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Renewal

I’ve decided that this month October, 2017 will be my month of renewal. Shedding the old and exploring the new and reviving some of the thoughts I’ve had by putting them into practice. I’m born anew over and over again. My metamorphosis is not always complete hopefully this time I will not stay in the cocoon to long nor get out to soon and evolve renewed, refreshed, and wholly complete. I have realized that even when it seems like everything in life is conspiring against you, the Universe is aligning things in your favor.

“You attract to you the predominant thoughts that you’re holding in your awareness, whether those thoughts are conscious or unconscious.” That’s the rub.” – Michael  Bernard Beckwith

 

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Operation Exit: Week One – 11 Sept 2016 – 17 Sept 2016

Operation Exit: Week One – 11 Sept 2016 – 17 Sept 2016

I participated in this writing project my niece Write to Bliss put together. It was called The Love Habit. She ascribed one love habit per day and one could write publicly or in one’s journal. I wanted to hold myself accountable so I decided to write publicly on Instagram. At the end of the 21 days (It took me a little longer than 21 days because I didn’t always do it everyday but I picked up where I last eft off) I realized I needed to make a change. I am moving to another country. I set my exit date two years from 10 September 2016.
You know that life is meant for living and that you have only one life to live. Show the world you aim to make it count. You can only die once. Stop living in fear. This is my new life motto. Well, it has always been but now I’m actually going to put it into practice. I will be making weekly updates on how and what I’m doing to get to my goal. Follow me why don’t you? Thanks.

 

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My Two Month Trip to Kenya

IMG_5801It was supposed to be an epic trip to three different countries. I intended to visit Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I never left Kenya. In fact I didn’t even explore all of Kenya. However, it was a fantastic trip.

IMG_5345I rented an apartment in Diani Beach and I slowed down.

IMG_1067I spent an inordinate about of time at the beach.

IMG_4823I sat in restaurants talking to locals and sometimes older European tourist for hours. IMG_4768I lazed around my apartment/pool reading novels.

IMG_1158I went on safaris and visited villages.

IMG_5417I attended a wedding.

IMG_5732I ate fish directly from the ocean (never frozen.)

IMG_1542I took walks on dirt roads.

IMG_1464I touched the earth.

IMG_5611I Drank fresh mango and passion fruit juice almost daily. I ate with my hands.

IMG_1507There were times when I felt like people were waiting to hear about my epic adventure, and not having traversed East Africa as I said I was going to I may have disappointed them. Well there it is; I stayed in Kenya for the entire two months and I had a wonderful time.

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My Trip to Kenya – Part 3 of 3

My Trip to Kenya Part 3

Picking up where I left off from part 2.

Today (8 June 2015) is the last day in Kenya for my friend and her daughter. We took a Mombassa City tour and got some shopping in. Had lunch and it was time to head to the airport to drop them off for their return trip to the US of A. It was sad to see them leave. I was now on my own for the next seven days.

The following day I just loughed at the pool and read for the most part. The day after that I went to the supermarket and purchased some groceries. I had lunch while I was out and took advantage of the free wifi at the mall to make a few phone calls on WhatsApp to family and friends. The next few days I borrowed two books from reception and just relaxed at the resort. I had the pool all to myself since it was low season and I think only four of the units were occupied.

IMG_3597on 12 June 2015 I departed for the South Coast of Mombassa and my last four days in Kenya. The resort was beautiful even though I had to run away from monkeys on a few occasions to get to my room. I whiled away my days at the resort sunbathing, eating, drinking, reading etc., and spent my evenings/nights with some locals exploring the local area and nightlife. All in all it was a fantastic trip and I hope to visit again. Hopefully do a lot more site seeing next time.

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My Brief Tips – Trip to Havana, Cuba

View from across the water at the ferry port in Regla
IMG_0468 It is perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba without applying for permission in advance as long as your trip falls within one of the 12 allowable reasons. If you are doing a self guided trip it may be more economical to travel through another country. Of all the Lonely Planet guides I have referenced for any of my travels the one on Cuba has been the most valuable. I would recommend obtaining a Cuba edition and reading through it during planning and well in advance of your trip. It outlines everything (visa requirement, money, etc). If however you have questions about my personal experience please feel free to ask.

San Francisco de AsisIMG_4759As of this writing your American phone, iPad etc., will not work in Cuba even if you would be willing to pay roaming charges. It will say “no service” the entire time you are there unless you are connected to wi-fi and wi-fi is not readily available. I was fine other than the one hour of wi-fi time I purchased to let my family and friends know that I was alright I did without internet. I did all of my research prior to arrival and printed out whatever I thought I’d need. If you are someone who absolutely needs to be constantly digitally connected you may have a problem.

IMG_0517Cash is King. Your US credit card/debit card will not work in Cuba and if you exchange USD for Cuban currency you will pay a 10% penalty. At the time I was there the going rate for the USD was .96 cents to one CUC with the additional penalty it worked out to about .87 cents rounded up. I brought GBPs and Euros I had from some of my other travels and a non US debit card for use at the ATM. Plan carefully if you don’t want to run out of money because you’ll have to bring all the cash you think you’ll need with you. Although I did see a Western Union I would not plan on using it. Some people chose to purchase Canadians currency prior to going to Cuba instead of having to exchange US dollars.

IMG_5080There are tourists from all over the world in cuba and they do not have some of the limitations (most importantly access to their money) that US travelers have there.

IMG_5025Most everyone is friendly just be aware that the hustle is real. Cuba is a safe country and though you will probably not get mugged you should definitely look out for smooth talkers who want to separate you from your money (the technique is not as abrasive as I’ve encountered in other countries but it’s there) pay attention, you’ll recognize it. I almost wished I had visited prior to the internet age. I didn’t see any homeless people. Everyone seems to want more material things. In my opinion sometimes more is just more and not always better. (Maybe I think that because I’m working my way towards minimalism). But what do I know? I am just a visitor, I do not live there year round.

IMG_5019Plan wisely (have a plan but be flexible), bring a small folding umbrella (for the sudden showers). Please bring your sunscreen and walking shoes and enjoy your trip. Cuba is a beautiful country.
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Facing my Truths – Day 11

I spend way too much time on Facebook. Starting today I will cut time spent on Facebook by 50%. Hopefully I can catch up on my reading. There are some books I want to read again and I’ve added some new titles to my must read list. This is the first place I’ve lived where I didn’t get a library card within the first three months of residency. I just remedied that situation. Got my new library card yesterday.

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Facing my Truths – Day 7

Growing up I heard the phrase “what will people think?” over and over again. I have a hard time getting it out of my head. I really dislike that phrase. I have to make a conscious effort to ignore it and allow my own decisions to control my actions.  Let them think whatever the hell they want. They are going to do that anyway. Why should all my actions be based on what people think or will think?