Well, I finally was able to work around the language on my blog dashboard and now I am down to less that 20% and not able to charge up my MacBook at this time for my transformer/converter does not work here. So I don't know when I will get a chance to blog again.
For those that don't know yet, I finally made it to Thailand after not able to get my connecting flight from Japan because of flight delays. Every thing does happen for a reason no matter how it seems in the moment, we must trust!
Once I got to the airport in Bangkok, Thailand right at midnight I worked my way to a taxi to get to the Southern Bus Terminal and got on a 5am bus which took 2.5 hours then another 45 mins by jittney (or whatever they call them in Thailand). I made it to the Legacy River Kwai Resort in Kanachaburi. It is a very large property, they have roads within the compound. Nice and airy and lots of lush green to take in right at the river. A wonderful place to be and relax after a long exhaustive several days of flying.
On Saturday morning I will be taking a train back to Bangkok and make my way to Bangkok's other airport to fly up north to Chiang Mai where I will be for most of the trip (almost one month).
The guidebook, internet researching, and word of mouth was extremely helpful as I planned this trip and I would say that it did prepare me for the most part, but I have to say all of the insights does not replace the actual experience. Already I had some experiences in Bangkok that I really was not prepare for.
Thanks to my dear friend Rick for his simple words.....breathe and experience! Keeping that in mind had helped me through those things.
I am GRATEFUL for being here and the opportunity to expand my consciousness and explore who I am through this amazing journey.
Thanks to everyone for their Love, support, and encouragement!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
My previous International travels have been focused throughout Europe (besides my Navy days). My first trip was in 1979 and quite a few trips during the 80's doing the backpack thing.
My information resources were guide books and talking with people along the way. This was before "Google". In my opinion, in this era they both play an important part in the experience. I was able to of course purchase my airline tickets, resorts & hotel arrangements, pay deposit on massage courses, pay for my "Moonlight River Rafting" trip, and I have met people.
With the Internet (such as Facebook) I discovered friends from all over that have been able to share experiences.
I've also made personal contact with people in Thailand via email. One gentleman is part of the Petanque club in Pattaya. They had a major Petanque world tournament there several years ago and seems to be well known. It will be cool to play there. I've learn so much researching the Internet. I will also experience the people and learn as I go.
As the countdown continues....40 days and a wake up!
My information resources were guide books and talking with people along the way. This was before "Google". In my opinion, in this era they both play an important part in the experience. I was able to of course purchase my airline tickets, resorts & hotel arrangements, pay deposit on massage courses, pay for my "Moonlight River Rafting" trip, and I have met people.
With the Internet (such as Facebook) I discovered friends from all over that have been able to share experiences.
I've also made personal contact with people in Thailand via email. One gentleman is part of the Petanque club in Pattaya. They had a major Petanque world tournament there several years ago and seems to be well known. It will be cool to play there. I've learn so much researching the Internet. I will also experience the people and learn as I go.
As the countdown continues....40 days and a wake up!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
56 days and counting!
As this fantastic trip approaches I am starting to feel the butterflies in my stomach! It has elevated to a different level of excitement and gratitude.
Although most of my time is planned with scheduled activities, massage and cooking courses I've allowed time to flow with my days especially the first two weeks and the last week. I want to take in the local culture and flavor!
During this trip to Thailand I will be visiting four cities. Most of my time and activities will be in the northern part of the country; Chiang Mai, along with visits to Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, and Bangkok. There are other cities and activities I would love to do but I don't want to put more on my plate than I already have but I will allow myself to be flexible.
I do pride myself on my organizational skills and have made many arrangements. All those trips to Europe has help considerably with this venture. The process in itself has been exciting and watching the dream being realized is moving to say the least!
In less than two months I will be on the other side of the world experiencing an unfamiliar culture. My growth so far has been expansive so I can only imagine how this will impact me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to follow through with this dream.
Although most of my time is planned with scheduled activities, massage and cooking courses I've allowed time to flow with my days especially the first two weeks and the last week. I want to take in the local culture and flavor!
During this trip to Thailand I will be visiting four cities. Most of my time and activities will be in the northern part of the country; Chiang Mai, along with visits to Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, and Bangkok. There are other cities and activities I would love to do but I don't want to put more on my plate than I already have but I will allow myself to be flexible.
I do pride myself on my organizational skills and have made many arrangements. All those trips to Europe has help considerably with this venture. The process in itself has been exciting and watching the dream being realized is moving to say the least!
In less than two months I will be on the other side of the world experiencing an unfamiliar culture. My growth so far has been expansive so I can only imagine how this will impact me. I am grateful to have the opportunity to follow through with this dream.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
A Dream Surfaces
Sitting in one of my favorite local coffee shops having a relaxed late morning reflecting on my upcoming trip. I brought some of my trip material with me to organize in my Thailand folder. I've had to re-evaluate my itinerary and expenses many times over. However it shapes up it is going to be an amazing experience that will benefit me on many levels!
When the trip planning started to take shape I was very excited and yet wonder how I was going to swing it (financially and time off work). It really did not matter how volatile my feelings were I knew deep inside that it will happen. Even though some financial challenges presented themselves, Thailand was still going to happen. I believe that my passion was being tested. I did know about 10 years ago that one day I was going to travel to Asia to study bodywork and at that time it was a seed planted in my subconscious. As I was reflecting on where I was in my Massage experience late last year it became clear that it was time for me to take my training to another level and that is when the dream surfaced. So here I was, where I've been other times in my life, expanding out of my comfort zone and do what I am internally driven to do or do I play it safe and continue to work hoping that one day I will feed the hunger and nourish my soul or to live in this moment and allow my life's experiences to flow through me.
I am grateful for my talents and the quality of my touch. Massage is part of my life's work and I see myself involved with it on one level or another well into my later years.
When the trip planning started to take shape I was very excited and yet wonder how I was going to swing it (financially and time off work). It really did not matter how volatile my feelings were I knew deep inside that it will happen. Even though some financial challenges presented themselves, Thailand was still going to happen. I believe that my passion was being tested. I did know about 10 years ago that one day I was going to travel to Asia to study bodywork and at that time it was a seed planted in my subconscious. As I was reflecting on where I was in my Massage experience late last year it became clear that it was time for me to take my training to another level and that is when the dream surfaced. So here I was, where I've been other times in my life, expanding out of my comfort zone and do what I am internally driven to do or do I play it safe and continue to work hoping that one day I will feed the hunger and nourish my soul or to live in this moment and allow my life's experiences to flow through me.
I am grateful for my talents and the quality of my touch. Massage is part of my life's work and I see myself involved with it on one level or another well into my later years.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Part of the Experience
Doing the Parking thing does wear me down at times, however when I picture myself in Thailand doing a variety of things I have listed really helps with my days. Although I have several things on my plate, at the moment this experience gives me lots of juice.
Over the last several months my plans have expanded and this adds to the total experience. I am now compiling my information into an easy one touch folder in which I journal, log, and keep track of my spending.
Earlier in the process one of my concerns was to have enough time to take off work. I have made sacrifices to build up my time and now with the mandatory furlough for City employees I will have just enough for my six week trip.
With plane ticket in hand and having saved most of the money for the this trip I am focusing on doing some extra massage sessions and a few more gift basket sales which will give me what I need to make it a Magnificent experience.
Over the last several months my plans have expanded and this adds to the total experience. I am now compiling my information into an easy one touch folder in which I journal, log, and keep track of my spending.
Earlier in the process one of my concerns was to have enough time to take off work. I have made sacrifices to build up my time and now with the mandatory furlough for City employees I will have just enough for my six week trip.
With plane ticket in hand and having saved most of the money for the this trip I am focusing on doing some extra massage sessions and a few more gift basket sales which will give me what I need to make it a Magnificent experience.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Putting it Together
Many thanks for the feedback from friends who have traveled in Thailand. So far, the best suggested resource is the "Lonely Plant" guidebook for Thailand.
Between this fantastic guidebook, Internet research, emailing contacts over there and all the wonderful feedback from friends I think I have come up with an interesting itinerary (I'll share more with you later on that).
I have made and confirmed accommodations in several Cities. Also I put a deposit on the Full Moon River Rafting Trip for November 2-3rd. My list of "things to do" has expanded in the last several weeks. I actually use visualization techniques seeing myself doing a variety of things and connecting with the people and culture.
Six weeks of this amazing experience that will effect me on many different levels.
I've been spending some time with the Rosetta Stone language course for Thai and took my first test recently scoring a 78%, not bad for the first one.
If you have not done so, sign up to follow this blog. There will be many photographs and shares!
Between this fantastic guidebook, Internet research, emailing contacts over there and all the wonderful feedback from friends I think I have come up with an interesting itinerary (I'll share more with you later on that).
I have made and confirmed accommodations in several Cities. Also I put a deposit on the Full Moon River Rafting Trip for November 2-3rd. My list of "things to do" has expanded in the last several weeks. I actually use visualization techniques seeing myself doing a variety of things and connecting with the people and culture.
Six weeks of this amazing experience that will effect me on many different levels.
I've been spending some time with the Rosetta Stone language course for Thai and took my first test recently scoring a 78%, not bad for the first one.
If you have not done so, sign up to follow this blog. There will be many photographs and shares!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Another level of learning
Recently I acquire the Rosetta Stone Language course for Thai. I am thinking this will benefit me during my travels and aide in my total Thailand experience! I just put the disc in and let the computer do the work and went through the practice (I think) lessons 1 and 2. After I check those out I realized that I need to set up my own profile and settings, I presume once it is set it keeps track of your personal progress. Let that be a lesson for you to read over the material.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Yeah!!! Have the Airline Tickets
Dates are confirmed and airline ticket purchased.
This process was somewhat challenging and extremely educational in more ways than one!
I opened a personal checking account in April 2008 at U.S. Bank around the same time we set up the Kidz Hearts Foundation bank account. The attraction was two-fold. The option that I took was the debit card which is tied in with my Northwest World Perks mileage program where for every dollar I get a mile and for opening the account I received $75 in groceries.
Whenever I was going to make a purchase of any size I would take the money from my credit union account and deposit into the U.S. Bank account. When I accumulated the funds for my airline tickets I put it into the bank. Shortly after while online finding and making the arrangements my debit card was declined. Of course I called customer service and found that I have a daily spending limit of $1,000. This makes no sense, it is my money. They tell me it is for my protection and assured me that if called first they will release the funds. I attempted to do this again and guess what? Declined! I called again and the customer service person stated that the computer was down and there was no way to help me. When I questioned the limit they said that Visa sets the limit and they would have to be the ones to raise it for regular spending. When I called Visa they said that was not true, it is the bank that set the limit and they can change it in the branch.
What I end up doing is using the credit union account to pay for the airline tickets and missed out on the mileage points. I went into the bank to make a large withdraw. The teller tried to be helpful and we got into a conversation about my experiences with them. She stated that she can fix it but at this point I know I was done with them. The only thing I was waiting for at this point is for charges to be cleared before closing this account.
To top it off Northwest has merged with Delta and will no longer be using this mileage plan (but all my miles will be transfer to Delta existing mileage program). I asked several different tellers about this and got a variety of responses that did not answer my questions.
In the almost 35 years of banking experience I have not encounter such terrible customer service and unethical practices (I have had many other situations with them that I have not expressed, no sense in hashing through all the negativity). Now we will need to move our Kidz Hearts account. I no longer have trust in U.S. Bank.
I am relieved after this ordeal! Now with ticket in hand I can continue my planning.
This process was somewhat challenging and extremely educational in more ways than one!
I opened a personal checking account in April 2008 at U.S. Bank around the same time we set up the Kidz Hearts Foundation bank account. The attraction was two-fold. The option that I took was the debit card which is tied in with my Northwest World Perks mileage program where for every dollar I get a mile and for opening the account I received $75 in groceries.
Whenever I was going to make a purchase of any size I would take the money from my credit union account and deposit into the U.S. Bank account. When I accumulated the funds for my airline tickets I put it into the bank. Shortly after while online finding and making the arrangements my debit card was declined. Of course I called customer service and found that I have a daily spending limit of $1,000. This makes no sense, it is my money. They tell me it is for my protection and assured me that if called first they will release the funds. I attempted to do this again and guess what? Declined! I called again and the customer service person stated that the computer was down and there was no way to help me. When I questioned the limit they said that Visa sets the limit and they would have to be the ones to raise it for regular spending. When I called Visa they said that was not true, it is the bank that set the limit and they can change it in the branch.
What I end up doing is using the credit union account to pay for the airline tickets and missed out on the mileage points. I went into the bank to make a large withdraw. The teller tried to be helpful and we got into a conversation about my experiences with them. She stated that she can fix it but at this point I know I was done with them. The only thing I was waiting for at this point is for charges to be cleared before closing this account.
To top it off Northwest has merged with Delta and will no longer be using this mileage plan (but all my miles will be transfer to Delta existing mileage program). I asked several different tellers about this and got a variety of responses that did not answer my questions.
In the almost 35 years of banking experience I have not encounter such terrible customer service and unethical practices (I have had many other situations with them that I have not expressed, no sense in hashing through all the negativity). Now we will need to move our Kidz Hearts account. I no longer have trust in U.S. Bank.
I am relieved after this ordeal! Now with ticket in hand I can continue my planning.
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