Sunday at Schonbrunn

Schonbrunn Palace - one of my favorite places in Vienna.  It is about 10 minutes from my apartment.  I like to go here and read.  As long as the weather is nice, it's going to be my Sunday afternoon routine.  The place is filled with beautiful gardens, water fountains, and a walk up a small hill that gives an amazing view of the city.  There are statutes everywhere and benches for people to sit and enjoy the surroundings.  Just yesterday, I found myself in awe that this is where I get to come and hang out.  Amazing views and peaceful settings! 

This spot holds some fun memories.  The first time I was here I was leading a study abroad trip and as the professor I had given the students a lecture on staying together and not going off alone.  I did not take my own advice.  I decided to go explore Schonburnn... and I forgot the time.  All the sudden I looked and had only minutes to get to Westbahnhof, the main train station.  It was like a scene from a movie.  I am not kidding... I was running with luggage.  Students were on the train holding the doors open.  The train started to roll down the tracks, 2 guys threw my bags onboard, and I jumped on the moving train.  And, the students loved that I was the one who was late.  :-)

Schonburnn Palace, it's a beautiful place.  One you can go to and easily forget the time.  My new Sunday afternoon spot.   

New Orleans

One of my favorite places in the entire world is New Orleans.  I love this city... So, it's hard to think that just 5 years ago this week Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast.  5 years ago over 1,800 people died in the tragedy turning people's lives upside down.

New Orleans holds a special place in my heart.  I have been to the city many times since the hurricane to help rebuild.  I have such positive memories working alongside families reconstructing their homes - making friendships that will last a lifetime.

Currently, the city, along with other towns in the gulf coast region, still needs help rebuilding.  Even 5 years since the aftermath many people are waiting to get into their homes!  It's sad - really.  I find it shocking that people are still displaced... more attention needs to be given to the ever-eluding crisis.  

 

Awareness is the first step.  I love learning and believe education creates positive change. :)  There are 3 documentaries that have helped me better understand the situation:

 - "When the Levees Broke", by Spike Lee

 - "Trouble the Water", by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

 - New feature 5 years after by Spike Lee called, "If God is Willing & Da Creek Don't Rise"

I love New Orleans so much, here are my top 15 reasons:

15 - Jazz, Jazz, Jazz, Jazz Music (makes my heart happy)

14 - Mrs. Martha Harris

13 - Ms. Debroah Calopy

12 - Snoop, Mary, Dez and family

11 - Cafe Du Monde

10 - Great food, great.

 9 - The people  - they have heart.

 8 - Closest city I can find to Europe in the US.

 7 - French Quarter.

 6 - Drive through Daiquiri stands... fresh daiquiris in 2 gallon milk jugs... seriously... open 24/7! 

 5 - Leading service trips and taking college students... seeing how service changes lives.

 4 - New Orleans is the spot where my dad and I meet every year.  It's our father/daughter time to work together helping others (with college students joining us).

 3 - www.stbernardproject.org  a volunteer group = Wonderful people!!!

 2 - www.livestbernard.org  the most amazing volunteer house!

 1 - Crawfish parties for the locals and having b-b-q with families.  

My favorite person in New Orleans is Mrs. Martha Harris.  She was the first lady I met.  The first house I worked on after the hurricane hit.  Mrs. Martha is 80.  Mrs. Martha has a love for God and for life that I've never seen before.  She is full of joy, even in the hardest of times.  I remember going inside of her FEMA trailer - it was freezing with no heat - and she was still grateful.  Grateful to be alive.  She sat me down and encouraged me!  Really, in the midst of her trials and having no home, she still cared for others.  Every year I go back and visit Mrs. Martha.  She is like a second grandma to me.  I plant her flower garden and we talk about life, love, and what makes the world go round.

Mrs. Martha Harris - even as I sit in Europe... I am thinking of you this week.  I love you my friend.  Thank you for reminding me of the meaning of life.   

Languages

Languages. The spoken word is something you cannot capture in a photo. It’s heard. It’s felt. While traveling I’ve been privileged to be around people who speak not one language, not two languages, but often three and four languages. I find it fascinating. I find it beautiful. I can honestly say I am envious.

I’m carrying with me mental pictures that cannot be experienced in photo format. My first night in Croatia I stayed with a family in Rijeka. At the breakfast table we sat drinking coffee and passing around homemade bread. The languages were also being passed like food… chatting in Croatian, English, Italian, and a little Deutsch.

One night I was in an outdoor beach café listening to a mix of music from all over the world… John Denver’s famous “West Virginia” to some Croatian love songs to the Beatles. At the table next to me was this adorable little girl dancing without a care in the world. I chatted with her mother who is from Milan, Italy. She is 26, on holiday for a week with her parents. Her daughter Julia turns 4 in September.  We talked about jobs, life, yoga, traveling, California, Italy, dancing, marriage, etc. The languages flowed with a combo of Italian, English, and Spanish -  and somehow we managed to understand each other. 

As I am working with the German language now, I find that I can find common phrases.  Super and Cool are my new favorite words.  They are the same in both languages.  haha  :-)  

My dream would be to know three languages.  I would love to speak Spanish and French.  Languages remind me of water.  They are fluid/liquid.  Words and phrases flowing together, bringing people together.  Languages are beautiful. The spoken word is something you cannot capture in a photo. It’s heard. It’s felt.

Mwendwa Muange

August 25th.
Today is my little guys birthday.
Mwendwa Muange turns 12!
He lives in Kenya.
He wants to grow up and be a pilot.
He has dreams and a desire to live.  
His name means "Beloved."
His mom has died of AIDS.
His dad is very sick with the virus.
Mwendwa was recently diagnosed with HIV.
He is one of the many children in Africa born with this fatal disease.

I am his adopted American mom.  My mind takes me back to meeting him in Kenya.
I gave him a soccer ball and an Ohio State Football shirt.  We played.  We talked.  We exchanged smiles.  He wore my sunglasses and I taught him the peace sign.  I didn't want to leave his home.  A house that sits far out off dirt roads in the Kenyan countryside.

Not a day goes by where I do not pray for this little guy.  I think of him often. He holds a special place in my heart.  Happy Birthday Mwendwa.  May God keep you safe my little man...

moving into my aparment

This weekend I moved into my apartment in Vienna.
It's cute.  It's quaint.  It's perfect for me.
I am living in the 7th District off one of the main shopping streets in the city.
I can walk to everything I need.  And walk is what I did.  
I walked to so many stores equipping my new place.  At one point I was walking down the crowded street on Saturday carrying huge green bags.  The bags where heavy and big.  Filled with bedding, towels, sheets, comforter, etc.  I was trying not to hit people with pillows.  The scene was rather funny.

I managed to unpack and settle in within 72 hours.  24 of those hours I could not do much since on Sunday everything is closed... literally - everything.  Even the grocery stores.  Take note, when in Austria, do not expect to run errands or get groceries on a Sunday.  It's not going to happen.  My plans changed and the Sunday was nice as I took a walk around the city.  I visited my favorite places and stopped at a park to read a book, soaking in the last days of summer.  As I walked around the city, I began to feel comfortable.  With my I-pod in, I strolled the streets being grateful for my beautiful surroundings.  I smiled.  :-)


Today I start a new job.  I'm going to have to walk, subway, bus, and walk again to get there!  Yeah... how I wish I still had my mini cooper.  Regardless, I am happy to be in Europe and working in Vienna for this season of my life.  It's an adventure... one I will never forget.

Baska Top 10

I love being by the water.  The ocean feels like home to me.

Recently in Baska, I stayed in a room with an amazing view.  Every morning I sat on the window seal, drank my Turkish coffee, and was grateful for where life had brought me.
If you want to relax, Baska is the spot on the map to visit.  It's a small sea village on the southern tip of the Krk island.  Life is slower here.  It is beautiful and peaceful.  Only 1 Internet cafe in the entire town... From my place a 20 minute walk, one-way.  Two phrases sum up this old city: "enjoying life" and "taking it easy".

Here are my top 10 things I think of when reflecting on Baska:

10 - Old winding cobble-stone streets.
9 - Unique architecture as every house is different.
8 - Good bbq's and good wine with friends. 
7 - Swimming in the Adriatic Sea, so warm.
6 - Beautiful ocean with white rocks instead of sand. 
5 - Stray cats... everywhere.  I wanted to take one!
4 - Yoga
3 - Hiking to nude beaches through a nude campground.  Oy Vey, Oy Vey.  Mental pictures I will never forget!!!
2 - Eating this amazing pastry called Bourke.
1 - Nude Beaches!!! :) :) :)

Thank you Ana, Eva, and Braunamier for a wonderful week filled with good company and good memories.

Croatia

Feeling inspired in Vienna as I reflect on Croatia.


I smile and laugh, yet again.
4 summers ago I was in Dubrovnik.
4 summers ago I went kayaking in Croatia.
4 summers ago I had the Worst sunburn of my entire life... and I grew up a lifeguard!
I was with my friend Christine.  It was the 2nd day of our trip and we looked like bloody lobsters but just on the front side of our bodies.  Comical!  The backside was white from sitting in the kayak. The front = bright red.
We looked like a walking freak show on our vacation.   I'm not kidding!

Fast-forward 4 years and I revisit Croatia.  9 days with my Croatian yoga friends Eva and Ana (roommates from my yoga training).  My first stop was Rijeka. 

Rijeka.  A nice coastal city on the northern part of the country.  Spent one night there with Ana's friend Franjo.  He's a local who took us around the town.  My favorite was our walk to this old castle on top of city that's been converted into an outdoor cafe.  Amazing!

Opatija.  The next day we visited this neighboring town.  So far, Opatija is the closest thing I've seen to Laguna Beach.  There's a walking path of 3 miles; nothing but beach.  I wanted to stay longer in this city, but the island of Krk was calling...

Baska.  On the island of Krk.  This was to be my home for the next 8 days.
More to come on the time in Baska...
The Adriatic Sea and the coast of Croatia is beautiful.

yoga - 2

This morning I woke up sore.  The kind of feel good sore where you know your muscles are still alive.  As I got out of bed my hamstrings said good morning...  Followed by the left glute singing hello and my shoulders joining in the chorus.

I practiced yoga yesterday.  And today I feel good.  While there are many levels of yoga, I enjoy the work and effort it takes holding challenging poses.  There is something completely exhilarating about it.  When I’m in an advanced pose, all I can do is breath and focus… it causes me to be in the moment.  All my worries and cares are gone.  In that place in time, I am without thought.
I breath.  I focus.  I am happy. 

I love yoga!  I’m going back for more.  Completely addicted.  Today 2 yoga teachers (Ana and I) are taking a hike on the island of Krk.  We’re going to a remote beach.  Stopping along the way to practice yoga.
It’s going to be a good day. 

The pictures you see were taken yesterday from my yoga practice… fun!

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti = Peace, Peace, Peace  

Belgrade Top 10

I recently spent some time in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia.  It reminded me of so many other cities I had recently visited while driving through Eastern Europe. Beautiful parks, a downtown plaza with good shopping, relaxing cafes, and the Danube. As I took a walk through the park, I saw old men sitting and playing chess... I found the city inviting. 

While Belgrade is not known for its tourism, it is a city that has a lot to offer. Still filling the effects of the Civil War from the 1990's.  Yes, a civil war took place in Europe in the 90’s.  The area known as former Yugoslavia has gone through so much in the last 20 years.  Just 10 years ago Serbia was still a communist country.  They are trying hard to rebuild and have hopes to become a part of the European Union.

If ever in Belgrade, you want to spend your time in what is known as the Old Town.  This is where is life of the city lies. 

While in the capital, here is my Belgrade Top 10:

10 – Kalemegdan Park – kale = fortress and meydan = field… a beautiful park in front of the city fortress. 

9 – Saint Sava Church - largest Orthodox Church in Easter Europe.

8 – Many bookstores, yet finding a Serbian guidebook is not easy.  

7 - The city castle known as Eastern Outworks and Zindan Gate, walk through it - enjoy the city views.

6 – Construction, construction, construction. 

5 – Movies.  Sex & the City 2 in a theater with Serbian friends = fun!

4 – Hard to drive on the streets... so CoNfUsInG. 

3 – Visit Kneza Mihaila (main street) and walk around the city plaza.

2 – Night life is here.  Famous clubs on the Danube.

1 – It’s all about the café experience… sitting outside, taking it easy, and enjoying life.

 Thank you Rajko for introducing me to your friends and showing me such a good time.  You treated me as one of your own.  And that made all the difference.  :-) :-) :-)

From Bad to Good

A bird shit on me and that was the best part of my day!  The wise say that having a bird poop on you is good luck. I need that good luck to kick in. So, maybe this is the low point… maybe it’s only going to get better from here… 

 I’m having a rough day. I’m in Europe; I’m grateful, yes – I know… But it’s still been a tough day. I received some bad news. That’s life. We all have good and bad days. I keep thinking all I want to do is go home. But, where is home? I’ve put everything I own in storage to move to Europe… I sigh –I take a deep breath. 

 I’m a yoga teacher who is part Zen and part panic attack! I’m sitting on a bus crying in Croatia. One of my pet peeves is people who cry in public! And today, I am that person. No longer afraid of emotions – I embrace what life hands me… the good, the bad, and everything in between… 

So on this bus ride to the island I’ve decided to clear my head. Humbling asking for peace within. I sit. I wait. Peace arrives. I’m realizing that home is within. Finding peace on the inside. Once on the island what appeared to be a horrible day started to shift. My perception changed and I started to once again see the good. View my situation from a different angle. I am in awe of how when letting go of fear, space is created for good things to happen. 

Yogi friends met me, with an apartment on the beach. We had an amazing evening. I had arrived on the night known as “Rain of meteors”… stars were set to fall from the sky. Late at night, we walked out on the pier, ate a tub of ice cream, and drank a bottle of wine (yes, even yoga teachers eat terrible sometimes). The sky was clear as we laid on our backs. Each making 3 wishes. Each watching the stars fall from the sky. It was one of the most memorable evenings I’ve had in a long time. 

I am grateful that the bad shifted to good. I am at home; I’ve found peace within…

9 hours to Croatia

I am on a bus heading towards Croatia. 9 hours!
Can someone please remind me again why I love traveling?!?
On a positive note, I have 2 books to read and time to relax. Hoping the journey to the coast will go by fast... as fast as 9 hours on a bus can go.
When I arrive my yoga friend Ana will be waiting for me. Ana and Eva are sisters who were my roommates while doing yoga teacher training in Spain. They are Croatian - strong Mediterranean women... they smoke, they cuss like sailors, they teach yoga, and they have a passion for olive oil! During our time together in Spain we became good friends. Ana recently visited me in Laguna Beach. Now I am on my was to see her on the beautiful island of Krk.
Looking forward to some yoga and girl time.
After a week in Croatia I head back to Austria to settle in and start a new season in my life. What lies ahead?... maybe I'll daydream about the future - I have time.
I'm on a bus heading towards Croatia.
9 hours!

Laughing through the Language Barrier

A smile goes a long way.
A smile is universal.
Laughter is contagious...

While traveling Eastern Europe - the language is rough, and that is putting it lightly. Trying to speak Serbian, Greek, Slovakian, Croatian... Ahh! Agg! I find myself wanting to revert to Spanish. It's the only language other than English that I can semi speak.

However, I'm learning that communication is really not that hard if you can laugh at yourself. While I've been staying with a family in Serbia I know enough to say hi and thank you. We point at the rest to communicate. We also laugh a lot. I've uploaded pics of Rajko's mom (Bozana) and his grandma (Baba Jela). They are the wonderful, fun-spirited women that made me Turkish coffee every morning. Bozana also gave me a going away gift of spices and under-ware. I laughed so hard! A combination present that I've never been given before... pretty panties of all colors (really cool) and spices. Maybe she knows just want I need for my journey ahead... oy vey :-)! All I know is that my time with these women was fun, even with a language barrier.

A smile goes a long way.
A smile is universal.
Laughter is contagious...

Tree Pose - Vrikshasana

I was reading how trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. It reminded me that being grounded and rooted is important. It reminded me of my favorite yoga pose.
As I teach yoga, students often wonder what I enjoy the most. The answer is Vrikshasana, Tree Pose. I love this balancing pose. For some reason my mind clears and I can stand holding the posture for a long time. There is something about balancing on one leg that steady's the mind. One of my yoga mentors, Dolly from India, told me to do a yoga pose I loved once a day. Tree pose is that posture.
If you're interested in trying this pose, here are the steps...
Tree Pose (Vrikshaasana) Instruction:
1 - Stand with the feet together and the arms by your sides.
2 - Bend the right leg at the knee, raise the right leg and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the inside of the left thigh as possible.
3 - Balancing on the left foot, raise both arms over the head keeping the elbows unbent and joining the palms together. The arms can open wide, palms facing forward like a tree, or the arms can come behind your back clasping fingers together rolling shoulders back and down. Have liberty to do whatever arm position feels best.
4 - Hold the posture while breathing gently through the nostrils for 10 complete breaths or hold the pose as long as you can. Try for 1 minute or even more.
5 - Lower the arms and right leg and return to the Tadasana (Mountain Pose), standing position with feet together and arms at the sides. Pause for a few moments and repeat on the opposite leg.

The website Santosha.com describes the following about Tree Pose:
"The challenge of the vrikshaasana is maintaining balance on one leg. Poor balance is often the result of a restless mind or distracted attention. Regular practice of this posture will help focus the mind and cultivate concentration.
When practicing vrikshaasana it may help to imagine or picture a tree in the mind and apply the following technique: Imagine that the foot you are balanced on is the root of the tree and the leg is the trunk. Continue by imagining the head and outstretched arms as the branches and leaves of the tree. You may be unsteady for a while and find the body swaying back and forth, but don't break the concentration. Like a tree bending in the wind and yet remaining upright, the body can maintain balance.
Aim to achieve the "rootedness" and firmness of a tree. Regular practice of the vrikshaasana improves concentration, balance and coordination. Because the weight of the entire body is balanced on one foot, the muscles of that leg are strengthened and toned as well." - www.santosha.com

Go ahead, give Tree Pose a try. I hope you enjoy it :-)

Athens/Athina Top 10

Zeus, Apollo, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Athena are legends in Greek mythology. Athena, daughter of Zeus, is known as the god of wisdom, philosophy, and weaving. She is the patron of Athens and where the city bears her name.

Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Socrates are among the better known philosophers and writers from Athens. And did you know that the Greeks not only invented the Olympics games, but they are also responsible for: Democracy, Theater, the Hippocratic Oath (the father of medicine, Hippocrates invented this oath that doctors still swear by today). The Greeks also invented the Catapult, even the Pap Smear. They were cutting edge for their time. The city has so much culture and history. Visiting this beautiful place is like going on a journey into the past.

Athens has more Archaeological sites than any city I've visited before. The most famous is the Acropolis. It's located at the top of a hill with The Parthenon (a tribute to the god Athena). If you are in Athens for only one day this is what needs to be seen. The Agora is another famous site known as the former heart and soul of the city where philosophers and city dwellers use to reside.

Churches, museums, and the National Gardens fill the city. Shopping is a big deal with the famous Plaka district where you can buy jewelry to Greek sandals to high-end items. There is also the famous Athens' Flea Market.

I loved being in the city and found it offered so much. The old and the new colliding. A taste of the East, West, and the Mediterranean...

Here is my take on the top 10 things I remember of this ancient city -
Athens Top 10:
10 - Acropolis/The Parthenon
9 - Shopping in the Plaka
8 - Dogs, known as the stray dog capital
7 - Greeks are shorter than most people
6 - Ancient Ruins
5 - Hot, humid weather over 100/F, 37/C!
4 - Greek olives, feta, and gyros = yummy!
3 - Graffiti - city graffiti everywhere
2 - Greek Sandals
1 - Do not anger a Greek by doing a yoga pose, they have tempers! I'm speaking from experience... ☺

man-kinis and donkeys :)

GREECE… The man-kini is back! There is something about old men in Speedos that I find amusing. If you want to rock a man-kini, come to Europe.

As I took a walk this morning on the beach before the venture to Athens, I reflected back on my first time in Greece. I laughed. I laughed until I cried. It was 4 summers ago with my best friend Christine. We decided to take a Mediterranean cruise. Two of our stops were on the islands of Santorini and Corfu. The memories on Santorini go a little something like this:
- Two So Cal girls
- Donkey rides up a hill…
- White shorts and mini-skirt
- Crazy donkeys with serious attitudes
- Christine’s donkey was angry and kept running into everyone
- I made a horrible dismount, fell under the donkey, and almost off the hill
- Christine wore the mini on a donkey… hot pink… need I say more!
- We were not prepared for the 30-minute ass ride up the hill.
- To this day it I laugh soooo hard thinking about it.

So this time in Greece, I vow to not get on a donkey!

My funniest travel experiences have been with my best friend. I reflect on our ventures and always smile. The beauty of traveling is the journey; from donkeys to mani-kinis there is always something to smile about. Laughter is good medicine. I encourage you to take a daily dose... A little laughter a day keeps the doctor away. ☺

Half-way to Athens

We have made it into Greece. 10 hours, but who's counting!
Tomorrow we are finishing the drive to Athens.

Words to describe the journey: Hot, Hot, did I mention HOT!

Left Serbia at 4am to rain but the cool weather did not last. The drive through Southern Serbia was pretty with green hills. Once the car entered Macedonia, I saw beauty. The drive was amazing. The pictures that show mountains are from the road in Macedonia. The country is small and does not have much tourism, but it is beautiful.

The sun came out as we neared Greece. Once in Greece a new level of heat took over. HOT is allll I can say. Hot for 3 hours. So hot. I am serious. 100 degrees with humidity. We stopped on the northern coast of Greece. There are 3 peninsulas branching out in to the Aegean Sea. Our location is Chalkidiki, the first peninsula. It's beautiful here. The other pictures you see are of Greece. Love this place. I forgot how much I really like this country. The water is warm, not like the cool Pacific Ocean I just left. This beach girl is so happy to see water. As soon as we got here, I got out of the car and went straight to the sea. Bags were not even in the hotel. I didn't care. I feel asleep on the beach and have enjoyed the 24 hours I've been by the beautiful blue.

In the morning, we leave for the last part of our drive...
6 hours to Athens.
:-) :-) :-)