Now is the time
My soul must seek and find
And be found in the resting place of happiness
Making its own abode in the stream of non-convention
Clutching the arches of life’s perplexities
Give to me now what is mine, oh world.
Does the world owe me my dreams?
Happy am I in the land of mediocrity

at times
I cry inside for there I cannot live
What is life if not lived
Going in – coming out

stretching reaching

for nothing at all - for everything
How can I find when I do not look?
How can I receive when I do not give
All of me…

will life give me all of her?

US in Denver (The pics were taken on my BB - not very lovely I might add :( )

MY TRAVELS
You know, we are all governed by a circadian rhythm and I have found that travelling through so many time zones as often as I do often messes that rhythm up completely. Makes me arrive in the most exotic places and feel completely off kilter and miserable and wide awake in the dead of night and sleepy in broad daylight!

I have also found myself cursing the security lines and procedure – I mean really – I might as well fly wearing nothing at all. I find myself annoyed that people who all have a destination seem lost all the time. I am annoyed by the cabin pressure – the impending germs and possible turbulence etc.... The constant rush of displacement when you land in an airport for the first time in a different time zone and even a different season.

But lately I realized. ENOUGH with the whining!

Yes, it is inconvenient to feel lost, incoherent and grouchy – but isn’t a lost feeling part of the excitement of travelling to new faraway places? It is a reminder that distance is real. The world really ISNT a small place.. that miles aren’t something we tally up on our frequent flyer accounts. It’s a big world.

There are wide, massive oceans and land masses between us all. It is one of the profound gifts of being alive right now – the ability to get up and go everywhere.. anywhere… to experience the world, the cultures that previous generations only dreamed of. And for us, how easy is it??

We should stand in awe and appreciation that today I can be in America and tomorrow in Russia – where people don’t speak the same languages, wear the same apparel and have a whole history in their nation.

A little sleeplessness, a touch of bewilderment and grouchiness is a small price to pay – a modern ailment that reminds us that we have evolved and advanced in a world where what seemed impossible years ago – is not only possible – but.. Ordinary almost…

From now on.. I am going to appreciate the blessing of my travels with all its turbulence.. J

New York City

After Belgium I had a hectic week at the office and at home and then flew out to New York City to hang out with my family - it was really so nice to reconnect and experience their lives in Long Island and my brother came to Denver to see where I live and hang out here.

In NYC - even though this was my 15th trip out there.. I just love that city - there is so much to see.. so much history, tragedy, shopping, sights, food, music, fashion.. I was there during the Bryant Park - New York Fashion week and saw what the up and coming trends hold for us this Autumn season.

So today my brother left and even though goodbyes are never fun - we had such a fantastic time, I know he loved America ALOT!

In NYC - we did...... well Everything.. From Coffee in Soho and Greenwich Village. To walking through Macy's and up the Empire State Building. We took a cruise up the Hudson to pay Homage to Lady Liberty. And went to see Ground Zero and all the other touristy things.

We stayed in a hostel - which was a first for me! I know in Europe they are SO popular and you meet alot of people. I must say - I enjoyed it. It was very (VERY) basic and it was so liberating to travel that way!! It was in a GREAT location - right on Time Square.

I had never really had the "college life" experience nor have I ever stayed in a hostel or even something similar.. I went from parents to palace (modestly ofcourse)... but anyway - It was SO nice.. and at my ripe old age - I felt like a college kid - everyone is SO nice! And I returned with all my limbs - unlike the movie versions of such places!!

Then to Denver - it was ofcourse, much slower paced - we went up to the Mountains to breathe in some fresh air... see the rock formations and a bit of American history. Such richness and a sense of deeply rooted spirituality with these Native American people who are so unique and beautiful and mysterious...

My favourite writer is from Native American influence... so much passion and depth.. I love that culture.

So - my life is returning to my routine after 4 weeks - yes FOUR weeks wow! and I must say - it has been so much more that I could ever have fathomed.. I knew I was bound for some fun, life changing, perspective enhancing things this year... but I never thought it would come in such droves!

Here's to family and friends from across all the oceans. Thank you so much all. Love you madly. :)

BELGIUM
Ok, so I am just about recovering from another awesome trip – back at work and trying to make up time, make up hours since I am away again for my New York stint again very shortly!
Belgium was fantastic.

I met with my dear friends who did a speedy airport pick up and immediately we were on the go – met a lot of awesome people and hung out – saw a lot of the city – drank Belgian beer – the fruity one was good. The others were very bitter – so am I now a beer drinker?? NO!! Hell NO!!
I got into that European lifestyle which I love, straight away. Relaxed and no fuss. Why does it seem that Europeans' work life seems so non-chalant compared to mine??? I got the business of my visa renewal out of the way and then it was all party and tourism. Saw so much – I am just in love with European architecture.

I can walk in and out of every church and government building – that would take a year! I ate a lot of waffles and really awesome salmon. Funny thing – I lost weight after my binge – the food is really different there! Or maybe it’s all the walking. Who knows?

I went to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ath, Spa and Amsterdam.

The first weekend was spent in Ath – this is a small farm town just an hour out of Brussels. We met a TON of people, the evening concerts and day time festivals were a sight to see and gave me a taste of true Belgian culture.

Ofcourse the Spa-Francorchamps race on the world renowned track was amazing!!
The first day – it rained.. I sat on the bleaches with my survival kit and umbrella - freezing and wet watching practice! It was awesome. That is the mark of a true fan!
The rest of the weekend and in particular – race-day – the weather was cold, but dry and ofcourse we ended the 3 hour drive (both ways) between Spa and Brussels with a bang – Ferrari being the Victors.

We managed to walk a lot and see a lot. Especially the cultural shock of Amsterdam.. I must be honest – one is NEVER prepared for what your innocence will see in Amsterdam!!

We had a great time with great friends - whom I already miss dearly... :(

But I had a phenomenal time and now.. I leave for the BIG APPLE :) Whooo hoooo