By Far The Most Incredible Adventure I've been on in my Life!

To be honest everyone I can't do justice of this one in the words that I express in this blog but I will certainly do my best. The adventure that I was on last Saturday was the single most exhilarating and powerful outdoor thing I have ever done. I was introduced to a place that sets up a variety of outing experiences that has something for everyone (and believe me there are many of these outfits but I was drawn to this one....there are no accidents). I decided to take a one day trek which was absolutely amazing and met a incredible Thai woman who was our guide. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate at what she does. Her smile and kindness added to this very nurturing and intense lifetime experience.

We started on the road about 8am leaving just across from where I am living at the moment in a nice 4x4 vehicle (many of the other outfits have outdated vehicles that makes for a miserable ride), great touch! All the time we were on the road she provided us with all kinds of information about the areas and answered our questions. It was really cool too because I gave her my camera and she did a wonderful job at capturing many of the images. Thank You my friend!!!!

Our first stop was at an Elephant farm where we had the opportunity to ride in baskets on the elephant with a Mahoot (actually next week I am taking a one day course in Mahoot training which I will share with you at that time). The ride was just under an hour where we rode in the thick brush and ending by riding through a river bed, how cool. I bought a few bags of bananas to feed the elephant for 40 baht and that was not enough. Elephants can really put it away! My Mahoot was a wonderful Thai woman who answered all my questions and if you look into it you probably won't hear too much about women doing this. There was a young boy who was the mahoot for the couple that was with us. He was such a cute kid!

Afterwards we headed to a Karen Tribe Village. I was really moved by these people. They were making beautiful works and our beautiful guide communicated with them and explained many things to us. I felt privileged to have been in their presence. At one point we came to one of the homes where there was a beautiful baby with his grandfather, very special stuff. We walked down where people were working near the rice fields. A wonderful lady allowed me to take a photo of her. While we were walking around our guide explained many of the local plants and some of the uses for them especially the healing aspects.

We then went to Maewang Waterfall where I went for a swim. It was cool to swim in some of the power of the fall. Walking along the bamboo was a little scary because it was not wide and being a big fella it was not easy but my guide was great at getting me through it.

The next stop was the Bamboo River Rafting where we went down a river on bamboo that is tied together with shreds of bamboo. I really liked it and had fun helping the guy who was taking us down with the flow of the river and even hit a few rapids.

At the staging area our guide and driver picked us up and drove us to a local area where we had a delicious dish of worms. Boy, they sure was tasty!!! Just kidding, I couldn't tell you because I did not indulge. I did egg on people though. There were some people close by from Poland so I walked over there getting them to try the worms taking photos. Actually I was able to convince them to try it, am I a salesman or what? Most of them actually did eat some. We did have a wonderful meal of veggies, curry dish, of course rice and fresh fruit for dessert. Our beautiful guide really made sure I was well taken care of. I say this because the seats that they had would not accommodate me so she went in and got something comfortable for me to sit on. I was really moved of how attentive this sweet lady was and looked out for me on the whole trip.

The feature of the trip was heading up to the peak of the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. We saw another waterfall just off the road along the way. What a breathtaking ride. We stopped at The Great Holy Relics Pagoda of Nabhamethanidol - Nabhapolbhumisiri. All I can say about this part is WOW! The most amazing site that I have ever seen. We hung out there for a while checking out both sides for the King and Queen. Again I really enjoyed connecting with some Thai people. It has really been easy for me to start talking with them and most speak some English and even when they didn't we shared a smile and took photos together.

We continued the ride to the peak where we had the chance to walk around at the top of the summit. Incredible!!!! The sun was just about ready to set, I have not seen a more beautiful sight in my life. As we were heading back down to the vehicle there was a couple of gentlemen that was enjoying a glass of wine who was with another tour group and of course like many times I struck up a conversation with them. They said if you join our tour we give you wine with the trip and I said but they wouldn't have this special Thai women as our guide. I would not trade her in for any other. However they did share a glass with me to take anyways. One guy also spoke some French so I shared a few words and laughs with him as I walked on with my small group. As we continued to walk just to the right someone notice a trail by the name of Aang-Ka (Michael trail....how about that?).

Made it to the vehicle just as it turned dark. We were heading back when at the last minute our fantastic guide had the driver to pull close to the giant waterfall. We could not really see it well and certainly could not take the photos. She was so apologetic but I told her no need because for me just to be in the presence of this MAGNIFICENT Waterfall was extremely intense. Matter of fact I stopped to do a few moments of Qi-Gong really taking it in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we were back on the road. Our guide was so sweet that before we got back into Chiang Mai they pulled over and she went into a shop and bought us sandwiches. You really can tell that she has such a big heart and I find her to be such a very special person. I am very happy to have met her. After we got back to the guesthouse just over 12 hours later we shared wonderful conversation which just top it off for me.

Asia Scenic Cooking School

ASIA SCENIC COOKING SCHOOL

http://www.asiascenic.com/

Another WOW experience!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my second time going to cooking school in the few weeks that I have been here and I have to say each school has their own special way of presenting the recipes and with the students interactions. The first school was really cool just outside of Chiang Mai in a country setting and a wonderful kitchen. That instructor was a nice guy, kinda of serious but he would say frequently at the end of instructions......."Smile"! I did take away great things from that experience. After today's course I see it is great that I am taking cooking courses at different schools. I would not take the course at the Organic Thai Farm Cooking School again, however I would recommend to try it out. The Asia Scenic Cooking School I would take again and strongly encourage anyone who is interested in studying Thai cooking to go here. The teacher, Liu was incredible. She is fun loving and made the experience very personable. Her passion is obvious and her love of people was apparent.

This is a well organized school that offers all day, half day, and evening courses. The school has a variety of courses you can choose from to prepare.

They picked me up promptly this morning to take me to the school. We had a welcoming drink where our wonderful host spent a moment to learn our names and where we where from. Then we proceeded to the local market where she explained the noodle and rice section. She also talked some about tofu. Some of you knew how I felt about tofu but since I've been in Thailand I have actually starting to eat tofu (I would have never thought that would have been possible and believe me I have tried it many ways). We came back to the school where we learned about a variety of ingredients and had a tasty Thai thing where we folded a variety of things into some sort of leaf. The first one I made I put toooooooo much chili. I made a second one without.

I really like the process in the way we prepared the various dishes. It was really fun thanks to Liu. She was extremely patient and informative. We began to "Shake, Rattle, and Roll"! I feel like a master chef now....just teasing (I don't want any of you that I will be cooking for get your hopes up to much).

The wonderful people at Asia Scenic Cooking School where efficient in clearing things away as we prepared the next dish and was extremely friendly too. They made the cooking experience fun and very interesting. Thank you team, you are awesome. My friends here also took these photos for me which made it easier for me to focus on the cooking aspect. I am grateful and appreciative to them and the whole experience.
The dishes that I had a pleasure to prepare today was extensive. "Plat du Jour" consisted of Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, Hot Basil Stir Fry, and Tom Yum Soup. I also made a delicious local curry paste called Khaw Soi (I was very interested in this curry because I did not see it on other schools menus) and made the sauce then added the chicken (Yummy). My host tells me this is a Northern Thailand Curry and I should be able to find the ingredients at local Asian markets in my community. Finally, for dessert I prepared Deep Fried Bananas.

To top of the experience they gave us a really nice cookbook. The other school gave us a cookbook which was good but this one they really did a fantastic job and it really adds another level of Class.

I understand there are at least 20 cooking schools in the area but I believe you will be hard press to find one better. Thank you very much Asia Scenic. I strongly endorse and will encourage anyone to attend this wonderful course. A Five Star experience!!!!!!

Magnificent Loves the People of the Kingdom of Thailand

It is such an incredible experience in connecting with the people of the Kingdom of Thailand. I am getting opportunities to be with the all kinds of people from the city to the hill tribes and finding them to be kind and so thoughtful. I am really touched and honored for all of this.

When I was a young man it was difficult to share myself with others and I stayed in that dark place after my mother's murder for many years. I had not only built a wall but a fortress to keep people away. I have been fortunate to have a few close friends who did not let the tough exterior run them away and for that I am thankful, especially to two of my closest friends Gayle and Pauline. There are others but I have to say because of their love and what ever they saw in me helped in shifting my perception.

I have had wonderful experiences during my many travels in Europe but nothing like this. Looking into the eyes of the young to the old is warming me all over. I really feel a deep love and an appreciation for all the Thai people that have touched my life so far and all those who haven't. Needless to say this definitely will not be my last trip.

This was just a momentary share for I was ready to go to bed after I checked my emails and a quick look at facebook. I will blog of my amazing adventure of today, I hope in a few days.

Thanks to everyone for sharing this MAGNIFICENT Journey with me!!!! Feel free to share your comments by posting on this blog. Until next time, may your journey bring great joy and insight in your life!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 2 of Thai Massage Class

Great day of intense Thai Massage training. I really enjoy working closely with my wonderful teacher. She is so cool and gives fantastic feedback. As I previously mentioned the other two students with my are from Japan. My awesome instructor speaks Japanese to them and English to me.
After lunch I was chillin' in the courtyard listening to my ipod, jammin' to some Jean-Luc Ponty and she asked to listen. She is so cute and a really warm person. All the teachers are great and very warm hearted. It really adds a marvelous level to this experience.
I thought I had the route to school down pat but found myself going the opposite direction. It is the Old City and that moat that throws me off. After class I decided to skip getting a massage to make sure I found myself home referring to my map. Next week I should have no trouble since I know what direction to go.
If you never experience a Thai Massage you owe it to yourself to try it at least once and perhaps you'll get hooked. I feel so much more open and flexible. My body/mind feels amazing and it has brought another level of awareness.
Before class today (since I was not late) I join in my first Thai Yoga class at the school. It was pretty cool. I practice Yoga back in the 80's and some since but nothing like this. I don't know the name of it but boy what a wonderful way to open the body to prepare for the work.
I have a long day tomorrow with a trekking adventure so I am going to enjoy a Heineken and hit the sack.

Thai Massage from the Blind

During my class today a few students shared with me this place just up the street where the Blind do Thai massage. I decided to check it out. Wow!!!
A very small blind Thai woman twisted me all up. She was incredible and I was extremely impressed. I definitely will be going back not only for the magnificent Thai massage but also to support this visually impaired community.

Been Living High on the Hog!

When I first arrived in Thailand I was really surprised at how inexpensive things were. I did have a rough idea because of my research prior to coming. So when I only paid 400-500baht for a hour massage, 100-200baht for a meal, or a few hundred baht to get around I really thought that was a bargain. Today I had a major eye opener!
Went to a delicious Thai restaurant during my lunch break at Thai Massage class and for just 40baht I got a lunch of Pad Thai and a cup of coffee...that is not even a buck.
After class I went for a two hour Thai massage and it only cost 200baht.

Now that I have a good idea as to what I will be spending my money on during the rest of my time here my budget will be easier.

I am most grateful for the many blessings that are coming my way and all the wonderful people that I have met along this path!

What a Day!!!

Today was my first Massage class here in Chiang Mai, Thailand and on my way to school I got lost. I was given good directions from my friend "V" and the school. Was told it is about a 20-30 minutes walk so I left forty-five minutes ahead to give myself plenty of time. Forty minutes later I had to stop. I called the school to tell them were I was, so I hopped into a tuk-tuk and made my way to my class.
I really like their set up and how warm they are to the students. Just outside the main classroom there is an area where you wash your feet, how refreshing!
As I mentioned in previous blog this school is very flexible. They had several instructors in the room and students were in sections depending on where they were with their course studies. In my group two young women from Japan and myself. The course work was intense but it is an extremely comfortable learning environment.
It was really cool to learn new techniques and the instructor had positive things to say regarding my techniques. Thanks to two of my American teachers Rick Gold and Skip Kanester for their teachings and my internships in Seitai Shiatsu, TuiNa, and other Asian type courses years ago actually prepared me. It is funny because in TuiNa we work with fast techniques so here I really had to be mindful of slow rhythm.
When lunch time arrived my group and the teacher went to a nearby restaurant where I enjoyed a wonderful meal of Pad Thai and for only 25Baht.
Returned to class for several more hours. Some students shared with me a place where they go to get Thai massage....so I went for a 2hours session after class.
On my way home I got lost again. By now it is night time and I was within the walls of the Old City. I guess I was walking around in circles. I thought I was just outside the gates and in the right directions. I stopped to ask a few westerners if they could tell me at least where I was and based on my map I could figure how to get back home but unfortunately (or fortunately) they were of no help. I stopped in a DHL office where a kind Thai man gave me clear directions and it was not even five minutes away. I did have a wonderful conversation with him and shared some of my experiences in Thailand thus far and how much I love his country and people.
I made it home and in a few must study for a few before going to bed.

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.