A warm welcome to the Big Apple

"A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions." - - Oliver Wendell Holmes

Two weeks in, and I can only say that this city and friends living here, have greeted me with huge open arms. Hopping off that plane I was hit by a mini heatwave and the smell of fish in the air. It reminded me of the feeling I get everytime I land in Rio.

JFK 22.09.2010

With a huge smile on my face, I enjoyed every bit of the journey to my new home in east village, thrilled to know that I would soon be living with my best buddy and childhood friend Mer.  The view as you cross Manhattan bridge is overwhelming. Everytime. I wonder if New Yorkers ever get bored of it.  Huge hugs from Mer, it took me no longer than 15 minutes to feel like I had been living here for months. In no time we got through a bottle of wine and spent a good few hours catching up on our lives while indulging on sushi. Han later popped in  and  flopped on my bed it was like we'd never been apart. Its amazing how with good friends distance does not separate.
Thursday started with an early rise and a long walk from home down to the Financial District where the Global Potental office is currently located. I ventured through the little backstreets, through neighbourhoods like Little Italy and soaked every bit of this city. At the GP office I met up with some of the other staff and was introduced to the GP program.
http://wings-unclipped.blogspot.com/2010/10/global-potential-program.html

The GP program is brilliant. Having met some of the students that have returned from their trip abroad it is overwhelming to see the impact GP has had in their lives- students take on challenges and turn them into opportunities. The idea of replicating this program in both the UK and Brasil is seriously exciting but overwhelming all the same.

Getting a bike was possibly the best decision I've made since I moved here. There is no greater way to explore a city than to cycle around it -Westside highway, Governors island, Brooklyn, Bronx... Mer and I visited Connecticut and Philadelphia - fun times! NY has so much live music, so many festivals, art, people here are so friendly... the weather has been a spectacular 30C!

NYC Bike CLUB 2010

Global Potential, the program

www.global-potential.org

In short, the Global Potential runs as follows:

1)Training and recruiting: this phase runs between now and June next year. The aim is to get the students who are recruited for the program, to participate in several workshops where they will learn about social development, leadership, life skills, global awareness, civic participation and social entrepreneurship. Each of us school facilitators are responsible for running the workshops at a different school located around NYC (Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn). The training works towards preparing these kids to volunteer abroad over next summer.

2) (July 2011) - The kids will be taken by GP on a 6 week trip to either Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti and a new addition is to perhaps go to a reservation in South Dakota. During the trip, students will be team building, working in underprivileged communities themselves and learning about sustainable agriculture amongst other things

3)When these students return to NYC they are then considered GP LEADERS. Students are encouraged to start an entrepeunerial project of their own (with the help of GP) aswell as participate in social community work in their neighborhoods. Finally, GP leaders become GP Alumni, some joining the team as interns and staff.

London strikes

We could all do with a strike sometimes.
Put the ego aside
Slow down the rushed stride
Relax
Cleanse our own minds

Look up for a change
Shut down our screens
Return to a life more simple
We live like robots
Ever changing machines

London tubes go on strike
no Picadilly, City or District lines
Boris bikes can do their best
while Oyster cards can have a rest

Farewell London. For now.

9-5 9-5 9-5
Pictet view

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.”

How perfectly apt this quote fits into my present days. As I approach the final pages of this 9-5 city chapter in my life, millions of thoughts are sparked. I look back at the past 3 years and notice the little dots have finally come full circle- what a satisfying feeling this is. All the challenges and obstacles that I confronted have been the trigger of what got me here. Regaining my independent life, emerged with a new job, new faces, a fresh horizon and discovering what are my qualities and weaknesses. 3 years understanding that stability doesn’t have to be boring but nothing needs to last for too long. Accepting that we can’t always have what we want immediately, but we should never let go of dreaming, moving towards reaching ours goals. Even if it takes time, with determination we can all get there. Slowly learning to differ the disparity between what feeds the ego, to that which makes the soul sing. It hasn’t been so straightforward along the way but for each stumbling block, a new achievement was shaped. As I see it, life is composed of 2 parts: cause and effect, with time (space) being the vital component separating the two. Would the outcome taste as sweet should time be eliminated?

Last Thursday my friends and fam threw me a surprise leaving party. Best. Surprise. Ever! I have to admit I had no idea whatsoever. The shock on arrival, seeing them all staring at me was greater than I could have ever imagined. There was no time to digest the feelings. It’s a strange emotion to be surrounded by so many loved ones when your mind isn’t expecting it. One feeling overlaps the other; shock, then a slight panic, only to be greeted by complete contentment and fulfilment. All these people are here for me? Really? I felt so special. Thankyou friends, family and universe.

An evening amongst my most loved, reinforcing my next reality- letting go of my comfortable life to search for something that feels real to me. With the little savings that I have accumulated, huge excitment and new dreams ahead, just as the butterfly is formed, I too regain my ability to fly…

Farewell London. For now.

 
To my friends;
 
Blind folded she stumbles down the stairs
Only to find the greatest surprise
Stunned.
An ocean of friends smiling back at her

With tears trickling down her eyes
Hugs and hellos,
Ducking goodbyes.

Speeches and poems
Birthday cake for a farewell
What the cucumber was for,
She could not tell.

Each one so special in your own way
Thankyou friends
In Supertramps words
Happiness is only real when shared

Today

Do today what u love
Dance around
Hugs family & friends
Jump the hurdles

Let your life commence

Follow dreams,

Sing that song

Aim so high

Unclip those wings

Regaining your ability to fly

Never settle for more or less

Your life

Your story

Flashing right before you

With every thought

An attitude

Let go of reactive

Learn to be proactive

Live.

Dig deep

Listen to your soul

Let the light guide you

Smile

For it is your life,

Your dreams, your goals.

NRJ, July 23rd 2010

A commuters choice

City life.

those who do not cycle...

Hit the snooze

 For a second time

Confused she awakes

“Do I not get a lie- in?”

3 degrees frost

At least some blue skies

Back pack, gloves, helmet

To the city

For another nine to five

Early birds do Thai-chi

Through Hyde park she cycles

Change of guards gallop past

Down the Mall quick and fast

Wind whistles "don’t be late"

A smog cloud ahead

Commuters on the phone

Cabs and double-deckers

Envelope her own

NRJ,

May 14th 2010

A trip to the physio - - Based on a REAL LIFE drama.

Sharp pain burns down her back

Thoracic scoliosis attacks

Cocodamol making her high

MRI of the lumbar spine

Endurance.

A disc prolepses

In her physio’s arms she collapses

Ache from annular tear

Avoiding to catch his stare

Disc L4 and 5 degeneration

He is worth every penny of this mutilation

A true poet awakens in me- 07.05.2010 NRJ

A true poet awakens in me- 07.05.2010 NRJ

o Rio de Janeiro continua lindo...

Rio de Janeiro on a shoestring...

Perhaps a little biased but ideally I suggest you kip in either Ipanema or Leblon. That way you are in one of Rio’s nice neighbourhoods and away from the packed tourist spots. From what I gather 2 suggestions of budget places are the "Ipanema Beach House" -  www.ipanemahouse.com  hostel and Lemon spirit hotel www.lemonspirit.com
If you have the cash to spend on accomodation a top choice is the Fasano Hotel - www.fasano.com.br

With the enormous variety of places to eat out, I suggest you start by ordering a
"Picanha a Brasileira" at the famous "Garota de Ipanema" restaurant- (crossroads Vinicius de Moraes and Prudente de Moraes) Although this has increasingly become popular amongst tourists it is one of my absolute faves. Id suggest a stop over at lunch time, order for a caipirinha and get a "brasileira" between you and friends. A little background on it- This is the spot where Vinicius de Moraes used to sit and watch as the girl from Ipanema used to walk by on her way to the beach. The song "girl from Ipanema" later to follow…

Another similar spot is the "Garota da Urca"- Urca Neighbourhood.
On a sat/sun afternoon the Bar Urca - www.barurca.com.br is spot on perfect too. Grab some finger foods and drink overlooking the Marina. Traditional amongst Brazilians.

Work up your appetite before you head to Rodizio Porcao. www.porcao.com.br There is one in Flamengo beach and another at Ipanema. While Flamengo is a better option for its beautiful view, both will equally satisfy your desire for good quality Brazilian meat. Vegetarians should stay away!

Obvious visits include:

• The lagoa (lagoon) stop in one of the kiosques and get a caipirinha. A nice way to do this is to hire a bike and cycle around it. 
• The Corcovado (Christ), a suggestion being taking the tram to the top just before dusk – this way you see the city both by day and by night. If you prefer to take a taxi, make sure he waits for you while you are up there!
•  If you are in luck, and happen to be in Rio on a Sunday (when the road is closed) I recommend hiring a bike and cycling along the calcadao beach from ipanema all the way along to Copacabana and back. You will fit right in with all the other cariocas. 
• Visit of course, the Pao de Acucar (Sugar loaf) but as many would say it offers a similar experience as that to the Corcovado.
• LAPA (historical centre) - visit the Arcos / Selaron staircase / http://selaron.net/Matos/english/selaron.htm - Pop to Bar da Boa for a cold Antartica (beer) - See http://www.lanalapa.com.br/default.asp for excellent options at Lapa.

Copacabana at night can be packed with Prostitutes. Stay clear.

Activities suggested include

• Spending a saturday at Praia da Barra (Barra beach) along where the kite surfers all hang out. - Barraca do Pepe spot- www.pepe.com.br 
• Take up hang glinding for an afternoon launching off the Pedra da Gavea in Sao Conrado. www.riohanggliding.com 
• If you want a taste of Brazilian Carnival, there is a place at the Lagoa where you can go and see the samba schools practicing

Santa Tereza

Eat as much Lula Frita (Calamari) as you can, drink many caipirinhas and soak up the sun!

Find a place to have a feijoada (brasilian typical dish) on a saturday, pop to Santa Tereza (the historical part of Rio) -  stopping at the Aprazivel www.aprazivel.com.br , an excellent restaurant for lunch.

(I hear from friends there are excellent guided tours round Santa Tereza and Lapa- will try to include one here). Have a wonder up and down Ipanema, Leblon, popping in and out of shops, stopping at one of the many juice bars to quench your thirst. BB LANCHES (leblon)a personal fave -  Put on your havaianas and shades and get into the general Carioca way of life...

Santo Andre, Bahia

Santo Andre, Bahia

From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, Lao

Sabai-dee from Lao!

Travelling froom Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang I had Eddie Vedder keeping me company throughout. His music just fits the scene perfectly. Behind every bumpy bend we came across a new village - under the hot sun men worked the fields, 3 sometimes 4 on a single motorbike, so many childen everywhere. Woke up far too early this morning. The air is so still right now.  Never have I seen so many shades of green.

Vang vieng is a funny little place - we had 3 very entertaining days there - cycling to the lagoon, long walks, caves and such fun tubing it down the river - crawling from bar to bar only to refill our tiger whiskey buckets and carry on down. On the last night tubing Le, Jess and I stopped at our little fav bar (the last bar as it's called) for a drinkie just in time as the monsoon hit us  hard.

Jess laughing asking me "would you rather try to get back in this little tube through this thunderstorm or in the dark?" it turns out we did both- that last hour on those little tubes in pitch black, tipsy, with lightning above and such heavy rain was possibly the funniest moment ever. It was never ending and absolutely amazing. I could not stop laughing... it was so dark that only when lightining hit could we even see in which direction we were heading.

Luang Prabang is beautiful. A visit here is a must for anyone passing through laos. I just loved it. Our hotel facing the river, did the best dry marini in town. I just love the way time seems to stop when you are travelling.

Last night we strolled through the night market, had the obvious laobeer, and simply enjoyed this perfect little place.

Jess and Le- amazing travelling buddies.

// festival spirit // 

Finding Pemba & Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Jambo Family x (18.01.2007)


According to the Lonely Planet guidebook "Diani Beach" was very developed with huge hotel resorts, so we opted for the quieter Tiwi beach. Had a lovely day just chilling and that evening we decided to face the "buzzy, developed Diani" which in fact turned out to be as calm and remote as anything, with only very few hotels.

Wasini Island

The next day, having discovered that Diani was so much nicer, with silk sand beaches we went back and spent the whole day relaxing at the Diani reef 5* hotel with an English couple we met- we drank the local beer and sat in the pool bar all afternoon making use of their plush facilities! Going back to our mozzie infested - non air-co room that evening was not easy.
From Tiwi we headed south towards Shimoni, where we got a local fisherman to take us across to the slow paced Wasini island. Here we planned to stay for the evening. With all the day trippers having left, this island was the most idyllic place on earth. As we were taken around by a local 20 year old, (father of 2), there was a complete sense of harmony in the air. The children laughed and played- joining in with the boys for a game of football- walking  through the coral gardens, mangroves everywhere, the little houses all built from mud. I had my camera and the kids kept asking me to take pictures as they pulled funny faces… these people had so little but still there was a strong sensation of happiness everywhere.

Woke up at 4am with the sound of our Dhow boat coming in to pick us up to take us to Pemba island (Tanzania). No water. No toilet. No food. This trip shaping up as an adventure. With only the light of the stars we were the only 2 travellers on this island, got our backpacks and got onto this cargo sailing boat. It was pitch black and all you could see was the small moon and the stars. I felt like a real explorer… the exciting feeling soon got replaced by nausea as the strong waves knocking our little boat about. The 8 hour intended journey was long, quickly shaping up to a 24 hour hot and tiresome adventure...worth every penny as the boat drifted into the most beautiful beach of all- PEMBA ISLAND. we have landed!

… and here we are now. As I type this I can see outside my hut window the most brilliant view of all- a magical 3 tone sea, starting from pale blue, turquoise and in the distance a darker blue. The sand on the beach is so fine that it tickles when you walk on it… and best of all, there is no one else around. We have been here at the "manta reef" since yesterday, the plan  is to stay in Pemba until Saturday where we are then boating it across to Zanzibar.

Will write again soon,
Love and beijos  xx

Discovering Kenya

Arrived in Nairobi on a Sunday night very late only to find every street isolated. That eeriee feeling in the air of not knowing where I had landed.  Found myself wondering if this really was a capital city or whether I was stuck lost in some back street. Deciding on the Lonely Planet's author's choice when choosing a "midrange" hotel-  it was horrible... a cockroach heaven! Had a quick bite and snuggled for our lives praying for morning under the mossie-net.

Monday morning- sun was out, buzzy roads, children on their way to school- the city was pumping... Booked onto a budget Safari trip to Tsavo West… the sooner out of this chaotic city the better. And so we set off, with our 3 Kenyan new friends- our guide, our cook and our mechanic. Great team! Getting out of Nairobi was not easy- under the 40C sun, we headed towards animal paradise for 3 days of camping in the home of the man eaters…

Arrived in Tsavo just in time to see the most incredible sun set from the roof of the van… a giant elephant crossed the road… later we saw zebras, gazelles, all sorts. By the time we reached our campsite it was pitch black- with only the dim light of a torch our cook surprised us with a lovely African Bolognese. The next few days were blissful. Tsavo is beautiful- so much wildlife, stunning scenery…. and on our third day we were incredibly fortunate to see a leopard (rare according to our boys!) According to the team I bringing luck… In Africa i am considered to be quite funny!

Tsavo West

On our 4th day we decided to visit Amboseli, a different safari park. The landscape was in no way as wild as Tsavo but the fact the landscape was was so flat meant we were able to see animals even if they were so far in the distance. Unlike the caping cramped budget style we had previously had, this time we did it in style,  checkings into a luxurious 5 star hotel where we sat in the veranda, drank a few beers as Elephants, monkeys and zebras were spotted in the distance. incredible!

On Thursday we spent 10 hours travelling from Amboseli to Mombasa. Our Team agreed to drive us all the way… it was during this journey that I reminded myself of how incredibly lucky we all are. Our cook, starter telling us stories about his family- the poor man, 57, had lost his 6 brothers in different ways over the years (diseases, accidents, etc) his mother had then died while giving birth to his younger sister- who then later also died, he had 2 daughters who he rarely sees, and still the man was always smiling, always telling anecdotes and trying to please us. Really, this trip is an eye opening experience. Not only do we have money, health, family and friends close to us, but most importantly we appreciate all of what we have.

A few days in Mombasa was enough to get a sense of the place.

Now we are currently in Tiwi- a little beach resort- wonderful view from my hotel room- palm trees, white sand and blue blue sea… From here the plan is to keep travelling down the coast… Diani beach is next, and then we shall see. The aim is to eventually reach zanzibar... no real pressure on time...

Notes on Central America

CostaRica:

The Jungle. Monteverde- we only did the Zip wire experience. Ridiculously amazing! Explore the wildlife and get in touch with your tarzan side. Make sure you do the zip wire which includes TARZAN fall. This is pretty fun. Top tip for the budget boy: Say you are a student and try and blag it for a cheaper price.

Dont economize on this though because the most expensive one is worthit- 18 zip wires and one tarzan jump. bosh.

On the pacific coast we popped to Montezuma - if you are a carribean turquoise waters lover though - this isnt ideal. however, for surfers this is quite the place to be. backpacking feel, huge waves, plenty of beer. Cheap and cheerful. Fun atmosphere with lots and lots of young people but the beach isn't postcard like - rocky and pebbly. Quite the party place.

For those searching for long stretches of white sand head to the Carribean coast- amazing!!! We
went to a place called Cahuita on the way down to the panama islands where the town was grotty but the beach was incredible. Inside a national park, walk all the way through forest and sand to the end of the end only to be greeted by the fiery little thief-like monkeys on the beach. beautiful. So gorgeous... As you strolled up the beach you had the turquoise sea on your left and on your right the jungle. Follow the path....


Panama islands is a MUST DO! Get chatting tothe local gents and figure a price for him to take you on a boat for the day and drop you in a island called Zapatilla. That is the most perfect place i have ever been to in my life. it is like a  little island in the middle of nowhere and the water is sooo blue...
Its completely isolated though so only go there if you have few friends or other people with you.

Lie on hammocks, drink white russians, hire bikes, explore.