The end

The end of a magical year and a magical dream.

Lady watching from her house

The Tibetan dish washer

As if it couldn't get more up Carries magical street- when I asked where to wash my plate, I was shown the Tibetan tea house's sink. A stream that ran straight from the source of the himilayas straight onto my plate. Amazing.

Hansel and Gretals house

On this particular day we had walked miles. It was a typical first day trekking, when your muscles are getting back into action, waking up and are in bloody agony. You sweat and sweat and it is kind of embarressing. At the end of this rather hellish day when we had been walking up a mountain for what seemed about 7 hours...suddenley we stumbled upon this little magic abode. We asked ourselves 'Shall we walk another two hours to the top or shall we just chill here for the night?' Guess what we did?

Jeremy grabbing on to my legs

My marine sniper is pinning me down here in an attempt to not let me get flung of the bumpy bus.

Hanging on for our lives

I laugh now - but this really was probably the most dangerous few hours of my life. We literally are hanging on for our lives on the top of some rickety Nepalis bus. We had started the journey inside the bus, but to our misfortune sat next to a lady whose baby kept on throwing up and peeing all over us. We had no other choice than to sit up top and hang on for our dear lives as the bus zoomed past each himilayan 5000ft high corner.

A Kathmandu sales man

Tibetan monks at Kopan

Each day we would be surrounded by these playful,young monks. In the morning we would wake up to their chants and each evening we would go off to the soothing sound of their mantras. Our meditation retreat at the monastery was such a unique, special experience.

The Hill ladies

Alex and Tommy

This is a pic of our great friends Alex and Tommy on our way to go and see the kids at the orphanage- taking time on the way to stop and watch the crazy two mad cockrels.

Burning bodies at Pashpatinath

The friendly cow at the Pashpatinath temple Nepal

Another magic day

Langtang village men

Afternoon warm up teas

Cozy nights in the tea houses

Missioning up the mountain

Miss Anna Petronellla and I

Glorious Langtang Valley

Beautiful yaks

These beautiful creatures graced us frequently with their fluffy presences up in the himilayas. The higher you go - the more yaks you find. They love the high altitude. Sometimes as I turned the mountain corners I felt like I was in the Never Ending story wandering around with mystical creatures. Oh I love love love them. Sometimes when I look at Jeremy - I think he looks a bit like a yak.

Sunrise up the mountain

Jeremy may look proud in the picture. Yes - those mountains in the background are Tibet, and yes- that is a stunning sunrise just about to break out, and yes we got up at about 4am to get up there- and my god it was nippy. But for some reason Miss Carrie got complete jelly wobble legs and felt like she was going to topple over the edge of the mountain as she reached the top. She nearly did. Lucky for her, her wonderful friends Jeremy and Anna kept her happy with chocolate biscuits and escorted her as she skid down the mountain on her bum.

the homeless Tibetan deaf lady

One day in our cute little Hansel and Gretal Tibetan lodge, I was relishing making tea over the little stove. Suddenely in through the door walked this very dirty but very funny old lady who was obviously homeless and very hungry.... she pointed to the stove and rubbed her belly whilst shivering. I didn't really know what to do- because she was obviously in a bit of a bad way. It seemed the best thing was to make her some tea too- but this opportunistic little women was not content with just a cuppa tea- before long she had me whipping up a full noodle soup which she neatly polished off with a biscuit and a priceless toothless grin. I hope the owners of the lodge didn't mind me taking pity on the local tramp.

last pics of the honeymoon

On one of our less strenuous days of hiking, we stopped off at this Tibetan Lodge for breakfast. It was literally straight out of Hansel and Gretal. It even had a white unicorn up on the hill. We immediately fell in love with the place and promptly got to work on making a delicious omelette sandwich breakfast. We loved the couple that lived here so much that we decided to sod our days walking and just stay in this cute little kitchen and cook all day long. They taught us how to cook tibetan bread, momos, chipattis all over this little clay oven that the Tibetan daddy had made. As you can imagine, I was in Carrie magic heaven.

Treking in Langtang and Gosaikund

In my weary Lady Faversham state - I forgot to mention our incredible two week trek around the Langtang valley - the last adventure before my husband left me. WEEP.

Well - to spare you all the " it was so beautiful" and " I've never seen mountains like it" garb - I'll try to keep to the funny bits.

For ten days we hiked up a mountain to get to a Holy Lake called Gosaikund. Somehow we managed to perfectly time it with a big holy festival and thousands of Hindu pilgrims who were also walking up the mountain. In between rest breaks, and trying to make sure old caniving Indian ladies, didn't steal my snazzy walking sticks, we took time, like proper hikers, to take in the magnificent views. Of course we had a few episodes, where I threw a tantrum on top of a mountain, on an early sunrise hike, in the fear that I might toppel off. But generally - i'ld say we gained our credits- and seemed like those 'together' kind of hikers.

Having arrived at the sacred lake ( which may I add took us TEN days to walk up to) we thought we'ld go and find out what all the fuss was about. Supposedly the Hindu God Siva, had stuck his trident in a glacier, allowing a sacred lake to form. So Jeremy, I, and our new buddy Anna, each took it in turns to walk around the lake. We wanted to experience that bit of " holiness" that so many people talked about. As usual, my eager husband went first, bumbling over the pebbles and off into the distance amidst candles, incense and loads of pink powder stuff that the Hindus seem to through over everything. I followed, a good 15 minutes later - to allow for that bit of space a boy so often needs. When we re-met two hours later up on the hill, we both found that we had experienced something very powerful. I had somehow become a blubbering wreck. My walk around the lake had envoked strange feelings of happiness and sadness and lots of tears. I am not sure whether Siva had touched me spritually somehow or possibly whether I was ovulating. I always seem to get very emotional and hormonal around that time. Jeremy also felt something profoundly powerful. But I'll let him tell you his story.

We had a great time up at the lake, despite the three of us having to share a bed one night, although - Jeremy didn't seem to oblige! One day we made friends with a rather entertaining English girl. Now Daphnne, wasn't any usual character. She had come to Gosaikund in the hope of finding a cave. Daphnne was big into asking that popular question " Who am I? ", and had come to Goasiakund to be alone and meditate for a month. Lucky for Daphnne - there happened to be a little hobbit cave up on the hill - decked out with all those usual cosies one likes to have when it snows. The cave had its very own door, straw on the ground and even some blue plastic to keep out the damp. Unfortunately for Daphnne, we declined when she offered for us to come and stay. During our two day friendship, i became so concerned about Daphnne and her well being, that as I write this she is probably sitting in her cave donning my very cosy GORTEX coat! I hope she is as honest as she seems and that she'll send it back to me. I swear, all those karma talks from the monastery, are making me more kind than I usually would be. I really would like to come back a human in my next life.

Back on my lonesome....boooooooo

So I guess the honeymoon officially ended on Tuesday....

What a horrible reality check...waking up in our gorgeous Tibetan apartment that we thought we'ld treat ourselves to for our last five days...and rolling over with a stinking hangover...and then suddenley my gorgeous man was gone....with me in a blubbery pathetic mess at the airport. Ouch.

Yes - why am I not going with him back to the US? ask those horrible American visa people. Oh bum.

As I am not allowed into the USA until next April/May, Jeremy and I have decided to spend the next 10 months or so, in England and hopefully, fingers crossed, I am going to squeeze myself onto a PGCE course and become a primary school teacher...although my application is seriously last minute.

I have always considered doing my PGCE, but have always avoided it in the fear that it would deter me from doing my holistic retreat. However when realistically looking at the finances- it seems much more feasable that we will get a bank loan - if the two of us have proper jobs. The prospect of having my own little primary school class actually seems quite appealing - and rock on those long summer holidays1!!!

Why then is Jeremy going back to America you ask yourself? Well Carrie and Jeremy thought it was time, after spending an entire year talking about where we were going to live - to actually buy a house. So exciting! The time has come, after five years of living out of a bag....to have our very own bedroom- YIPPPEEE. ...and a dog - HOORAY!

But why buy one now - if your not allowed in America for the next year? - Well we thought it would be an investment...and as he'll be considered a resident- Jeremy gets seriously reduced uni fees. What has happened? Have we turned completely grown up? Me thinks we have, well kind of. The plan is to make loads of money and then in ten years time we are going to sail around the world on boat!! YEHAAAA - Anyone want to come and join us? Jeremy also wants to ride across Mongolia on a horse- bring it on baby!

We meet up in London July 24th, after 7 weeks apart- hopefully with me, a much trimmer, more yogified queen and he, with a quenched thirst of American football, the Vikings, time with his cat Sparky and most importantly- his favourite spicy salsa.

So for now...I am kind of twiddling my thumbs a bit- getting used to being on my own again. Thank goodness for my ipod and my incense. They make me feel safe. I am pretending to be that mysterious women that sits in the corner on her own. I have always wanted to be enigmatic...so here goes.

Today- I am off down to India - slightly in fear that i may melt... but keep thinking of those toxins ...... oozing out... all those naughty beers consumed in the last two months, not to mention the lethal Kathmandu cocktails. Jeremy and I are definitely naughty together. We seem to be quite a bad influence on each other- although we have so much fun. Am I ever going to become that pure yogi - I try so hard to be? Life can be so confusing sometimes.

I am going back down to Rishikesh in India to meet the Swami that said I was a fairy in my past life. Maybe he can help me with my confusions.

10 day meditation at Kopan monastery

After Chitwan Jeremy and I decided it was time to cleanse ourselves and indulge in abit of culture and so we signed up for a ten day meditation course at Kopan monastery. On our arrival we were told from the abbot that to stay at the monastery we must adhere to the monasteries rules.

These were: 1) no killing 2) no stealing 3)no lying 4)no sexual misconduct and certainly 5)no intoxicants. We were then taken (in silence) to our seperate bedrooms were we were to remain in silence.
Rock on the sexy honeymoon!!

The entire experience was interesting beyond belief.

Each morning at 5am we would wake up to the sound of bells ringing and a conch. Every day I would leave my room completly forgetting that I was supposed to be silent and saying "goodmorning" to the first person I came into contact with. I quickly became very unpopular. Infact I was avoided. There definitely was a sense of (dont be friends with her if you want to take this seriously) going on. Even Jeremy sometimes refused to have eye contact with me. So Norman no friends here simply went on her way trying to suss out all this Buddhism stuff.

Honestly - although there is a lot of concepts that I agree with in Buddhism - I do think people can become quite deluded.

We were told not to kill any mosquitos because they may have once in another life been our mother.

We were told that if we killed intentionally we would lower our chances of coming back as a human which is an extremely difficult task to achieve in this samasara cycle of neverending lives. I feel sorry for poor Jeremy, he is definitely not going to come back human- he kills millions of mosquitos- I wonder how he will return?

We were also told that it was kind to share out our tea with the ants and that at times we should drop a little on the table next to our cups so that they too could enjoy a drink..mmmnnnnn???

Now, if this wasn't enough, in one of our lectures we learnt of a highly respected monk who was so compassionate towards all sentient beings that he kept all fleas, lice and bugs that he found and made a home for them in one of his socks. At night time he would then give them a delicious meal and allow them to nibble on his feet. Party fun.

Each day got bizarrer and bizarrer...

One day we were led into a very sacred room to witness the remains of one of the very very holy monks. He had spent most of his life at the monastery and aparently did many prostrations to help cleanse his karma.

Now- in the monk world- it is common knowledge that if a monk is extra specially good and has, in his life time managed to cleanse himself of all his bad karma, then when he is cremated he leaves behind parts of his body. This is to demonstrate his release from samasara and his power to overcome death- obviously! So one day we went into the little room to witness the remains of this very special monk. Lama Yeshe was kind enough to leave behind a variety of goodies in his earn. We got to witness an eyeball, a piece of heart, a bit of a tongue and millions of pearl like objects which are still to this day multiplying. FREAKY STUFF.

According to Tibetan buddhism - we are all wasting our lives. They can't understand why we would bother going to the beach? eating barbeques? chocolate? going on holiday? or even getting married? Surely one would be much better off meditating all day and thinking compassionate thoughts. We should all do something more useful with our lives like 1000 prostrations a day. I mean -come on guys... get with the programme!

I have been deliberating doing a 4 month retreat at the monastery in July. At this retreat one aims to fill at least 100,000 bowls full of water. Supposedly this technique works wonders for cleansing lots of bad karma. I'm really tempted, but no- me thinks I might go to India instead. After all I am sure it will take lifetimes of prostrations to cleanse myself of all my bad karma- but hey - I've always quite liked the prospect of being a bird.

Instead I think I am going to seek out the Dali Lama in India - I have heard rumours that he is going to be giving lessons on Buddhism in Dharamasala. I am much more in agreement with his attitude towards life which seems to be live life, love, laugh and dont take things too seriously. Oh I love his chuckle!

I dont mean to belittle Kopan. It was after all a great experience and it is an incredibly beautiful place. I just dont think their approach was entirely for me- I am terrible at those long silences and god knows how many ants I've stood on when I havn't been wearing my glasses!!!

Holy Sadhus

This was a moment when I really started to miss my dredlocks. The sadhus are great- if possibly a little lazy- aparently they have not moved from this spot for twenty years. Each day they worship Lord Vishnu and sit on the steps watching the dead bodies get cremated. What a life- rather them than me. I do like the way the Hindus seem a lot more comfortable with death than us in the west though. I think it is much more healthy to witness a body disintegrate than to bang it up in a box and stick it in the ground. Hindus openly grieve with the women wailing for hours as the body burns... I have heard that in some cases the richer Hindus even hire 'wailing actresses to clearly convey their grief- bizarre

'Watching the crocodiles from our balcony

I loved this balcony- it was so chilled. We would spend hours sitting here slurping on rum and cokes and watching the crocodiles lurk in the muddy river. God bless those little children that splash around totally oblivious.

The raged rhino

This is a rhino just like the one that chased us. It's ears are firmly forward ready to attack.

The Cave Man Monk

This magical creature has lived in a cave with his blind wife for over 30 years. Unfortunbately I didn't get to meet him, but Jeremy did, and stopped for tea and a philosophical chat on one his rambles up the mountain. Aparently he meditates all day every day... and so, in the hope of gaining some serious wisdom, Jeremy asked him "What was the meaning of life?" and he simply relpied " to think nice thoughts" and "to be kind to animals" what a shweeeeetie pie..

Chased by rhinos in Chitwan.

After the Himilayan trek Jeremy and I decided to go and rest our blistered feet and take a chill out break in Nepals' national park " Chitwan". Our expectations of seeing much were not too high, as friends of ours had done jungle walks and had seen little more than a few monkeys. Little did we know what was going to happen over the next few days.

We were pleased to meet our jungle guide " Makuut" a chilled out little Nepalese man with a permanent rolly cigarette hanging out of his mouth. On our first jungle trek, whilst wading through the tall jungle grasses I curiously asked Makuut why he was carrying a wooden walking stick as he appeared to be perfectly agile... and he replied " To protect you from the wildlife Mam. " Jovially and rather patronisingly I asked him "why that might be nescessary?" and he proceeded to say " Yesterday a village lady was eaten by one of the tigers Mam".

My heart started to thump and soon it dawned on me that he was not joking. I asked him "What we should do if we might encounter something dangerous in the jungle?" His reply went something like this.. " Oh no problem Mam... if you see a rhinocerous you must run in zig zags like this" he proceeded to demonstrate a funny kind of zigzag dance. "If it continues to chase you, you must them take off all your clothes...and then it will sniff them and get distracted Mam". and he ended his shpeal with a reassuring " And don't worry Mam, if you see a Tiger... just climb a tree." As I scanned the surrounding area, to my horror I noted that all trees were without branches for at least twenty feet high. " I protect you madam" he said with a soggy rolly hanging out of his mouth " I have this weapon" and he waved around the ridiculous walking stick.

As it happened, our walk was nothing to tell a spectacular story. We simply had a serious study of rhinocerous poo - which incidently, when smoked, can seriously cure a bad cough.... and a lecture on the sexual prowess of randy rhinos. This has resulted in their horns getting poached by Chinese men in the hope that their supposed 'aphrodisiac powers' might help them overcome any impotence problems. mmmnnnn.. According to Makuuut, who with a little chuckle told us..that these randy rhinos could sometimes be involed in intercourse for up to an almighty 3 hours!!
We finished our walk feeling more educated and with Makuut pointing out a few Tiger scratches on a tree nearby- aparently they like to mark their territory. Big Wow.
I went home feeling somewhat relieved and kind of ridiculous at the fact that I had even contemplated climbing a tree. silly me.

The following evening Jeremy and I decided to sleep up in the tower in the jungle for a bit of Tiger spotting action. We had been bickering all day over the fact that Jeremy wanted to buy a goat and tie it up at the bottom of the tower. He hoped that he would get lucky and maybe a Tiger would sniff it out and he would get to watch a real kill. BOYS?? What is with their whole killing power thing..?? I guess it goes back to that hunter gatherer cave man ancestor from the past. I was furious at the fact that I was losing this battle because Makuut also seemed to think it was a great idea. " So cool" he said.

After blatently refusing to go and stamping my feet. I won the battle of the bloody goat and we sped off without a goat...into the jungle on mopeds with fried chicken and chips and a few beers instead. I was squidged onto a moped with a man infront and Jeremy behind. Suddenley to my horror...I saw Makuut and his little legs flinging themselves upside down off the moped. He too...was squidged between numerous other people on the moped. With him went numerous beers and ice blocks tumbling down to the ground. What was happening? Why did Makuut look terrified and why was he suddenley running around in zig-zags?? and what on earth was he screaming? Like you see in the movies...everything went in slow motion and completely silent. As my hearing came back to me I realised he was shouting " Run... Run.. rhinocerous- quick- go!!!- they are chasing us!!" It was a scene from Jurassic Park... it really was. To my absolute horror I looked ahead and there she was, an enormous mother rhino and a baby running straight towards us. This prehistoric dinousaur looking creature had her ears firmly forward...which I had learnt from an earlier lecture of Makuuts that the rhino was angry and going to attack. I also recalled Makuut telling us that they could run up to 40 km per hour.

I looked at Jeremy...who for some strange reason was laughing...and screamed my head off to the high heavens.
We ran and ran and ran and ran...all the time with visions in my head of my gravestone embarressingly saying " Our beloved Caroline sadly was killed by a rhinocerous" and after a while and completely out of breath Makuut said " ok..ok...ok Mam- we are ok now - we are out of her terrotory." "No we are not ok- I am going home." I demanded, but somehow unbeknown to me I was persuaded to go back into that almighty jungle and before I knew it I was standing at the top of the look out tower shaking from head to toe.

All night I sat terrified...going over and over in my head what had actually happened and as Jeremy and his new buddies tucked into Nepalese whisky and fried chicken he became more preoccupied with the thought of maybe...just maybe seeing a Tiger.

As it got dark... I started to get over the horrors of the day and instead I began to deliberate going for a snooze. Suddenley ..again to my horror I heard Jeremy say " I am sure that is tiger...look how the eyes reflect the light like that." and after confirmation from an extremely excited Makuut saying " You very lucky sir...you and your wife bring good luck.. no tourist ever get to see this much..." Good luck. My arse.. I thought to myself and peered over into the luminated spot where Jeremy was shining the torch. There in that gloomy jungle night were two very distinctive Tiger eyes staring straight at us.

" Makuut- can the Tiger get up hear?" I asked looking at the rather precariously built spiral staircase. " No..No mam...dont worry..you fine..they can only jump twenty feet." It was enough. I had had enough. " Mam - you fine I will protect you."he said again waving his stick.
What a joke?
As it happened we both survived. The night was terrifying and at times embaressing as I refused to go down the stairs to the toilet where the Tiger sat. Instead I had to resort to peeing in an empty bottle right infront of Jeremy. This was not a time to have dignity...this was a life death situation. I refused to even leave the room- much to Jeremy's amazement and possible amusement.
Thankfully, the morning came... and we were still alive. Amazing as it was...now looking back...I have to say it was possibly the most terrifying night of my life.

A months trek in the himilayas

When Jeremy told me he wanted to do the Annapurna circuit - about a three week high through the himilayas- he forgot to mention that we would be climbing to an altitude of 5400m. Little did I know that we would be walking past stone graves of previous travellers that had died from foaming blood at the mouth- a common sympton of altitude sickness. Thank God,we made the pass- if only just. It is a strange feeling not knowing if you are going to make it or not...and having to take rest breaks every three seconds because you only have 50% oxygen supply. Jeremy made it easily. I just about did it- after many prayers- and I think I have used up my wish box. My two best friends became the two walking sticks that I readily acquired from a little Tibetan man chipping away on one of those many mountainsides. Those sticks saved my life many times.
Thee trek was stunning. Probably the most amazing scenery I have ever encountered. breath taking. Budding red flowers amidst hard snow capped peaks.
There were tears..terrible blisters...many a night spent getting drunk on local apple brandy whilst snuggling under a blanket in a Tibetan tea house.
We made it over the pass. 3 days after - I sprained my ankle whilst hobbling down a mountain. This time my sticks could not rescue me. Poor Jeremy had to carry me and both our back packs down to the bottom. Luckily we were on our way to a place with healing hot springs. I bonded with a holy man who was also at the springs in the hope of healing a terrible sprain. We shared ice cubes and tales of swellings. It was great.

The Annapurna circuit was a real adventure and I am already missing it. Jeremy and I are currently in Chitwan national park. We have had an eventful few days in the jungle. My adrenaline is still pumping around my body due to a certain incident. Before entering the jungle we were informed that it was very lucky to spot a rhino- however Jeremy and I were chased by one. We were unaware of her and her baby and invaded her territory on a motorbike. Not a wise move. I have never seen such shock and fear on a face as I did on our guides that day. He told us that in his eleven years as a guide never had such an incident happened.

It is amazing here... AMAZING. We seem to be filled with luck at the mo- we slept in a tower and saw the refection of beautiful Tiger eyes watching us. I was so terrified to go down the steps to the toilet..where those Tiger eyes seemed to be lurking.. that I ended up losing all my diginity and peeing in a bottle right in front of Jeremy. He thought I was crazy...and couldn't understood as to why I should be scared. I mean a Tiger had only eaten a villager one day before..it was highly unlikely that such an incident would happen the very next day.

In a few days we are going back to Katmandhu where we are going to stay at a monastery for 10 days to learn how to do meditation- should be fun- as we are not really allowed to talk. Jeremy is going to be in bliss- I am not sure about me however. After that we are going to go trekking again ...but this time in the Langtang valley.... where all the flowers are out... and i will be back with my sticks and a different pair of hiking boots. YIPPEEE!!

kisses to restrain my moans

At periodic breaks Jeremy would give me a kiss. Maybe to shut me up from moaning about my blisters. It worked.

Tibetan prayer flags

These flags are really beautiful and seem to fill the himilayan mountains. On each flag has a Tibetan prayer and as the wind blows the prayers are supposed to spill out into the atmosphere. Sometimes when we were climbing to dangerously high altitudes I would always look to the flags for help.

Another Tibetan village to spend the night

Trekking in the himilayas

This pic was taken with only 50% oxygen. It is a miracle that I am even smiling. After 12 days of walking up and up and up Jeremy and I finally managed to reach The infamous " Thorong -La" the highest pass in the world at 5400m. Bloody hell - what a mission. I seriously enjoyed my apple pie and custard that night and although stunning - I dont think I shall be risking my life like that again. Only one in three make it! On the way down I sprained my ankle and the hairy marine had to carry me and our two gigantic packs all the way down the mountain.

Pregnant yoga students!

Desperate naps

Tom and Sonita catching up on some sacred snooze for a few

moments inbetween the unbelievably hardcore schedule.

Yoga buddies

Katy and I feeling cheeky down by the lake

Sunrise meditation up the mountain

Life at the ahsram

Sacred Tea Break

Swimming with the crocodiles

At first this sign seemed quite threatening - but after hours of sweating and slipping off my yoga mat I somehow managed to walk around the sign, ignoring it and dipping into the lake. This was an ultimate luxury after a sweaty yoga class- and i figured I must be safe with all that good karma that i had earnt from cleaning all those smelly toilets. I was horrified to find out later- that an Indian lady recently lost her arm to one of the crocs- nasty.

My sacred yoga mat.

Students would take any opportunity to relax. The yoga mat became your best friend and at any opportunity we

would lie down and take a quick breather. i felt so safe on my mat- at night time when i couldn't sleep- i would often take it up onto the dormitory roof under the stars and sleep up there instead.

4 o'clock asana class

At 5am the bell rang and blurry eyed we would walk down to the Dhanwatari hall where we meditated for an hour, then we chanted for an hour, then we had tea for fifteen minutes, then we had 'how to teach yoga class' for two hours, then we had breakfast, then we had karma yoga for an hour, then my brain ached with philosophy for three hours and then at my beloved 4 o'clock we would go down to the lake and have our very own asana class for two hours- this was my favourite time of the day. I loved just listening to the voice of my instructor " inhale...exhale...slowly come up onto your head and breaaath..."

Wailing lions and standing on my head

I spent hours in this spot looking out at the lake. Usually though - I saw the view from upside down as I was standing on my head. As we practiced our yoga postures we would often hear the lions that lived in the safari park on the opposite side of the lake wail in exstacy. I LOVED IT.

Sunrise meditation at the lake

Every Sunday morning we would get up and walk in silent meditation down to the lake. It was such a huge sense of relief to be walking through the secure ashram gates and actually have some time in your own thoughts to think. Sometimes I would have a sneaky break from meditation and watch the Indian women wash their bright coloured sari's on the nearby rocks.

Dancing all night long around the Shiva lingum

We started at 5pm and danced until 5am- around and around the giant penis praising Lord Shiva- Classic experience. It definitely felt a bit culty- but was such an interesting experience. I love the way Indians are not shy to face up to what is important in this life.

Yoga ashram pics

This is a pic of the lovely Lucy and I after spending about a week at the ashram. That big blob on my forehead is not a wound- it is a blessing as it was the night of the Sivaratri festival where we danced around all night long chanting " Om Namah Shivaya' It was an exciting night as we had our first day off the following day and did not have to get up for 5am chanting - heaven!

I passed my yoga exams!!!

OK- huge deep breath.
Where do I start? How strange to be able to have more than three minutes- to sit at the computer? To talk? To listen to my own thoughts- instead of the steady trance like voice of my yoga teacher - " Inhale" " Exhale" Breath". " Inhale" " Exhale" Breath".
So it is all over. An unbelievable month. There were tears, hysterical giggles, frustration- boredom- ecstatic excitement..fulfillment.
I have left the ashram feeling stronger, healthier and much happier. Only a few days out and now it is kind of hard to believe that I was ever there.
What an unbelievably magical experience. I dont know whether I can describe our meditations at sunrise looking over the Neyyar Damn- or even attempt to give them justice.
Swami Vishnu Devananda's motto was " an ounce of practice is worth tons of theory" and it is so true. From practicing every day- I have now mastered how to stand on my head for long periods of time, balance on my arms pretending to be a crow...and even on my elbows trying to resemble a peacock. Strange aspirations- some may think. But I feel incredibly proud.
I am now a certified yoga teacher. I cant believe it. 240 hours of yoga asanas, pranayama breathing techniques, philosophy lessons, 5am chanting sessions, 3 hours of written exams and then there it was - at graduation night- the certificate in my hand. Carrie SIROMONI- yeehaaaa! It is the first time I actually feel like I have moved up the ladder - one step closer towards my dream of having a holistic retreat.
I am currently in delhi- and have just dyed my hair black- dark hair definitely makes you feel more clever. I look so like my mum it is weird. I have just bought some glitsy bits to jazz it up a bit - going for the Cleopatra esque kinda look. It is fun.
Tonight I am going to Rishikesh where I will be practising some more yoga for another 10 days and I have decided to train up for my reiki one and two. Oh I am just loving learning stuff at the mo. India has got so much to offer- it is just amazing. Then I am going to meet my husband in Katmadhu - god it feels like forever since I hugged the hairy bear. I cant wait. It will have been 7 weeks that I last saw his chin with the big dent. What a funny honeymoon.

All is good though. It really has been a productive time for us both. Whilst I have been concentrating on breathing properly... Jeremy has been applying for a load of universities in America to do his MBA. His first choice is Berkely in Northern California- then Boulder in Colorado and then Tuscon in Arizona. So all are really good options. We figured that it would be wise for Jeremy to get a proper job- whilst I do the holistic retreat. Then when he has that stressy business man thing going on..all he has to do is come and chill down in my havern of mellow vibes. If he feels he needs to escape the world even further for total escapism he can always learn abit of belly dancing or do some yoga - whatever he desires! We find out in May which uni he has been accepted into - and where we are going to be living. ( That is if I am ever allowed into the states again) I am so looking forward to seeing Jeremy's world. It is going to be madness/ Cant wait to meet all the family and friends.
One of our first plans when we arrive in the states is to buy a yellow campervan ( fingers crossed- I so want one) and we have already met some people who want to sell us their van that is just sitting all alone in Flagstaff California. I really think it is meant to be. I cant stop thinking about " George" - the yellow van with the smiley face that has been all alone for two years whilst his mum and dad live in Mongolia. George is only $400- due to the fact that he is a little rusty and doesnt go very fast. Jeremy is not as excited as me about George- aparently George is quite an old boy- but I am convinced we can spruce him up. Jeremy seems more excited about the prospect of getting a dog. Had you noticed his new affections fo Toby?? my sisters cocker spaniel?? I think we will get a brown lab though. Oh my gosh - I get goose bumps just thinking about it. CANNOT WAIT!! It is so difficult to not think about the future ...despite all my efforts at meditation - i find it practically impossible to live in the now.

As Jeremy is going to be at uni- I have been trying to think of ways of how to support us for the next two years. .as we are realistically going to have to wait until he has finished his studies until we can get our land for the retreat. SOOO - I was thinking of becoming LUCIFIRE the fire dancing queen who wears a red wig and does shows for people at their private parties etc. I dont think fire dancing is that big in America- so could be quite a novelty. I was also thinking of teaching yoga to kids. I am quite looking forward to being the bread and butter of the house for a while. It is quite an empowering thought.

It really has been an amazing, amazing year. I feel so lucky to have had so much time to properly think about what we want to do with our lives. We really have covered so many different options. At one point Jeremy was going to make his living by making pueblo indian adobe houses.... at another stage...he was going to concoct the perfect Salsa mix- and make millions of pounds by selling it world wide. He really wanted to call it " Jeremy's salsa". mmnn??
I feel happy about our current plans. So in 10 days time I meet my man in a restaurant in the Katmandhu guest house at 6pm. We are then going to spend a month trekking through the himilayas and then we will start thinking about heading to the USA....maybe first to New York to see Elliot??? YIPPEEE
I am going to be back in England mid July for weddings.... and to spend some quality time with my family.
I want to send out loads of love to you alll... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
P.S As I write this I have a cow asleep at my feet.

2 weeks in the yoga ashram

OMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
I have been walking aound for a week with a giant grin on my face.
This is such a classic experience, if anyone ever has a month free I would highly recommend it- it is a month of constant entertainment.

Most memorable moments so far:

1) One morning I had a bad dose of that serious 'sleepy head jerking thing' and fell backwards onto a holy swami whilst trying to meditate.
2) Getting happy clappy and banging a tambourine whlst singing at the top of my lungs with a bunch of other tambourine bangers every morning at 5.30 am. I am not sure whether I am so amused because I am so deliriously tired or whether I just feel utterly ridiculous. I am not sure whether that is the correct attitude but never the less - it is so funny.
3) Dancing around a temple til 5 am with saffron all over my face singing " Om namah Shivaya om namah shivaya" again and again for hours and hours with a bunch of monks.- brilliant.
4) Bending down in the forwards bend every lesson and hearing giant rippers pop out of from the realxed buttocks of my embarressed, vegetarian classmates.
5) Learning to dance like a pineapple in an ecstatic dance.
6) Swimming in a lake full of baby crocodiles and feeling completely blessed every time i get out with all my limbs.
7) Yesterday I learnt how to do " kriyas" yogic cleansing tecniques and was asked to drink 8 glasses of salty water. After that I was then told to churn my abdomen around and then proceed to make myself throw up in a lake with 70 other fellow classmates. Maddest and weirdest experience I have ever had. I felt like I was in that cherry pie eating contest in the film " Stand by me".
8) Lieing down by the lake at night after our silent walk and looking up into the starry night whilst my body floats above the ground.


I have learnt so much in the two weeks I have been here....and I am so looking forward to the next two. It is without doubt at the top of my list of amazing things I have ever done. I have never in my life felt so incredibly healthy and so mentally calm. I had a revelation this morning whist standing on my head. I have decided I want to go to yoga university!

One week in the yoga ashram

I have just read Jeremy's blog- sooo strange to hear about my husbands activities through the computer.... I am relieved however..to know that he has found a new companion in Toby the dog. I should have seen it coming. a friend that doesn't talk too much... I should have predicted this might happen. There were early signd like.. the morning bedroom door creaking open, that little white head popping around the door.. Jeremy's arm gesturig Toby to come in and...then the Jeremy..Toby cuddles..in bed- say no more. So I am relieved to know all is happy back in clean Singapore.
Arriving in India was like touching down in the magic land. There is something so mystically enchanting about this country.. I immediately feel like I am in a really vibrant dream. I arrived late.. with my yoga mat lost on the plane - great start ... I managed to get myself a rickshall all the way to the ashram. And as I bumbled along for that hour ad a half...dodging sleepy cows and pigs...so many memories of India started to flod back. It was so cool...whizzing along..passed people drinking chai...women in their colorful sari's... men sitting around fires...chickens...holy men dressed in orange. SO stimulating. I arrived at the ashram late... and was a bit shocked to find a security guard at the door asleep. He was very unfriendly and simply pointed at a building and said " You sleep in there...and if you want to leave the ashram you have to get a pass from the reception which is only open between 10-10.30..tomorrow...not now....and if you want to call anyone you can speak for 3 minutes" so i walked off a little nervous..but trying to keep optimistic and excited about seeing my bed after such a long journey...and then he said ' Madam" - i turned. " You must be quite at all times otnerwise we will send you away". Right. friendly..lovely. ok
So I climbed the steps of the dormitory and walked into a room divided into about 30 sections. Everyone seemed to have already arrived and were fast asleep in their one inch matress beds. As I walked passed each bed trying to find one spare ... i became paranoid about looking like a thief going in to try and steal people's things... so in the end I opted for the only bed that I could see without my glasses...right next to the toilets ...and where the toilet lights remined cotinually on. Great start - I thought.
The next thing I knew I was awoken by a big drum in the pitch black. Everyone started to get out of bed..nobody talking...afew whispers and afew friends smiling at each other. I tried to smile back...but had a really strong sensation that I was definitely Norman no-friends the late comer. After getting my clothes on trying to dress as apropriately as possible...whislt trying to be at least a little bit fashinable.. ( I havn't lots my ego quite yet!) and whilst trying to cover all bits.. I walked down the steps to where people seemed to be gathering. I asked a girl what was happenig... and her reply was " Do not talk- this is a silent meditation walk" OH DEAR...this is horrible I thought...Jeremy where are you babe?? What on earth am I doing??
At that moment I was really starting to have doubts about the whole thing. But still I decided to follow the person in front of me who was wearing all this Indian garb and seemed to know what was going on.... We walked and walked... I didn't know where we were going... but it was a really beautiful walk... with the mist and the moutains in the distance. Then after about half an hour people started to sit down at this certain spot by the lake. I lay down on my shawl and started to soak in the fresh air- and indian sounds of flutes and music in the distance. Suddenley everyone started singing in this really odd sanskrit language. I sta up quickly..realising that i was the only person lieing down and not paying attention and tied at my very best to sing along.."blar blar blar- Om Siva naya Om Siva shanti shanti om" WHAT? Yep...my cover was blown. I stuck out like a sore thumb..and was blatently the kid in the class who was the NEW COMER. I di not feel cool. After about an hour of singing which lasted about an hour ( and actually was quite relaxing to listen to) everyone suddenely got up and walked back up to the ashram. Talking with their friends. Me all on my lonesome. WEEP.
As I reached the big intimidating door at the entrance of the ashram I was relieved to see people actually talking.Thankyou LORD - there were people gathered around a tree and chatting as they drank little cups of sugary tea.
After tea I went for my first two hour yoga class. I can honestly say I think I ust have sweated about a years worth of impurities out. maybe a 100 naughty pints that Jeremy and I have drunk on this honeymoom. This was like no other yoga class before. It was pretty hard core. Kapalbhati - " breath in..out..in out..in out...quickly..quickly...expel all that stale arbon dioxide" said my teacher in his funny little india accent/ " Now lax...lax...lax" I figured he meant relax...so that was good. " Now again faster in...out..in out. Breath is your vital energy force...fill your bodies up with life..became immortal. OKidocky - Ill try. " Stand on your head...breath..breath>" At this point I literally skidded off a borrowed mat- soaked in sweat..in my very feeble attempt of doing a head stand. ' Again Again...keep trying...bring all the blod to your head...you will live forever"Next round.... I got stuck up on my head and had to ask for halp to get down.. very embarrassing. This was highlited by the girl next to me who was ths stunnng little whispery yoga thing who could stay up on her head for what effortlessly.
After my yoga class...it was breakfast time...again it was in silence..with everyone sitting on the floor...eating with their fingers off metal trays... and then we had a two hour philosophy class....and then another two hour yoga classs.... and then karma yoga.... and then dinner... and then more sitting in silence eating strange beans.... and then 2 more hours chanting...and then bed. 10.30 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
CRIKEY MIKEY - during that first day so many unsettling thoughts went through my head and I started planning my escape. Strangely enough though the next morning when the big drum gonged I felt strangely refreshed and was quite looking forward to doing a bit of singing. This time though I made sure had a tambourine to bang...today we were in the big hall and inside there was an amazing ceremony taking place.... some indian priests standing over a fire..chanting...throwing in flowers gee.... rice..all these different things... whilst everyone sang along. A lay sat in front of the fire whilst people walked around her throwing pink patels on her head. I later found out that it was this ladies 60 sixtieth birthday..and in hindu religion this is a really auspicious day because it is the only day in your life when the alignment of the stars are exactly the same as on the day that you were born. Pretty cool I thought.
The two hours flew by... and then the next thing I knew I was in another yoga class standing on my head - a little more comfortably this time.
The ashram is really stunning and luckily I have managed to make a few naughty friends who I can have a bit of a giggle with and who dont take themselves too seriously. It is an interesting experience...I have been learning so much.... the swami lecturers are so interesting. According to them...Aparently nothing is real. Everything is an illusion controlled by our own minds.
So after that lecture everyone decided to take a swim in the lake....should it matter if there are crocdiles in it? Surely not- if nothing is real- right?
I can't help but get the giggles in our afternoon yoga sessions by the lake as we listen to the shagging lions in the safari park opposite... they shag away in pure exstacy. Honestly you should hear their moans... they've obviously been doing some serious tantra!!

So all is god- and despite the strict regme of the ashram life- it seems the people in it- are a pretty well balanced bunch. I was expecting a lot more weirdy, beardy types. Obviously there are a few lost souls...wandering around with that spacey " uh oh" kind of look... but apart from them.. the majority seem to be really cool.

Today we have a blissful day off...and honestly I am savouring every second. I was even allowed to speak to my man for about 6 mins instead of 3.
The best thing about everything though...is ( without sounding completely slushy) by having this space apart from Jeremy makes me realise how totally lucky and happy I am with him. Space is such a good thing sometimes. I say that.. although I am already trying to get him to come out for March 16th for the yoga vacation to do with me. In the ashram we must refrain from any phsical activity to ensure a pure vibration- classic!!
I am now at Kovalam beach and am going to savour some real Indian food. We have been living on beans with no onion, garlic, chilli, dairy, fish or meat - aparently all these things make the mind too active.
So yes, the ashram is really strict - but obviously they are doing something right- cos I feel amazing. I really do.....really really positive and empowered.
DONT WORRY FOLKS- I am not going to turn into beardy weirdo.
I am just going to enjoy this new experince and try and embrace it, instead of getting too cynical. Whose to say that the way we live our lives is right and there's is wrong?
I have to be back at the ashram at 4.30 because tonight there is a talent contest and I am going to do some fire dancing. Quite nervous...but kind of excited, but we are all exhausted today after chanting and dancing all night long at the temple as it was the big Sivaratri festival last night. So much fun...madness.
So here I am in India. in an ashram. with short hair. married. on my honeymoon...but without my husband...life gets madder and madder..... but i am happy. xx

Just said good bye to Jeremy

We have had the most crazily, manic morning. Whizzing to travel angents...trying to book tickets..Promising the nervous looking travel agent and signing an agrrement that assures them that I will actually leave India although I only want a one way ticket....THEN.... frantically speeding to the UPS office to collect my passport.... BUT not knowing whether my name was Carrie Henrichs or Carrie Bulmer.... and THEN..there it was in my hand..after months of stress. My beloved passport with a delicious 6 month visa inside!!! PRAISE THE LORD!
So now here I am - all alone. Having just said good bye to Jeremy for 7 weeks. WEEP. I have this huge frog in my throat and tonight I will arrive in Trivandrum at 9pm. I have to find my way to the ashram and be in bed by 10pm because that is lights out time - YIKES!

By the skin of my teeth

It is now 11.08pm. We have just finished playing the most hysterical game of Cranium- ( classic game - you have got to play it.) Sally and I have tummy aches from laughing with tears at Jeremy trying to hum " Some where over the rainbow." He is completely tone deaf.

Tomorrow I leave for India and the following day is the Welcome Ceremony for my yoga course. Everything is great, my bag is packed, but I have 2 problems.
I do not have a passport or a flight.

My passport is currently whizzing itself from England across to Singapore as fast as it's little legs will carry it. Please, please let it arrive by the morning. Why does everything always have to be by the skin of my teeth?

Yoga Boot Camp

The horrible, apprehensive feeling arrived today. It suddenley dawned on me that I actually have to leave this safe, family havern I have been living in the last 5 weeks. It is so weird the way time creeps up. I suddenley feel quite panicked about the prospect of been on my own for the next two months...without my husband, family or any red wine.
I keep on scanning through the Sivenanda teachers training course testimonials in a desperate attempt to gain some really useful information. What can I take that I might otherwise forget? Do you think it would be really naughty to sneak in some chocolate and some red wine- or is that kind of defeating the whole point? Jeremy thinks it is. But then I am not on a marine boot camp. Although it does scare me that many called the Sivenanda TTC a yoga boot camp.

I have just found out that my yoga instructor is 111 years old- surely its gotta do something good? Aparently the ancient yogis used to study animals, and they noticed the animals that died in a short time period were the animals that had short frequent breaths- those animals that kept longevity were those that took long deep breaths- thus yoga was created! hence all the different animal postures.

Yoga has got to do something good. If it can keep me having fun til I'm 111 years old- then that shall be my path. I keep telling myself that in 1 hours yoga you burn 300 calories.. and we do 4 hours yoga every day. That means 1200 calories. 2 months of 1200 calories every day- has got to work some magic.

My daily routine is this ( every day for two months).

5.30am Wake-up
6am Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)
8am Asanas, pranayama ( yoga positions and breathing exercises)
10am Brunch
11am Karma yoga
12noon Bhagavad Gita or Chanting class
2pm Main lecture
4pm Asanas, pranayama
6pm Dinner
8pm Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)
10.30pm Lights out

I hope I am not going to turn into some culty freak. ( why has my writing gone like this?)
There will be 70 people on my course- all of different yoga abilities. I have to share a dorm with 35 people. Sleep on a matress 2 inches thick- eat with my fingers off a banana leaf, cover my shoulders and knees and wear a yellow t shirt and white trousers. Basically I will look like I am in a mental assylum.

It is a strange thing though, although nervous, I have this weirdly excited feeling- telling me this is going to be one of the most profound experiences I've ever had. I can't wait.
Oh - but how strange to not wake up next to Jeremy each morning.
So - I am off on Saturday- with my tooth brush and bag- into a new adventure.
Please keep comments coming- because they mean so much and I am scared of getting lonely.
I shall promise to keep you all updated with funny yoga tales.
lots of love and a long deep breath and a downward dog! xxxxx

Singapore and no hair

I am so in love with the feeling of my soft scalp- I cannot stop rubbing it. - who needs a husband? Jeremy can't understand why my hair is such a big deal to me. Maybe I am vain? But a women is definitely more attached to her hair than a man. I feel like I have snipped off a piece of my femininity. But in a weird way- it is quite liberating. Days are now spent rubbing tea tree oil into my scalp in a desperate attempt to unblock any hair follicles and encourage it to grow. Mornings are always a surprise - what direction will it be sticking out today? Will I look like a middle aged women? a boy? or a turnip? But honestly guys, other than the amazing feeling of rubbing my head, the best thingis- now I can buy wigs! Soooo much fun. I have already bought one and paraded myself around the streets with Jeremy cringing by my side saying" you can still see your blonde bits sticking out the sides" Oh so what- I have always wanted to be Cleopatra- and now I am..with my dark fringed wig- brilliant!

I have really really enjoyed this last month. Singapore has been more fun this time and has seemed much less sterile than when I last visited. Maybe because before I was like that pathetic love sick child, pining for my man to be out here with me. Everything is so amazingly clean!! I make sure every part of my body apreciates the power shower every morning. Days are spent drinking frothy cappucinos, bouncing up and down on the trampoline, shopping with my beautiful big sister, playing fairies with the kids, and get this- acting as Chief Marketing executive for an internet company called Kindernet.

Oh yes- life seems to get less and less predicatable for Carrie and Jeremy. Are we cycling up a mountain in Iran? NO. Are we sweating our asses off through Malaysia? NO. Is Carrie the main cause of the short bicycle trip? YES.

I guess I never thought about the fact that when you cycle all day, every day- down a motorway- there is no-one to talk to- and when you finally get off the bikes at night - you are too tired to talk - maybe itcactually is not as fun as what I had once envisaged. One thing I have learnt is that I am a girl and I like to natter. The pretty winding green roads, are actually dangerous motorways. The clean fresh air is actually fumed by Chinese coal trucks. Don't get me wrong- though challenging, I loved my time on the bicycle. But - I think a year on a padded seat is abit mean for my bottom. So I am sorry to say the bicycles have now been sent back to America to be ridden when we return and the trip continues with another story and one which in many ways has become far more interesting.

So getting back to Chief Marketing executive. Synchronicity has definitely been working its magic and as Jeremy and I landed in Singapore to stay with my sister and her family - our trip started showing signs of something big- and potentially very exciting. Literally days after we arrived Mark- my sister's husband decided to take the gigantic plunge of leaving his job to do what he has dreamed of for years- set up his own internet business for children. The whole thing seemed perfectly timed because Jeremy, meanwhile had started to twiddle his thumbs . I cant imgaine why? possibly after the failed attempt of trying to cycle across the world with his talkative wife? possibly after too much vacationing and not enough gritty stuff? So when he was asked if he would be interested in going into partnership with Mark - he jumped at the chance. BINGO. Suddenley a brilliant team unfolds, characteristics perfectly balanced. Two brother inlaws together in an amazingly exciting new venture. Before long- we suddenley find ourselves in Marks and Spencers buying suits on sale- and I find myself trying on red lipsticks as now I am a business mans wife!

As you can imagine I chose my own title of " Chief Marketing executive" and have been taking the role extremely seriously - with only the occasional trampoline bouncing break. I am of course doing what I do best- and am organising the kindernet launch party which shall be held at the end of the month. Unfortunately though I am not going to be able to attend as I shall be far away in some little town in India- standing on my head under a tree.

It is going to be a weird time been seperated from my husband for two months- and some may think it is rather an odd thing for a couple to do on their honeymoon. But we are big believers in fufilling our dreams and also have experienced the excitement after not seeing each other for ages. Fear not though folks -Jeremy is still planning on rescuing his bride at the end of my yoga course - when ( hopefully I will have had so many weird health concoctions- that he wont even recognise me) because I will be that super babe ...skinny little waif- standing in the corner> Gosh - do you think I am doing this course for the wrong reasons? of course I am also deeply spiritual! After the course. ( and according to how the business is going) if Jeremy is able to sneak away for a month we are still planning on doing our month trek up in the himilayas.
But who knows what will happen- in this unpredictable world of Carrie and Jeremy. Will Jeremy be flying to Japan for business meetings?? Will Carrie join a spiritual cult that only stands on one leg?

Time will tell and only the blog will reveal all....

The gigantic snip......

You cannot even imagine how much deliberation this took me-it was an extremely sad day for us hippies. But if feels fantastic- I cant stop rubbing my head on my pillow at night. Jeremy has never known me without my dreds and he keeps saying he feels like he is having an affair! It is a weirdly exciting feeling...I feel like a totally different person. Grannies dont cling on to their hand bags when I walk past them.... I dont constantly get asked if I want to buy some marijuana...I feel so clean....but I am already plotting my next hair do. I am going to wait til I am back in London in the summer to get my pink wig...or my afro mullet..possibly a perm?? or some hair extensions? any suggestions?

Tinkerbell

Rock man

Our last few days in Thailand were spent with Jeremy clinging to the side of a rock confused as to why I did not want to join him... I found myself far too busy with far more important matters...either sittting on a platform trying to touch my toes....or sitting with the old jewellery man trying to teach nursery rhymes to him in ambitious attempt to actually sell some rings. "Rings on their fingers and bells on their toes..."

Giant Lanterns

I always find the best new years are the ones that are not planned. At 7pm on New Years Eve we were still all faffing around the shops..kind of disregarding the fact that it was the last night of the year..still bumbling along in our bikinis. However the night was so organic and chilled, it turned out to be such a special night for us all. Our little guest house lit fires on the beach and we all lit these giant lanterns which then floated up into the sky. Somehow it felt really sacred and symbolic. All the years stresses simply floating up into the sky and time for a fresh new year. Who knows where on earth we will be this time next year?? America? Austrailia? Singapore? I am just praying we will be able to have a dog.