January 2004 Newsletter

Yoga Bound Travel Adventures:

Sawadee Kah from Bangkok, Thailand

It has it been just over two weeks since my arrival, yet seems like months; so much has happened. I am sitting in my room writing this on a gloriously beautiful cool (25c) sunny Sunday, taking a break from all the madness. A big city has its benefits. There is so much to do, and see, and experience. But a break from the noise, chaos, and crowds are not only welcome, but necessary. So I've decided to do just that. Take a break, and hibernate for the day.

To catch you up: The trip over was a bit hard for me this time. Usually I am out for hours, especially the long leg of the trip. Not the case this time. So I arrived with no more than 3 hours sleep over a two day, and a half day period. Thankfully it wasn't long before my body clock was readjusted, and I was on Thailand time, exactly 12 hours ahead of home.

My first appointment with the dentist on the Saturday after my arrival brought immediate relief when I realized I was in more than capable hands. Intellectually I knew this. But aren’t we all affected by the concerns of our loved ones. Since then I have had several more appointments and have not been disappointed. In fact I am constantly amazed by the quality, professionalism, and respect.

Yesterday, Saturday for me, just two weeks from my first appointment, I am sporting a brand new bridge after 20+ years. Not only is it superior to any I've ever had the cost was a fraction of what I would pay at home. More on that later as I add an entire section to Yoga Bound's site that will include Health Holidays.

Though my yoga has been limited relative to what I am used to, I do meditate every day. The first few days I gave my body a break because of the jet lag. But then I got into a routine of doing my practice on the rooftop of my building around 6 am each morning. To me there is nothing like an outdoor yoga practice. It’s the ultimate as you truly are at one with nature. After my first 5 Suray Namascar A's the sweat comes, and you just know your body is purifying as the toxins leave the body through its largest organ, the skin.

As you rise up Saluting the Sun, and moving into Warrior 1, (Virabdrasana A) you are looking up into the sky. The clouds are slowly drifting by. The sun is not yet peeking up from the horizon, but you see a yellow glow where it soon will be. It is cool. There’s a bit of a breeze. You inhale that wonderful scent of freshly laundered clothes (they wash all the linens on the roof and hang them to dry up there). Birds are flying overhead. And the noise from daily life has yet to begin.

Having been coming here for over 11 years I never cease to marvel at all the changes each time I arrive. When I first came you couldn't get a decent cup of coffee. Now not only is Starbucks everywhere, (it's a popular place for Westerners to hang, drink coffee, meet up, read the paper, work on their computers, whatever), but there are others too, like Gloria Jean's Coffee. I must say that I am enjoying that morning iced Café’ Latte. While I do try to stay cognizant of what I do, and don't put into my body, I must admit it is so refreshing.

I went to the weekend market (Chatuchak) last Sunday. You could take weeks to make your way down every aisle, and building, it is huge. I finally know exactly where I am going, but it can still be overwhelming at times. It is so big, crowded, and hot. Patience, and tolerance are the order of the day. Again I marvel at all the changes. The BTS sky train now goes there directly. When Roger, and I first came to Thailand it sometimes took an hour and a half to get there. A journey! One not many were willing to make.

Now you hop on the Sky train, and are there in 15 minutes. This has opened up the market to every visitor which has brought about dramatic changes. They now have maps. Previously, you had no clue where you were. Many of the shops have renovated, and are a bit more posh. There are more western types of eating establishments. Like a corner cafe where you can take a break, and have, yes a coffee, or beer, or whatever else is to your liking.

The food isn't just Thai anymore. The selection of merchandise has changed, too. Products I brought back from India several years ago are now part of the main fare, as well as products from Bali. And of course, China. If you didn't know the difference you'd think it was all made in Thailand. Though hard to believe they even have an underground Subway system which will be opening soon. It connects points in the city not serviced by the above ground Sky Train.

Last week in addition to my dentist, and doctor's appointments, I met with a lot of the Yoga Studios that are now here in Bangkok. This too is a new phenomena. There was a time no one even knew what Yoga was. I have visited 4 studios, two run by Americans. Next week I have four more meetings scheduled to take a class and interview the teachers for the website. I felt very fortunate when I visited Yoga Elements last week to have the chance to meet Joel Kramer, and Diana Astad. They were visiting before going on to India.

Joel is an old time yogi's and gave me permission to republish some of their articles on my site. Interestingly enough they were good friends with David Williams, who had just done a workshop, which Shan (my daughter) attended, and loved, at Yogani Studio in Tampa. Tell me that wasn't divine intervention. I have also made contact with the Buddhist organization here that does Vipassana (silent meditation retreats). As well as some people who are into vegetarian cooking.

Last Tuesday night I went to the Maynard Ferguson Concert at the Thai Cultural Center. The most amusing part of Thailand (but this happens everywhere) is the assumption that everyone is in the know. I read about the concert in the paper then tried calling a number listed to find out about tickets. Part of the number was missing so I wasn't able to get the info I needed. I started asking people where a Thai Ticketmaster location was. No one knew.

I finally found someone that told me there was one at the Chit Lom BTS (Sky train) station. When I arrived there, and inquired they were clueless and tried sending me somewhere else. I insisted it was at Chit Lom. They made some phone calls then directed me to the 7th floor of the Central Mall. All the info signs said it was on the 7th floor. But there was no Ticketmaster. I finally found someone who spoke English, and they directed me to the 6th floor. I finally found them, and got a ticket that looked like a debit card. In this way they are very technologically advanced.

The paper said the concert was at 7. Ticketmaster assured me it was 8. So I figured I had some time to work so headed back to my room. At 7:30 I hopped on the Skytrain, and headed to the Asok station, just one stop south of where I am staying. From this vantage point, the Skytrain is above ground, all I could see was brake lights, and miles of traffic. It is still a major problem even with the addition of the Skytrain.

In Bangkok at just about every corner there are motorbike taxi's. When traffic is bad there is no better way to get to where you want to go. I knew I would miss the concert if I took a regular cab. After negotiating a (local) price I hopped onto the back of a motorbike, and off we went weaving our way to our destination. It was exhilarating! I arrived at the Cultural Center just 20 minutes later missing a few minutes of the concert. It was excellent. Maynard played from a lot of HM (his majesty's) own personal favorites, or compositions, as well as his own.

I ended up sitting next to a young Thai couple that befriended me. The girl spoke only Thai, but the boy spoke very good English. Now I have someone else to get together with. And lucky for me he is in the computer field so has offered his assistance with my website. I love how these things happen.

There is always something going on. Chinese New Year last week. It's the "Year of the Monkey". Arts, and crafts shows. Health, and beauty shows. Silent Retreats. Cultural events. On Wednesday I went to Chulalongkorn University where the International Peace Foundation has been commissioned to do a series for the students on Bridges "Dialogues towards a Culture of Peace". The speaker was Dr. Karan Singh from India. It was very interesting, and informative. The 'Princess' of Thailand presided over the affair, and it was something to behold.

So in addition to all of this I continue to fine tune the website, which is a work in progress, taking care of clients, prospecting for new opportunities, and so on. I am never lacking for something to do. I am looking forward to getting up to the mountain region of Chiang Mai then down to the Islands for a bit of R & R before coming home.

I hope this finds you all well. Wish you were here. You could be you know! Bali in June. Thailand July. Get all the details on these YogaBound travel adventures by visiting the site. Hope to hear from you soon.  

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Ninaya-Seek what the heart loves!

Deb

Debra, and Roger Bobier
Certified, and Registered Yoga Teachers (500 hour RYT)
YogaBound.com
debbobier@yogabound.com
www.yogabound.com
www.sarongboutique.com