New Year's Eve

It is New Year's Eve and I am feeling reflective. Resting in my room with the music of at least three different venues merging into a strange cacaphony, my mind wanders back over the year. 2007 has been amazing for me, and there is so much that I am grateful for. So, I offer my thanks...

To my Ma and Pa, who have loved me and generously supported me through all these tumultuous(?) years, emotionally and financially. To Deb and Craig, who continue to amaze me with their successes and general brilliance. And am I thankful that they have been blessed with such loving and wonderful partners; Mikey and Jacqui, thankyou for choosing my sister and brother and for being in my life.

To the beautiful women in my dark moon circle who have shared a sacred space with me all year, offering me strength, companionship, love and listening ears throughout the year's journey. Thankyou all so much for your love and care, and for always believing in me, Naomi, Janole, Emily and Lonni. I hope the circle continues... even if its form changes.

To my tremendously wise and patient supervisors who supported me through my honours project. I cannot thank you enough for your contribution to my honours year. I feel so blessed to have had such wonderful women share in my journey. And I offer my success to you.

To Shell and Chris and everyone in the Michelle Meehan band, thankyou so much for all the fun. I feel so blessed to have been part of this warm and loving musical experience. You are all fabulous, gorgeous people and I look forward to jamming again soon.

To dear Karleigh, thankyou for being my confidante and local co-counsellor. Your loving heart is an inspiration to me. To Lissa, my loyal and fabulous friend, thankyou for always keeping in touch and for being so true to you... you are also an inspiration. To Melli, thankyou for the laughter and for making our house a home.

Ahhhh, tears have been shed! The year is almost done... I go to welcome the new year of 2008... dinner then party on the beach!

With much love,

Chelle

Sihanoukville

I am now relaxing in the town of Sihanoukville, in the south west of Cambodia. A few days ago I left Koh Chang a little earlier than expected and made the arduous journey to Cambodia. My belly was feeling baaaad all day and I was nauseous so I hadn't had anything to eat by the time of my arrival at the Cambodian border. I was swamped with moto drivers and a little delirious but was rescued by a lovely English couple. We made our way by taxi into Koh Krang and found a guesthouse where we were well looked after, fed good food and offered comfortable rooms. The next morning, we journeyed by boat to Sihanoukville... Inside was quite comfortable but the aircon was fully charged and they had a tv up front playing a horror movie so lots of screaming was occuring through the speakers... painful. I ended up on top of the boat looking out over the sea, a very relaxing trip. I am happy to report that I didn't fall in and didn't get sunburned either (yes ma, I am wearing hat, long sleeved shirst and sunscreen just about everyday). At the pier there were no taxis and tuk tuk was going to be very expensive so I took my first moto ride... at first I was unable to see how I could possibly carry my big pack, day pack and guitar but they just hoisted the big one up front and I strapped the guitar to my back and pack on front. It was so fun! Especially riding through the sudden herd of cows that appeared on the road.

Yesterday I took a day trip out to some islands in a little boat. Relaxed on the beach and chatted with some aussies about their travel stories (they were happy to recommend places in India to visit and to warn me off some too). I saw some coral and fishies off one of the islands and some really cool looking spiky black anenomes.

Has been great to sit in one spot for a few more days. Have been playing my guitar lots and have started writing again. Looking out over the water is creatively inspiring. Am thinking about finding recording studios in Bangkok and sussing out prices...

Am surprised to find myself wanting to work today, I'm not sure how long this capricorn can live the holiday life... am trying to tap into the sagittarian moon instead.

PS. Confucious say:

When rooster live at guesthouse, use ear plug!

PPS. The cow in the image came to join us for lunch on the island, enjoying some fresh pineapple.

Koh Chang

Howdy!
I have safely arrived in Koh Chang with my friend Erin and a new travel friend, Susan. We have a lovely bungalow high in the mountain overlooking the jungle and ocean. It is gorgeous! The Siam Beach Resort is very posh (I was a bit freaked given my budget), but food is affordable and there is nothing else to do but sit, read, walk, eat, swim, sleep... ahhh, this is the life!! A well earned rest! I highly recommend you jump on a plane to Bangkok, get yourself to Trat and make the ferry journey here! If you can't make it, at least enjoy the photos!
There is a Christmas Eve party down the beach tonight, and we hope to find a yummy Christmas dinner for tomorrow.
Lots of love and Christmas wishes,

Chelle

Trat

Hellooooo!
The last few days have been fairly quiet. I read a few books and made a number of small foot journeys, including the reclining Buddha at Wat Po. Have been avoiding tuk tuk drivers since my unlucky run in earlier in the week so have covered little groud. Day before yesterday I walked to the Golden Mount and made my way to the peak. The views of Bangkok, though not pretty, were vast. At the very top of the mount there is a large stupa holding a Buddha relic and at each corner, there are hundreds of tiny prayer bells ringing in the wind. The sound was quite heavenly! I tried to record it but the bells were inaudible amongst the wind and amplified announcements. As I walked around the periphery I found a tiny ladybird resting on the wall, must have ridden an air current all the way up!
Today I have arrived in Trat having spent all day yesterday travelling. First boat to the skytrain then all the way to the end of the line. I love the skytrain... not for its futuristic journey through the sky, but they have tv's in the carriages and the thai ads are really funny! Caught a taxi out to the Mo Chit bus terminal - I had no idea how far out it was so spent lots of time praying that I would arrive safely. However, the taxi driver was lovely and showed me where to go to get tickets.
Having left Bangkok, I am glad for fresh(er) air. I so look forward to the sea breeze when I arrive at the ocean! Have just walked the main street of Trat (and was invited to take a taxi by only one driver - miracle!). It is lovely that many of the shops have collections of pot plants out the front, and some have half-barrels filled with lotus and tiny fish, just like in Bagkok. Amongst the dirt and hazy air, these bring touches of beauty to the city.
Will be heading into tourist land (Koh Chang) this afternoon so will make a pilgrimage out to the local Wat for some meditation.
If I don't write again in the next few days, Merry Christmas everyone!!
Love Chelle

Bangkok!!

Sa wat dii ka! My journey has begun and I am feeling surprisingly relaxed. Following a nine hour flight with the lovely Thai airways, I found my way to a bus stop and landed in backpacker-town, Khao San Road. Have a little room in Soi Rambuttri, where taxi and tuk tuk drivers are eager for business at all times of the day.

I have found my feet, having spent most of yesterday wandering the streets of Banglamphu. Met up with two lovely American women and we spent hours at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is clothed for each of the seasons (hot, cool and rainy) however a local man was telling us that Thailand has lost it's cool season of late. The level of artistry in the paintings (the massive walls are hand painted, and some are highlighted with gold leaf) was astounding! I spent ages just watching some Thai artists absorbed in their work restoring the walls.

We then made a massive journey to find the small alley where a family make begging bowls for monks. The woman was happy to show us how it is done and explained that her family have been making the bowls for 200 years. I may just need to return so I can bring one home.

We then found our way to Wat Suthat, where a massive golden Buddha sits in meditation. As it was bordering on twilight, the wat was empty of tourists and we were able just to sit for awhile in the peace.

It was amazing to walk along Bamrung Muang road, it is lined with many shops selling Buddhist images, statues, incence etc. I am exercising great thriftiness and restraint in a world of hippy-shopping dreams! Today I plan to make a pilgrimage to see the standing, sitting and reclining Buddha's at temples fairly close by.

Craig and Jacqui's Wedding

I know, I haven't left the country yet but I just had to share some photos from my brother's wedding... Now the wedding is done, I have actually begun to get excited about my trip... I still can't quite believe I'm am going in 14 hours!!













Craig and Jacqui, looking gorgeous!















Craig and Jacqui with bouquet.











Nan, Chelle and Bev













Right now, the Thailand Lonely Planet guide is open on the desk before me, and the Bangkok map is spread out to my left... Must go and repack the pack!

One Week to Go!

In a week I will be departing this beautiful land for the first time (no Tasmania doesn't count!). People keep remarking, 'you must be excited', and yes, there is excitement, I'll admit it! But having lived nearly 30 years in the comfort of familiar territory, I am also feeling rather nervous. As a born planner and organiser, to plunge into unknown territory, with barely an idea of schedule or organised activity, and with no clear goal in mind is a massive challenge for me. I have been reflecting, perhaps the level of fear experienced before undertaking a new journey is equal to the amount of growth that will occur... we'll see!

I think I am also feeling apprehensive because I love my life in Melbourne at the moment. I am seeing this wonderful city with new eyes. There is so much to be involved in... spontaneous singing events in the city (we are so blessed that we can loudly protest our government without being shot!), salsa dancing on St Kilda beach, beautiful rivers and beaches to swim in on hot summer days, and such amazing, warm, wonderful people in my life whose journeys I have been blessed to share. To choose to walk away from all this (and more) seems ludicrous. However, my Sagittarian moon compels me to travel... Jupiter enters Capricorn this month so the timing is perfect... It is my time to leap into the unknown and trust that my wings will unfurl and I will be supported, even uplifted!

I am grateful for the training I have received over the years in meditation, grounding, listening to my intuition, following my inner guidance, and know these skills will carry me through this world safely. I trust that I am always protected, and know there always people around me who support and nourish me. I look forward to deepening my meditation practice, expanding my ability to sing, and opening my heart to love.

I intend to maintain this blog regularly... as a personal journal and as a way for all those people I love in Australia to connect with my journey. Please keep me updated of your journey by sending emails to my yahoo account: michelleamymorgan@yahoo.com.au.

With love,

Chelle