It`s been a while since I had last written anything of importance. I have been busy with university, work and a man that I met at the beach. The University has literately sucked the life out of me. I lack motivation to continue but I trudge through and I'm going to make it happen. I started work as an ABA therapist, working with a child who has ASD (a form of autism). ABA is the acronym for Applied Behaviour Analysis. It's a type of teaching that deals with controlling the behaviour of the child. It's a sort of 'do as I say' and 'not what I do' style of teaching. After working with the child for three to four months, my boss decided to fire the consultant and hire on a new lady. Her teaching approach was still very much ABA but combined a child centre approach. This small breakthrough changed all of our lives. It made learning much more fun and easier. My life has been focused around this little boy and my university work. Until I met Beau, a young film maker, soccer player, and scuba diver. He is such a passionate, caring, and loving person. I needed to move out of my old place because I needed the internet. I also had a flatmate who was bipolar and needed some psychological help which I was not qualified to treat. It was nice to know how getting to know someone, they may not be all that well in the head. Anyways, the house was a complete dump but it was cheap. i didn't know how long I was going to last there and so Beau save me, he offered to have me stay at his place with his family until I found a better place. I have been here ever since and I feel like I have an Australian family now.
They are the greatest people I know. I had my best friend, Heather, come to visit and they were more than willing to have her stay at the house. Heather came to visit on September 18th and left on the 25th. We took her to the beach which is located on the Pacific Ocean in Beau's backyard. He taught us how to surf. We went to Brisbane (museum, art gallery, and the shopping outlets), Mooloolaba Esplanade, Maroochydore Sunshine Plaza, Fridays night club, Kondalula Falls, Noosa Beach, Moreton, and Maleny. I wish I had been more adventurous but I was so stressed with University work and trying to figure out what to do since it rained almost everyday Heather was here. It seemed like we didn't do much but now writing it all down and seeing it all, we did do a lot. When we went to Kondalula Falls, I got attacked by a leech and same with Heather. We were lucky to pull mine off, but Heather's stuck on without her even knowing it. We only found out it was attached to her after it had sucked up all her blood and fell off because it could no longer feed anymore. I felt terrible when I left heather at the beach with Jared and both of them went for a swim. The waves must have been strong because Heather got swept under the undertow of the current and smashed her face on the sand. She came back in tears and her face was bruised and bloody. At times, I worry about her. She can be a bit crazy, especially after I found out that she went back to the water to fix her hair. She is the strongest person I know. I love her to death.
I have been teaching world religion at school in Maroochydore. I thought that I would share some of these great quotes from a book my Mentor teacher lent me.
My religion is very simple
My religion is kindness
(Sydney Morning Herald – 7 May 1992)
We have to adopt a wider perspective, and always find common things between the people of the north, east, south, and west. Conflict comes from the basis of differences. (National Press Club, Canberra – 7 May 1992
We have to have some form of politics. Politics is a form of resolving conflicts. Politics which comes from sincere motivation is constructive. (The Age Melbourne – 5 May 1992
Feelings of anger, bitterness, and hate are negative. If I kept them inside me they would spoil my body and my health. They are of no use. (Sydney Morning Herald – 12 May 1992)
We know that in the event of a nuclear war there will be no victors, because there will be no survivors. (A Human Approach to World Peace. Wisdom Publications)
Humans are not machines – we are something more. We have feeling and experience. Material comforts are not sufficient to satisfy us. We need something deeper – human affection. (The Age, Melbourne – 5 May 1992)
No material object, however beautiful or valuable, can make us feel loved, because our deeper identity and true character lie in the subjective nature of the mind.
If you have money and power, you seem to have money and friends. But they are not friends of yours, they are friends of your money and power. (Compassion and the Individual)
Ignorance is the source of hatred, and the way to get rid of ignorance is realisation.
(The Baltic Independent – October 1991)
Inner darkness which we call ignorance is the root of suffering. The more inner light that comes, the more darkness will diminish. This is the only way to achieve salvation or Nirvana.
What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.
This is my first week in the Sunshine Coast. And so far, I have been trying to get sorted. I currently moved into a large 5 bedroom house including a pool in a place called Mountain Creek. It's nice around here but everything seems to be far apart from each other. It be ideal to have a car but I can't afford one on my student budget. Luckily, my roommates are quite helpful when it comes to transport and helping me get things done.
I opened up my first Australian bank account effortlessly with The Common Wealth Bank. All I needed was a passport and money. I completely forgot that cheques take three days to process so I had to live off of almost nothing till the third day. I also finished my first day of University which felt incredibly great.
The campus is small but very modern and hip since it was recently built in 2006 and continues to grow. The University of the Sunshine Coast is much smaller than York. It's a place where I can get the help I need and people are also willing to support you more than when going to the bigger Universities.
The Sunshine Coast lifestyle is really laid back and chilled. Everyone I've met were genuinely pleasant. I really like the area because it's not too busy. I feel calm and relax. The beaches and palm trees also help out with calming effect and atmosphere.
I went to my very first few clubs and bars. My roommate, Courtney Little, took me to a few places and introduced me to her girlfriends. They were so friendly and happy to be out partying. Drinks were very expensive, around $15 or $10 per drink, so I don't think I'll be going out again for some time but it was nice to get a feel for the scene. Most places were free to get in but others had cover charge of about $5 which is much better than Japan's club scene at $30 a pop for entry. Courtney's friends were real sweet they kept offering to buy me drinks. They say 'I'll share you a drink' meaning 'I'll buy you a drink'. Australian lingo is another language that I'll need to learn. The next day we went to a music festival out on Peregian beach. I saw my very first jellyfish ever. I freaked out a little when the girls were swimming with them and Courtney even touched one.
Yesterday was my last night in Osaka so I wanted to get the family together for dinner. I attempted Chris' famous soy sauce honey pork dish and hard boiled egg salad with tomatoes. We had some leftover wine from the Sayonara party the weekend before. I had hidden some presents on each one of their seats so when they got there they were all surprised. We talked so much about our lives and our pasts it was really heartwarming. I learned a lot from them. I realized that we all had some pretty hard times in our lives but we share each other stories to keep each other strong.
Afterward we partied hard at Absinthe and Sansui till the early morning. I was so happy Chris and Cat came even though Chris had to work early the next morning. It really meant a lot to me. We left the party but Laura wanted to stay. We tried to get her to come home but she refused so Ella and I took off at around 6am. As we headed home on our bikes I being as drunk as I was asked some J-guy if he was cold and he said yes then he started chasing after us to catch up on our bikes but we kept riding faster and he kept running faster. It was really cute because he was trying so hard to catch up.
The next morning wasn't a pretty site. My mind did not function but my body was able to do some packing. I was worried about getting my bags to the train station. I asked Paul to help out but the timing wasn't great since he wanted to take photos for work. I have to thank Ella for pulling through. She helped push my luggage all the down the street and she even made me cry seeing her behind the gates as I left. Ella is truly a great person. I will miss her very much.
I went to the National Museum in Osaka art with my good friend Jeanette and her friend Lorrisa; and she brought her two Aussie friends from Brisbane. The Museum had a special 5th year anniversary Exhibition, called Garden of Painting, Japanese Art of the 00s. I was very lucky to have stumbled across my favorite Japanese artist who was displaying his art work, Yoshimoto Nara there.
The place was huge unlike most places in Japan. It really had an modern art vibe.
I discovered a few new artists that I would like to add to my lists of influences:
Atsuchi Tomoko - Paintings and Takano Aya - Sketch dolls
I have learned many things from Japan but also from friends who have given me the motivation to stay here and help me learn to love this place.
When I first got here in late November 2007 I remember waking up without my family and panicking. I was terrified. For the very first time I was alone. My apartment was the size of a shoebox. I could touch my kitchen table from my bed. I couldn't really move much which left me no choice but to go out meet people.
I met Paul Hillier when I first arrived through my sister. He's still a great friend to this very day. Paul has always been there. He was here from the very beginning and will remain here till the very end of my stay. He's a great friend with great advice.
He's a man of great talents. He has creative juices flowing through his veins giving life to Japan's pop culture. He's immersed himself in the fashion scene creating his own image and defined style. He has a great eye for beauty and he makes this all possible to see Osaka through his eyes. His blend of Osaka's day and night life captures the very essence of living here. It is him I owe for beefing up my Modeling portfolio. We had a great time experimenting with lighting, visual effects, and props. Thanks Paul for your unconditional support and help without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
On the way to Koh Phi Phi I had to catch a minibus to the port. I met three guys from England. They were Djs from Manchester. One guy wanted to join me for dinner with his friends. I agreed but didn't show. I wanted some alone time. When we arrived I wanted to get away from everyone. I found my hotel and it was amazing. I had my own space. I was finally alone.
So I unpacked and took a long shower and got back to myself again. I decided to meander around for a bit. I got a Thai coconut oil massage, ate some Thai food, and booked a cooking lesson. I really liked this island because there were no motor vehicles allowed. You had to go everywhere on foot. Everything was much more expensive than else where but I didn't mind since Koh Phi Phi was one of the islands that were hit the hardest during the Tsunami back in 2004 on December 26th. They had estimated that there were about 4,000 casualties and 70% of the buildings had been destroyed. I wanted to give my support by spending most of my money here. I loved it so much I spent an extra day.
DAY 7 DECEMBER 28th, 2009
The second day I was ready for a new adventure. I got up and off I went. I jumped in the long boat with my snorkel gear and a new group. On our way to the sights there was a Canadian guy who asked me to take his photo and this is how we started to hang out. He seemed really curious about everything. He was like an explorer discovering a new world. It felt very primitive, even caveman like. I later found out that it was his first time in Asia. He found this sea cucumber and we made it our pet. Some girl named it Goosebump because of it strange texture. We later went to monkey island and Chris took my photo.
I really liked spending time with Chris because he was a genuine Canadian. He was kind, exciting, and good-looking. He has a construction business back in Calgary. Usually, I'd get upset with yet another guy to annoy the hell out of me but he was cool. Not a douche bag.
I ended up taking the half-day tour while Chris stayed for the full day tour that was apparently much better according to him. He gave me his hotel name to meet up later. I was so excited about my cooking class because this was the only thing that I really wanted to do in Thailand. I learned how to cook green curry, red curry, and make Phad Thai and then I got to eat both dishes. It was so amazing that I bough the recipes and ingredients in a nearby market.
Later that evening Chris took me out on a Thai date. We ate at a great Thai place and ordered Pizza. After that we went for a Thai massage where they made us take off most of our clothes. They made him change his shorts with another pair of shorts. Made no sense whatsoever. We then went to a fire show on the beach, danced it up a bit, and then went to a Thai boxing event. Those Thais can really give it to each other. I don't think I would have done any of those things without him since it was quite a dangerous time. There was a murder on the island the night before.
As it got late into the night we headed back to the hotel. He hung out for a bit longer and my neighbor, John who is also half Japanese, that I had met earlier started playing us some music on his guitar in the hall. It was an interesting night until someone told us to shut it. I told Chris that I was tired. He slowly took his time but eventually left. We made plans to meet up the following day.
DAY 7 DECEMBER 29th, 2009
This was my last day on Koh Phi Phi. Chris and I had breakfast. We hired a canoe. He got a little to excited and ended up breaking the paddle. I had purchased some crazy waterproof bag specifically for water activities. I didn't dunk the bag to see if my camera would survive but having an active twenty six year old man jump out of the canoe didn't stop the canoe from capsizing a few times. We paddled far enough that I started to freak out. The first thing that came to mind were sharks. So I stayed in the canoe most of the time. Chris must have been very comfortable with me because he took the liberty of going stark naked. He wanted to me to join him and I didn't know which would be more dangerous: the sharks or a naked man in the water. I remained in the boat.
When we returned to land Chris made me grab his bag that we had left at the rental shop in case they held it for ransom because of his previous incident with the paddle. They wanted us to pay but Chris refused and we walked away. I swear this guy can get away with murder. Later on we ate some lunch and went to the tattoo parlor where Chris was planning his tiger tattoo. I couldn't stay for the actual tattooing but I got to help him choose something worth keeping for the rest of his life. I felt honored. I left the island and parted ways. I got on the ferry and took an overnight bus back to Bangkok.
DAY 8 DECEMBER 30th,2009
Back in Bangkok, I was a free agent again. I decided to put my ring on my wedding finger and hold a look unimpressed so no one else would approach me. This was my last day and time to do whatever I wanted. I decided to shop and buy all the things I wanted but couldn't before. I went to the mall in the main city by bus and took a taxi cab back. I booked yet another Thai massage at my favorite spa. I spent about 3,000 or less and got a one hour facial and a four hour full body massage. The facial was quite pleasant until the lady started to extract my pimples. The Thai massage was the most interesting part of the trip.
First they walked me to some hidden dark room. As I awaited my masseur when he entered the room I quickly realized he was not a "she" but a "he". I felt a bit awkward at first but soon after I started to melt away when my body was being covered in hot warm oils. When we got to the scrub, he was gentle rubbed my legs and arms. Shortly after all I remember my towel was yanked completely off and I was getting a breast massage. Apparently, this is common for those who want more blood circulation to increase the size of your breasts. I was appalled at first but then didn't want any further drama so I went with it and easily fell back into relaxation.
The next step was interesting. He put me into a small tent with a pot full of boiled water and natural herbs. It was a traditional Thai sauna that required no heat element. I was impressed by their very practical and natural approach to everything. Even their product ingredient list were all organic as well. Apparently a norm in this country where as in places like North America natural cost money.
After being 100% satisfied with my massage I shopped around, got a hotel and paid for a minibus to take me to the airport the next day.
DAY 9 DECEMBER 31st, 2009
At the airport I had to give myself some praise. First for surviving such a trip and secondly for becoming a stronger and wiser person.
When we got to the island we went to a motorbike shop and rented two separate ones. I haven't ridden a motorbike in a while not since Cuba. The island was shaped like a race track. I felt like I was playing Mario Kart minus the possible shells I could be throwing or money I could be collecting. What a way to spend Christmas Day. A perfect day with the sun shining and the wind blowing on my face to cool me down.
On the island, there were two waterfalls but one was enough to satisfy the need. We booked yet another place. This time is was a bungalow of some sort. I heard that Koh Samui was a great place to party but I didn't notice anything special going on. We ate some thai food, had some drinks and then set off a fire balloon. The balloon is lit from underneath and set afloat into the air until it disappears into the sky.
We finally got back to the bungalow and I passed out cold. I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that Morgan was sleeping right next to me. I flipped out and asked him what he thought he was doing in my bed. I jumped out and went to the toilet. I was so unbelievably shocked. I understand that he is a guy and all but when I pretty much established the rules from the beginning that I wasn't interested in any men. Anyways, that is when I realized what an idiot I was for being so naive. Luckily he wasn't aggressive or anything but thoughts began to flood my mind. I didn't know him all that well. That's when it all settled in. I wasn't safe there.
DAY 5
DECEMBER 26th, 2009
I couldn't go back to bed so I waited till the next morning and went for an early swim on the beach. As soon as the hotel staff opened the doors I had booked the first ferry out of there. I had breakfast with him and acted as if everything was natural. We parted ways. I waited for my ferry to take me to Krabi where I spent a night there. I met the owner of the hotel and checked in. The owner kept giving me free Tea. He was nice but he kept asking for my contact information. I was starting to get really annoyed so I went to bed. The very next day I was relieved to be on a boat to Koh Phi Phi.
I've been planning my Thailand trip for the last past two years and finally went ahead and booked it. I felt liberated for once in my life I had done something and didn't even think twice about the possible consequences that lied ahead. I had ten days of unplanned freedom to explore. Sure, there was the fear of the unknown but sometimes it's necessary to take that kind of risk. I needed a change from Japan. I had to challenge myself mentally.
DAY 1 DECEMBER 22nd, 2010
When I got off the plane I smelled the air. There was a faint but sweet smell of fresh coconuts. Outside the airport I realized that I had no idea where I was so I headed to information booth where I met this British guy who also seemed lost. The staff behind the counter paired us up and off we went to the bus stop. Later, I found out that Morgan was also an English teacher from Miyazaki in Japan. What a small world but in the end it gave us plenty to talk about as we made our way to Khao San Road. When we got there we took some wrong turns and finally found a place to stay. The only problem was the room with two twin beds available. Without thinking, I spat out "Do you snore?" and his reply was "Nope" so without much thought I agreed to book the room. It cost us 300 baht split in half at 150 baht the equivalent of 400yen a night how could one go wrong.
Morgan's personality reminded of my ex-boyfriend and I'd like to think I have a pretty good sense of judgment when it comes to people. I trusted him in the sense that it could have been worse, having to stay in a mixed dorm with four strangers or the other option with one that I already spent six hours talking to and getting to know a bit better.
We left our stuff in the room and explored for a bit. I found Bangkok to be one of the noisiest and dirtiest places in all of Thailand. Every five steps, there were street vendors competing with each other trying to pull you in all sorts of directions or better yet have the taxi drivers tell you that the place you intended to go was too far to walk and that you needed them to take you, even though, the destination was right around the corner. Tuk tuk drivers were the worse. They would tell you they would take you somewhere and then half-way through change plans. They would take you to their friend's shops where they could get free gas coupons so really they didn't have your best interests at heart. I was warned to avoid them at all cost. As it was getting darker we got tired. We called it a night and fell asleep. It felt like we had this brother and sister friendship.
DAY 2 DECEMBER 23rd, 2010
We headed for the main street and were trapped by the Tuk Tuk drivers. Morgan looked interested to ride one and I figured why not. It'd be for the experience. When we saw about three places, this is where our driver began his whole spew about going to a shop to get gas coupons. I was angered by the absurdity of it all and told him that if he didn't take us to the places we had originally planned. He kept persisting telling us we didn't understand and that it would take only five minutes. I hopped out of the tuk tuk based on principle. He wasn't going to change his mind any time soon so it was probably best to go our separate ways.
So we went for a stroll and saw some really interesting places like The Golden Mount, The Democracy Monument, the Grand Palace and other various sightseeing spots. I drank so much fruit juice because it was so cheap and fruit is expensive in Japan. At night we found a cute cafe and drank some real coffee as opposed to the instant stuff I usually drink at home. Afterward, I got a haircut, had my nails done, and then my eyebrows waxed all for 370 baht the equivalent of 1,032 yen. When nightfall came we had our feet swarmed by fish that nibble off dead skin cells. Quite the experience. They made my feet soft and smooth and I'd do it again. I wanted to take my new little friends home with me.
DAY 3 DECEMBER 24th, 2009
I started to get annoyed with Bangkok so I booked an overnight bus to Koh Samui. Morgan didn't have any plans so he tagged along. We needed to kill some time so we finished up the last of the sight seeing places. We went to Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) and Wat Po (The Reclining Buddha).
