Setting up my Studies and more Activities

Today after some well deserve rest I went to register for my massage courses, jewelery making, arranged mountain trek, and of course some more cooking courses.
I am grateful for my friend who took me around and was patient while I ran my errands. Had to get photos, exchange more money, and get some more time for my phone.

There are no accidents!!!

Once I got to Chiang Mai I discovered sooooo many massage schools to go to. I found a few before leaving the states and I thought I had my mind made up. One school I actually put a deposit on but when I went there to finish my registration I had an uncomfortable feeling. There was a Qi-Gong class going on and they have it in front of the school so you can't get to the administration unless you walk through the class. I felt the eyes. I asked people who was sitting outside and they said you have to wait until the class is over. This is a respectable school and I am sure they are organized in many respects but it did not feel warm and welcoming to me. I still was going to go back because of the money I already put down on it (it was a small amount). The main reason I was considering it was because of the founder. My mentor has studied with him when he was at the Old Medicine Hospital. He also came to San Diego as a guest instructor at the school I done most of my massage training. The next school I was interested in was within a few blocks and as we drove into the compound it felt right. I was only going to take a few hours of courses at this particular school but once I met the administrator and one of the lead instructors I knew this was the school for me. I decided to forfeit my deposit at the other school to take my full course work at the School of Massage for Health Chiangmai. The other thing I really like about this school they are very flexible with the schedule which has become very important for me right now for my plans has changed considerably. I actually start class tomorrow.
After two days of classes I will be going on an Adventure trek which I will share with you on this blog. Now I can schedule many of my other activities now that I have a good sense of direction.
There are also tons of cooking schools around. I found another 5 or 6 schools that I am drawn to and will have to pin down which ones I will go to. I'm sure whichever ones I decide on will be fantastic.
I worked with my tattoo artist Poon at Magic Tattoos. He was amazing in working with me to create a incredible piece to blend in with my polar bears adding a big night moon, mountain, and water (river/brook). We begin the work next week.
Things are shaping up quite nicely.

Bon Appetite!

Several days ago I went to my first of several cooking classes. I learned quite a bit and had lots of fun. The Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School picked me up from my home (Elegant Lanna) and transported us to a nearby market where the instructor spoke about the various ingredients and how some of them are used. We then were able to walk around the market for about 20 minutes.

We arrived at their school on a farm which was very beautiful. The set up was really nice too. We were able to select from a nice selection of dishes we wanted to prepare. We took a walk around the garden as the instructor explain more about produce and how they work together in our various dishes.

The first table we worked at we learned how to make a curry paste. I guess I am really naive because I thought that curry were just the dry spice put together and you just add it to your food or to make a sauce you add coconut milk or something. This was a major learning experience for me. In a mortar with a pestle I pounded together a variety of ingredients such as shallots, chilis, lime rind, cummin seeds just to name a few and "voila" my curry paste. It does take some work but well worth it.

We learned about the variety of rices at the market but he went into more detail during this aspect and he started cooking jasmine and sticky rice. We proceeded to our work stations where we learned how to use the tools in the kitchen. Then based on what we selected we began the cooking. The instructor was informative and had a wonderful sense of humor.

After the first set of dishes we prepared we had a chance to eat what we made. When I ate my Tom Yam Kung (w/Shrimps) soup I was blown away. I even made a comment...."did I make that?" That was my favorite thing that I made and there were other dishes I enjoyed too.

Some of the other dishes I prepared was Kaeng Kiao Waan Gai (Green Curry with Chicken), Pad Si-ew (big noodles), Phad Kaprao Gai (Chicken w/Basil Leaves), and Bod Fak Thong (Pumpkin in Coconut Milk).

The course was a full day. You eat several times with plenty to take home with you. It was cool too because we had a chance to share each other dishes. Before taking us back home they gave us a nice little cooking book of the items that we prepared. I will be taking several more course trying a variety of schools. I really like the folks at the Thai Farm Cooking School.

Full Moon (Mae Taeng) River Rafting Trip

Just returned from an incredible experience along the Mae Taeng with Siam River Adventures.
They picked me up from my guesthouse and we drove north of Chiang Mai almost 2 hours into the mountain of the Hill Tribe people. The drive was somewhat rough but the view was spectacular.
We arrived at the base camp where a Thai lunch was served and we were shown to our hut. Actually I expected something a bit more primitive but it really was not that bad. I shared the hut with my new friend from Sweden.
After lunch we were given safety instructions as we prepared getting on our gear and getting into the raft for our first trip along the river. How incredible!!!
I did go River Rafting about 20 years ago with someone who claimed to be knowledgeable about this activity. The people we got the raft from asked if we have river raft before and if we felt safe. She said yes so I assumed she knew what she was talking about. I soon found out she was full of stuff! We preceded down the river and got stuck in some rocks. All and all I had a good time and did want to try it again but the opportunity never presented itself until now.
There is definitely more to it than I even imagine but with the great instructions and the wonderful Thai team it really made it a wonderful experience.
We headed down the river and the Natural scenery just mesmerized me! The first part of the river was pretty calm and we hit a few mild rapids but a little over half way we started to get into some serious rapids. As a team we were able to maneuver pretty well. There was one point where our raft got stuck in some rocks and it took us about 10 - 15 minutes to free ourselves and when we did I found myself underneath a rock where I hit my hard head (luckily I had a safety helmet on) and water gushed into my face and nose. I was told I was under water but it all happen so fast I didn't realize it.
After several hours we came to a resting place where fresh pineapple and watermelon was served before making the drive back to the camp base.
When I got out of my wet clothes I decided to take a short siesta lying down on the thin mat. A little later dinner was served. About an hour or so later we prepared for the Moonlight part of the trip. The moon was magnificent as we made our way down the river. In the calmness, I was moved by the shimmering of the moon upon the river....no words to really describe the intensity of this experience. We rode the raft for about 40 minutes or so before stopping along the shoreline where a bamboo fire was waiting for us. We then made the ride back to the site.

I would highly recommend this amazing trip to anyone who visits Thailand. They hold this special Full Moon trip most of the year but not so much during the rainy season. I would have liked to get more river rafting in but it is time to move on. Besides there is so much more I would

like to do and hope with upcoming massage course I can make the time to get to most of the things I would like to accomplish on this amazing Thailand trip.

Five Star Service at a Three Star Property

I left Kanachaburi several days ago and didn't want to let too much more time go by before sharing my appreciation for that experience.
Staying at the Legacy River Kwai Resort was really cool. I've worked at resorts and high end properties and I have to say the level of service that Mr Mana and his staff provided was exceptional.
From the moment I arrived where they offered a welcoming drink. What class. I really did feel like someone important (well, actually I am). Mr Mana communicated to his staff where even though most of them did not understand any English they new what to do. The food in the restaurant was top notch and took in some of the local culinary flavors. The sports center was a bonus with nice pool, Reflexology Walking Path, and fantastic massage staff.
During my stay there I was really in the zone....Sabai Sabai (Relax). It definitely slowed me down. At first my mind was racing but after a few days here my head was clear...perhaps for the first in quite some time. There are no accidents and even though it appeared to be a challenge at first, once I let go I started to see!
I also enjoyed the evening entertainment of signing from the musicians, rented a mountain bike riding on the extremely large property and feasted my eyes on the abundance of orchids and flowers.
Met a few westerners there....French and German. It was cool to interact with them.
Part of the traveling experience is about meeting and sharing with people.

I will come back to the Legacy River Kwai the next time I am in Thailand. It is a great place to prepare for your adventures or unwind before returning home.

Fish Therapy

Had an incredible and unique experience with something that is local to the region (per Mr Mana) called Fish Therapy. They have like a small pool of little fish that nibble at your feet eating away dead skin. It felt funny at first but once I allowed myself to truly be present I found it very soothing.
Just like everything else so far it was not expensive. Only 100 baht (just over 3 bucks).
I have lots of spider veins on my feet and ankle. I was really amazed how after just 20 minutes I saw at least 50%. Those little critters were going to town!
I asked my host Mr. Mana if I could receive this therapy in other areas of Thailand. He said there are a few places in Bangkok but not in Chiang Mai or Pattaya.

Tourists

The Legacy seems to be a popular place for European and Thai tourist.
The first two days the Europeans were here and it was kinda cool to speak ("Je parle petite Francais avec du monde") a little bit of French with some of them. It was funny because I was at the computer desk which is near the reception area and I think people thought I work here for they ask me questions. I didn't get it at first until one guy wanted to pay his bill with me....maybe I should have accepted his payment, teehee!

The French left this morning and now there is a giant group of Thai people. It should be interesting tonight in the lobby area where they have entertainment. I am looking forward to connecting and enjoying these wonderful people.

I already got my eye on what I am going to have for dinner....Thai style Seabass!

The Legacy River Kwai really know how to service their guests and provide an extremely high level of quality customer service. They show that they can handle large groups or deal with a single individual. I will write a nice piece later to share and express my appreciation of this experience!

Feeling Grounded!

The time difference when you read my posts while I am abroad (from California is 14 hours difference, well at least before the time change).

Had a great night sleep. Arose this morning before sunrise. Walked over to the Meditation Garden to take it in for a few before heading to the main facility for breakfast along the famous River Kwai. What a wonderful way to start the day off watching the Sun reflecting off the waters in the peaceful surroundings. I did not realize how stressed I've been all these years until these last few days of total letting go. I am grateful for this blessing!!!!

Nice way to begin this wonderful 6 week experience. The flights getting here was exhaustive but well worth it, especially now that I am here!

Being well taken care of here at the Legacy River Kwai Resort. Mr. Mana head of operations is providing a high level of customer service and has been extremely helpful answering all my questions (some of you know me, I can ask lots of questions). I will write more on this at a later time.

Had my first Thai Massage while in Thailand. When I was introduced to Thai Massage in the States I studied it in a introduction class practicing techniques learned with other students...giving and receiving. Having a full sessions where it was just about me is amazing.
As a student of Massage for nearly 17 years one of the things that I do when I get massages is taking in the techniques and pick up on some to apply in my own work. I have a tendency not to fully experience. While receiving bodywork here I tried to apply the same patterns...but guess what? I am giving into it! It has been many years since I just let go in receiving massage and usually when I get the work done in the State is more of a maintenance thing to keep me tuned up but I now see that I've cheated myself in not being in the moment when it comes to massage. Let this be a lession for practitioners.....to let go is the ultimate