Now that I'm back and my computer is not acting up, I won't be updating this blog. Please visit http://www.journeytosource.blogspot.com/
Hopefully, I won't have to use this site anymore!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
I'm back from the Source!
I guess I'll just leave you with some words to give you an idea of what the last few days were about!
Here goes:
Long drive. Hot Pot. Yaks. Eagle. Ferrets. Wild stallions. Vast grassland. Snow. Hail stones. Winding roads. Snow capped mountains. Frozen rivers. Rocks. Bananas. Acute Mountain Sickness. Hot water. Confusion! "Do you know where the source is?" Fox. Wolf. Nomads. Monks. Motorbicycles. Cold. Prayer Flags. Pee by the road. No toilet. Fish swimming upstream. Farm stay. More yaks. Vulture. Stupa. Trek. Mud. Dirt track. Which way? Buns. Yak Tea. Heavenly views. Lakes. Streams. Mekong. Or Dza Chu. Or Lang Cang Jiang.
Tashi Chil. The spiritual source.
Here goes:
Long drive. Hot Pot. Yaks. Eagle. Ferrets. Wild stallions. Vast grassland. Snow. Hail stones. Winding roads. Snow capped mountains. Frozen rivers. Rocks. Bananas. Acute Mountain Sickness. Hot water. Confusion! "Do you know where the source is?" Fox. Wolf. Nomads. Monks. Motorbicycles. Cold. Prayer Flags. Pee by the road. No toilet. Fish swimming upstream. Farm stay. More yaks. Vulture. Stupa. Trek. Mud. Dirt track. Which way? Buns. Yak Tea. Heavenly views. Lakes. Streams. Mekong. Or Dza Chu. Or Lang Cang Jiang.
Tashi Chil. The spiritual source.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Sights and Smells of Chengdu
Day One - Chengdu
The four hour and thirty-five minute flight arrived at Cheng Du airport at 3:05pm in the afternoon. Customs was surprisingly easy and I was waiting for my luggage by 3:15pm. By 3:30pm, I was wheeling my luggage out of the main gates. What a breeze!
Immediately outside, I was welcome by a big fat sign with four familiar letters printed in bold on a placard - QUEK. Ok. There was NO WAY I would have missed it. I walked up to the holder, who was very busy on the phone. She greeted me and exclaimed in relief that I was zhong guo ren (Chinese man) because I spoke in mandarin to her. She quickly corrected herself and said she was glad she could converse with me in mandarin. I would have told her that yes, my Grandfather came from China, if not for that fact that she needed to quickly introduce me to the driver. She had to run and meet another passenger who was arriving. And so I followed the driver across two traffic lanes and to his passenger carrier.
Along the forty minute drive (I swear it was lesser) along a highway, I note with interest the vastness of Chengdu. Everywhere, there was developments upon developments - mostly condominiums and office blocks interspersed with existing shopping blocks and older shop houses. I recall back on the plane as I was looking out of the window, I saw huge areas that looked like citadels. It's only when passing at close range that I realise how massive these projects were. And most of them are still being built. The waking of a sleeping dragon?
On arrival at Sam's Guesthouse (130 Shanxijie, Chengdu), I was shown my room, which interestingly, was found inside a large teahouse. As I walked through the doors of the restaurant, I saw a room with bay windows wide opened and in the room, four ladies were playing mahjong! The next hallway was lined with comfortable chairs and coffee tables and everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying their tea - the traditional chinese way. There was a pond in the middle of the establishment and a small concrete bridge amidst beautiful landscaping which brought me to "Meeting Room 4" which is not a meeting room at all but a corridor with about eight doors. I entered the door marked "2003". They use a key card system, mind you.
The room may be simple but it's very comfortable, clean and complete. Apart from a bed (firm would be the word I would use to describe it), there was an attached bathroom, a respectable 20" TV, an old fashioned bedside table with a radio set into it, an arm chair and a dresser. Not bad at all, considering they charge only 100yuan a night for this single-bed unit (about SGD20). Not wanting to miss out on the sights, I took to the streets by 5pm
Rambling along, I stumbled upon the Renming Garden (People's Garden). I was amazed by the variety of activities one can find in this place!
The garden itself cannot be compared to the famous landscaping of Suzhou Gardens - but the hive of activities more than make up for it. There were people sitting around tables with a porcelain cup of tea each, and most were either playing card games or chess. Several people were sat with their heads tilted to the side, with an attendant welding a long metal rod and stiking it periodically. This is ear waxing - Chengdu style. Next to the al fresco teahouse, couples or families were paddling in a lake, or up and down little streams, passing below arched bridges or stopping to collect their orders from a food hawker. Meanwhile, deep in the heart of the garden, below mature willow trees, larger crowds gather to listen to random ensemble of musicians with a singer belting out allegedly popular tunes through portable sound systems. In fact, they are everywhere! I remember an old man obviously singing out of tune to a song I remember from the Monkey God series (Journey to the West which aired in Singapore eons ago) but no one seems to mind. Idol rejects should come here. This is a haven made for them.
Walking out of the wooded part and into a courtyard, I note that at one corner, a woman was singing her heart out while standing in front of a blue screen. On closer look, I realised she was doing a live recording and making her own MTV - her image being super-imposed on beautiful scenary. There was even a queue for this service - which allegedly cost 100yuan. Mum should be here.
The circular court yard is framed by pavillions and shades, and again, a host of activities make the place come alive. People where roller blading, dancing (with no music), playing badminton (they drew their own lines), practising tennis strokes with a ball that is attached to an elastic rope anchored to a heavy bag at their feet, playing drums, and flying kites. Everyone seems to be in their own world, yet not minding that they were sharing the same space as someone else doing a totally different activity. How amazing!
I realised how different and relaxed the Chinese here were compared to those I met in Beijing and Shanghai. They didn't seem to mind doing exactly as they pleased wherever they pleased - I'm picturing people back home taking to the park and doing their karaoke outdoors next to people skateboarding! That would be a sight!
Strolling along, I couldn't resist the smell of a Szechuan BBQ stick and so I paid 5yuan for one huge satay. It was tingly spicy and salty - very tasty! If not for the fact that I should really watch what I eat for I'll be taking to the mountains soon, I would have gone for seconds. Or thirds. Feeling guilty, I bought myself a cup of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice - how different it taste. The juice is very sweet and almost thick. Most refreshing.
Having whet my appetite, I made my way out of the gardens, still musing over the outdoor karaoke sessions and mixed hotpot of activities. Dinner was a nice big bowl of szechuan beef noodles (with very small and LITTLE beef cubes) at a shop just outside the garden. I made my way back to the room, had a nice hot shower and now I'm out at Sam's Tour shop (which is just outside the teahouse which is really a guesthouse???) and as I'm typing this entry, my stomach is growling again from the whiffs of szechuan flavours floating across from the other side of the street. Think I'll take a walk...
Oh, before i go, Alvin - you are right! They seem to have blocked Blogspot sites! Not only can I not see journeytosource.blogspot.com, I can't see journeytosource2.blogspot.com too! Oh well, I'll just have to update my blog blindly via email and hope it turns out right. Someone please email me and tell me what this entry looks like?
Take Off!
I've checked in at T2 gate E1, awaiting my Silkair flight to Chengdu.
Thanks to Alvin, Daniel, James, Jackson, Simin, and Zhiwei for coming by so early in the morning to send me off at the airport. And for the gift of a wonderful blink-as-you-brush-toothbrush! Now the Yaks will know when I'm taking care of my teeth!
Clearing through customs was not as breezy as before. Probably because they had to look at my bottle of lens cleaner which I had wrapped dutifully in a ziplock bag. Or perhaps it's because I was wearing a pair of black Gortex bootex, black trekking pants, and a black cap. Or perhaps because everything on my trek pants seems to be triggering off the metal detector! the last time I checked in the mirror, I didn't look like a terrorist. Maybe I should check again...
Ok, I hear the call for boarding. So Chengdu, here I come!
Thanks to Alvin, Daniel, James, Jackson, Simin, and Zhiwei for coming by so early in the morning to send me off at the airport. And for the gift of a wonderful blink-as-you-brush-toothbrush! Now the Yaks will know when I'm taking care of my teeth!
Clearing through customs was not as breezy as before. Probably because they had to look at my bottle of lens cleaner which I had wrapped dutifully in a ziplock bag. Or perhaps it's because I was wearing a pair of black Gortex bootex, black trekking pants, and a black cap. Or perhaps because everything on my trek pants seems to be triggering off the metal detector! the last time I checked in the mirror, I didn't look like a terrorist. Maybe I should check again...
Ok, I hear the call for boarding. So Chengdu, here I come!
The Night before
I'm finally done packing!
It's amazing how much one can squeeze into a 55L backpack. I'll spare you the gory details but know that somewhere in there, I've got my zero degree sleeping bag, a pair of sandals, my full Gortex gear, a spare fleece, and medical kit. Not to mention health bars and a nice big bag of Twirls. The only thing I haven't got is my pair of gloves. Can't remember which friend I lent it to. Or which corner of my wardrobe I had hidden it in. I guess I'll just have to pick a pair up at the airport tomorrow.
Remember my Slingshot bag? It's equally amazing. I've stuffed all the gadgets, batteries, spare batteries and more spare batteries into the various slots in the main compartment. I've just gingerly inserted my camera and now it feels complete. Final weight? I guess about 7kg or so. Ive put in also a small box of silicon gel to take out the unwelcomed moisture. In the top compartment, my passport, air tickets, journal and a book on Tibet are now sitting nicely inside, ready to be flashed into action anytime tomorrow. Not to mention my new pair of Oakleys with a retainer band. I got it because I needed to shield my eyes from the sun's glare and harmful rays. Promise.
For added safety, I've decided to put all that I am worth (monetarily speaking) into a skin pouch which would wrap around my waist securely. Talk about security blankets.
Come tomorrow, I'll put my backpack on, sling my camera bag in front of me, and shoulder the tripod, and I'm ready to take to the mountains.
But first, send a list of emails to friends, then to bed.
It's amazing how much one can squeeze into a 55L backpack. I'll spare you the gory details but know that somewhere in there, I've got my zero degree sleeping bag, a pair of sandals, my full Gortex gear, a spare fleece, and medical kit. Not to mention health bars and a nice big bag of Twirls. The only thing I haven't got is my pair of gloves. Can't remember which friend I lent it to. Or which corner of my wardrobe I had hidden it in. I guess I'll just have to pick a pair up at the airport tomorrow.
Remember my Slingshot bag? It's equally amazing. I've stuffed all the gadgets, batteries, spare batteries and more spare batteries into the various slots in the main compartment. I've just gingerly inserted my camera and now it feels complete. Final weight? I guess about 7kg or so. Ive put in also a small box of silicon gel to take out the unwelcomed moisture. In the top compartment, my passport, air tickets, journal and a book on Tibet are now sitting nicely inside, ready to be flashed into action anytime tomorrow. Not to mention my new pair of Oakleys with a retainer band. I got it because I needed to shield my eyes from the sun's glare and harmful rays. Promise.
For added safety, I've decided to put all that I am worth (monetarily speaking) into a skin pouch which would wrap around my waist securely. Talk about security blankets.
Come tomorrow, I'll put my backpack on, sling my camera bag in front of me, and shoulder the tripod, and I'm ready to take to the mountains.
But first, send a list of emails to friends, then to bed.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Publishing posts via email - it works!
Was looking through the settings and saw that there was an option to publish a posting via email.
So I decided to try it out.
And it works!
Now I can email my postings directly to my blog. :)
Prevention Better Than Cure
I've gotten my jabs - and what a lot of jabs!
My visit to Tan Tock Seng hospital's Travellers' Health @ Vaccination Clinic (Tel: 6357 2222) was a fruitful an informative one. The clinic interiors looks like a spa and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend anyone heading to less developed places to pay them a visit.
I took a total of four jabs - Influenze Vaccine ($18.30), Tetanus-Diptheria (TD) ($10), Hepatitis A-Havrix (Adult) ($66.20), and Typherix Injection ($15.20). Consultation was $8.10. They'll also give you a World Health Organisation International Certificate of Vaccination card which records the details of the vaccination taken.
On my way out, I picked up several brochures which I found to contain useful information, especially for those of us who like travelling to uncharted territories *wink*
Here'a s couple of more relevant information for people intending to climb to high altitudes and visiting places where hygiene is suspect. (Source: Brochures from Travellers' Health @ Vaccination Clinic, TTSH)
Acute Mountain Sickness - This occurs when one ascends to high altitudes especially if the ascent occurs over a short period of time. It can occur at any altitude but most frequently it occurs at 2,000m (6,500ft) or above. Commonly affects the younger male (me?), those with past history of altitude sickness and those who ascend quickly. Symptoms can start within hours to days after exposure to high altitudes.
Symptoms include:
MILD: headache, poor appetite, insomnia, nausea, tiredness
MODERATE: unrelieved headache, vomiting, decreased urine output
SEVERE: Unable to walk straight, decreased consciousness as a result of brain swelling, difficulty with breathing as a result of excessive water in the lungs, blueness in digits
What to do?
1. If mild symptoms occur, stop ascent and stay at the same altitude for a day or two, then ascend cautiously.
2. Severe symptoms require immediate descent to a lower altitude and drug treatment. Consult a doctor in the area. Normally, both descent and drug treatment are required for severe symptoms.
3. Oxygen therapy or use of a hyperbaric bag may be required.
4. In patients with brain swelling or water in the lungs, even if symptoms improve with treatment, they should not be allowed to reascend. Future trips should be in consultation with a doctor to discuss the use of drugs in prevention of symptoms.
Prevention:
1. A slow ascent is important. Monitor own rate by symptoms
2. Carry drugs for altitude sickness. This should be done in consultation with a doctor
3. Avoid sedatives, tranquilizers and narcotic analgesics (certain pain killers)
4. Drink plenty of fluids and take a low salt diet
5. Avoid strenuous over-exertion
6. Adequate clothing to prevent hypothermia which can aggraviate altitude illness
7. Avoid external transport to higher altitude (animal or mechanised) especially if person is having physical problems continuing on his own, because accelerated ascent can worsen the problems.
To a certain extent, altitude sickness can be prevented by taking 250mg acetazolamide (Diamox) three tiems per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Possible side effects include: nausea taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin rash. Allergies to sulfur drugs are a contraindication to Diamox.
Hepatitis A - A viral infection that affects the liver caused by the Hep A Virus. It is usually transmitted by eating contaminated food and water, especially raw seafood (clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, shellfish) or even partially cooked or unhygienic food. Or even through poor personal hygiene - transmit from person to person!
Incubation takes 2 - 6 weeks. Syptoms include jaundice or yellowing or eyes and skin, fever, right sided upper abdominal discomfort, dark or tea-coloured urine, pale stools, poor appetite and nausea.
Prevention: Immunisation is best. But also to observe strict food and water hygiene (avoid ice from suspicious sources!).
Visit www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel for more information on travel health.
My visit to Tan Tock Seng hospital's Travellers' Health @ Vaccination Clinic (Tel: 6357 2222) was a fruitful an informative one. The clinic interiors looks like a spa and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend anyone heading to less developed places to pay them a visit.
I took a total of four jabs - Influenze Vaccine ($18.30), Tetanus-Diptheria (TD) ($10), Hepatitis A-Havrix (Adult) ($66.20), and Typherix Injection ($15.20). Consultation was $8.10. They'll also give you a World Health Organisation International Certificate of Vaccination card which records the details of the vaccination taken.
On my way out, I picked up several brochures which I found to contain useful information, especially for those of us who like travelling to uncharted territories *wink*
Here'a s couple of more relevant information for people intending to climb to high altitudes and visiting places where hygiene is suspect. (Source: Brochures from Travellers' Health @ Vaccination Clinic, TTSH)
Acute Mountain Sickness - This occurs when one ascends to high altitudes especially if the ascent occurs over a short period of time. It can occur at any altitude but most frequently it occurs at 2,000m (6,500ft) or above. Commonly affects the younger male (me?), those with past history of altitude sickness and those who ascend quickly. Symptoms can start within hours to days after exposure to high altitudes.
Symptoms include:
MILD: headache, poor appetite, insomnia, nausea, tiredness
MODERATE: unrelieved headache, vomiting, decreased urine output
SEVERE: Unable to walk straight, decreased consciousness as a result of brain swelling, difficulty with breathing as a result of excessive water in the lungs, blueness in digits
What to do?
1. If mild symptoms occur, stop ascent and stay at the same altitude for a day or two, then ascend cautiously.
2. Severe symptoms require immediate descent to a lower altitude and drug treatment. Consult a doctor in the area. Normally, both descent and drug treatment are required for severe symptoms.
3. Oxygen therapy or use of a hyperbaric bag may be required.
4. In patients with brain swelling or water in the lungs, even if symptoms improve with treatment, they should not be allowed to reascend. Future trips should be in consultation with a doctor to discuss the use of drugs in prevention of symptoms.
Prevention:
1. A slow ascent is important. Monitor own rate by symptoms
2. Carry drugs for altitude sickness. This should be done in consultation with a doctor
3. Avoid sedatives, tranquilizers and narcotic analgesics (certain pain killers)
4. Drink plenty of fluids and take a low salt diet
5. Avoid strenuous over-exertion
6. Adequate clothing to prevent hypothermia which can aggraviate altitude illness
7. Avoid external transport to higher altitude (animal or mechanised) especially if person is having physical problems continuing on his own, because accelerated ascent can worsen the problems.
To a certain extent, altitude sickness can be prevented by taking 250mg acetazolamide (Diamox) three tiems per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Possible side effects include: nausea taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin rash. Allergies to sulfur drugs are a contraindication to Diamox.
Hepatitis A - A viral infection that affects the liver caused by the Hep A Virus. It is usually transmitted by eating contaminated food and water, especially raw seafood (clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, shellfish) or even partially cooked or unhygienic food. Or even through poor personal hygiene - transmit from person to person!
Incubation takes 2 - 6 weeks. Syptoms include jaundice or yellowing or eyes and skin, fever, right sided upper abdominal discomfort, dark or tea-coloured urine, pale stools, poor appetite and nausea.
Prevention: Immunisation is best. But also to observe strict food and water hygiene (avoid ice from suspicious sources!).
Visit www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel for more information on travel health.
Bug on my Blog
I've encountered problems posting new entries on my original blog since two yesterday. Tried several measures to overcome it, including visiting www.bloggerstatusforreal.blogspot.com which gives pretty comprehensive solutions. It seems there are many out there who are encountering the same problem - you can log on but you can't post.
In any case, rather than sit around and wait for things to get back to normal, and in response to a fear that I may encounter the same problem when in China/Tibet (can't possibly sit around and wait for things to get better!) - I've decided to create a mirror site.
www.journeytosource2.blogspot.com
I'll be updating my primary blog (when it's up), and then cut and paste onto the mirror blog, and if I still encounter the same posting problem, I'll update the mirror site and then cut-and-paste over to the primary site when it's up. So if you don't see any new postings on journeytosource, do check out journeytosource2... and if there are no new postings on either, it just means I can't find an internet connection!
In any case, rather than sit around and wait for things to get back to normal, and in response to a fear that I may encounter the same problem when in China/Tibet (can't possibly sit around and wait for things to get better!) - I've decided to create a mirror site.
www.journeytosource2.blogspot.com
I'll be updating my primary blog (when it's up), and then cut and paste onto the mirror blog, and if I still encounter the same posting problem, I'll update the mirror site and then cut-and-paste over to the primary site when it's up. So if you don't see any new postings on journeytosource, do check out journeytosource2... and if there are no new postings on either, it just means I can't find an internet connection!
Packing My Bag
With three days to go, I'm putting ticks to my checklist item by item. I've checked all my camera equipment and accessories, testing the system so I am both familiar with them and satisfied that they work. I'm packing my bag with all the necessary items so I can take good shots and bring them home.
I think it's important to be meticulous during preparation - to check that everything is in tip top operating condition. Afterall, someone once told me that success is dependant on 90% preparation, 5% execution and 5% luck. And those from Scouts would be familiar with the motto "Be Prepared".
Whilst preparing for this trip, I muse over how many of us would spend lots of time preparing for trips and excursions, even if they are short ones like a day out for a picnic or a weekend break. We check for the lowest fares, we ask around for the best prices, we note the must-sees and the must-dos. Yet, how many of us are truly prepared for the greatest journey called "Life"?
I recall conversations with friends about various life journeys - deciding on University courses, choice of University or scholarship, career, career switch, settling down... It's funny how these journeys are really much more significant than a short weekend break or a summer vacation, but they received significantly lesser amount of attention.
My favourite question is as always "What do you want?" and to that question, I get a variety of responses. Some get all excited because they know exactly what they want. Others look as if a comet just hit them in the face. Most don't know. Or they just choose to let life unravel itself.
Granted that there is really no way of telling what the future brings - just like I wouldn't know what my journey to the source would eventually look like - but planning helps me get closer to where I want to go. And preparing for the trip allows me to enjoy it the way I want to. Otherwise, I may end up at a totally different place, or worse, get into trouble. I'd rather not leave too much to chance.
I like the analogy of planning for life like planning for a trip . If we spent months or weeks planning for a holiday, then how much time are we spending on preparing for a University course, a career, a marriage? Shouldn't we spend a proportionate amount of time on preparing for the future we want to see?I know some of my friends out there are at their first major cross-road of life. It's really a scary and yet exciting time, and sometimes, the answers are not all that apparent. But take heart. Great journeys start with a single first step.
Let the heart be the compass. Then let the head figure the path. And once the direction and path are set, prepare! Prepare so you are equipped to deal with what is to come. Prepare so can make the best of the journey. And prepare so you can enjoy the ride.
How are you packing your bag?
Hopefully, a shot to f[r]ame
It's amazing how ingenious a Lowepro Slingshot 300AW bag really is! A slingbag with ergonomically designed zippered compartments turns instantaneously into a waist pouch, giving easy access to the camera accessories snugged comfortably in fully detachable compartments. And it comes with a weather poncho that tucks away neatly below.
And of course, I had to fill the bag with a Nikon 50mm F/1.8 lens, a polarizer filter, eneloop rechargeable batteries, a SANYO 15min Quick Charger, extra Toshiba SD cards, lithium-ion camera batteries, a PD70X CompactDrive, and come Saturday - my prized Nikon D80 kit camera. The only thing that wouldn't fit is the Velbon carbon tripod.
This evening's stopover at the camera shop set me back by a hand and a limb but I choose to see it as an investment. Afterall, I had already put in that much, it didn't make sense not to put in a little more to protect the initial investment. It's like buying a pretty house, and penny-pinching on fire insurance. Besides, it would be a shame to wreck my camera whilst trekking up the trecherous terrain. I would certainly hate not being able to bring a piece of heaven back for keeps.
All these trouble, hopefully, I'll get a good shot to frame. Or to fame. Most preferably, both. :)
And of course, I had to fill the bag with a Nikon 50mm F/1.8 lens, a polarizer filter, eneloop rechargeable batteries, a SANYO 15min Quick Charger, extra Toshiba SD cards, lithium-ion camera batteries, a PD70X CompactDrive, and come Saturday - my prized Nikon D80 kit camera. The only thing that wouldn't fit is the Velbon carbon tripod.
This evening's stopover at the camera shop set me back by a hand and a limb but I choose to see it as an investment. Afterall, I had already put in that much, it didn't make sense not to put in a little more to protect the initial investment. It's like buying a pretty house, and penny-pinching on fire insurance. Besides, it would be a shame to wreck my camera whilst trekking up the trecherous terrain. I would certainly hate not being able to bring a piece of heaven back for keeps.
All these trouble, hopefully, I'll get a good shot to frame. Or to fame. Most preferably, both. :)
In the Beginning
It's 5 days away from my flight out to Cheng Du and I'm still packing.Setting up this blog is but one of the many things I needed to do before my adventure which has taken more than 3 months to plan and would take 3 weeks and some days to complete.I've got my schedules all lined up - a visit to the doc's to get immunisation jabs; the camera shop to pick up my external hard-disk for emptying my camera's memory cards into; the travel agent's to pick up my passport and maps; and final shopping to pick up a list of items.
It's amazing how a flash of an idea last December has set forth the wheel of events in motion, turning a dream into a reality - well, almost - till I get on that plane.
Some call this the power of intention. Others call it sourcing. Whether God, a stroke of luck, or lots of help from caring friends was involved, the fact remains that in the beginning, I didn't know where, how, or when I would get there. I just wanted it bad enough. And so I made plans, spoke to people, did my research, and took action. Everything showed up over time and fell into place as if it was all part of a script being played on life's stage. It's not magic of course, but I can't help but think that perhaps the universe conspired to help me get what I want. I'm pretty familiar with this way of living, and I know many more others who live their lives like so.
So what's this journey all about?
I had a little notion that I would find an answer to one of life's many mysteries by tracing to the source of the Mekong River.And so begins my journey to the source...
It's amazing how a flash of an idea last December has set forth the wheel of events in motion, turning a dream into a reality - well, almost - till I get on that plane.
Some call this the power of intention. Others call it sourcing. Whether God, a stroke of luck, or lots of help from caring friends was involved, the fact remains that in the beginning, I didn't know where, how, or when I would get there. I just wanted it bad enough. And so I made plans, spoke to people, did my research, and took action. Everything showed up over time and fell into place as if it was all part of a script being played on life's stage. It's not magic of course, but I can't help but think that perhaps the universe conspired to help me get what I want. I'm pretty familiar with this way of living, and I know many more others who live their lives like so.
So what's this journey all about?
I had a little notion that I would find an answer to one of life's many mysteries by tracing to the source of the Mekong River.And so begins my journey to the source...
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