India- Part II

After an eventful few days on land, we took to the beautiful network of rivers that exist within the Thekkady and Alleppey region. Forgive me for not recounting exact names, I failed to write them down.

We first ventured out on a leisure boat, to observe the wildlife. The ride was about an hour long, and absolutely beautiful. My traveling companions and I laughed, conversed, and snapped pictures the entire way. It was a peaceful way to begin our day.

• 

• 

• 

• 

From there, we made our way to spend the night on a house boat. What an unforgettable experience. We arrived at the perfect time of day. After boarding and picking our perspective rooms, we were off.

We observed locals on shore going about going about their daily tasks, and took in the splendor of the landscape. A delicious meal of fish and other traditional dishes was prepared for dinner. Each of us ate to our hearts content and enjoyed our present company.

Around sunset, the boat was docked and we were permitted to walk along the shore. We would be staying there over night. Taking in the end to another day, I was surrounded by people who had become new friends, in a new place, and I was abundantly grateful.

• 

• 

• 

• 

The night was concluded with a Bollywood movie. It was an unforgettable time. In the morning, we had breakfast as we made our way back down river.

Needless to say, our ride home was just as memorable as the rest of our time together. We slept and recounted our adventures, as we made our way back to the ship.

Until next time,

Dom.

India

We set out the next day, to Thekkady. It was about a four hour drive, so we spent the first part of the day on the road. Between naps, and local music hits, me and my traveling companions conversed excitedly about our lives, and our adventure to come.

When we arrived in the hills, around each corner was a breath taking sight to be seen. The rows of the tea plantations seemed to paint a beautiful design for us to behold. As we rode along the winding roads this sight, only intensified our excitement. It made us expectant for all we might experience.

 

Upon entering town, we arrived at our peaceful hotel. The girls shared one room, while the guys shared another. There were six of traveling together. Four girls, two guys. Our group was balanced, and full of  lively conversation and laughter. Although three of my traveling companions were from India, they were not from the region. So, their
excitement was as genuine as the rest of ours.

We set out for the day, to enjoy the town and ride an elephant.  It was an exciting and semi nerve racking experience. Elephants are such beautiful and majestic creatures.

That night, we went to a tradition folk theater performance called Kathakali. We packed into an auditorium full of people who, from are limited experience, appeared to be locals.

 

The performance was absolutely phenomenal.The expressive nature of the play, and explanations from our friends, made the language barrier, seem to all but fade away.
We were immersed in a story of mythology, song, and dance.

After the performance, we went back to our hotel. We washed the mugginess of the day from our skin, and climbed into bed. A good nights rest was exactly what each of us needed, after a long and eventful day.

Until Next Time.

Peace & Love.

Dom.

Weird Place

04/25/14

Journaling lately has seemed like such a task. I just can’t seem to figure out why! Ugh.

Before I catch you up on the rest of India, Mauritius , South Africa, Ghana, and now Morocco, let me make you aware of the fact that I am in a weird place. I find myself wanting to be alone. I am stressing out about money, and I miss my family and friends! Thankfully, our most recent port Morocco, has broken me loose of the funk I was in.

So now, lets cover India. My group of traveling companions and I had the benefit of exploring with the inter-port students (students  from India, who traveled with SAS (Semester at Sea) for a short period of time). The second day, we went to the beach and just took in the view. We went to a few local spots, before preparing for our over night stays in Thekkady and Alleppey. There would be six of us. Three SAS students, and three inter-port students.

In the evening, we did a Bollywood dance class, and had an absolute ball! It was so much fun. Even though the sun had disappeared from the sky, the air was  hot and muggy. But, that didn’t deter us one bit. Our enthusiastic and kind instructor, kept the atmosphere in the room just right.

A complete side note, I have learned that I absolutely LOVE Indian food. There is so much spice and flavor. I’m salivating just thinking of it.

The third day, we set out for our journey, and that is where my next entry will begin.

Peace & Love.

Dom

Just Sitting Here Thinking

4/16/14

So, lets forget for a moment that I am embarrassingly behind in journaling. Actually, I am more than embarrassingly behind. Lets just be honest, at this point I suck! Okay, so now that we’ve addressed the elephant in the room, lets move on.

I just finished listening to a a song called I & Thou by The Daredevil Christopher Wright. I remember hearing about this concept in a class once, but never looked at it in depth. So, out of curiosity I looked it up on Wikipedia. What I pulled from my reading, was that this concept looks at how we relate to the people, and things that surround us. It seemed to focus on the connections we make mentally and spiritually.

This concept for me, brought to mind the importance of human inter-dependency. It has given me the opportunity to think about my voyage, and the “I & Thou” relationships  being cultivated with others, along the way.

For me, this school of thought appears to be looking at the bigger picture. It points to the unspoken, and even sometimes unexplained connection and relationship that we have to God, our creator, and his creations.

Anyway, so much to take in. So much to ponder.

With Love,

Dom.

The Brink of Greatness

3/17/14

Okay, so I have not written about India, don’t sue me. But, today is Neptune Day andddd, I just shaved my head bald.

Initially, this just seemed like something fun to do. But, I suppose I went forward with it, because everyone else was doubtful. They were doubtful that I’d be bold enough to do something so drastic. Well, they were wrong. I feel my best hairstyles come out of moments like the one I just experienced.

To me, taking risks seems to render the best reward. Fear is sometimes the only think holding us back from greatness. So, I took a leap, and I LOVE IT! Often, my sense of style and even the choices I make, cause me to feel far from ordinary.  Perhaps I wasn’t born to be ordinary. Only time will tell.

I feel truly happy. I feel so free! It bothers me when I feel like I “need” something to feel beautiful or special, and my hair had become just that. My hair does not define me. I am ME, no matter what. And, what a beautiful sight I am to behold.  If I may say so myself.

Peace & Love.

Dom

First Day in Port- India

03/09/14

Today, was my first day in India. It was absolutely beautiful! I did the Semester at Sea cycling tour, around the city of Cochin. We visited markets, stores, temples, and learned about various spices and plants.

What stood out most today, were the vibrant colors. The clothes, the houses, even the fruit seemed to be more vibrant and full of life.

Riding around the city on a bike presented me with a new type of freedom, fun, and adventure than I had experienced in the previous countries. I was observing a new country from a different point of view. At one point, it began to drizzle, and it was so refreshing. My senses were heightened. I felt I was existing amongst the people, and I loved it.

If I haven’t said this enough already, let me say it again, I AM TRAVELING THE WORLD. These experiences are life long dream coming to fruition. I can hardly breathe sometimes when I think about the magnitude of what I’m doing/ what I have done.

I am once again in my room, listening to music. While looking through the pictures from today, and previous ports I am filled with joy! Today, I feel like I could conquer the world. With God, all things are possible. I literally have the world at my finger tips, because of Him. You can be sure that I am reaching out, and grasping as much of it as possible.

Peace & Love.

Dom.

Connected

3/7/14

This week has been filled with taking tests and writing papers, for the majority of people on the ship. I feel like their stress is written on their faces.

Thankfully, I just just took my last exam, and the weight I carried around all week seems to be lifted. I did well on some of my tests, and just okay on others. None the less, I’m glad to be done. I feel accomplished just having completed them.

This evening, the inter-port students (students who joined the voyage for a period of time, from one of the hosting countries we visited),  taught an Indian dance, and it was so much fun. It was apparent that it was the release we needed after a stressful four days. We were unified in a week full of stress, and were granted the joy of releasing it together.

Which brings to mind the power of music. It has the power to unify people, even if only for a brief moment. Connectedness is what I wanted to take away from this voyage. Being connected to people, to the earth, to moments. And that’s exactly what this moment was for me.

I am ending my night with a shower and a playlist of hodgepodge music, that is inspired by this voyage and my personality.

Tonight, I am alive and very much aware of the life that I am living. I am blessed beyond belief. I am grateful. Great friends, great food, great music, and unforgettable memories. What more can anyone ask for?

Peace & Love.

Dom

 

Swept Away

Life has a way of sweeping you away in a whirlwind. My apologies for disappearing  for a few weeks! Especially when I had just gotten back in the groove of posting consistently.

Don’t worry, I have good reason. I am proud to announce that I have written a book! It is officially out, and available for purchase on Amazon, via E book or Paperback. If you’re interested in checking it out, here’s the link:

Thank you for your support on this platform, my very first debut. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to challenge me as a writer!

In this new year, I want to encourage you to cherish those whom you love, keep your goals in front of you,  and use your mistakes as something to learn from.

If you check it out, let me know your thoughts. Feedback is more than welcome!

Sitting Poolside

03/06/14

Well, I should be getting ready to go to Yoga, but I’m not. I just feel like relaxing and listening to music. I’ve collected a ridiculous amount of music, that I know will take me a decent amount of time to get through. And so, I’m taking some time to enjoy it.

We’re headed to Cochin, India. I am beyond excited! I know India will be amazing. I still can not believe I’m traveling the world! For almost 4 years, this voyage was just a distant dream. It something I wanted to do, but had no real understanding of how to achieve it.
Now it’s here, and flying by. And yet, there is still so much to see and do. What a joy the unknown can be.

It’s weird how this trip has me evaluating my next steps in life. I’m pondering what to do after graduation, and even my current relationship. I’ve heard it said constantly, that no one returns home the same, after traveling. Perspectives change, dreams change, and goals that were once held up high, some how fall to the bottom rungs of the ladder. Which leaves me thinking, what will it be that changes for me?

Anyway, there are so many thoughts and questions rolling around in my head. None of which I have answers to. So for now, the music will have to be enough to set my concerns at ease, while I enjoy the last rays of sun.

I will be writing again soon.

Peace & Love.
Dom

Burma (Myanmar)

03/05/14

Now, it’s time to catch you up on Burma!

Today is actually our last day in Burma. Everyone should be back on the ship in the next thirty minutes or so. I’ll start with Day 1.

We pulled into Burma in the afternoon. Once disembarked, we walked with a group of Lifelong Learners (Adults who audit classes, while enjoying the voyage), and Professors to the the Shwedagon Pagoda.

It was night by the time we arrived. It was spectacular. The gold glistened, and the light of the candles seemed to represent the prayers burning inside the hearts of the solemn people. My comrades and I watched a group of women sing prayers out of a book in unison.

Not being familiar with these particular  religious practices, truly made it all an unforgettable sight. After about two ours of walking around the vast Pagoda, and taking in the atmosphere, we decided to head back to the ship.  Missing a bit of home, we ended our day with burgers, fries, and mellow conversation on the 7th deck.

On Day 2, we decided to go to the Zoo. It was cool to see the different variety of animals, but sad to see them caged up. I had never looked at Zoo’s as a source of confinement, until today. Maybe it’s the change of pace or surroundings. Or, maybe it’s just a glimpse of how differently I’ll come to view the world, after a memorable voyage such as this.

We ventured to the market on Day 3. I purchased some water color painting for a few of my family members. After the market we went in search of what we most lacked at sea, internet. There were emails to be sent, conversations with family members back home to be had.

On Day 4 we got up early, to finish any conversations with family not had. After Skyping, we grabbed a cab to attend church. The people were so unbelievably nice and welcoming. Our cab driver ended up coming along with us to the service. What a beautiful moment when you expose someone to Christ, without even initially intending to do so. The Pastor at the church did is sermon in both Burmese and English. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to interact with a body of believers, located on the other side of the world.

After church, we went to the city center and had in the park lunch, while waiting for two of our friends. There were so many people who approached us about having their picture taken beside us. For them, we were a rare sight to see. They were each so kind to us so we were more than happy to oblige them.

Once we met up with our friends, we went to the aquarium which ended up being a disappointment so we walked around a lake in this random park and watched the sun set. In my opinion, there is something special about experiencing the small nuances of a every day life in a different country. No grand measures taken, or copious amounts of money spent, just life as it would be if we lived there. Once the sun disappeared from the sky we ended the day with dinner and drinks at a place called 50th Street.

On the 5th day, we set out in hopes of riding and feeding Elephants. Unfortunately, that only occurred on Saturday and Sunday’s. However, we did get to feed Monkies and Deer, with a cab driver who gave us memorable time. After, we went to a rooftop Bistro to grab dinner with friends. Before heading back to the ship, we made a last ditch effort to show the inner port student from India, the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Ultimately, the day was filled with small memories and moments that I absolutely loved!

And so, here I am on the 6th day in Burma. Rather than go out into the city, I decided to stay on board and get caught up on real life (ie, laundry, homework, rest, journaling etc.) I needed to use today to soak all that I have experienced up until this point. The people I’ve encountered, the obstacles I have faced- for these things I am truly grateful.

I have been given the opportunity to make friends not only from the U.S., but from across the world. I don’t believe I’ll fully understand the weight of what I’ve done until I’m home, living “normal life”, and getting the hankering to be back out traveling. I FEEL SO BLESSED. I can be honest and say, I’m not sure what things will be like when I return to school, My Boyfriend (now my ex), even the city in which I live…. I just want to be enthusiastic about my life, no matter what path I end up traveling. Life itself is a voyage, with ups and down and moments that remain imprinted on your brain.

Anyway, I am in the process of planning my itinerary for India (the next port), and the remainder of the trip.

Peace & Love From Burma,

Dom