People always say enjoy your vacation, and while we do take time to chill and go to the beach, it has been just so busy! There's not enough time!!!
We are currently in the middle of two building projects, one is a hot water "pavilion" being built from red cedar, lime plaster and so on... our new friend Anthony is an amazing green artist, and Amy and I are both helping with the building. I am learning more about construction (and how sore my body can get doing it!). I have "ripped" strips of fir from scrap pieces of milled wood to make half inch strips for lath - we're doing a lath and plaster wall in our shower. Contructed the lath wall, then build a compost bin for our new composting toilet which replaces our old outhouse - did that little "reno" as well. Amy is laying the tiles for the shower area. We are also starting to build a new "carport" from logs, cedar and galvanized metal roof to cover the old trailer and our car. So much to do, so little time!
It has been a busy musical time too, with three little gigs this past weekend. Friday night I played in Nanaimo with my west coast band, including son Josh on bass, a couple of Gabriola musicians and a drummer from Nanaimo. Lots of fun! A short set at the Salmon BBQ on Saturday with Tami and a conga player sitting in, then an afternoon couple of hours with Josh and Tami at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe here on the island. I have been writing new tunes as well, so it's been a creative time.
And it is winding down! Too soon, too soon.
I love being here, and want to be here more! We are thinking of extending our time next year if we can manage it, from May to September. That way we can plant a real garden, vegetables and flowers, and be here for the harvest. We may need to return to Toronto during that time for work and other obligations, but we are leaning towards that goal.
I find living in a beautiful place that is filled with nature is healing, creative, and just right for me. I still go through all the mental contortions and ups and downs, but I am generally happy and at peace. So I want more!! Toronto is a wonderful city, with incredible connections and community that I never want to lose, but after a few months, I am burnt out by the busy-ness and lack of quiet natural environment. Parks are nice, but the island is amazing!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Where does the time go?
We've been on Gabriola for a month now. What??!!! It's just not possible. Now I'm stressed - too much to do, not enough time.
People say: "Isn't that nice you have a two month vacation on Gabriola." I don't mean to sound ungrateful - it's true we have time for the beach and to chill with friends, it's definitely not a rat race. Nevertheless, I can't believe how busy we get, and how much stuff there is to get done here! Between working on our land - cleaning, clearing, fixing, dealing with raccoon in our outside kitchen, planning and executing our improvement projects for the year, planning promoting and performing music gigs, dealing with family stuff all over the place, hosting friends and visitors, and assisting Amy with her workload, it's not vacation - it's living!
This morning we said goodbye to Alan and Iris who visited us from Toronto for the past few days. A wonderful time was had by all! A great visit, and we even composed a song together last night after a little bit of wine and general merriment - Iris was on her game: "I can do what I can do!" I hope we can remember the rest! It's a classic!
Last year's big project was installing a well - boy is that a miracle to have fresh clean water coming from the ground on our land! Especially on Gabriola where water can be scarce - we are very fortunate!
This year's main project is what I call "The Hot Water Pavilion". We are getting ready to build a gazebo kind of structure that will hold a hot water tank, shower area, sink washing area and maybe a washer/dryer (maybe just a washer). The trenches are dug, the area is cleared, a preliminary exterior design has been done, and tomorrow we will start to build the deck. A friend of Josh's from Nanaimo will be the expert, and Amy and I will assist. Once we have hot water, I think we will be complete! Here's a picture of the trench and clearing for the structure:
I performed on Thursday night at The Roxy, an intimate (40 seater) concert/movie theatre space here on Gabriola. Son Josh rocked on the bass, a drummer from Nanaimo Paul Nixon, then a couple of Gabriola locals Brad Shipley on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Tami Blazer on vocals completed the group. We had a very nice turnout of over 35 folks! It was really a great night, everyone was cooking, and the audience was wonderful. I will perform again in Nanaimo at The Red Room on Aug. 6, do a short solo set at the Gabriola Salmon BBQ on Aug. 7, then a casual perforance at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe (thanks for the invite Roger!) on Sunday Aug. 8 from 2-4. I also played a couple of gigs with good friend Frank Patrick, one at the Roxy and one at The Garage Showroom in Duncan. So there's been a lot of musical activity! And of course the above does not include time of playing and creating.
On Wednesday we will take our annual road trip to another area. This year's itinerary will take us to the interior - Nelson B.C. in the Kootenay Valley. Amy has never been there, I haven't been back in over 30 years, and our daughter Lindsay is living there currently. We are looking forward to a beautiful ride and a good visit.
So all is well and exciting and beautiful - this place is too wonderful! We want to be here more! Maybe next year we'll come out late spring and plant a proper garden! For now, I am sitting here at our outside dining room table, listening to the sea wind moving the trees, and enjoying the peaceful quiet of a truly natural surrounding. Here's a couple of more pictures of where I am:
People say: "Isn't that nice you have a two month vacation on Gabriola." I don't mean to sound ungrateful - it's true we have time for the beach and to chill with friends, it's definitely not a rat race. Nevertheless, I can't believe how busy we get, and how much stuff there is to get done here! Between working on our land - cleaning, clearing, fixing, dealing with raccoon in our outside kitchen, planning and executing our improvement projects for the year, planning promoting and performing music gigs, dealing with family stuff all over the place, hosting friends and visitors, and assisting Amy with her workload, it's not vacation - it's living!
This morning we said goodbye to Alan and Iris who visited us from Toronto for the past few days. A wonderful time was had by all! A great visit, and we even composed a song together last night after a little bit of wine and general merriment - Iris was on her game: "I can do what I can do!" I hope we can remember the rest! It's a classic!
Last year's big project was installing a well - boy is that a miracle to have fresh clean water coming from the ground on our land! Especially on Gabriola where water can be scarce - we are very fortunate!
This year's main project is what I call "The Hot Water Pavilion". We are getting ready to build a gazebo kind of structure that will hold a hot water tank, shower area, sink washing area and maybe a washer/dryer (maybe just a washer). The trenches are dug, the area is cleared, a preliminary exterior design has been done, and tomorrow we will start to build the deck. A friend of Josh's from Nanaimo will be the expert, and Amy and I will assist. Once we have hot water, I think we will be complete! Here's a picture of the trench and clearing for the structure:
I performed on Thursday night at The Roxy, an intimate (40 seater) concert/movie theatre space here on Gabriola. Son Josh rocked on the bass, a drummer from Nanaimo Paul Nixon, then a couple of Gabriola locals Brad Shipley on guitar, mandolin and vocals and Tami Blazer on vocals completed the group. We had a very nice turnout of over 35 folks! It was really a great night, everyone was cooking, and the audience was wonderful. I will perform again in Nanaimo at The Red Room on Aug. 6, do a short solo set at the Gabriola Salmon BBQ on Aug. 7, then a casual perforance at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe (thanks for the invite Roger!) on Sunday Aug. 8 from 2-4. I also played a couple of gigs with good friend Frank Patrick, one at the Roxy and one at The Garage Showroom in Duncan. So there's been a lot of musical activity! And of course the above does not include time of playing and creating.
On Wednesday we will take our annual road trip to another area. This year's itinerary will take us to the interior - Nelson B.C. in the Kootenay Valley. Amy has never been there, I haven't been back in over 30 years, and our daughter Lindsay is living there currently. We are looking forward to a beautiful ride and a good visit.
So all is well and exciting and beautiful - this place is too wonderful! We want to be here more! Maybe next year we'll come out late spring and plant a proper garden! For now, I am sitting here at our outside dining room table, listening to the sea wind moving the trees, and enjoying the peaceful quiet of a truly natural surrounding. Here's a couple of more pictures of where I am:
Saturday, July 3, 2010
We arrived on Gabriola on Sunday evening and have been slowly cleaning clearing fixing and organizing our land. It's so great to be back. On Monday I sat with my guitar playing for the trees and a robin who seems to peacefully coexist in our little (unplanted) flower garden. A song popped out "I wanna go back to the island, I wanna go back to my home, I wanna go back to the island, where my soul belongs." Kind of a chant, with verses to come. Simple, easy, good feeling - that's how the island inspires me.
So where is your island? Is it even a place, or more of a space? I suppose I can find it everywhere, but it is difficult to stay in touch with that space while struggling to navigate life, especially in the city. So for me, getting to nature and quiet and beauty puts me back in that space, and heals me.
I was thinking about this place- Gabriola - and Kawagama. Both are islands, both are rich in personal history and growth for me, both create peace within me. What's different? Gabriola is an ocean island, and the Pacific has its own special strength. I can sense the tides rising and falling, and the power of vastness. I can look and see a white-capped Mount Baker 60 miles away to the southeast, or I can round the corner of Drumbeg Park and see the snowy mountains north of Vancouver, and up the Sunshine Coast. So one difference is the vastness of this region. Another is the different wildlife and vegetation here. Eagles and seals and otters, lots of unknown birds (American Goldfinch?), owls and tons of deer wandering through. Some animal ate our almond butter in the middle of the night. How did he open the jar?? Must have been a raccoon, they are so sneaky! Gigantic ferns, shasta daisies growing wild, giant firs and cedars and oh yeah we also have a beautiful maple on our land! Arbutus trees, slugs, general wildness! The other day I walked through the woods to Drumbeg Beach around 6 pm, and saw no-one! A couple of boats and planes out there but not a soul was on the beach. I can't remember the last time I felt that alone with nature! Beautiful.
So here we are, enjoying our place here, seeing old friends and new, and waiting for real summer weather - it's been very cool so far, with some rain, but we understand it will warm up this next week. Stay tuned, and talk to me if you like!
So where is your island? Is it even a place, or more of a space? I suppose I can find it everywhere, but it is difficult to stay in touch with that space while struggling to navigate life, especially in the city. So for me, getting to nature and quiet and beauty puts me back in that space, and heals me.
I was thinking about this place- Gabriola - and Kawagama. Both are islands, both are rich in personal history and growth for me, both create peace within me. What's different? Gabriola is an ocean island, and the Pacific has its own special strength. I can sense the tides rising and falling, and the power of vastness. I can look and see a white-capped Mount Baker 60 miles away to the southeast, or I can round the corner of Drumbeg Park and see the snowy mountains north of Vancouver, and up the Sunshine Coast. So one difference is the vastness of this region. Another is the different wildlife and vegetation here. Eagles and seals and otters, lots of unknown birds (American Goldfinch?), owls and tons of deer wandering through. Some animal ate our almond butter in the middle of the night. How did he open the jar?? Must have been a raccoon, they are so sneaky! Gigantic ferns, shasta daisies growing wild, giant firs and cedars and oh yeah we also have a beautiful maple on our land! Arbutus trees, slugs, general wildness! The other day I walked through the woods to Drumbeg Beach around 6 pm, and saw no-one! A couple of boats and planes out there but not a soul was on the beach. I can't remember the last time I felt that alone with nature! Beautiful.
So here we are, enjoying our place here, seeing old friends and new, and waiting for real summer weather - it's been very cool so far, with some rain, but we understand it will warm up this next week. Stay tuned, and talk to me if you like!
Monday, June 7, 2010
My last two weekends have been especially full. Let me tell you about the first one.
The last weekend of May I joined five other men at our old summer camp site for a volunteer work (and play) weekend. I say old summer camp site, because it's not the same camp, only the same island.
It was Camp Kawagama, near Dorset, Ontario, on beautiful Kawagama lake, and it was very significant in my life. I spent eleven summers there, from the time I was a first year camper at 7 years old, to first year counsellor at 17. And then the camp shut down and was purchased by a non-profit organization who formed Camp Moorelands. Camp Kawagama was a full-service camp for priveleged (mostly) Jewish kids - by full service I mean all the activities you could shake a stick at - canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, horseback riding (!), incredible drama productions, canoe tripping and of course, lots of social activity as well. I absolutely loved camp! I used to say I lived at camp and only visited Toronto for the ten months between summers. I formed deep friendships there, some of which have lasted over 40 years. I met my first wife there, and we were teenage sweethearts. I learned so many skills, including canoeing, horseback riding, drama, baseball, basketball, canoe tripping, sailing, water-skiing, music and lots more. And now as I look back, I realize that the natural beauty, quiet and serenity made a deep impact on me, and provided some of my strongest early inclinations towards spiritual seeking. Nature is the door to silencing the mind, and even at a young age I was inspired by that silence.
We had a great weekend, a full day of work building twelve new benches for the dining hall, with time for swimming, eating and drinking, reminiscing, and connecting with the wonderful people who run the camp now. It is an incredible place that offers kids from inner city environments the opportunity to experience summer camp for the first time. The staff are part counsellors, part social workers, and the mission of the camp is to help children who have come from difficult situations to build social skills and to give and receive respect, while learning how to do things we take for granted, like swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, sailing, windsurfing, baseball, basketball, tennis, and more. I would love to do more volunteer work there, and make it a yearly event.
I am very connected to Gabriola, one of the Gulf Islands in B.C. Being on Kawagama Island last week really made me realize that it was my first "Gabriola" and it planted the seeds for my connection with natural beauty, which always heals my soul. If you would like to check out the fabulous work being done there now, visit http://www.moorelands.org/wilderness-camp.php.
The last weekend of May I joined five other men at our old summer camp site for a volunteer work (and play) weekend. I say old summer camp site, because it's not the same camp, only the same island.
It was Camp Kawagama, near Dorset, Ontario, on beautiful Kawagama lake, and it was very significant in my life. I spent eleven summers there, from the time I was a first year camper at 7 years old, to first year counsellor at 17. And then the camp shut down and was purchased by a non-profit organization who formed Camp Moorelands. Camp Kawagama was a full-service camp for priveleged (mostly) Jewish kids - by full service I mean all the activities you could shake a stick at - canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, horseback riding (!), incredible drama productions, canoe tripping and of course, lots of social activity as well. I absolutely loved camp! I used to say I lived at camp and only visited Toronto for the ten months between summers. I formed deep friendships there, some of which have lasted over 40 years. I met my first wife there, and we were teenage sweethearts. I learned so many skills, including canoeing, horseback riding, drama, baseball, basketball, canoe tripping, sailing, water-skiing, music and lots more. And now as I look back, I realize that the natural beauty, quiet and serenity made a deep impact on me, and provided some of my strongest early inclinations towards spiritual seeking. Nature is the door to silencing the mind, and even at a young age I was inspired by that silence.
We had a great weekend, a full day of work building twelve new benches for the dining hall, with time for swimming, eating and drinking, reminiscing, and connecting with the wonderful people who run the camp now. It is an incredible place that offers kids from inner city environments the opportunity to experience summer camp for the first time. The staff are part counsellors, part social workers, and the mission of the camp is to help children who have come from difficult situations to build social skills and to give and receive respect, while learning how to do things we take for granted, like swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, sailing, windsurfing, baseball, basketball, tennis, and more. I would love to do more volunteer work there, and make it a yearly event.
I am very connected to Gabriola, one of the Gulf Islands in B.C. Being on Kawagama Island last week really made me realize that it was my first "Gabriola" and it planted the seeds for my connection with natural beauty, which always heals my soul. If you would like to check out the fabulous work being done there now, visit http://www.moorelands.org/wilderness-camp.php.
Monday, May 24, 2010
New York state of mind
Amy and I drove to the New York area Thursday, and I am currently sitting at a Borders cafe in Danbury Connecticut waiting for Amy. New York area has an interesting vibe, which attracts and repels me at the same time. Where else can you visit three states within a half hour? We were visiting friends in Fort Lee New Jersey, crossed the George Washington Bridge into New York, then headed north to Connecticut where her brother and mother live.
There are definitely possibilities here. We have a lot of friends and relatives all over the place, from Manhatten to Westhampton to New Jersey to Connecticut. Amy has work potential if she wants. There is an active music scene (of course!). Action action action! So this attracts.
This area seems to really run on money. Either you have a lot and want more, or don't have enough and want more. People run and run and run (I thought Toronto was frenetic! It's sleepy in comparison). In the circles I have been moving, material concerns seem to dominate. Of course, I know there is everything here, but this is what seems to predominate.
Upon reflection, I realize that I am moving in the other direction. I think my favourite moments have been at brother-in-law Michael and Lisa's place outside of Stamford. Though I wouldn't say it is totally out in the woods, for the first time in a while I experienced the healing energy of quiet, trees and birds, and a beautiful peaceful natural environment. This is what I most crave, this is what puts me in touch with the divine energy, and this is where I most feel my soul. Nature is the easiest way to connect to the soul. We have been in Toronto for a while without leaving for "nature", and these few hours in "the woods" remind me of where my heart is.
So for me the trick is finding the balance between working for material and other gains, being busy trying to "accomplish", and having the time and space to be truly in the moment. They can happen together, but I tend to get caught up in the treadmill, and after a while my mind begins the loop of "I'm not doing enough, I'm not successful enough, I don't have enough, I'm not good enough" and so on.
Do you find that too?
I know I can find the stillness in Toronto, or Manhatten or Delhi or anywhere. I know that spirit is everywhere, always available, always present, and that I cover it up with mental energy and forget to access it wherever I am. So this is the work I am doing on myself, to always remember to tune into that healing natural divine energy wherever I am.
Looking forward to returning to Toronto later this evening. Also looking forward to my upcoming concert, video recording event June 5. Also looking forward to B.C. days coming soon! Lots of good stuff going on, and I need to remember!
There are definitely possibilities here. We have a lot of friends and relatives all over the place, from Manhatten to Westhampton to New Jersey to Connecticut. Amy has work potential if she wants. There is an active music scene (of course!). Action action action! So this attracts.
This area seems to really run on money. Either you have a lot and want more, or don't have enough and want more. People run and run and run (I thought Toronto was frenetic! It's sleepy in comparison). In the circles I have been moving, material concerns seem to dominate. Of course, I know there is everything here, but this is what seems to predominate.
Upon reflection, I realize that I am moving in the other direction. I think my favourite moments have been at brother-in-law Michael and Lisa's place outside of Stamford. Though I wouldn't say it is totally out in the woods, for the first time in a while I experienced the healing energy of quiet, trees and birds, and a beautiful peaceful natural environment. This is what I most crave, this is what puts me in touch with the divine energy, and this is where I most feel my soul. Nature is the easiest way to connect to the soul. We have been in Toronto for a while without leaving for "nature", and these few hours in "the woods" remind me of where my heart is.
So for me the trick is finding the balance between working for material and other gains, being busy trying to "accomplish", and having the time and space to be truly in the moment. They can happen together, but I tend to get caught up in the treadmill, and after a while my mind begins the loop of "I'm not doing enough, I'm not successful enough, I don't have enough, I'm not good enough" and so on.
Do you find that too?
I know I can find the stillness in Toronto, or Manhatten or Delhi or anywhere. I know that spirit is everywhere, always available, always present, and that I cover it up with mental energy and forget to access it wherever I am. So this is the work I am doing on myself, to always remember to tune into that healing natural divine energy wherever I am.
Looking forward to returning to Toronto later this evening. Also looking forward to my upcoming concert, video recording event June 5. Also looking forward to B.C. days coming soon! Lots of good stuff going on, and I need to remember!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Catching up
Hello fellow bloggers and blog readers!
I have been remiss - haven't posted in weeks, and lots has been happening, so let's get up to date:
Musical activities have included coaching my students, which is fun and rewarding for me, and I hope for them too! I am learning as I teach, and each student has their own goals, desires, strengths and areas of weakness or lacking experience really. So I am trying to help them to strengthen those areas and enjoy themselves as much as possible. I would love to see this little practice grow, so any of you out there who play or sing and want to grow your music, individually or in little groups, please contact me and let's talk...
I led a little musical service at our synagogue - Darchei Noam - last Shabbat, featuring lots of Shlomo melodies, and stories about our experiences in India related to spirituality, teachers and the oneness of all beings. We also talked (it was really interactive) about how it is more difficult here in Toronto to openly talk or display our spiritual energies, outside of religious places, yoga, meditation classes and so on. And how even saying hello to people can connect our spirits together (thanks Amy!). I asked everyone to think about one teacher who has inspired them in their lives, and to talk a little about thatn and I spoke about many teachers who have helped me. We sang together, we took some time to breathe and be silent. It was a really nice experience for me (and hopefully for others). I hope to do it again.
I also was the "Wedding Pianist" for the daughter of a friend, whose main request was for the cocktail hour after the ceremony: "Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Bob Marley". Well okay - it could be a lot worse! Of course, playing an hour of Marley tunes on solo piano, no microphone, 400 people, no vocals, is a little challenging, but I did get to work up 11 or 12 Marley tunes, which were fun to play. Hope everyone enjoyed them! Nice wedding too, sweet couple, lots of happiness! I wish them well! So I am opening up to more types of performance opportunities as I continue to focus on music as a means of living (is that an oxymoron?). Well, slowly slowly, and it's fun!
And I have this special concert coming up June 5 at Marigold Studios, with Andy Frank and his team coming in to record with 3 HD video cameras. So hopefully I will finally have some professional quality video of my tunes that I can post to the web and get out there a little further. Andy is with Roots Music Canada, a great organization with Andy and Dave Newland as main inspirational leaders. Check out rootsmusic.ca to see some of the great work they are doing to champion Canadian original music artists. I am getting more involved with this group, seeing if I can assist with sales and marketing initiatives. I think they really have something!
I also wanted to share that since my return from India, I have managed to keep a piece of that light alive - though it sometimes is hard to feel. I have deepened my Yoga practice, doing more daily, sitting to meditate daily, and remembering to breathe and be in that state during the day wherever I am as often as I can. This is making a real difference in my outlook on life and its ups and downs. When I tune into that space, everything is good, problems are not of the moment, only in the past and future, and now is perfect. So this is my practice. I am not a yogi! I break lots of yogi rules (whatever they are), but I do practice Yoga in many forms and it is an important part of my life. I highly recommend it!
So that's what I wanted to share today. Above: Pic of Amy, me and our grandson Oscar at the ROM in April. Speak soon!
I have been remiss - haven't posted in weeks, and lots has been happening, so let's get up to date:
Musical activities have included coaching my students, which is fun and rewarding for me, and I hope for them too! I am learning as I teach, and each student has their own goals, desires, strengths and areas of weakness or lacking experience really. So I am trying to help them to strengthen those areas and enjoy themselves as much as possible. I would love to see this little practice grow, so any of you out there who play or sing and want to grow your music, individually or in little groups, please contact me and let's talk...
I led a little musical service at our synagogue - Darchei Noam - last Shabbat, featuring lots of Shlomo melodies, and stories about our experiences in India related to spirituality, teachers and the oneness of all beings. We also talked (it was really interactive) about how it is more difficult here in Toronto to openly talk or display our spiritual energies, outside of religious places, yoga, meditation classes and so on. And how even saying hello to people can connect our spirits together (thanks Amy!). I asked everyone to think about one teacher who has inspired them in their lives, and to talk a little about thatn and I spoke about many teachers who have helped me. We sang together, we took some time to breathe and be silent. It was a really nice experience for me (and hopefully for others). I hope to do it again.
I also was the "Wedding Pianist" for the daughter of a friend, whose main request was for the cocktail hour after the ceremony: "Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Bob Marley". Well okay - it could be a lot worse! Of course, playing an hour of Marley tunes on solo piano, no microphone, 400 people, no vocals, is a little challenging, but I did get to work up 11 or 12 Marley tunes, which were fun to play. Hope everyone enjoyed them! Nice wedding too, sweet couple, lots of happiness! I wish them well! So I am opening up to more types of performance opportunities as I continue to focus on music as a means of living (is that an oxymoron?). Well, slowly slowly, and it's fun!
And I have this special concert coming up June 5 at Marigold Studios, with Andy Frank and his team coming in to record with 3 HD video cameras. So hopefully I will finally have some professional quality video of my tunes that I can post to the web and get out there a little further. Andy is with Roots Music Canada, a great organization with Andy and Dave Newland as main inspirational leaders. Check out rootsmusic.ca to see some of the great work they are doing to champion Canadian original music artists. I am getting more involved with this group, seeing if I can assist with sales and marketing initiatives. I think they really have something!
I also wanted to share that since my return from India, I have managed to keep a piece of that light alive - though it sometimes is hard to feel. I have deepened my Yoga practice, doing more daily, sitting to meditate daily, and remembering to breathe and be in that state during the day wherever I am as often as I can. This is making a real difference in my outlook on life and its ups and downs. When I tune into that space, everything is good, problems are not of the moment, only in the past and future, and now is perfect. So this is my practice. I am not a yogi! I break lots of yogi rules (whatever they are), but I do practice Yoga in many forms and it is an important part of my life. I highly recommend it!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Catching up
I've been a recalcitrant blogger - I apologize. I will try to be more regular in my posts.
It's not that there isn't a lot happening. In fact I've been feeling overwhelmed by activity over the past couple of weeks. But this time of reflection and sharing is important for me, and there is lots to share, after all.
First of all, we had a really nice gig at The Annex Live last Saturday night, April 10. I debuted some new tunes and some new band members. Les Hoffman added his amazing guitar parts and excitement, and even pulled out a banjo for one tune (Sing for Your Supper). Ed Ham was excellent on the drums and vocals, and the energy was there with everyone including Dave McManus on bass and Shira Gellman on trombone vocals, and a little set of her tunes on guitar and vocals. And each of the other members did a tune, including a swinging Django Reinhart tune from Les that allowed be to pull out the fiddle for some gypsy licks, which is a lot of fun for me.
And it was a very good turnout too! I sense momentum building in my humble offerings, and it is gratifying to have so many friends show up and enjoy the music. I reconnected with a couple of people from my youth who came - I hadn't seen them in over thirty-five years! And this is happening more and more. In the past week I have reconnected with at least four people from high school days, and it feels like a flow is happening in this direction, which leads to more and more connections and so on. Great stuff! And the people who came represented four generations, from Muriel Silverman at 88 years old to my cousin Hanlan who is 11. She loves my CD, and I watched her singing along to A Love Like Yours. How great is that? Thanks to everyone who comes out to share this music! I truly appreciate your support, and your enjoyment sparks my enjoyment even more.
It is a creative time for me. I wasn't too worried about not writing songs all through last year. There were ideas, a couple of instrumentals, but the words got stuck. (See my blog post of Nov 10 called "Song trapped in my heart".) Through this period I remembered that creativity takes many forms, and that at the right time, the words will flow. And so they are. I am currently completing two new songs and a third is started, plus a new instrumental.
I am also growing this music coaching practice. I have a few students now, and am really enjoying this work. I am also offering group Music Workshops to put people together to play and learn music, so slowly slowly this is gaining momentum as well. And I am staying focused on music as my work, which is great in every way except financial. And I believe that this too will come! I am trying to remember to create and coach and perform and give and give and give, and not be too concerned about results and receiving. As we give, we receive, and the universe will provide.
Lastly, I am finally getting out of lone wolf mode and starting to connect with like-minded people involved with music, like my friend Andy Frank and my new friend Dave Newland of Roots Music Canada. These guys are true champions of Canadian independent music and musicians, and have created presence for us all through their web site, their wonderful video work and social networking expertise. I have met with them a couple of times now, and we are looking at developing a deeper working relationship, where I can offer them my services in a sales and marketing role in exchange for their help in video, social networking, and so on. Stay tuned. I am excited about this opportunity! These are "real" people who are doing it for the love of music and musicians, and support for their work is definitely growing. Check out http://www.rootsmusic.ca/.
Back at you soon! ~P
It's not that there isn't a lot happening. In fact I've been feeling overwhelmed by activity over the past couple of weeks. But this time of reflection and sharing is important for me, and there is lots to share, after all.
First of all, we had a really nice gig at The Annex Live last Saturday night, April 10. I debuted some new tunes and some new band members. Les Hoffman added his amazing guitar parts and excitement, and even pulled out a banjo for one tune (Sing for Your Supper). Ed Ham was excellent on the drums and vocals, and the energy was there with everyone including Dave McManus on bass and Shira Gellman on trombone vocals, and a little set of her tunes on guitar and vocals. And each of the other members did a tune, including a swinging Django Reinhart tune from Les that allowed be to pull out the fiddle for some gypsy licks, which is a lot of fun for me.
And it was a very good turnout too! I sense momentum building in my humble offerings, and it is gratifying to have so many friends show up and enjoy the music. I reconnected with a couple of people from my youth who came - I hadn't seen them in over thirty-five years! And this is happening more and more. In the past week I have reconnected with at least four people from high school days, and it feels like a flow is happening in this direction, which leads to more and more connections and so on. Great stuff! And the people who came represented four generations, from Muriel Silverman at 88 years old to my cousin Hanlan who is 11. She loves my CD, and I watched her singing along to A Love Like Yours. How great is that? Thanks to everyone who comes out to share this music! I truly appreciate your support, and your enjoyment sparks my enjoyment even more.
It is a creative time for me. I wasn't too worried about not writing songs all through last year. There were ideas, a couple of instrumentals, but the words got stuck. (See my blog post of Nov 10 called "Song trapped in my heart".) Through this period I remembered that creativity takes many forms, and that at the right time, the words will flow. And so they are. I am currently completing two new songs and a third is started, plus a new instrumental.
I am also growing this music coaching practice. I have a few students now, and am really enjoying this work. I am also offering group Music Workshops to put people together to play and learn music, so slowly slowly this is gaining momentum as well. And I am staying focused on music as my work, which is great in every way except financial. And I believe that this too will come! I am trying to remember to create and coach and perform and give and give and give, and not be too concerned about results and receiving. As we give, we receive, and the universe will provide.
Lastly, I am finally getting out of lone wolf mode and starting to connect with like-minded people involved with music, like my friend Andy Frank and my new friend Dave Newland of Roots Music Canada. These guys are true champions of Canadian independent music and musicians, and have created presence for us all through their web site, their wonderful video work and social networking expertise. I have met with them a couple of times now, and we are looking at developing a deeper working relationship, where I can offer them my services in a sales and marketing role in exchange for their help in video, social networking, and so on. Stay tuned. I am excited about this opportunity! These are "real" people who are doing it for the love of music and musicians, and support for their work is definitely growing. Check out http://www.rootsmusic.ca/.
Back at you soon! ~P
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Reflections on Toronto
We're baaack!
We returned from India in the middle of March, and now it's April! It took a couple of weeks to adjust, and I am really noticing the differences between my experience in India, and my experience here in Toronto.
My wife Amy always says hello to people everywhere. In an elevator, in the park, in stores, it doesn't matter. Sometimes I roll my eyes, but almost invariably, I see people light up with a genuine smile. I find that many people here in Toronto are hiding their light, and it takes someone like Amy to get them to let it out a little.
In India, in spite of material poverty, pollution, over-crowding, garbage everywhere, corruption and so on, people generally are bright-eyed and open (not as much in big cities I might add). They are smiling at us, the visitors, asking "What is your good name?", "What is your country?", "How are you enjoying India?", "Where have you been?". Genuine interest and friendliness for no other reason than to share a little spirit with us.
So without romanticizing or being to cheezy, wouldn't it be nice if we could all take a deep breath here in Toronto, and smile at each other! The light is here as much as it is there, but it's hidden by traffic jams, rushing around the rat race, worry, fear, anger and all the other negative factors that hide our light. Light is everywhere, so let's shine! This moment is beautiful, the past is done, and the future doesn't exist. Enjoy!
We returned from India in the middle of March, and now it's April! It took a couple of weeks to adjust, and I am really noticing the differences between my experience in India, and my experience here in Toronto.
My wife Amy always says hello to people everywhere. In an elevator, in the park, in stores, it doesn't matter. Sometimes I roll my eyes, but almost invariably, I see people light up with a genuine smile. I find that many people here in Toronto are hiding their light, and it takes someone like Amy to get them to let it out a little.
In India, in spite of material poverty, pollution, over-crowding, garbage everywhere, corruption and so on, people generally are bright-eyed and open (not as much in big cities I might add). They are smiling at us, the visitors, asking "What is your good name?", "What is your country?", "How are you enjoying India?", "Where have you been?". Genuine interest and friendliness for no other reason than to share a little spirit with us.
So without romanticizing or being to cheezy, wouldn't it be nice if we could all take a deep breath here in Toronto, and smile at each other! The light is here as much as it is there, but it's hidden by traffic jams, rushing around the rat race, worry, fear, anger and all the other negative factors that hide our light. Light is everywhere, so let's shine! This moment is beautiful, the past is done, and the future doesn't exist. Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Kullu
We took a local bus to Chandigarh from Rishikesh on Thursday afternoon, about 6 hours. Arrived at 7 pm to catch the “Deluxe Bus” from Chandigarh to Kullu overnight. Not a sleeper bus – they don’t seem to exist in the north, but deluxe nonetheless with soft seats that recline and your own space in the two seats you purchase. It was not to be. The bus which originates in Delhi was full, so we had the choice of the local bus overnight, or hire a taxi for 2000 Rs or so (around $50). We (perhaps foolishly) opted for the local bus. It was crammed! We got into the bus and there was no place to put our backpacks. We were told to bring them to our seats! So they stayed on the floor in the aisle beside our seats. We didn’t actually get the seats we purchased (another story) so spent the night uncomfortably, with very little sleep. We arrived in Kullu Friday morning at 5:30 am and spent the day recuperating with our friends Jerome and Beth.
Then came Saturday. We attended Saturday Satsang with the "Guru of Kullu", Swami Shyam. Beth and Jerome had told us how excited everyone was to meet us, but we were totally unprepared for the reception we received. First of all there were three or four people I knew from 35 – 38 years ago! My old classmate in first year French at U of T – Catherine (now Kholyani) has been in Kullu for more than 20 years! It was wonderful to see her again. She in fact was one reason I went to Gabriola the first time, and Gabriola was the first place I heard about Swami Shyam and “Shyamspace”.
Well to say we were guests of honour does not nearly describe the experience. When Swami emerged the first thing he said was “Hello everyone, who is here visiting us today?” And Beth came up to the podium area and introduced Amy and me and expressed her excitement at having us there. Then Jerome came up to express his welcome, then another dozen people, all with various connections to us, either direct or very indirect came up to offer welcome. Then Amy was invited up, then I, offering flowers to Swamiji. It was overwhelming and very emotional for me. I could not imagine the energy that was being showered on Amy and me. There was so much joy and love and excitement, I can't remember ever experiencing a welcome like that.
And Swami spoke for about an hour, and it seemed that he reflected on our being here and the words we had spoken, and incorporated them into his Satsang. He laughed a lot, told stories and offered wisdom of the oneness of all. It is the same message we receive over and over and over – there is one message, and that is that the real self is not this body, mind, or personality. The real self is eternal, unborn, undying, forever blissful and always there and available to access in the stillness. Each teacher along the way expresses it differently, but the message is the same. We are one, there is only the one pure love, everything else is transitory, illusory, not totally real. And the more we can use the tools to tune into that one space, the more true happiness and peace we can experience.
Of course, I am not the kind of person who surrenders my will to another person, or who worships a human being, be it a realized being or not. Still, I truly appreciate being in the presence of these teachers who seem to experience that state of bliss all the time, and who help us to attain that space as well.
After Satsang, Swamiji invited several of us to tea, so we had another couple of hours of enjoyment and learning. By the end of that time, I felt blasted, light-headed, wobbly. I knew I had to go slowly, as my legs were a little like jelly. It was just so much energy all at once, I was overwhelmed! We went across the street (not far thankfully) and had some soup and other food which helped bring me back to earth. What a day!
Sunday was the festival of Holi. It is a big party, sort of like Hindu Purim (which by the way also starts today! Funny about that!). The Indian men get very drunk, cover each other with colourful powders and coloured water, and generally go crazy for the day. We were warned to stay indoors! And so we had our own little party and quiet time, which was much needed. In the evening we will celebrate Holi with Swami, play some music and as always, enjoy Satsang. It seems that whenever people get together here, it is an opportunity for Satsang, or “The Company of Truth”. And so the topic almost always gets around to the pure spirit of love that exists always and forever. Not a bad topic for discussion! I am really enjoying being in this space and continuing to experience the deepening of the practice of accessing the soul’s state of bliss. What could be better than that?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Oddities
Rishikesh:
1) I bought some bananas and oranges from a stall, cost 40 Rs. I gave him 100 Rs, and he didn’t have change. He walked over to one of the beggars sitting on the steps nearby to get change.
2) We happen to have a television in our hotel room. I woke up yesterday around 7 am to watch the last two periods of the Canada U.S. Olympic hockey game (we lost!). Watching the Vancouver Olympics in Rishikesh!
3) I am starting to recognize some of the cows.
4) Lakshman Jhula is a beautiful hanging footbridge that takes you from the west bank to the east bank of the Ganges. It is about 2 metres wide, and can get crowded with people coming and going. And with motorcycles, freely wandering cows and monkeys trying to get through!
5) We go most mornings for Satsang with Prem Baba, a guru who is from Brazil, speaks Portuguese with English translation, and who also incorporates Brazilian Shamanic traditions in his teachings.
What a world! What a life!
1) I bought some bananas and oranges from a stall, cost 40 Rs. I gave him 100 Rs, and he didn’t have change. He walked over to one of the beggars sitting on the steps nearby to get change.
2) We happen to have a television in our hotel room. I woke up yesterday around 7 am to watch the last two periods of the Canada U.S. Olympic hockey game (we lost!). Watching the Vancouver Olympics in Rishikesh!
3) I am starting to recognize some of the cows.
4) Lakshman Jhula is a beautiful hanging footbridge that takes you from the west bank to the east bank of the Ganges. It is about 2 metres wide, and can get crowded with people coming and going. And with motorcycles, freely wandering cows and monkeys trying to get through!
5) We go most mornings for Satsang with Prem Baba, a guru who is from Brazil, speaks Portuguese with English translation, and who also incorporates Brazilian Shamanic traditions in his teachings.
What a world! What a life!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Yoga
I missed a Yoga class this morning, so I decided to practice on my own, on the roof our hotel, overlooking the Ganges (not too hard to take!). I realize how much my Yoga practice is deepening since I have been in India. And Yoga is not only asanas (postures) and stretching. For me, Yoga is breathing, chanting, meditation, selfless service, purification, contemplation, concentration, stretching, and more! So it is life changing for me.
Ever since our time in Kochi where I did daily classes with Yoga Master Sajee, I feel different. First of all, I feel my body is more open and relaxed. I can stretch more than ever and do some difficult positions with ease and relaxation. My breathing is also more open, I am more conscious of my breathing. The chanting I have been doing is sticking in my mind. With no instruments available for me to play, I find myself singing the chants we repeated for many minutes. Also some Hebrew melodies come into my head. I sat at a beautiful spot on the Ganges by some rapids, and started singing some of my own songs. Meditation is easier, and happens during the regular day, much of the time.
Of course, I still lose it! There have been some crazy moments here, and it's not all bliss and grooviness. But overall, the effect on me has been powerful and positive. I am opening up to life, my heart is open, and I believe that if I follow my heart, my highest intuition, my highest self, I will find the best path for me to pursue in my life at this time. I am still concerned about making money, working, dealing with all the ups and downs of life in Canada, and I am hoping I can maintain this clearer space, with work and concentration of course, when we return in March.
Life is wonderful, there is so much love, I am so thankful for my life. I am so thankful for this adventure with my wonderful partner Amy, and for the growth we are both experiencing, together and separately. As Prem Baba said: "God comes to you when you are alone. God is in the silence, the solitude. And relationships are the university of life". Amen! Swaha!
Ever since our time in Kochi where I did daily classes with Yoga Master Sajee, I feel different. First of all, I feel my body is more open and relaxed. I can stretch more than ever and do some difficult positions with ease and relaxation. My breathing is also more open, I am more conscious of my breathing. The chanting I have been doing is sticking in my mind. With no instruments available for me to play, I find myself singing the chants we repeated for many minutes. Also some Hebrew melodies come into my head. I sat at a beautiful spot on the Ganges by some rapids, and started singing some of my own songs. Meditation is easier, and happens during the regular day, much of the time.
Of course, I still lose it! There have been some crazy moments here, and it's not all bliss and grooviness. But overall, the effect on me has been powerful and positive. I am opening up to life, my heart is open, and I believe that if I follow my heart, my highest intuition, my highest self, I will find the best path for me to pursue in my life at this time. I am still concerned about making money, working, dealing with all the ups and downs of life in Canada, and I am hoping I can maintain this clearer space, with work and concentration of course, when we return in March.
Life is wonderful, there is so much love, I am so thankful for my life. I am so thankful for this adventure with my wonderful partner Amy, and for the growth we are both experiencing, together and separately. As Prem Baba said: "God comes to you when you are alone. God is in the silence, the solitude. And relationships are the university of life". Amen! Swaha!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Jam
One evening after yoga (and dinner!) our teacher Sajee invited some of his musical friends over “to jam”. I didn’t know what to expect. Earlier, Sajee presented me with his daughter’s violin and asked me to change the strings so I could play it. It was a ¾ size fiddle, with a bow that may never have touched rosin. The men came with harmonium, tabla, some wooden flutes and beautiful voices. After an initial “tune-up” improvisation I played in D minor, one man informed me that they would play a raga in C# minor. Now C# minor is very difficult for me to play on the fiddle, so I kind of droned along. After the first raga was finished, he said that for South Indian music, C# is the most natural key, and they mostly play black notes on the harmonium, not white. He suggested I tune the fiddle down a half step so I could play in my more natural D scale. That made a huge difference. Next he schooled me in the raga form, showing me the scale of each raga, having me repeat after him. Then he would say: “This is the BG so now go ahead!” as if I had a clue what “BG” meant. After a while I gathered that BG signifies the main them of the raga, and is used to introduce the melody on a melody instrument – fiddle, harmonium, flute, etc.
Well it’s a good thing I know my scales a little bit as I was slowly able to catch on with his prodding as to when I was supposed to “fly”, and I was for the most part able to stay with the scale without too many flubs. I did the best I could, and they applauded my efforts.
I started the evening facing the other musicians across the circle. After the first few they beckoned me to sit in the middle of their group. And so it went. I could follow pretty well for the most part, and it was great fun.
There I was playing a squeaky ¾ size child’s violin with no rosin on the bow, trying to keep up to these guys, for whom these strange snaking melodies are simple as breathing! What a learning experience!
I’m sure glad I had a fiddle to play – definitely the right instrument to attempt ragas in that gathering!
I remember someone asking me if I planned to study Indian music during our time here. It hadn’t really occurred to me, and I think I answered that I would probably be more involved in Western music, with some exposure to Indian music as well. Well, I did learn a lot about Indian music and the raga form.
The picture below is also from that night, Alycia our Yoga buddy and “adopted” daughter from Vancouver, Amy and Sajee the Yoga Master.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rishikesh
The north is very different, and Rishikesh is amazing. A friend told us we had to go to Rishikesh, it is “the Jerusalem of India”. Now I can see what she meant, though for me, it reminds me more of Tzfat. It is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by high green hills, and divided by the flowing green waters of the Ganges, the holiest river in India. And because it is near the source of the river, the Himalaya mountains, it is clean and clear – good healing water. Rishikesh is a dichotomy, with literally hundreds of temples, ashrams and Yoga and Meditation centres. It attracts spiritual seekers from all over India and the world. And so, it also attracts a Disneyland of commercialization. Can you imagine? The Ashram Store, The Third Eye Café (sounds appetizing), shops and kiosks wall to wall, “sadhus” grabbing you to apply a coloured bindi to your forehead before asking for 100 Rupees. Fake Yogis, dozens of sadhus begging at every temple. Rishiskesh is a trip.
I love it here, and could easily spend longer than the few days to a week we have. Yesterday we met our first guru in India, Prem Baba, who delivered a beautiful satsang in Portuguese with an English translator. He is from Brazil, and combines Brazilian Shamanic traditions with Hindu practice. His energy was absolutely beautiful, his smile was completely open, and I really got a buzz from him and from the energy of the people who came to see him. There were at least ten people playing instruments and chanting, people dancing, just a ton of good energy. We’ll go again this morning.
We also had a good yoga class at an ashram near the hotel where we are staying. There are many ashram possibilities and we are considering spending three days in one.
Rishikesh is a very holy city, a power spot. Last night we attended Ganga Arti, which is a nightly ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. About ten people lead prayers and chants amplified for everyone around to hear. Then, candles and lamps are lit, and many are set afloat on the Ganges as the ceremony ends. It reminded me of the Jewish Tashlich ceremony during High Holidays where we cast bread crumbs into the river to release our sins. Beautiful.
The food is all vegetarian, and delicious! There is no alcohol here. There is no western music anywhere. I met a musician from Italy and we are trying to find a way to jam together, but many ashrams and gathering places are not open to anything but sacred music.
Today we are going with a Spanish woman we met yesterday and an Indian man she knows to experience Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, about 30 kms away. Kumbh Mela happens every four years in different holy spots, and this year it is in Haridwar. Over a million pilgrims come at some point between mid January and mid April. Today is a special day, with bathing in the Ganges the main focus. It will be a mob scene, but since we happen to be here at this time, I really want to experience it at least for the day. Then we’ll escape back to the relative quiet of Rishikesh.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ashram Experience
Amy and I rented a motorcycle (Royal Enfield) to be exact for 400 Rs/day (about $10). We traveled 3 1/2 hours to Neyyar Dam from Varkala, avoiding buses rickshaws potholes and animals along the way. We planned to spend two nights at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, since we had to get back to Varkala to catch an early train three days later.
When we arrived, we were informed that the minimum stay is three nights, so we had to pay for three nights. There was a lot of paperwork, including pages of policies, procedures and rules that put me off. Nevertheless we had gone to a lot of trouble and effort to get there, so we signed on.
The Ashram is beautiful, next to a fresh water reservoir (hence Neyyar Dam), surrounded by lush hills. There is an Lion Safari Park across the lake, and as we did our yoga class on a pad by the lake we could hear the lions calling. The day is quite full and busy, wake up at 5:30, Meditation and Chanting and Satsang from 6-7:30, then tea, then yoga from 8 - 10 am, then brunch in a dining hall, sitting on the floor and eating satvic vegetarian food with our right hand. After brunch comes Karma Yoga (Selfless Service), where we volunteer to do chores - I helped sweep and wash the floors of the dining hall. A little free time - we went swimming. Then a lecture on Yoga from 2-3:30 pm, another Yoga class from 3:30 - 5:30. Dinner at 6, Satsang, Meditation and Chanting 8 - 9:30, lights out at 10.
I was starting to get into the swing of things, the Yoga was great, it was wonderful to chant and meditate with hundreds of people. There were things I loved, and there were things I had problems with. For one thing, I am not a Hindu, and there is a ton of Hindu practice going on, including prostrations to various deities, as well as to people who are either teachers or sadhus at the Ashram. Not for me. And the restrictions on coming and going were also a problem. We had to fill out paperwork and get an "Out Pass" before the security guard at the gate would let us out. We were not allowed to leaved Satsang in the middle, had to stay till the end, and so on.
What was great was doing Yoga so intensively, and by Yoga I mean practicing the eight limbs, not just physical. There is a strong spiritual element and a lot of focus on mind control. And though I was unfamiliar and even a little uncomfortable with all the Sanskrit chanting, I have been chanting to myself ever since we left - a real earworm. "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya..." So it's powerful stuff!
We got a good taste, not sure if I would return, but we will have an opportunity to visit several ashrams here in Rishikesh to check them out. I understand that some allow you to come and go as you please, and to participate as you wish. Still rules of conduct I am sure, but that will likely work better for me.
So yes, we have left the south of India, which was not easy! I love the south of India. We took a rickshaw to a train to a rickshaw to a plane to a rickshaw to an overnight train to Haridwar to a rickshaw to Rishikesh! 27 hours total. It is Kumbh Mela time in this region, and a million pilgrims are expected in Hardiwar. Thousands of large tents set up in camps as we drove through this morning, the largest religious festival in the world which happens every four years. This year it's Hardiwar. It was cold here this morning, but now it's sunny and warm. We are recuperating today, catching up, and checking out the sites of Rishikesh.
Stay tuned...
More to come...
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Varkala
Arrived in Varkala. From place to place everything is arranged. Our host Matthew in Allepei calls his friend with a Home Stay in Varkala, he’s full, but his neighbour has room, 500 Rs with balcony, bathroom, overlooking quite Odayam Beach to the north of the tourist strip of Varkala Beach. So we have a place to stay before we arrive, the rickshaw drive wants 80 Rs, should be 60 but whatever… Sunil our host at Sona Home Stay greets us and shows us a beautiful rook overlooking the beach. He offers coffee tea, small breakfast, water, and helps us with anything we need. Really nice person. Everyone is nice!
The over-riding feeling is how good the people are. Total strangers smile with a warmth and friendliness that is genuine. And time and time again, people are completely honest in their dealings with us (except maybe that rickshaw driver, but 80 Rupees is $2 for God’s sake!), and sincerely wanting to help us however they can.
There is a richness in the culture of India that is evident as you walk around, almost everywhere we have been so far. It is infused with spirit, with regular open displays of prayer, outdoor temples, great churches and cathedrals, mosques, everywhere. The call to prayer is broadcast everywhere, even at 4:30 in the morning. Today on our balcony I listened to the Imam deliver his Friday sermon which went on for at least 45 minutes – in Malayalam of course. I wish I could understand Malayalam. I really want to know what he was saying. At one point he reached a crescendo as he thundered home the most important message to the faithful (and me). It was a little like an Evangelical preacher going wild.
Anyhow it’s over now. All quiet on the southern point of India, on the Arabian Sea.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Kumily
Kumily is a little town in the mountains about 6 hours east of Cochin. There are three places here all together – Kumily, where most of the home stays and restaurants are, Periyar National Park which is over 700 sq. kms. of nature reserve, and Thekkady where the entrance to the park is and where there are elephant centres. It is a very beautiful and peaceful place. We are staying at the Rainbow Cottage which is Home Stay painted in gaudy rainbow colours, quite luxurious really, with a big nice bed, private bath with hot shower, satellite TV, with a “Homely Cooking” café that provides food, coffee and so on, and an Internet Café. Cost per night – 500 Rupees (around $12). We can sit on the roof and watch the sunset and the nightly migration of thousands of fruit bats, coming from the forest and heading who knows where. We can see the bustle of activity around the village, while sitting in a very peaceful spot. The air is clear and not humid, it is cool at night, and really pleasant.
That being said, there are several things about this place that are a little annoying. It is kind of a tourist trap. You can go for an elephant ride for 300 Rupees for a half hour and have your photo taken riding the elephant (see below), or for 750 Rupees you can also help bathe the elephants. It seems a little contrived, and it’s hard to really relate to these huge, beautiful animals. I felt a little ripped off.
Today we went on an early morning three hour trek into the park to see animals. It was difficult, lots of heavy climbing, and we were exhausted by the end of it. We saw some black monkeys in the trees, lots of birds and insects, and piles of elephant shit and black bear shit. No other animals though. Cost – 900 Rupees for two people. Again, I felt a little ripped off. Still it was a beautiful jungle walk, and a gorgeous spot, especially at the top of the mountain (see below). Both Amy and I feel the vibes here are a little less honest and sincere than Cochin for example.
So we will spend the day relaxing, maybe an outing to tea and spice plantations, then tomorrow head out to Kottayam for the backwater cruise. Stay tuned!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Chauvinism
I am still working on reducing my prejudices and chauvinism. I have had this concept that we in the western world are more advanced than those in “developing” countries. I suppose there is truth in that in some respects. Still, it is amazing to be on this bus driving through the hills through towns and villages and seeing signs like “Computer Training – MCSE, CCSP, C, C++, Java, PHP”, or “Fatima Centre for Spinal Cord Regeneration”, Universities, Science Centres, Research Centres for Eco-Farming, Eye Care Hospitals. Everywhere!
I wanted to replace my prescription eyeglasses that I lost (that’s another story!). I went to an Eye Clinic in Mattancharry, and had an examination by a woman eye doctor. She was very pleasant, professional, and obviously well trained. The exam was very similar to the ones I have at my eye doctor in Toronto, though there was no computerized equipment. She tried various lenses manually until I could read the chart most clearly, and like my doctor in Toronto, she notices a yellowing of the lens indicating the start of early cataracts. I received a prescription for correcting my near-sightedness and astigmatism. The cost – 150 Rupees ($6.00!). I ordered medium quality attractive frames and good lenses with anti-scratch coating, cost – 6080 Rupees, about $150, and they are just fine!
Of course it’s not all the same here. One gentleman suggested that Fort Cochin would not be a good place to have a sudden illness emergency. He said you wouldn’t want to visit the local hospital, so you would need an ambulance to take you across two bridges to the hospital in Ernakulam. Apparently there is no medical care in the ambulance; it’s basically a taxi with a bed. So about an hour later with no medical help you might get to the decent hospital. I guess it’s good to avoid medical emergencies in many places in India.
I wanted to replace my prescription eyeglasses that I lost (that’s another story!). I went to an Eye Clinic in Mattancharry, and had an examination by a woman eye doctor. She was very pleasant, professional, and obviously well trained. The exam was very similar to the ones I have at my eye doctor in Toronto, though there was no computerized equipment. She tried various lenses manually until I could read the chart most clearly, and like my doctor in Toronto, she notices a yellowing of the lens indicating the start of early cataracts. I received a prescription for correcting my near-sightedness and astigmatism. The cost – 150 Rupees ($6.00!). I ordered medium quality attractive frames and good lenses with anti-scratch coating, cost – 6080 Rupees, about $150, and they are just fine!
Of course it’s not all the same here. One gentleman suggested that Fort Cochin would not be a good place to have a sudden illness emergency. He said you wouldn’t want to visit the local hospital, so you would need an ambulance to take you across two bridges to the hospital in Ernakulam. Apparently there is no medical care in the ambulance; it’s basically a taxi with a bed. So about an hour later with no medical help you might get to the decent hospital. I guess it’s good to avoid medical emergencies in many places in India.
Kumily
Kumily is a little town in the mountains about 6 hours east of Cochin. There are three places here all together – Kumily, where most of the home stays and restaurants are, Periyar National Park which is over 700 sq. kms. of nature reserve, and Thekkady where the entrance to the park is and where there are elephant centres. It is a very beautiful and peaceful place. We are staying at the Rainbow Cottage which is Home Stay painted in gaudy rainbow colours, quite luxurious really, with a big nice bed, private bath with hot shower, satellite TV, with a “Homely Cooking” café that provides food, coffee and so on, and an Internet Café. Cost per night – 500 Rupees (around $12). We can sit on the roof and watch the sunset and the nightly migration of thousands of fruit bats, coming from the forest and heading who knows where. We can see the bustle of activity around the village, while sitting in a very peaceful spot. The air is clear and not humid, it is cool at night, and really pleasant.
That being said, there are several things about this place that are a little annoying. It is kind of a tourist trap. You can go for an elephant ride for 300 Rupees for a half hour and have your photo taken riding the elephant (see below), or for 750 Rupees you can also help bathe the elephants. It seems a little contrived, and it’s hard to really relate to these huge, beautiful animals. I felt a little ripped off.
Today we went on an early morning three hour trek into the park to see animals. It was difficult, lots of heavy climbing, and we were exhausted by the end of it. We saw some black monkeys in the trees, lots of birds and insects, and piles of elephant shit and black bear shit. No other animals though. Cost – 900 Rupees for two people. Again, I felt a little ripped off. Still it was a beautiful jungle walk, and a gorgeous spot, especially at the top of the mountain (see below). Both Amy and I feel the vibes here are a little less honest and sincere than Cochin for example.
So we will spend the day relaxing, maybe an outing to tea and spice plantations, then tomorrow head out to Kottayam for the backwater cruise. Stay tuned!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Jam
One evening after yoga (and dinner!) our teacher Sajee invited some of his musical friends over “to jam”. I didn’t know what to expect. Earlier, Sajee presented me with his daughter’s violin and asked me to change the strings so I could play it. It was a ¾ size fiddle, with a bow that may never have touched rosin. The men came with harmonium, tabla, some wooden flutes and beautiful voices. After an initial “tune-up” improvisation I played in D minor, one man informed me that they would play a raga in C# minor. Now C# minor is very difficult for me to play on the fiddle, so I kind of droned along. After the first raga was finished, he said that for South Indian music, C# is the most natural key, and they mostly play black notes on the harmonium, not white. He suggested I tune the fiddle down a half step so I could play in my more natural D scale. That made a huge difference. Next he schooled me in the raga form, showing me the scale of each raga, having me repeat after him. Then he would say: “This is the BG so now go ahead!” as if I had a clue what “BG” meant. After a while I gathered that BG signifies the main them of the raga, and is used to introduce the melody on a melody instrument – fiddle, harmonium, flute, etc.
Well it’s a good thing I know my scales a little bit as I was slowly able to catch on with his prodding as to when I was supposed to “fly”, and I was for the most part able to stay with the scale without too many flubs. I did the best I could, and they applauded my efforts.
I started the evening facing the other musicians across the circle. After the first few they beckoned me to sit in the middle of their group. And so it went. I could follow pretty well for the most part, and it was great fun.
There I was playing a squeaky ¾ size child’s violin with no rosin on the bow, trying to keep up to these guys, for whom these strange snaking melodies are simple as breathing! What a learning experience!
I’m sure glad I had a fiddle to play – definitely the right instrument to attempt ragas in that gathering!
I remember someone asking me if I planned to study Indian music during our time here. It hadn’t really occurred to me, and I think I answered that I would probably be more involved in Western music, with some exposure to Indian music as well. Well, I did learn a lot about Indian music and the raga form.
The picture below is also from that night, Alycia our Yoga buddy and “adopted” daughter from Vancouver, Amy and Sajee the Yoga Master.
Well it’s a good thing I know my scales a little bit as I was slowly able to catch on with his prodding as to when I was supposed to “fly”, and I was for the most part able to stay with the scale without too many flubs. I did the best I could, and they applauded my efforts.
I started the evening facing the other musicians across the circle. After the first few they beckoned me to sit in the middle of their group. And so it went. I could follow pretty well for the most part, and it was great fun.
There I was playing a squeaky ¾ size child’s violin with no rosin on the bow, trying to keep up to these guys, for whom these strange snaking melodies are simple as breathing! What a learning experience!
I’m sure glad I had a fiddle to play – definitely the right instrument to attempt ragas in that gathering!
I remember someone asking me if I planned to study Indian music during our time here. It hadn’t really occurred to me, and I think I answered that I would probably be more involved in Western music, with some exposure to Indian music as well. Well, I did learn a lot about Indian music and the raga form.
The picture below is also from that night, Alycia our Yoga buddy and “adopted” daughter from Vancouver, Amy and Sajee the Yoga Master.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Still in Kochi (Cochin)
We thought we would stay three four days, and here we are staying for a week! It's such a great place to be, it's hard to leave!
Today we visited the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town (really!), built in 1656 and still active as a museum and as a synagogue with services Friday night and Saturday and holidays. Only 5 families remain, apparently elderly, so they don't always have a minyan. Orthodox, women upstairs, the whole bit. Don't know if we will stay to partake, but seeing the Synagogue was great.
We have daily yoga classes with Sajee. He is bending me in all directions, beyond what I think I can do! Gentle, wise, emphasizing the spiritual life and aspect of yoga, which I love! Three hour classes daily - who knew I would want to do that? Then dinner together, satvic vegetarian food, delicious and home cooked! What an experience this has been!
I plan to go for a second Ayurvedic massage before we head onwards. The first one was wonderful, full body with warm oils, long strokes, not too much deep work, though he used his fingernails on points on the soles of my feet which was very intense! And some work on my right leg, thigh and calf was also painful. Then 15 minutes of steam in a steambox. The treatment was about an hour and a quarter, and cost 800 Rs (about $20).
Amy and I have bicycles rented for 50 Rs a day, and it's a great way to get around, though it's a little hairy with the drivers sometimes! Careful careful...
We saw a concert of classical South Indian music, with Vina (ancestor of the sitar) and Tabla. Amazing players, and sometimes both Amy and I thought the Vina player was rocking out! A bit of Clapton, Hendrix, others...great!
I am so impressed with the people here. Cochin is known for its diversity and tolerance, with over 30 religions and cultures peacefully coexisting for a long long time. Though of course they keep trying to sell you stuff, and will try to get as much as they can, overall, almost everyone is very honest, friendly, open to help, and just plain wonderful! Story: I went on an errand to pay for two more days of Amy's bike rental. I paid the wrong place! 100 Rupees for two days. This morning I went back, and before I said a word, the man said: "There's a mistake, I counted the bikes and your bike was not from here." And he handed me the 100 Rupees. I didn't ask. I said to him: "You know this place is so great, most people are completely honest. I trusted you last night with 100 Rupees to give to your brother, and I trusted you would return it today, and I was right to trust you. Thank you!"
Onwards and upwards.
Today we visited the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town (really!), built in 1656 and still active as a museum and as a synagogue with services Friday night and Saturday and holidays. Only 5 families remain, apparently elderly, so they don't always have a minyan. Orthodox, women upstairs, the whole bit. Don't know if we will stay to partake, but seeing the Synagogue was great.
We have daily yoga classes with Sajee. He is bending me in all directions, beyond what I think I can do! Gentle, wise, emphasizing the spiritual life and aspect of yoga, which I love! Three hour classes daily - who knew I would want to do that? Then dinner together, satvic vegetarian food, delicious and home cooked! What an experience this has been!
I plan to go for a second Ayurvedic massage before we head onwards. The first one was wonderful, full body with warm oils, long strokes, not too much deep work, though he used his fingernails on points on the soles of my feet which was very intense! And some work on my right leg, thigh and calf was also painful. Then 15 minutes of steam in a steambox. The treatment was about an hour and a quarter, and cost 800 Rs (about $20).
Amy and I have bicycles rented for 50 Rs a day, and it's a great way to get around, though it's a little hairy with the drivers sometimes! Careful careful...
We saw a concert of classical South Indian music, with Vina (ancestor of the sitar) and Tabla. Amazing players, and sometimes both Amy and I thought the Vina player was rocking out! A bit of Clapton, Hendrix, others...great!
I am so impressed with the people here. Cochin is known for its diversity and tolerance, with over 30 religions and cultures peacefully coexisting for a long long time. Though of course they keep trying to sell you stuff, and will try to get as much as they can, overall, almost everyone is very honest, friendly, open to help, and just plain wonderful! Story: I went on an errand to pay for two more days of Amy's bike rental. I paid the wrong place! 100 Rupees for two days. This morning I went back, and before I said a word, the man said: "There's a mistake, I counted the bikes and your bike was not from here." And he handed me the 100 Rupees. I didn't ask. I said to him: "You know this place is so great, most people are completely honest. I trusted you last night with 100 Rupees to give to your brother, and I trusted you would return it today, and I was right to trust you. Thank you!"
Onwards and upwards.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Fort Cochin Sunday
Fort Cochin is a beautiful little town on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kerala. It is part of the larger Cochin, which includes the bustling Ernakulum (over 1 million people), Mattanchary which has spice and other markets and which includes Jew Town, the old Jewish Quarter from the 1500’s. There is an ancient synagogue there that we will have yet to visit.
We arrived by rickshaw, and our driver didn’t know his way around Fort Cochin, so he stopped at a rickshaw stand and asked another driver for directions. The other driver was Shameer, born and raised in Fort Cochin, and he proceeded to jump in and offer to help us find a place to stay. He took us to Daffodil Home Stay, a beautiful home with six rooms on the second floor set up as guest lodging. I think it is the most beautiful accommodation we have had so far, though very pricey (almost $20 a night!) It’s a large spotless room with a big comfortable bed, chest of drawers, bedside tables, nice bathroom with shower, screens on some of the windows, and a big ceiling fan. Luxurious! Of course, there are rooms with A/C but they are much more expensive (maybe $30 a night). Shameer was wonderful, and wouldn’t accept any money though he helped us for almost an hour. Instead, he offered his services as a guide the next day, and we happily agreed. His charge – 50 rupees an hour ($1.25).
Yesterday we went to Mattanchary with Shameer. First we visited a large Jain Temple, where we sat and watched a group of Jain “tourists” from Bombay offering prayers and song. It was a beautiful space, with a huge birdhouse outside the main temple. One of the central tenets of Jainism is non-violence and protection of all living things, including insects (I couldn’t do it, too many mosquitoes here). So the birds really like it there.
He took us to the big spice market, the wholesalers who distribute around the world. There were whole yards filled with ginger drying in the sun, cloves, cardamom, anise, cinnamon, Ayurvedic herbs, tree barks, pepper black and white, teas and more. It was a huge space filled to the rafters by hand, no forklifts or other machinery other than scales. We also visited an essential oils shop across the road and purchased a little bottle of Kerala flower oil. Then we were off to the Portuguese Museum. Fort Cochin was colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, later by the Dutch, then the British. There are elements of all three cultures, along with the indigenous Indian Keralan culture, which is very rich.
We watched a performance of Kathakali, which is a combination of dance, music and mime, dramatizing the stories of Ram, Krishna and so on. The makeup takes over an hour to put on, and the skill of the performers is amazing. The wiggle of an eyebrow indicates an emotion; the hands are used as a form of sign language. The music consists of drummers, hand cymbals, harmonium drone and a singer who narrates the story. Fascinating.
We have been in three states in India (not including our first night in Bombay). Each one has its own language, culture and foods. They all share commonalities, including incredible open friendly curiosity and welcome. Yesterday at sunset I walked alone to the beach area bustling with activity, then around the main road by the water. I got lost, and people helped me get back to the area I was looking for. A young boy walked with me asking in halting English where I was from and whether there was cricket there (the important stuff). People are so nice! Of course they will try to get money from you, rupees are very hard for them to come by, but once you negotiate, they accept your offer and are most happy to help. I have felt so comfortable here, so little fear, it is really a wonderful place to be.
We have decided to stay at least three or four more days, as Amy continues Ayurvedic treatments and we continue with daily Yoga sessions. We found a Yoga Master here named Sajee, really amazing, three hour classes combining Hatha Yoga, meditation, pranayama, and Satsang.
We have decided to stay at least three or four more days, as Amy continues Ayurvedic treatments and we continue with daily Yoga sessions. We found a Yoga Master here named Sajee, really amazing, three hour classes combining Hatha Yoga, meditation, pranayama, and Satsang.
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