We rode the metro for 45 minutes from the airport and found our way to Hotel Tempi. In the evening hours, crisp air filled our lungs as we ventured into the city streets of Athens to find money, food, and contact solution. Necessities that were easy to navigate amongst street signs layered in Greek alphabet and roman letters. Faces peered out of stylish ensembles of bomber jackets, scarves, hats and hoodies. Boots of every detail hit the pavement of dark alleyways lit up by hidden strips of restaurants/bars. Greeks mainly kept to themselves, but here in the night, they were as colorful as the graffiti that lined the walls of Athens.
I enjoy Athens, more so than the last big city we had visited – no offense Istanbul! There is something here that makes me feel happier even though nothing unusual or spectacular has happened. I can’t explain it, it just is. We spent a few days all together here and did a self-guided walking tour, which are always fun with the girls because we are easily distracted! We got to see the last runner finish the 2500th Anniversary of the Athens Marathon at the Olympic Stadium, the guards at the parliament house, the street dancers, and so much more!
We visited the Acropolis Museum, which is hands-down my favorite museum thus far!! The building, which was constructed to replace the old Acropolis Museum, had the advantage of knowing its exhibits intimately and therefore created the perfect spaces for its ancient arts. Man, every level and space was unique and so perfectly displayed its pieces with reverence and respect. This is a must visit folks! Love, love, love it!
Santorini was a charming little island and yes it was beautiful, but the white buildings and cobalt blue tops that it’s mainly identified as are well… not really representative of this place. You will only find this postcard perfect scene at Oia, at the tip of Santorini. I think perhaps, I came with too much expectation and therefore set myself up for a little disappointment. None the less, we spent five days on the island because it was the perfect place to rest, relax, and soak in some sun. We ate at Nikolas several times because the traditional Greek food there was so yummy! Plus, I had my best gyro ever on this island! Man the Greeks know how to eat!
Now, we are on our way to Meteora, central Greece, by bus to visit the monasteries that are perched in the mountains. It is raining… so we hope in ‘Act II” we can tell you that the sun came out, we’ll see!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dedicated to the Turkish Men
Oh my! Dear mister brown eyes, how is that in the few seconds of our brief exchange have you already fallen in love with me? You have not even begun to understand my complexities, or barely examine the many chambers of my heart, or become fond of my quiet passing of gas in our night’s embrace.
Okay, that was some humor… but not far from the truth. In the first few hours of our arrival in Turkey, the girls and I all came to a conclusion that Turkish men are aggressive! Seriously, they are not shy about getting our attention and striking up a conversation. Some even have the bold spirit of inviting us to dance in public and hinting to marital bliss if we should choose. “Let me tell you how I feel” said one man. As we are adorned with flattery, I wonder can I truly be that cute in my bland travel gear or is it simply the culture??? Can falling in love really be that easy and instantaneous? If it is, I must be going at it all wrong!!! :D
As we continued on our trip, I have to at least give Turkish men a fair shake. Not all of them are aggressive. Some are very kind. Some offer help with no expectations of return. Some add humor to their expressions, “I love you more than my breakfast!” Some share their honest insight into Turkish culture and true friendship; yes I am talking about you Dunya - if you are reading this.
So I wonder… could this simply be romance? Are they true and pure in their intentions? It’s possible, I think. We met Burcin. He was really sweet and respected boundaries. He ordered us dessert and asked us about our lives. As we bid farewell with Turkish kisses, I thought to myself… in one night’s company and conversation over dinner, I can foresee kindness blossom into fondness.
So don’t give up on the Turkish men all together! Just be mindful as you visit Turkey. Think about your actions, even eye contact can invite overzealous proposals from the opposite gender. It will be hard at times because there are some gorgeous men here! But good looking or not, men are men, and then can misread your intentions. So if you come with your western ways of flirting, don’t be surprised if you go home with a few souvenirs and a new husband!
Okay, that was some humor… but not far from the truth. In the first few hours of our arrival in Turkey, the girls and I all came to a conclusion that Turkish men are aggressive! Seriously, they are not shy about getting our attention and striking up a conversation. Some even have the bold spirit of inviting us to dance in public and hinting to marital bliss if we should choose. “Let me tell you how I feel” said one man. As we are adorned with flattery, I wonder can I truly be that cute in my bland travel gear or is it simply the culture??? Can falling in love really be that easy and instantaneous? If it is, I must be going at it all wrong!!! :D
As we continued on our trip, I have to at least give Turkish men a fair shake. Not all of them are aggressive. Some are very kind. Some offer help with no expectations of return. Some add humor to their expressions, “I love you more than my breakfast!” Some share their honest insight into Turkish culture and true friendship; yes I am talking about you Dunya - if you are reading this.
So I wonder… could this simply be romance? Are they true and pure in their intentions? It’s possible, I think. We met Burcin. He was really sweet and respected boundaries. He ordered us dessert and asked us about our lives. As we bid farewell with Turkish kisses, I thought to myself… in one night’s company and conversation over dinner, I can foresee kindness blossom into fondness.
So don’t give up on the Turkish men all together! Just be mindful as you visit Turkey. Think about your actions, even eye contact can invite overzealous proposals from the opposite gender. It will be hard at times because there are some gorgeous men here! But good looking or not, men are men, and then can misread your intentions. So if you come with your western ways of flirting, don’t be surprised if you go home with a few souvenirs and a new husband!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Merhaba [Hello] Turkey!
Turkey was recommended by Grace, so hence I came to Turkey without any notions of what it would be. I came with an appetite (no pun intended) to consume anything that this country offered and so far, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Olympos and Cirali have satiated my hunger. We have seen so much in a span of a week.
Istanbul was more city than city could be. It was consuming. We walked on this popular strip where cars dared not entered since the sheer number of people that retreated to this hub of eateries and shops multiple by the hour. Tucked away in the quieter cobblestone streets that wrapped the Blue Mosque, Haga Sophia, and other aged gems – we soaked in history and the gloomy weather. The little rain and clouds we encountered just added to our appreciation of Cappadocia as we reached its peaks of warmth and wonder.
Cappadocia, Mother Earth’s magical sandbox created fantastic and fun fairy chimneys. These conical rock formations of tufa and basalt from fallen volcanic ash were shaped by ten thousand years of wind and flood. Each sculpture played up our imaginations to discover shapes that reminded us of Snoopy, Casper the friendly ghost, and so much more. The Goreme Open Air Musuem where ancient civilizations carved out homes in hopes of evading religious persecution. You can see some spaces used for churches by its painted walls of Christian symbols. Then there were the underground caves; we visited Derinkuyu which went 14 levels underground. Our tour took us down eight levels and to my surprise most rooms like the meeting hall or school were open with lots of ceiling space. We also strolled through Ihlara Valley cradled in the hard-etched walls of the mountains that soared high above.
Olympus and neighboring Cirali gave us sun-filled days by the water. We ate best, hands down, Turkish home cooked food at family-owned Saban’s Pansion, caught up on endless hours of sleep, [Grace] swam in the calm clear sea, hiked to witness the Cirali flames that have been burning for two thousand years from natural gases trapped underneath the earth, not to mention toasted some marshmallows that perfect strangers offered us! All of this that recharged us for the rest of Turkey!
And now we are off to explore Kas, Fethiye, Pamukkale, and Ephesus… here’s to the wonderfully unexpected!
[Link to photos to come soon]
Istanbul was more city than city could be. It was consuming. We walked on this popular strip where cars dared not entered since the sheer number of people that retreated to this hub of eateries and shops multiple by the hour. Tucked away in the quieter cobblestone streets that wrapped the Blue Mosque, Haga Sophia, and other aged gems – we soaked in history and the gloomy weather. The little rain and clouds we encountered just added to our appreciation of Cappadocia as we reached its peaks of warmth and wonder. Cappadocia, Mother Earth’s magical sandbox created fantastic and fun fairy chimneys. These conical rock formations of tufa and basalt from fallen volcanic ash were shaped by ten thousand years of wind and flood. Each sculpture played up our imaginations to discover shapes that reminded us of Snoopy, Casper the friendly ghost, and so much more. The Goreme Open Air Musuem where ancient civilizations carved out homes in hopes of evading religious persecution. You can see some spaces used for churches by its painted walls of Christian symbols. Then there were the underground caves; we visited Derinkuyu which went 14 levels underground. Our tour took us down eight levels and to my surprise most rooms like the meeting hall or school were open with lots of ceiling space. We also strolled through Ihlara Valley cradled in the hard-etched walls of the mountains that soared high above.
Olympus and neighboring Cirali gave us sun-filled days by the water. We ate best, hands down, Turkish home cooked food at family-owned Saban’s Pansion, caught up on endless hours of sleep, [Grace] swam in the calm clear sea, hiked to witness the Cirali flames that have been burning for two thousand years from natural gases trapped underneath the earth, not to mention toasted some marshmallows that perfect strangers offered us! All of this that recharged us for the rest of Turkey!
And now we are off to explore Kas, Fethiye, Pamukkale, and Ephesus… here’s to the wonderfully unexpected!
[Link to photos to come soon]
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tienanmen Square
I'm in Turkey but here's a China post.
*************
Interesting story: I was speaking to a restaurant manager and asked him about Tienanmen Square. He asked me why I wanted to go, I said that in the 80s I distinctly remember watching the riots and seeing how students were murdered by the government.
Restaurant owner: “What happened then?”
Me: “I saw tanks run over a student. I saw police shooting at unarmed students.”
RO: “Oh yes, you say shooting?”
Me: “Yes”
RO: “You saw that on TV?”
Me: “Yes”
RO: “Well that never happened.”
Me: “Really??!?!!??! You think that never happened? It was live on TV.”
RO: “Um, well I don’t think…but maybe it’s possible. You know our government doesn’t tell us everything. So maybe”
I was shocked but not completely surprised, with a communist all controlling government – they can just take out this chapter of their history and no one would know.
Scary to think that governments can influence what the people think and do based on media. America may not be too much better but at times like this, I’m sure glad I am one.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Eternal Love
"The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love..." I read this after visiting the Taj Mahal yesterday and it stirred something in me. A question...
What is eternal love?
The hopeless romantic in me believes deep down that there is a love for each person. A true love that will strengthen with time and withstand the unexpected and ugliness. A love that allows you to grow as your own person and together as life-long companions. A love that is so pure it will grant you freedom. A freedom to reject pride, accept humility, and give yourself unselfishly - completely.
The reality is though, I really don't know what eternal love is... day to day we live and we love and we learn. And sometimes when we look back at our past relationships and we wonder. I wonder about the decisions I have made and the thoughts that led me to make certain decisions. This is what came to me in the car ride leaving Agra heading back to Delhi. I randomly started running through the memories of my first love, the one I thought would be forever, the one I loved so much it hurt... I wondered if I had done something different, would we still be together now? How would I be, who would I be? You know, those kind of questions... where you know better but still wonder. I thought about the few I have been lucky enough to have loved and why things ended up the way that it did. Was it me? Or was it simply that I haven't met my right match? Not the right time?
As of this point, I feel that I hold no notion of what it should mean or what it means to me. Like a blank slate... I guess like our b&b owner said this morning, "the more you go through life, the less you will know!" This is so true and it applies to love too, I feel.
The lessons and relationships I have had, makes me feel as though I really don't know anything at all. You could have asked me 10 years back what I wanted and I could have summed up a good substantial list of character things that I wanted. But now, I couldn't even begin to say. Is it me losing hope or is it me too afraid to continue to hope. I mean, does it have to be so hard.
Can't it simply be that I want to love and be loved?
Call it eternal love if you want, who knows really if it can truly transcend time...
In the end, perhaps... there is such a thing? This eternal love. I mean, I did sit at the Taj Mahal and the feelings of love did stir in my heart. As if the beauty of "their" love glowed from the precious white marble adorned with rare rubies and sapphires. Or is it just like that, precious and rare?
I don't know, you tell me. Maybe you can help me understand this thing called love...
What is eternal love?
The hopeless romantic in me believes deep down that there is a love for each person. A true love that will strengthen with time and withstand the unexpected and ugliness. A love that allows you to grow as your own person and together as life-long companions. A love that is so pure it will grant you freedom. A freedom to reject pride, accept humility, and give yourself unselfishly - completely.
The reality is though, I really don't know what eternal love is... day to day we live and we love and we learn. And sometimes when we look back at our past relationships and we wonder. I wonder about the decisions I have made and the thoughts that led me to make certain decisions. This is what came to me in the car ride leaving Agra heading back to Delhi. I randomly started running through the memories of my first love, the one I thought would be forever, the one I loved so much it hurt... I wondered if I had done something different, would we still be together now? How would I be, who would I be? You know, those kind of questions... where you know better but still wonder. I thought about the few I have been lucky enough to have loved and why things ended up the way that it did. Was it me? Or was it simply that I haven't met my right match? Not the right time?
As of this point, I feel that I hold no notion of what it should mean or what it means to me. Like a blank slate... I guess like our b&b owner said this morning, "the more you go through life, the less you will know!" This is so true and it applies to love too, I feel.
The lessons and relationships I have had, makes me feel as though I really don't know anything at all. You could have asked me 10 years back what I wanted and I could have summed up a good substantial list of character things that I wanted. But now, I couldn't even begin to say. Is it me losing hope or is it me too afraid to continue to hope. I mean, does it have to be so hard.
Can't it simply be that I want to love and be loved?
Call it eternal love if you want, who knows really if it can truly transcend time...
In the end, perhaps... there is such a thing? This eternal love. I mean, I did sit at the Taj Mahal and the feelings of love did stir in my heart. As if the beauty of "their" love glowed from the precious white marble adorned with rare rubies and sapphires. Or is it just like that, precious and rare?
I don't know, you tell me. Maybe you can help me understand this thing called love...
Knowing Our Elements
"You were so in your element. You had all this energy and looked so happy."
Grace said this to me after we took our day trek to Kernala, a few hours outside of Mumbai. I didn't realize that I was that much different from my regular self but after some thought, I really think she's right. When I see Grace she really lit up coming to Mumbai, a cosmopolitan city. You can see her energy level soaring with each beating moment of hustle and bustle. With Ngoce, she is totally in her element in Mysore with her yoga practice. When you see her practice, her bodies flows with elegance and a serenity washes over her. And I guess with me, when I am out in nature, I love the feeling of the dirt crunching beneath my feet, and the air is so sweet - I really find a quiet happiness inside.
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And then I thought... if we have something that we really enjoy or love why not do more of it. So find that element that makes your heart beat and build that into your life and make sure you do more of it! It's a simple concept, so simple I think we tend to forget.
I am grateful to be traveling and having my experiences thus far, but I am also looking forward to SF and the great nature that nor cal offers. I think I definitely can do more hikes and will make longer trips each year... so with that thought, I want to thank Margaretta and Marvin for my first introductions to backpacking last year. This was when I really fell in love with nature and this love I know will continue to grow.
Grace said this to me after we took our day trek to Kernala, a few hours outside of Mumbai. I didn't realize that I was that much different from my regular self but after some thought, I really think she's right. When I see Grace she really lit up coming to Mumbai, a cosmopolitan city. You can see her energy level soaring with each beating moment of hustle and bustle. With Ngoce, she is totally in her element in Mysore with her yoga practice. When you see her practice, her bodies flows with elegance and a serenity washes over her. And I guess with me, when I am out in nature, I love the feeling of the dirt crunching beneath my feet, and the air is so sweet - I really find a quiet happiness inside.
.JPG)
And then I thought... if we have something that we really enjoy or love why not do more of it. So find that element that makes your heart beat and build that into your life and make sure you do more of it! It's a simple concept, so simple I think we tend to forget. I am grateful to be traveling and having my experiences thus far, but I am also looking forward to SF and the great nature that nor cal offers. I think I definitely can do more hikes and will make longer trips each year... so with that thought, I want to thank Margaretta and Marvin for my first introductions to backpacking last year. This was when I really fell in love with nature and this love I know will continue to grow.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Great Wall
Great Wall – In China, it takes patience to get things done.
Since I wanted to go with a travel group to the Great Wall, I followed the Lonely Planet online guide to buy real government sponsored tickets.
The ticket office I went to sold tickets for one of the Heavenly Gates on Tiananmen Square. It’s legit. I buy the gate ticket, I see the gate. In order to get in this area, there is security. At the same office, I bought a great wall package that includes a wakeup call at 5:30am to see the flag raising at 6am and a visit to Simati, a part of the Great Wall that is less touristy.
I get two calls the night before. One guy saying he’ll pick me up at 5:30am, which is right in line with what I purchased from the ticket office. An English speaking tour guide calls at midnight saying she’ll pick me up at 8am. I tell her that’s confusing. She says she’ll call the ticket office to clarify for me. I wait 20 minutes – no call. I try calling the number on my ticket. No one picks up. I call the tour guide back, she says she’s just a tour guide and to talk to the office….
In the morning, at 5:30am I get a wake up call. At 6am while I am in the lobby, the tour guide calls again and asks me if I’m going to Badaling. I say no – I’m going to Simati. I do not want to go to Badaling since I’ve heard it’s over crowded with Chinese tourists. I told him I paid extra for this part of the wall. He is shocked I’ve already paid and says he’s no longer going to pick me up. What?!?!?!! It’s my last day in China – how else am I going to get there?
Confused, I call the number on my ticket. A lady answer then a man answers in sleepy incomprehensible Chinese and mumbles something about English tour guide.
10 minutes later the English speaking tour guide calls and says she’ll be there at 8am. WTF? Why I am up at 5:30am in the morning then? Why did the ticket office promise to take me to see the raising of the flag?
At 8am, I get on the bus. After 20 mins on the bus, I hand over my ticket. The English speaking tour guide, Tina, says that I’m on the wrong bus. This bus is not going to Simati! In fact, Simati has been closed for 2 months!
Tina asks how I got on the bus. I ask how she got my number. She says from the ticket office – I say well, I paid for that ticket.
She offers to drop me off the tour group so I can take a bus to go to Simati….Errr…didn’t she just say that Simati was closed??!?!?! Why would I take a bus to a part of the Great Wall that is closed?!!?!?!
I told her no way – I have no idea how to get to the other areas of the wall on my own without my Beijing guide book! She asks me if I want to go tomorrow. I tell her no – today is my last day Beijing. If I don’t go today I won’t see it.
Then we both agree that I should just stay on this bus. Very very confusing.
The ticket office completely promised me so many invalid statements just to get the sale. This was from an official government ticket office too!
On the random plus side, my trip was 310 RMB – the usual price was 350 RMB.
Finally, I went to the Great Wall – it was great. We only had 2 hours – I would have liked to hang out more but with the rain, that was enough. We also stopped by a tomb (cool), a jade store (interesting but tourist trap), and a tea tasting session (free samples! but also a major overpriced tourist trap)
Ahhhh…Chinese tour groups…
Morale of the story: Try to do things yourself in China. For tour groups, go through your hotel. Have a good attitude. Take lots of pictures at the Wall. You earned it.
Finding Rhythm in Mysore
Yay! Ngoce and I said in unison as the electricity came back on in our little room at Bheemashakti Yoga Center. (Since our arrival, it's happened a few times where the electricity and the water is shut off for maybe 5-10 minutes at a time. No big deal!) Yesterday after our two hour session and dinner, we came back to our room to rest, shower, read. Instead we had no power and no water so we went out for a quick stroll instead. We came back and the electricity was still not back on and so we waited. Our usual 5-10 minute wait was more like 30-40 minutes this time around!
When it did finally come back on, we both cheered! Happy we felt for this little simple thing that we so easily take for granted back home. And here, you just never know... as it is pretty common and quick to return. You just have to wait and see. Ahh the simple things...
The other thought I had was that in countries where poverty is prevalent, social morale is interesting. To me, I feel that the people here are content - at least from a visitor's view from afar. It seems that every night there is some sort of celebration. Hindu chants and drumming fills the night air. Firecrackers bursting and jolting life into me. Seriously every time those suckers go off, I literally jump out of my skin! Song and dance in the streets. Nights filled with raging sound speakers with an array of Michael Jackson, old school new wave, and your favorite local karaoke super stars busting some Indian inspired track. Merriment is bursting at the seam.
Seriously, the days are rich here... in the mornings as we sit in meditation and the streets are quiet, I can feel Mysore waking to the sunrise. The motorbikes and car horns begin to sound, smoke from chimneys are coloring the skies, and the buzz of people leaving their homes to start their day fills my lungs as we breathe. This buzz continues throughout the day and grows stronger, always constant. Pleasure is manifested as people interact over chai or fresh young coconuts at the well known coconut stand (that is used as a directional reference point). The common and ambiguous head wobble is exchanged between friends and strangers alike.
Then as the sun sets, we begin to hear the chanting, the drumming. In good tidings for their Hindu deities like Ganesh, protector god of new beginnings and all things auspicious. The town comes into full life at night. People line the small stalls selling its goods, snacks like puri are eaten at the street corners as its being prepared, ladies dressed in pretty saris visit temples and make offereings. People of all ages are out and about every night. This is just not the same back home where people retire to their homes, tucked away in their quiet corners. Blanketed by television and the world wide web. Effortless isolation.
This city of Mysore, Gokulam to be exact - even though just my first city in India to visit, I feel, is SO alive. Its heart beating. Soft and slow beats as the sun rises. Full and robust as the sun falls and the moon shines upon its liveliest state, where there is no work just play. Then in the late hours it will rest and again it rises the next day with the same gusto. Bustling along with no desire to be any different from the day before. This city, its heart beats steadily.
Like Suresh said in one of his teachings, our bodies has a rhythm - we rise with the sun and rest as it sets. As we are learning to find our own rhythm, this city already knows its rhythm intimately... confidently. This is its way of life. Understood. Accepted. Bountiful.
[Photo caption: Aerial of 9th Cross Road on a Thursday night at 8pm. A temporary stage is built for tonight's performances right on the street. People are sitting and standing nearby to watch as cars and motorbikes drive past. This will probably continue until 10pm or so.]
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Boat People
Why do we feel a need to know where we came from?
Yesterday I finally visited my birthplace in the Galang Islands of Indonesia.
But the story starts 3 decades ago when my family fled Vietnam on a boat, landing at a refugee camp in the Galang Islands. My parents, aunts, and uncles stayed at the camp for a year before getting sponsorship and documents to become American citizens. During this year, I was conceived and born.
And yesterday, I stood back in the place where I arrived on this Earth. A place where nearly a hundred thousand refugees waited for a golden passport to an unknown but more promising life than the dark future they left behind.
After taking a ferry from Singapore to the more populated Batam Islands in Indonesia, my friends and I were driven over 4 bridges before making our way to Galang. We only had to tell our driver, "Galang" and "Vietnam", and he knew where to take us. Surprisingly, there were many Indonesian tourists at the former camp.
Upon arriving at the temple (dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy) at the entrance gate, a monk came out to greet me. His first words to me were, “Vietnam”, as he pointed to me. He knew I was a baby of the camp and that I was back to reclaim a piece of my past. He then guided me through an incense prayer, and led me to a wall filled with photos, where he showed me part of my family’s history. This monk played an important role in the Galang refugee camp, and continues to oversee it until this day. Today, it is a site where tourists, former refugees, and their families come to visit.
I can not thank him enough for his kindness that day, and for being a connection to the past I came to see.
That day, I saw the boats that the refugees fled their homeland in to reach the shores of the camps. I saw the remnants of the units that housed them, and remembered that my parents, grandpa, and 8 aunts and uncles fit in one unit. I stood in each place and imagined what life was like 30 years ago. How did the people/my family feel on the boat as they crossed a vast ocean of darkness and unknown? What did they do if there wasn’t enough food to eat? I looked at a hill nearby, and recalled my aunt telling me her memory of hiking to the top to get the freshest supply of drinking water for the family. Somewhere in my being, I probably felt what my mother felt while I was in her womb, but yesterday, I could only imagine.
The original Red Cross Hospital building I was born in no longer exists. But the monk rebuilt a second one at the same site. As I stood there, I scanned the crumbling replacement building, and searched for where exactly I may have been born. I pondered why my soul decided to be reborn on this island and under these circumstances. I didn’t care about answers, I was just happy to wonder and felt blessed to be alive.
There were some that did not make the journey. At the cemetery, there was a quote in honor of them:
"Dedicated to the lives of those who died in the sea on the way to freedom"
I cried.
Why do we feel a need to know where we came from? Coming to Galang, I was in search of understanding my family’s history. I learned that I come from a place where my parents hoped and dreamed for a better future for their children. I was born from the hopes, dreams, and love of my parents, and all the other refugees who risked their lives for freedom.
Yesterday I finally visited my birthplace in the Galang Islands of Indonesia.
But the story starts 3 decades ago when my family fled Vietnam on a boat, landing at a refugee camp in the Galang Islands. My parents, aunts, and uncles stayed at the camp for a year before getting sponsorship and documents to become American citizens. During this year, I was conceived and born.
And yesterday, I stood back in the place where I arrived on this Earth. A place where nearly a hundred thousand refugees waited for a golden passport to an unknown but more promising life than the dark future they left behind.
After taking a ferry from Singapore to the more populated Batam Islands in Indonesia, my friends and I were driven over 4 bridges before making our way to Galang. We only had to tell our driver, "Galang" and "Vietnam", and he knew where to take us. Surprisingly, there were many Indonesian tourists at the former camp.
Upon arriving at the temple (dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy) at the entrance gate, a monk came out to greet me. His first words to me were, “Vietnam”, as he pointed to me. He knew I was a baby of the camp and that I was back to reclaim a piece of my past. He then guided me through an incense prayer, and led me to a wall filled with photos, where he showed me part of my family’s history. This monk played an important role in the Galang refugee camp, and continues to oversee it until this day. Today, it is a site where tourists, former refugees, and their families come to visit.
I can not thank him enough for his kindness that day, and for being a connection to the past I came to see.
That day, I saw the boats that the refugees fled their homeland in to reach the shores of the camps. I saw the remnants of the units that housed them, and remembered that my parents, grandpa, and 8 aunts and uncles fit in one unit. I stood in each place and imagined what life was like 30 years ago. How did the people/my family feel on the boat as they crossed a vast ocean of darkness and unknown? What did they do if there wasn’t enough food to eat? I looked at a hill nearby, and recalled my aunt telling me her memory of hiking to the top to get the freshest supply of drinking water for the family. Somewhere in my being, I probably felt what my mother felt while I was in her womb, but yesterday, I could only imagine.
The original Red Cross Hospital building I was born in no longer exists. But the monk rebuilt a second one at the same site. As I stood there, I scanned the crumbling replacement building, and searched for where exactly I may have been born. I pondered why my soul decided to be reborn on this island and under these circumstances. I didn’t care about answers, I was just happy to wonder and felt blessed to be alive.
There were some that did not make the journey. At the cemetery, there was a quote in honor of them:
"Dedicated to the lives of those who died in the sea on the way to freedom"
I cried.
Why do we feel a need to know where we came from? Coming to Galang, I was in search of understanding my family’s history. I learned that I come from a place where my parents hoped and dreamed for a better future for their children. I was born from the hopes, dreams, and love of my parents, and all the other refugees who risked their lives for freedom.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Bali magic
Bali's heart beats water through It's veins
with bones of thousand year old stones
and skin of lush green, adorned with flowers
When It is loud,
It speaks with a breath of damp, heavy air
but mostly,
It sighs with a cool breath from It's Indian Ocean sister
It sees us
I see It
Temples of stone float magically atop water and cliffs
meditating quietly at night
while sleeping with one eye open during day
to lazily gaze the flocking tourists in light
Poetic intricacies of fingers and black-lined eyes
move to the golden bamboo sounds of Balinese music
Mystical incense wafting in air
Flower offerings blossom from banana leaf pouches
Everywhere warm brown skin glow with sun
The water gods send crashing waves to Bali's shores
to beckon of their magic
warn of their power
She sees us
I see Her
Beneath the resorts and stores and planted palm trees
Beneath the painted vision of paradise
Her blood of water becomes tears
She cries softly
Her soul is so beautiful.
with bones of thousand year old stones
and skin of lush green, adorned with flowers
When It is loud,
It speaks with a breath of damp, heavy air
but mostly,
It sighs with a cool breath from It's Indian Ocean sister
It sees us
I see It
Temples of stone float magically atop water and cliffs
meditating quietly at night
while sleeping with one eye open during day
to lazily gaze the flocking tourists in light
Poetic intricacies of fingers and black-lined eyes
move to the golden bamboo sounds of Balinese music
Mystical incense wafting in air
Flower offerings blossom from banana leaf pouches
Everywhere warm brown skin glow with sun
The water gods send crashing waves to Bali's shores
to beckon of their magic
warn of their power
She sees us
I see Her
Beneath the resorts and stores and planted palm trees
Beneath the painted vision of paradise
Her blood of water becomes tears
She cries softly
Her soul is so beautiful.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Feeling Blessed
In the last few months, weeks, and days before this trip, I found myself so "busy" and I thought to myself how easy it was in the midst of our lives to allow this "busy" to fill our days. In this particular moment for me, this reality was very clear and I made it a point to not let it consume me. Even though I had a lot to do and take care of before I left, I really wanted to spend time with friends and family. Simply soak in whatever quality time I can get.
The realization that my path will soon lead me to a new city upon my return really began to take hold. Not only will I be leaving for this 3 month trip, I will return to something completely different from what I have called home for the last few years. Yes, I have been craving for this fresh start... because my time in LA has been a chapter that has presented many challenges to me, some that I have overcome and others that will continue to test me...
But for now in this moment, as this chapter comes to an end, certain thoughts have resonated with me... it is so easy to take for granted the people in our lives when our days are filled the "busy." This dawned on me as I was having to say my goodbyes and farewells... I guess something about an ending, a closing, or a conclusion makes you realize that whatever it is -- you may never return to the same exact moment in time or exact same experience ever again because that is simply how life is. Always flowing, always changing... and because of this I pause and reflect so that I can appreciate. The other realization is why wait to count your blessings. Why wait til you meet an ending to something before you tell the people in my life how important they are to you? But I hope to try harder. Because you can never predict what life will be like.
Such as my unexpected friendships I have made in LA, these friends have given me with sweet colorful memories in a chapter that I felt was very gray and sometimes even dark. I know that I am lucky to have met such good people that have become really good friends to me. I know it cheesy to say, but these friends have truly given me joy and filled my days with sunshine. I am grateful for that.
Then there are my dearest and oldest friends, whom have been there for me always... this is foundation. The support that I can always rely on gives me the stability that I need. Strength I can draw from and security that allows me to push beyond my limits.
Finally my family, the unconditional love. Regardless of my past mistakes or my decisions moving forward, they still feed me! :) I know they love me in the quiet unspoken ways that is my family. My uncle and aunt even tried to give me some money, but really the only gift I needed was the awkward embrace I walked away with.
Why is it so awkward and so hard sometimes to tell the people you care about how much they really mean to you. I don't know. But I do know I need to try harder and not let the "busy" get in the way of spending more of my waking hours with the relationships I cherish most. And try even harder to express and share with them the appreciation I hold for them in my heart.
The realization that my path will soon lead me to a new city upon my return really began to take hold. Not only will I be leaving for this 3 month trip, I will return to something completely different from what I have called home for the last few years. Yes, I have been craving for this fresh start... because my time in LA has been a chapter that has presented many challenges to me, some that I have overcome and others that will continue to test me...
But for now in this moment, as this chapter comes to an end, certain thoughts have resonated with me... it is so easy to take for granted the people in our lives when our days are filled the "busy." This dawned on me as I was having to say my goodbyes and farewells... I guess something about an ending, a closing, or a conclusion makes you realize that whatever it is -- you may never return to the same exact moment in time or exact same experience ever again because that is simply how life is. Always flowing, always changing... and because of this I pause and reflect so that I can appreciate. The other realization is why wait to count your blessings. Why wait til you meet an ending to something before you tell the people in my life how important they are to you? But I hope to try harder. Because you can never predict what life will be like.
Such as my unexpected friendships I have made in LA, these friends have given me with sweet colorful memories in a chapter that I felt was very gray and sometimes even dark. I know that I am lucky to have met such good people that have become really good friends to me. I know it cheesy to say, but these friends have truly given me joy and filled my days with sunshine. I am grateful for that.
Then there are my dearest and oldest friends, whom have been there for me always... this is foundation. The support that I can always rely on gives me the stability that I need. Strength I can draw from and security that allows me to push beyond my limits.
Finally my family, the unconditional love. Regardless of my past mistakes or my decisions moving forward, they still feed me! :) I know they love me in the quiet unspoken ways that is my family. My uncle and aunt even tried to give me some money, but really the only gift I needed was the awkward embrace I walked away with.
Why is it so awkward and so hard sometimes to tell the people you care about how much they really mean to you. I don't know. But I do know I need to try harder and not let the "busy" get in the way of spending more of my waking hours with the relationships I cherish most. And try even harder to express and share with them the appreciation I hold for them in my heart.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Hong Kong unexpected
Yesterday I woke with a start. I was in Hong Kong and will not be home for over 3 months. Oh my God. And when I do get back, I will be moving to a new city and not even sure where I'll live or work yet. There are so many unknowns at this point. The only language my body knew to express this was to wake with a gasping breath and gaping eyes at the dawn of Hong Kong hours.
The reality of this journey started to wrap it's fingers around my mind, pulling me back to a world of logistics and racing rats.
But only for a moment...
Then I realized how bad-ass it is to have some travel funds saved, tickets practically around the world, a backpack with some strategic room to spare for earrings and souvenirs, and a mind without cares except wishing people I love could have this feeling with me.
And then my mind re-awakened in Hong Kong. What an unexpected and beautiful surprise it was. Hong Kong wasn't on the original plan, but was a free stopover, so why not? It is an island that looks like a city upon a city, layered with buildings upon buildings. It is a place to eat, shop, sip on amazing chocolate martinis, and get obscure watch batteries replaced.
Before I left to Hong Kong, I wanted to get my watch battery replaced. But if you have a limited edition L.A.M.B. watch (Gwen Stefani's line) like myself, don't go to Wal Mart. You'll have to come to Hong Kong and get it done by Grandpa, a watch repairman who sits on the side of the street in the Kowloon area. It was the most amazing thing to watch (pun intended). After a full day of asking watch places if they could just replace my battery, no one could because they didn't have the right tools. Then we stumbled upon Grandpa, and in 3 minutes with a couple ingenious tools and a keen eye, handed me back a working watch. The funny thing is that I tipped him for his excellent work, and he just laughed a little. In Hong Kong, tipping is not a regular practice I assume.
And if you don't come to Hong Kong for Grandpa, come just because their airport is the best frickin airport I've ever been in. Everything is so efficient, clean, and smart there. There are free phones for local calls, free luggage carts, and you get through checking in and security in 15 minutes or less.
One more thing about Hong Kong. I am getting more evidence to support what I call my "Pan-Asian face" theory. It is a face that can pass for almost any asian ethnicity. I think I have one. In my past travels, I passed for Malay when I was in Malaysia, Thai when I was in Thailand, and of course Vietnamese when I was in Vietnam. Everyone in Hong Kong thought I was Chinese, which my descendents are, but no one in the States ever really thinks I look Chinese.
I just arrived in Bali, and so far, people think I am Indonesian too. One day in the future, I will have to test this theory in Korea. I think that will be the true test. Keep you all posted.
Anyway, thank you to Hong Kong, onward in beautiful Bali!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Change
Hiyers, Grace here.
What is it about change? Why is it so sad?
I bawled for 2 days. Literally, crying with my shoulders shaking, sobbing uncontrollably.
Yesterday, I was beyond sad to leave NY. The unknown was unnerving. My love for the city, my friends, my best friend, and my boyfriend was overwhelming.
I kept thinking, Why? Why am I leaving a perfectly happy life? Why am I leaving behind people who I love and cherish?
I am 30 you know. Isn't time to make some real decisions and commitments? And yet, off I go again.
Although it's only 3 months, I feel as though it's a change of an era.
Why did this adventure choose me to come now?
Today.
When I flew in HK,
I was unfamiliar with the backdrop and the small fire lit inside me.
Couldn't sleep after 6am and got up. Moped around and then realized dude I'm in HK. I can go see a bunch of new things today. I can eat a bunch of yum foods. I thought hey, that's pretty cool.
What is it about change? Why is it so sad?
I bawled for 2 days. Literally, crying with my shoulders shaking, sobbing uncontrollably.
Yesterday, I was beyond sad to leave NY. The unknown was unnerving. My love for the city, my friends, my best friend, and my boyfriend was overwhelming.
I kept thinking, Why? Why am I leaving a perfectly happy life? Why am I leaving behind people who I love and cherish?
I am 30 you know. Isn't time to make some real decisions and commitments? And yet, off I go again.
Although it's only 3 months, I feel as though it's a change of an era.
Why did this adventure choose me to come now?
Today.
When I flew in HK,
I was unfamiliar with the backdrop and the small fire lit inside me.
Couldn't sleep after 6am and got up. Moped around and then realized dude I'm in HK. I can go see a bunch of new things today. I can eat a bunch of yum foods. I thought hey, that's pretty cool.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Letting go
I don't think leaving home ever gets easier.
Moving out of a place requires a lot of emotional processing, for me, anyway. It's like going through years of your life in just hours. Sorting through the 'stuff' is like sorting through the 'baggage'.
And the best thing to do before a trip is to pack light. I am purging as much 'baggage' as possible, and in this process, just letting go of things. If thoughts are things, and things are a reflection of thoughts, then letting go of things is a way for me to let go of my old thoughts. Maybe it's like a master cleanse and detoxification for the mind.
Like all cleanses, you retaliate at first as the toxins leave your body. My retaliation came in the form of my 'present self' battling with my 'past self' about whether I should keep something. After many of these battles, my past self has surrendered and realized that it is ridiculous how much stuff we keep and never use.
But the people, connections, and memories that have given me a sense of home for the past few years are the hardest part to let go. So I won't, and will keep these for safe storage in my heart. This way, whenever I look there, I will remember my home no matter where life takes me.
Though our travels are 3 weeks away, this feels like the first step in my journey. With lighter feet, a lighter mind, and a full heart, the end is the beginning...
Moving out of a place requires a lot of emotional processing, for me, anyway. It's like going through years of your life in just hours. Sorting through the 'stuff' is like sorting through the 'baggage'.
And the best thing to do before a trip is to pack light. I am purging as much 'baggage' as possible, and in this process, just letting go of things. If thoughts are things, and things are a reflection of thoughts, then letting go of things is a way for me to let go of my old thoughts. Maybe it's like a master cleanse and detoxification for the mind.
Like all cleanses, you retaliate at first as the toxins leave your body. My retaliation came in the form of my 'present self' battling with my 'past self' about whether I should keep something. After many of these battles, my past self has surrendered and realized that it is ridiculous how much stuff we keep and never use.
But the people, connections, and memories that have given me a sense of home for the past few years are the hardest part to let go. So I won't, and will keep these for safe storage in my heart. This way, whenever I look there, I will remember my home no matter where life takes me.
Though our travels are 3 weeks away, this feels like the first step in my journey. With lighter feet, a lighter mind, and a full heart, the end is the beginning...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Butterfly Dreams
About a few weeks ago, I had a significant dream where I had a vision of looking at myself and there were butterflies flying off and fluttering on my face. It was quite beautiful actually, these butterflies were white and red, and were the size of your hand. This vision is still ingrained in my mind's eye, even weeks after the dream.
Butterflies symbolize transformation, and probably the most intense transformation known to this physical life. From a caterpillar, they undergo a transition inside a cocoon to emerge as glorious free flying little creatures.
I think that my subconscious self understands the upcoming journey to a deeper level than my physical self can even absorb right now. This is a journey that will not only further shape who I am, but it will also leave an imprint on my soul.
I have never shared my writing this publicly before, but it feels right to share the spirit of this journey and transformation to allow others to believe and be inspired in life, and understand that life is only as they choose it to be. I am awed to think that this reality started merely as a seed of thought between my two friends and I. And now you are also connected to this journey and plant that has grown from this seed of thought, and your support allows this plant to grow in ways life could only imagine.
Change is a beautiful and necessary thing, and I believe the butterflies are a reminder that I will come out of this transition as the glorious free flying creature we were all meant to be.
Butterflies symbolize transformation, and probably the most intense transformation known to this physical life. From a caterpillar, they undergo a transition inside a cocoon to emerge as glorious free flying little creatures.
I think that my subconscious self understands the upcoming journey to a deeper level than my physical self can even absorb right now. This is a journey that will not only further shape who I am, but it will also leave an imprint on my soul.
I have never shared my writing this publicly before, but it feels right to share the spirit of this journey and transformation to allow others to believe and be inspired in life, and understand that life is only as they choose it to be. I am awed to think that this reality started merely as a seed of thought between my two friends and I. And now you are also connected to this journey and plant that has grown from this seed of thought, and your support allows this plant to grow in ways life could only imagine.
Change is a beautiful and necessary thing, and I believe the butterflies are a reminder that I will come out of this transition as the glorious free flying creature we were all meant to be.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Progress
I can't believe how fast this is coming together. It was seriously a thought and now coming to full realization. It's amazing what you can do if you really put your mind to it... and with 3x the effort, we are just knocking things out. Really making the pieces of this puzzle come together... I have to say that I am blessed to have Grace and Ngoce alongside in this journey. This freakin EPIC journey!!!!
Here we come world!
Yes, this is a grand adventure! It is not taken lightly nor is it taken for granted. It was once a thought and now it is our reality. A notion of adventure born so long ago has personally grown into something of greater depth. Here is a chance for me to gain perspective and detach from what is expected of me. A freedom to define myself and my very own expectations and no others.
I commited to something that drives me; that makes my heart happy. These are the moments that helps to strengthen my soul for challenges that I must face. LIFE gives us many challenges and it also gives us many opportunities. Right now in my life, I have the luxury to choose this path for me. So, I embrace this chapter in my life and will live as vibrantly as I can!
I commited to something that drives me; that makes my heart happy. These are the moments that helps to strengthen my soul for challenges that I must face. LIFE gives us many challenges and it also gives us many opportunities. Right now in my life, I have the luxury to choose this path for me. So, I embrace this chapter in my life and will live as vibrantly as I can!
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