Reflection: Drunken Munk, Middle Eastern Momma, Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home!  It's my second night sleeping in my own bed and I'm still adjusting.  It's 3:49AM and I'm wide awake.  I have a feeling it will take a week or so to get back on track.  I'm happy to be home, although I'm already feeling a bit restless.  I know I should probably take it easy for a few days, but I'm so used to being on the go now.  I'm headed to Arizona Combat Sports tomorrow to check out their Muay Thai program to keep up with my progress.  Originally I was going to blog about my flight home, but it doesn't really make for happy reading because I was quite miserable.  Long story short: I almost missed my flight and had to pay over $200 for my baggage because United recently changed their checked baggage policy.  I'm working on getting my money back...  That was the stressful part of the morning, but the plane ride did get more interesting.

I put my black zip up gym jacket on to sleep, and lifted the hoodie over my head.  When I woke up, the middle eastern man sitting next to me said, "Can you please put your hood back on I have something to tell you."  umm.. okay I'll put my hood on… I guess?  Then he said to me that he was watching me while I was sleeping (that part was a little creepy..) and that I looked so much 'cuter' with my hood on, and that with my striking blue eyes and features if I wanted to win the heart of a middle eastern man all I needed to do was wear a hood.  First I was a little taken back and almost offended, but he continued talking.  He said that I reminded him of Diane Sawyer when she did a middle eastern interview and had to the wear the head covering.  He had never seen a western woman in a hood and he said how exotic and striking she looked and he would never forget that interview.  Now my thought on veils and hoods… In the past head coverings and the veils and all of that women must hide behind the cloth stuff not only saddened me but infuriated me.  This is how traveling has changed my perspective.  Yes it made me slightly uncomfortable, but I realize that my discomfort is because of my own cultural views and my interpretation of the world.  Even thought I may not agree, I sincerely believe that he was just trying to have a conversation with me, possibly even complimenting me in a strange way.  Yeah but the watching me sleep part… that's scary movie creepy no matter what your culture lol…

Next is the story of the Drunken Monk.  For several days I saw what I assumed to be a  Monk sitting cross legged outside of the hostel.  He wore the monk clothing, had traditional monk tattoos, bald head.  He sat with his legs crossed, his hands out requesting an offering from passerby's, and a smile.  Looking closer, I noticed the sadness in his eyes, the forced smile, and the inability to sit up straight without falling over.  And the several bottles of liquor and beer surrounding him.  I couldn't help but to stare a little.  Really?  A drunk monk?  Okaaay…One doesn't see that everyday.  I didn't give him money because naturally I didn't like the idea of my money buying his next bottle o liquor.  That night I went to sleep and woke up the next day to find him passed out in the same spot, soaking wet because it had rained.  Talk about tugging at the heart strings a little.  Some people have the attitude that homeless people or drunks ruined their own lives.  I guess I'm a little more compassionate than that, we don't know his story.  Who knows what sequence of events led him to this unfortunate circumstance?  I tried to talk with him and he genuinely smiled at me, of course he didn't understand english.  I bought lunch for the two of us and observed him as we ate.  He closed his eyes with his hands in front of his heart for several minutes, and opened his eyes and slowly and carefully ate his food.  I tell the story of the Drunk Monk for the same reason I told the story of the Middle Eastern Momma.  They both helped me to realize my judgement and perception of the world, and to realize that we are all human.  Although very different, on a fundamental level we are all the same.  We all have our shadow side and our light side.  Some of us have addictions,  habits, co-dependecy, overindulgences,  laziness, lies,  bitchiness, and general lack of will to LIVE.  The drunken monk was not broken.  He is obviously very lost, but there is still a part of him that is whole and that feels and that remembers what it is to be connected to himself- even if it was those few moments before he ate his meal and just sat in silence.  It also helped me to remember not to put people on pedistools.  When I think of a Monk I think disciplined, holy, connected, aware.  Then I ask myself, why do I think that?  I have never really been around a Monk  long enough to form an opinion.  So why do I have this notion?  It's just because of the 'programming' and idea that I have, not from experience.  THAT is the lesson.  

The best habit I've picked up from this learning and adventure is my daily lesson.  Some people pray before they go to bed.  Every night now I lie in bed and reflect on my day, and I allow myself to look at each experience with an honest heart and say.. what did I learn today?  Good experiences, bad experiences, painful experiences are all just a part of life.  The ability to look at each day as a gift and learning experience is what ultimately leads to our evolution as people, and what ultimately brings us closer together and teaches us tolerance and acceptance dispite our differences.  Also include in this is acceptance for my own culture.  

It feels good to be home.  Ezra had a bubble bath waiting for me and it felt GREAT to submerge myself in water and feel squeaky clean after a bath.  The puppies haven't left my side.  I'll admit I already miss Thailand and the new friends that I made and the sense of freedom that comes with traveling...  This is only the first chapter of my new adventure.  I am made for traveling, of this I am certain.  Looking forward to seeing more of the world and it's inhabitants.  If there is any part of you at all that desires to see the world, you owe it to yourself to make it happen.  It has been a heart and mind expanding adventure.

I sincerely have enjoyed sharing my journey with you 8-)  Thank you for all of your positive feedback and kind words, and for reading my thoughts and stories.  I'll miss this little blog!  I have at least one more video blog coming, with clips of Moo and my beachside jam session with my guitar.  Till our next adventure... 

<3 Tiff

JJ Market, Hang over 2, Lub D Hostel

Sawadeemy?  How are you?  Sawakeeda, I'm fine thanks 8-)

I had accepted the fact that I would be headed home to AZ in a few days, so I started to prepare myself.  I told myself to embrace the fact that my adventure would soon be arriving at completion... but I guess it's not time to let go yet because my little heart is still pounding right out my chest with happiness! 8-)

It's my third night in a hostel, I'm staying at Lub D hostel in the girls dormitory.  I dig the Hostel!  It's like summer camp, people making friends everywhere.  It definitely has a Harry Potter feel, or maybe I'm just so dorky that I love that our dorm names have a Hogwarts sound.. hehe

I love meeting so many empowered women here who are traveling the world alone.  I have been lucky to hear the dreams and passion in many a fiery woman heart, which further ignites the flame in mine!   

I was feeling sleepy today but decided to venture out to the JJ Market with a new friend and I'm so happy that I did.  It was the most eclectic market I have seen in Bangkok.  To say that it was massive would be an understatement.  I saw everything for sale there, seriously everything you could possibly dream of.  From puppies (kind of sad.. more about that later), clothing, 5 finger shoes, purses, furniture, souveniers, food, rats, snakes, sugar gliders, birds, dishes, luggage, fake designer clothing, you name it.  I am thrilled with my purchases, I bought a new Thai Mat for under $30 and decor for my massage room- as well as several little gifts and trinkets.  And... singing bowls!  Real, beautiful, tibetan singing bowls.  

So this puppy business.  If I lived here it would be over.  I have 3 dogs already and the only reason I didn't save one of those sweet puppies today is because I was unsure of the rules about importing  puppies to US, I didn't want to support the animal cruelty at JJ market, and I could never put my sweet babies at risk with the pleathera of diseases that those poor pups carry.  There had to be hundreds of little puppies there.  And of course I'm mentioning the puppies but you cat people don't let out sighs of relief (or reptile people for that matter).  All of your beloved pets were crammed into little boxes there on displayed ready to be taken home (most of them to die unfortunately).

Last night I had a massage at this intimate Thai Spa across the street from the hostel.  It was the most relaxing massage and atmosphere I've experienced.  I had a shower before the massage started, and then changed into a cozy white robe and slippers.  When I walked out of the shower a candle lit lotus walk way lead me to my room where I had a jasmine aromatherapy massage.  My mind is rolling at the possibility of where I can take my business and what sorts of changes and improvements I'll be making when I get home.  I learned much at school, but I must say I learned the most from the hands on my body making me melt like jello and releasing the tension I've carried for years.  BLISS!

Last night my friend Lakshmi and I visited the Roof Top, the famous bar with the best view in Bangkok where the scene from Hangover 2 was filmed.  This place was hellified expensive, so we didn't eat here.  Of course we had to order SOMETHING so we ordered a Martini.  My one little drink was about 3 sips, and cost me more than my room at the hostel for the night!  The view was definitely worth it. The atmosphere was a little black dress sort of feel.   

Last day in Bangkok... I'm off to make it count!

Kap Kun Kah (Thank You) 

<3 Tiff

I'm Still Alive in Bangkok/Dude Looks Like a Lady

I haven't blogged lately because Bangkok has had me.  I've been super busy with school and occupied with new friends, and adventure waiting around every corner.  These are a few highlights, I'll let the photos do most of the talking with a few little fun details.  8-)

This is my sister from another Mister, Ashli.  

She and I met on our first day of class at Wat Po.  She invited me to move out of my stinky little room on Koason Road into her spacious wonderful room at Boonsiri Place near our school.  Oh the adventures we have had this week!  It started with our first night together where we had a nice dinner on the river after a crazy ride on a scooter with a driver we named 'Superman' because of his tshirt.  After that Ashli rooted me on as I turned into a Thai Britney Spears on Kaoson Road, I jumped up on stage to sing 'Whats Up' by 4 Non Blonde's and ended up doing a short set with the guitarist.  SO much fun, they loved me I'll admit it lol... it was quite a rush.

Here are some photos from our unexpected makeover/dance adventure with Lady Boy's.  We were planning on having a quiet night in, we went downstairs to the 711 and ran into 5 ladyboys.  Naturally, we made friends with them.  Next thing I knew we were racing up the stairs to change out of our PJ's into our high heels.  The 7 of us piled into a cab and headed to an authentic Thai dance club, where we were the only Farang (Thai word for tourist) there.  Nancy was the leader of the ladyboys and gave us makeovers on the way (and in the restroom) of this club.  I'll admit, I tried my best to be gracious... but when I first saw my face... OH... MY...GOODNESS... I have to walk out there in front of all of these people with my make up like this?  Are you serious Nancy??

We came to a happy agreement and she toned down my look a little.  Here is Ashely getting her makeover at the bar called 'Give Friends 100%'/  What a great name for a bar eh?

This is Ice.  She taught us how to pose for photos, every photo we took she has the same smile.  I wish I had more photos of the lady boys and massage school, but most of the ones we took we used Ashli's camera and she's in route to Cambodia... when she emails them, they are definitely worthy of a 'part 2' blog 8-)

Nancy walked, talked, and moved incredibly graceful and feminine.  She actually taught Ashli and I a thing or two about being 'ladies' lol... Being a lady is an ART!  I was in awe at the way the ladyboy's are accepted and embraced in Thai culture.  Here are photos of the final product of the Ladyboy makeover, Ashli and I practicing our newly acquired posing techniques, courtesy of the ladyboys.  

I scrubbed and scrubbed my face, that eyeliner is still partially on my eyes after 2 days.

So what else.. OH YEAH!  Massage school.  I am a proud graduate of Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School.  Wat Po is where Thai Massage originated and is referred to as the 'Harvard' of Massage Schools.  I SOOOO wish I had the photos from massage school but I'll have to wait for Ashli to email me those.  (hint hint)  Here is a photo of one of the sweet teachers.  She can put her foot behind her head by the way.  

If you can read backward, observe my legit credentials.  Oh and this is for fun.. Ashli and I have a few similar features so we put our 'heads together' and this is what we came up with... hehe

What else.. I'm staying in a hostel for the first time tonight.  I can't believe I sleep 3 more nights and then I'll be boarding a plane to head home to AZ!

Goodbye Phuket, Sawadeeka Bangkok

When you and I meet together, we forget ourselves- our cultures and classes. There are no divisions, and we talk mind to mind, soul to soul. We are no different in our deepest needs. We are all human. - B.K.S Iyengar  

Moo dropped me off at the airport this morning and said 'I no forget you.  Good luck for you.'  Awww!  I love how our unlikely friendship evolved.  Of everyone I have met on this trip Moo has taught me the most.  Moo taught me to slow down and enjoy life, slow down when eating my food (I eat like I'm in the army), and the most important thing he taught me is that at a basic fundamental level…we're really not that different.  The quote I opened this blog with is one of my favorites, and reminds me of my friendship with Moo.   It's beautiful the friendship that we managed to form despite language barriers and cultural differences.  We're all same same, but different lol… If you've ever been to Thailand you are probably laughing because you know exactly what that means.  if you haven't, people here often say 'same same' but it really means different.  Confused yet?  8-)

I arrived in Bangkok after a 1.5 hour flight, and very LONG and expensive cab ride.  I decided to be brave and adventurous, so the cab driver just dropped me off near Khaosan Road and I started walking with all my luggage guitar and all.  I looked a few different rooms, the room I picked (the best in my budget range) smells of old towel and is big enough for my single bed and my luggage.  EW.  But hey.. It's only $15 a night and I'm right in the middle of the most cultural exciting street in Bangkok.  I have a little incense to burn, and I'm trying to spend as little time in my room as possible.  It's an adventure!  Feels like summer camp where no one speaks english.  I walked around tonight taking in the city, and I must say I wish I would have spent more time in Bangkok.  Being a desert dweller the past few years, the ocean in Phuket attracted me.  Next time I will certainly spend a little more time here.  There is so much to see!  

I'm off to shower and prepare for my big day tomorrow… Day one of training at Wat Po School of Thai Traditional Medicine.

Celebrating Victory

Friday night we traded in the sweaty sports bras and boxing gloves for bass pumping music and cheap Thai whiskey.  The girls and I celebrated a successful week at Tiger by visiting the nightlife and dancing our booties off at a dance club in Patong.   hehe... Here are photos of our adventure.

Here we are eating healthy at Subway, Kim and I split a 6'er.  The irony is right after this photo was taken we loaded up on ice cream and cookies.  So yeah the 3inch sub really made no difference lol 8-)

I was sitting outside waiting for the girls to walk back from 7-11, and I shot this video of the crowd.  I watched it back just now and decided to share it on my blog.  it's gives an excellent feel of what Bangla road is like.  There are so many different things going on at once, it's difficult to process everything your seeing!  See many bar girls in this video walking the street, lots of  (older) Western men and (younger)Thai women, people selling things.  There are girls dancing on the bars everywhere, people carrying monkeys and iguana's charging to have your photo taken with them, and lots and lots of beautiful women who ahem... really aren't women but you'd never know it.

What to do when it rains in Thailand... How about a facial?  8-)  $1 buys herbal DIY facial mask.  Too fun.

Today Moo drove near Promthep Cape so I could get some photos of the beach and play a few songs on my guitar with the ocean as my back drop 8-)  it was a good last day.  I will upload video after I figure out how to edit on my MAC, I got some funny video of Moo that accurately captures his personality and our friendship!  I wonder if he knows how famous he is on my blog?  8-)

<3 Tiff

Chinese Buddhist Festival, Beach Visit, Chalong Temple

Moo dragged me out of my sleeping cave yesterday night to check out the Chinese Buddhist Festival in Phuket Town.  It was so much fun!  I saw maybe one Western person there in a crowd that felt like thousands of people.  There were stages set up with everything from old women singing and dancing Thai dances, to  girls in sequins shaking their booties, to lady boy's dressed in feathers and all things shiny.  


Moo and I visited the Temple where we paid 20 baht for incense and candles, and walked around to about six different altars and made these offerings.  Moo was very serious about this, he said to me 'quiet when we get temple'.  We each paid 20 baht to make an offering of incense and candles at the 6 different altars.  Moo said this was good luck, and that I 'sleep good tonight'.  It is so interesting to me to see the many different interpretations of Buddhism.  I guess Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Thai Buddhism, and even what I refer to as Western Buddhism are all very different.  One of the things that first attracted me to Buddhism was the belief that Buddhists don't worship Buddha, and they don't worship any one deity as Buddhists believe that humans (animals too) are all responsible for our own path to enlightenment.   I was so confused when I came here and experienced the Thai Culture, because to an outsider it does appear that they are worshipping Buddha.  But then again, to people who are not familiar with Catholicism it seems like the Catholics are worshipping Mary although they claim that is not the case.  This blog is already going to be long enough without my religious dissection and exploration.. I'll save that for a different blog. 

 I am learning more and more that Moo is a devout Buddhist.  Look at his happy lil face to show me the incense and explain a tradition that is sacred to him.

 This is located in a restaurant called 'Nature' near the temple.  I'm so doing this when I get home.

While I'm at it, here are photos from Chalong Tempe that I visited with Cookie and Amanda but never got a chance to blog about.  I thought Buddha's finger was here?  We couldn't read Thai so it's still a great mystery to us.  

Today I decided to take the day off  and do double sessions tomorrow, it's actually cheaper that way.  I've actually gotten pretty good at doing crunches and push ups on my own, and  that makes me feel accomplished on a day off.  In my time off I visited Nai Harn beach and Promthep Cape for some amazing photo opportunities.

 This guy is an amazing jewelry artist, I bought a few gifts here.  After I bought the jewelry I asked if I could take his photo and show my friends the artist who designed such beautiful jewelry.  He laughed and said yes, and then showed me his dancing tooth'.  it was really more like dancing teeth, but he was stuck on the one bad tooth for some reason.

 My buddy Moo, the nature man.

In my last blog I mentioned I would be giving MMA a shot.  Well... MMA is definitely interesting to me, but I will NOT take that class at Tiger Muay Thai.  I'm sticking to Muay Thai and I'll experience MMA when I get back to AZ.  The instructor is the first non-Thai instructor I've had here, he was from somewhere in the US.  His lateness and general attitude more than annoyed me, it infuriated me to the point where I didn't even want to finish his class.  I felt like I was losing a precious day, so I cut out 30 minutes early and finished my work out in the gym.  The positive is- I got to weight train which I haven't done since I've been here.  I don't know what it is about me, but when I lose respect for someone in a teaching position- that's it.  It infuriates me at the thought of wasting my time when I have exchanged money to learn a skill.  If I wanted to talk about how there is nothing on cable TV or sit on my butt while you talk to girls (not in our class) or disappear for 5 minutes, I'd be training somewhere else.  I have absolutely no other complaints about this gym, it's a wonderful facility with exceptional trainers.  This guy is just a 'world class fighter' and you can tell, he has the attitude of a world class fighter, NOT a great teacher.  And he was belittling to some of the other men in the class, the 'man up, are you ever going to step up and learn to be a leader' crap.  Maybe that is the underlying reason behind my feelings- I don't like bullies.