto the entire beach. Every beach hut (bar & restaurant) had their own private firework show. Granted none were spectacular, but together it made a nice display. The ambiance could not have been better. We could hear the crowd of thousands below, oowing and aahhing while our intimate crowd of 30 or so on the hillside enjoyed the distant view. We were close enough to be loud and thrilling without it being too loud and dangerous. There were even a few red Chinese lanterns filled with propane intermixed with the fireworks. The hash smokers were out in full force and you could get a whiff of the aromatic smoke.
My friend Karen has arrived and it is great to see her! She knows everyone in town and where to go. The beaches have gotten uncomfortably crowded, mostly with either Russians or wealthy Indians. They seem to be the only ones with money right now. I guess the week between XMAS and New Year’s and the week after is the busiest time of year in Goa. I honestly don’t like the crowds and will be certain to never return during this time period.
We have had a couple of relaxing days around the house, a little yoga at Brahmani studio and at home. Karen gave me a special instructor for Kriya Yoga, a meditative type of yoga. The yoga at the studio was more of a Western style power yoga which I don’t care for as much. Sure you get a good workout and get all hot and sweaty, but for me it does not give you the mind body connection that yoga is suppose to be about. A “union”, to yoke the mind and body is what yoga actually means.
We had a nice Israel dinner one evening. The scooter ride home was lovely. And I got some sort of 24-hour bug and was bed ridden with a high fever, cramps and diarrhea. Thankfully it didn’t last long. During my hallucinogenic fever stage I am thinking to myself I must have gotten Malaria.
We ran errands at a nearby town and I had hoped I got my camera cable sorted out but did not. I have been unable to use my camera for months because of a dead battery. I’m having a hard time finding the right sized USB to recharge it. Today we go to her landlord’s birthday party for lunch and then a concert tonight, Prem Joshuha, a world fusion artist.
So I am staying pretty busy. Thank goodness. I was drinking way too much beer on the beach and getting really bored with it and with Goa overall! I realize I am happiest when I am busy, doing yoga daily and have a purpose in life. The purpose which suits me for my time in India has been when I am taking care of the animals. I already have a new project picked out for when I am able to return to India again.
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