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My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
Day 15 Cairo, Egypt Once again I am amazed by the accommodations Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 14 Agra, India After yesterday's pampering and quiet contemplation, a ride aboard a crowded, jostling train creates a stark contrast. The steady rhythm of the heclickety-clack served as a backdrop to a non-stop hum of voices. My fellow bloggers and I added to the nattering. Today is a people-y day. We become one with the pulsating throng eager to behold Taj Mahal. We shuffle along elbow to elbow scarcely blinking. Everyone cradles a camera or a cell phone and everyone jockeys for optimal positions to shoot photos. Patience is tested. At first sight, Taj Mahal is a glimmering, ivory marble configuration with minarets and domes. It dominates the landscape next to the Yamuna River. It's sheer size never mind its architecture would qualify it as one of the seven wonders of the world. Some refer to it as the gem of India or the "jewel of Muslim art in India." All of this grandeur houses two tombs; one for the Emperor Shah Jahan and one for his favourite wife, Mumtaz. Um, where are his other wives buried? This ostentatious building is simply a mausoleum, an expensive mausoleum. Reportedly thousands of artisans toiled for years at this site. Its architect, Lahauri referred to it as " illumined or illustrious tomb." A history of neglect and theft haunts this building. The British restored it in 1908. Taj Mahal is also shrouded in controversy. There are claims that it is a Hindu temple and some claim it is a Shiva temple. Some people argue it does not represent Indian culture. Apparently, the gangs of climbing monkeys do not revere this site. They clamber about to watch the tourists. No doubt this is a stunning monument and it speaks to the artistry of its creators. I would describe it as extravagant. For supper, we , the band of bloggers extraordinaire, descend upon a chic rooftop eatery, Tea'se Me. Hmm, provocative name, no? It boasts a bold black and white decor accented by twinkling lights. It is a bustling, humming venue. I soon discover the restaurant's name indicates its specialty, teas, specifically iced teas. Oh, I can attest to the delight of a mango iced tea. Nothing satisfies a squawker more than quality iced tea. To better sample the menu offerings we order different dishes to share. We spare no expense and we refuse to consider calories. This is a vacation and we choose to eat our way along. We discuss the proper name for this type of tourism. Is this a food foray? A treat trek? The Anti-Calorie Consortium? |
Day 13 Neyphu Valley, Paro, Bhutan Sigh. Groan. I am feeling extremely relaxed, mellow, languid. My muscles seem to have melted, dissolved into nothingness. I hear my breathing, steady and deep. It is difficult to form cohesive thought and type on my tablet's teeny tiny keys. I believe I am blissful. Where do I begin? Ah, yes, my fellow bloggers and I are nestled in at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. We were welcomed with open arms and smiles before we were escorted to the site of the butter lamps and encouraged to light one. Okay.... this was a novel greeting.Oh, this spa hotel oozes tranquility with its spacious, open-concept rooms infused with natural light. A nearby mountain supplies a stunning view. Almost immediately this shangri-la's serenity embraces you and you understand its philosophy. "Connect to yourself and all that surrounds you; body, mind and spirit." Wellness treatments are offered here in the heart of The Kingdom of Happiness, a nickname belying the Buddhist mindful way of life. To that end, I consult with a resident healer who recommends several treatments for what ails me. Because of my accidents and orthopedic issues, I always deal with pain. I am open to try anything that may offer a reprieve. First, I stretch with some yoga out on the sun-kissed terrace. I am cautioned to move mindfully and connect with my body. Feel every pull, pinch, contraction. Yep, I feel the tension all right. Next, I opt for my first ever massage. Ah, damn, the pampered overly-paid pro athletes are onto something.I may have purred. Ouch, my kinks didn't stand a chance. Wanting to partake of some fresh air and meander a bit, I joined a group tour of the Sanctuary garden where I learned the benefits of herbs. Later,in the evening I will sample a few of them at the Tea Bar. I decided the idea of hot oil compression might alleviate some of my discomfort so I submitted to having my legs swathed for about ten minutes. This is meant to increase blood flow which in turn should reduce pain and speed healing. I did like the smell of the herbs. For my final indulgence, I chose to soak in an herbal infused hot stone bath. Now this is an experience! The tub is formed from oak and the river water in it is heated by red hot stones laced with artemisia ( wormwood ) leaves. To increase the heat all I had to do was ring a brass bell. This indicated I wanted more hot rocks. The attendant explained I should relax and soak for at least thirty minutes. As if! Of course, I could withstand this. Oh, a pot of tea kept me company. When the attendant awoke me she grinned knowingly. That is the best bathing experience I have ever felt. I expressed reluctance to leave. I climbed out on wobbly legs that had forgotten how to support me. They had also given up their usual complaints. Alas, no carry out service was offered, so I stumbled away. We were a mellow, muted group when we met for our delicious farm garden to table meal. I feared I could not possibly lift a fork to my mouth, let alone speak of my glorious day. My misgivings were groundless. My appetite demanded to be appeased and my tongue longed to let loose since it had meditated in silence all day. |
Day 12 Halong, Vietnam Continued... The staff of the cruise ship greeted me with wide grins and thumbs extended in the "all right" position this morning. Last evening's raucous karaoke has met with their enthusiastic approval. My fellow squawkers and I wave and return the smiles. Rumour has it that our vocal ploys lured a record number of curious squid. That's fine with me, I don't like to handle bait if I can avoid it. Wait a minute, didn't mermaids lure sailors with their singing? We entrance seafood? We're in high spirits as we cruise to Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Grotto on Bo Hon Island. I'm impressed by all the preparation the Vietnamese have taken to make this cave accessible. Our boat moored at a large dock with other water ferries. This pointed us to an installed staircase. I glance up and sigh, only about one-hundred steep steps to climb, no problem. As I sweet-talked my reluctant knees, we were jostled and pushed along by an eager flow of tourists. Once I mounted one step there was no turning back. The entrance to the cave is not impressive at all. It is but a wee slash in the rock. Our guide referred to the first chamber as the waiting room and it squeezed us together. He assured us the second chamber would be more accommodating and he did not exaggerate. This cave is humongous, massive, surprisingly ginormous! In here, there are marked pathways and lighting. Many of the formations are highlighted as if they were giant sculptures awaiting our perusal. We were encouraged to 'see' recognizable shapes in the stalactites and stalagmites. Did we not notice the sentries guarding this cavern, or the general commanding his troops? Did some of the ragged protrusions in the ceiling not resemble the spine of a dragon? Could we be staring at stone dinosaurs? This reminded me of spotting familiar shapes in cloud formations. It's all in the eyes of the beholder. I liked the coolness in the cave. It's a welcome relief. Strangely, the atmosphere felt hushed, yet the many voices echoed. I expected to roust at least a bat or two, but that never transpired. Of course, we snapped pics and copious selfies. What goes up must come down and those many steps awaited my descent. I dreaded tripping and bowling over unsuspecting stragglers like bewildered dominos. Even a mountain goat has its limitations. We returned to Titop Island named in honour of a Russian cosmonaut, Titov. I declined to re-ascend the four-hundred and fifty steps to the summit. If you've seen one gazebo...Instead, I lounged on the white-sand beach and splashed in the azure water. Since this is a virtual tour, I did not fear a sunburn. I threw caution to the warm breeze and chose to swim in a bikini. I dared to dabble in a bit of snorkeling, too. Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 11, Halong Bay, Vietnam: OMG! Now we're experiencing a cruise. Are we participating in our own unique travel film, Planes, Trains, Tuk Tuks, Buses, and Ships? Even if this two-day cruise should somehow leave us stranded like Gilligan's Island, we will be blissful. Wow, Halong Bay is stunning! The water is a shimmering shade of turquoise. The azure endless sky frames many limestone islands swathed in vibrant green. Our ship is spectacular, a floating hotel. My room is airy, lovely and multi-windowed, perfect for an eye feast. It is said that keeping one's gaze fixed on the horizon combats seasickness, but this beauty is mesmerizing. How could I feel queasy? Day 11 of our virtual adventure and I am still evading fatigue and weight gain. Bobbing in the sun-sparkled water, I feel weightless, alive, free. I concentrate on my breathing as I paddle. Under the kayak, sea creatures dart and dash, mysterious shadows. Craning my neck to follow their course, I tip myself into the surf. Spluttering, I remember to roll and right myself. What's a bit of dampness? I shiver thinking this could have happened in Antarctica. Today, clad in a swimsuit I am able to drip dry. Titop Island beckons with its crescent shaped white beach and green-topped hill. I disembark on that warm sand which means I stumble and lurch. Have I forgotten my land legs already? After a stroll along the beach to stretch my muscles, I take a deep breath, square my shoulders and begin the climb to the summit. I lose count after fifty steps and I later learn it is four -hundred and fifty steps of slogging and perspiring to reach that gazebo. I may have appeared to be transfixed by the panoramic view, but I was wheezing and gasping. I consoled myself with the theory that a descent should be less strenuous. I also reminded myself that calories abhor physical exertion. My return to sea level is motivated by the opportunity to explore Me Cung Cave. It is aptly named with its maze of corridors. The multi-coloured stalactites sparkled and noise echoed. I wonder if pirates once stood here? Could this island have been a rest stop? Imagine them frolicking in the turquoise water and sun bathing on the beach. Pirate bonfires? Back on the cruise ship, crew members whispered that they know this island as Cemetery Island because of the 1905 wreck of a French cargo ship. Huh, it seems so tranquil, idyllic. That beauty hides her secrets well. Luckily, I did not have to sing for my supper. I merely had to learn to cteate spring rolls and sample them. This did not prove to be a problem. Food and I are sympatico. The staff made the class fun.This served as the appetizer to a seafood feast. When in Vietnam... In the evening, we were given two options of entertainment, karaoke at the bar, or squidding. Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 10 Pak Chong, Thailand: Ten fun days of exploration and we're still on speaking terms. What vast extremes we've subjected ourselves to as we've wandered. Never did I imagine myself sleeping under the stars in Antarctica, or kayaking amongst iceberg sentinels. In the wilds of Australia, I experienced the desolate desert and the lushness of palm trees surrounded by brilliant flowers. It's a land of contrasts. I've been jostled on a train named after cameleers. I've been suspended in a cable car, soared in a small plane, wobbled on a bike, meandered through gorgeous parks, relaxed on a sight-seeing bus, hiked, mined for opals, avoided an arrest for theft, cuddled a cute joey, thrown a boomerang, shared silly songs 'round a blazing campfire, and binged on local delicacies. Whew! That guaranteed non-weight gain is still lingering from Antarctica. I'm on the move and the weight cannot keep up with me. In Cambodia, I bounced around in a tuk tuk, learned to cook as a native, reveled in the luxury of a Rolls Royce, and soared weightless, again, in a hot air balloon. Keep the adventure rolling! My feet have landed in Thailand today. They have behaved admirably during this whirlwind jaunt. I'm not certain, but I've heard the refrain, " these feet are made for walkin' " shadowing me. My eyes were stunned by the vision that is the Kensington English Garden Resort Khao Yai. I do not banter the word lush about, but this hotel site epitomizes that word. The manicured green lawns, trees, topiaries, red and pink roses exude gorgeousness. This complex is vast with pathways and fountains. I salute the gardeners and surely there must be a team. I noticed that bikes are offered for the use of patrons. Hmmm, perhaps I can persuade my fellow boggers / travelers to explore the area. We will be a bike posse? Our first foray of the day takes us to Bonanza Exotic Zoo. Okay, with our entry fee we were given two boxes of carrots, not to munch on, but to proffer to the animals. I've never been so close to giraffes before. Here I stared from a raised platform, but these magnificent beasts are still much taller than moi. During my saunter, I espied tigers, white lions, llamas, meerkats, and orangutans. The fluttering birds are bright jewels amongst the greenery. Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 9 Angkor and Siem Reap, Cambodia: Is it the ninth day of travelling already? We're accumulating the miles. I barely feel any jet lag. Here we are descending upon Angkor, Cambodia after an uneventful flight. Despite Covid protocols we were not escorted from the plane. Our exuberance did not ruffle any feathers. The Viroth Hotel is wonderful to behold. It oozes welcome. Its atmosphere preceded it when the vintage Roll Royce picked us up at the airport. Never before has a grand gesture screamed you are important to us, we value your presence. We sank into the comfy leather upholstery and absorbed the decadence. We could imagine ourselves speaking with a posh British accent and calling the chauffeur 'my good man.' Later, I intend to swim in the saltwater pool. My the staff is friendly! No one frowns. The first thing I do before sauntering on my own two feet is hail a tuk tuk. The cute name intrigues me. It is a motorcycle pulled cart complete with a canopy. Yes, this announces I am a tourist, but no one will mistake me for a native. From my perch, I am free to people-watch. I note the hustle and bustle, the constant hum. My intrepid driver/guide deposits me at the site of an enormous temple, Angkor Wat. Here I climb and meander amongst the stone. Walls, columns, arches, steps and statuary of stone rise from the ground. I admire the design and ingenuity. Emerging from this site, I am surprised to see 'my' tuk tuk driver, smiling and beckoning to me. He has adopted me. Without question, he escorts me to a cooking school, Le Tigre de Papier, The Paper Tiger. After perusing a fresh air market for ingredients with a master chef I tie on my red apron ready to create a feast. Soon I am chopping, mixing and sauteing. The tantalizing odours tickle my salivary glands. I am far from disappointed with my humble efforts. The fish amok and the banana rice cake taste divine. I wander on foot through the Old Market in an attempt to lose some recently acquired calories. Due to my recent gorging, I am able to decline a sample of crispy fried tarantula. Cooked or raw, it does not appeal to me. Finding I can breathe a bit better, I opt to clamber aboard a hot air balloon confident I am no longer too heavy to lift. Wow! There is nothing to compare to floating suspended above Angkor. The mountains seem smaller and the rice fields present as a geometric quilt of lush green. With a sigh of reluctance, I return to the ground. I am speechless. My tuk tuk benefactor is awaiting my next move. I ask him to recommend a night spot and he drops me off at Miss Wong's Cocktail Bar with a deep bow and a beaming grin. Oh, he has earned a generous tip. I feel right at home with the high ceilings, red walls and flickering lanterns. With a cool drink in hand I settle back to hear the escapades of Apondia ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 8 Perth, Australia... Perth By Bike... "Hop on, blend in," smiled the tour guide pushing to me my two-wheeled ride. In Perth atop a bike it's posh to perch wide-eyed, mumble "My gosh." Wiggle, wobble, heart a'hammer through King's Park I stutter, stammer. Head a'swivel I snatch quick peeks of fellow bloggers' flushing cheeks. Huff, puff, gasp we strive to propel our bikes through lemon-scented dells. 'Round lush green trees and lawns we loop snagging bits of our guide's swift scoops. Cheerful, non-stop Aussie patter urges me on, no quit natter. Careening amid perfect Perth my bike top perch bemused my mirth. I found my balance core in Perth. The Down Under trip proved its worth. |
Day 7 Darwin, Australia: Is this the seventh day of our virtual adventure? The days are blurring together. Australia is awe inspiring. I breathed a bit easier today and I found myself relaxing more. Now I can laugh about it, but Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() |
Day 6 Katherine to Darwin Is it just me? Does anyone else read Katherine to Darwin as a prelude to a romance? Will there be desert sunsets and amorous clinches in the sand? Yuk, I hope not! I am touring as a single gal, hubby free this August. In my virtual reality I am seeking fun my way. I choose my adventures for better or worst. Dusty Kate appears as a desert oasis shimmering in the heavy heat. It's billed as outback meets the tropics. I discover more than just endless sand. Okay, I am roped into attending an amusing show featuring animal training at the Katherine Outback Experience. The different horses are put through their paces. Sheepdog / collies entertained me with their antics herding cattle, or not. These characters have their own endearing petsonalities and who can resist cute puppies. Our ringleader Lyn's a Witchy Woman ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |