Time for a blog again, and time for adventures again….Well actually adventures happen everyday in their own unique way. I had an adventure that all began with a sunny morning.. Continue reading “A recent adventure”
Category: Travel
5 Tips for picking a country you want to travel to..
So you want to leave the country for a trip? Where to go???
Have you traveled before? How long are you planning to go, what do you want to do? So many questions with answers to come, whether before or during your trip.
I have traveled to about 45 countries ( I think that’s the count so far) and I have learned a thing or two when it comes to preparing and deciding where to go. I thought this post could be focused around what has worked best for me when it comes to deciding where to explore, discover and enjoy internationally. Here are some of my personal tips when it comes to deciding where in this beautiful world to travel to.
1. Don’t set too many expectations
When deciding to travel abroad and if you’re a first timer, you’re probably having loads of thoughts and things to expect when you get to that country. While there are things that are certain, such as the Colosseum in Rome is still in the same place and cheese in France is still stinky, there are many things you will encounter that you just cannot foresee. It’s a beautiful thing to not know everything you are going to do and experience. Keep an open agenda when you will travel and you will have an amazing fruitful experience.
One can plan a trip making bookings for everything from restaurants, museums, sights and nightlife. If you have a short trip and you want to “pack” it all in, go ahead, but I used to do this a bit and while it is fun at first, it will be even more rewarding if you allow to the trip to “give itself to you.” You may meet someone, make friends with other travelers who invite you to go with them to a secret beach town, or a festival is happening somewhere that you had no idea was happening prior.
If you need to make extensive plans, because that’s just your personality, then do it, but allow to be flexible for the “unexpected” to happen and allow the trip to evolve. It will be wonderful.
2. Pick a country/region based on how much time you have.
Once I was in a Tibetan/Nepalese shop here in Seattle, where I live, and I got chatting with the owner of the store, who was a seasoned traveler, having gone back and forth from the Himalayas most of his life. He told me a quote that has stayed with me since that conversation and that is: “Time is currency.”
It’s true, when traveling, if you have money, you probably don’t have that much time, and if you have time, you probably don’t have that much money. It can be one or the other commonly with the traveler. Determining how much “time” you have for a trip or journey will influence where you go.
Of course you can travel anywhere in the world for however long, but some places deserve more time so you can experience and soak it all in. Places like India, Africa or South East Asia should be experienced in more than a couple of weeks, while places in Europe, the Caribbean or Central America may not deserve as much time. The farther you are traveling, the more time you should probably commit to your journey.
So decide the time frame. Two weeks, three weeks, three months, one year, or just a long weekend. One you have figured a basic idea of the time, you can think about where you want to begin your international travel.
3.Take some time to contemplate.
You have decided you want to go abroad. Wonderful! You have an idea of the time frame..Yes! Now where to go, where to go….:)
I have found that taking some time to contemplate, whether it be in a place of nature, a walk, a coffee shop or somewhere in solitude will help in determining where to go.
How good are your geography skills? Are you familiar with many regions of the world and all they have to offer? If you don’t, going to your local library or bookstore and exploring the many travel guide books may help. Look at a world map for a little bit, read up on some potential places and then find a relaxing spot and dream away….Where to go…Where to go…
Sometimes for me, I take months thinking, and sometimes, it just hits me and I know right away where I am supposed to go. Try to follow your heart’s instincts and it will be great.
Rick Steves, a well-known travel writer, recommends going to places that will challenge you the most. I would have to agree with Rick on this. Travel will ultimately make you grow and learn about the world around you, so if you’re up for it, think about places that will be great and also challenging. Stepping out of your “comfort zone” and “shattering the box” will give you many rewards in the long run. But don’t let me influence you… 😉
Dream away…
4. Once you have picked a country, do some research!
So you have picked a country or countries, and are excited to be going! Now for some homework. First, do you have a passport? Can you travel to that country? Does it require a visa? Where are the cheapest flights? These are some basic questions one should ask once after deciding, (unless you already factored these into your decision process already).
“What is the culture like? What is the history? How is transportation? Where should I stay?” More questions to ask. Go to the library and check out the guidebook on the country. Or if you’re a seasoned traveler, just go, you know you can get around and people are generally helpful most places in the world.
What language is spoken in the country is an important one to know about and it will be helpful to know how much of the language is needed to move around. If you are an English speaker, you generally can get around, but don’t always count on this to help you out. Learn the language, or buy a phrasebook. Learning the phrases will open countless doors to otherwise unexpected opportunities to fellowship with local people.
Doing some research may change up your travel destinations and you will learn of various places you want to check out.
5. “Is there peace in my heart about it?”
Do you feel this is the place for you to go? Ask yourself that question again and follow your intuition. You know what will be good for you.
There are so many places to explore and discover, things to eat and drink, people to laugh and smile with, stories to be heard and stories to be told and moments where you say to yourself “This is amazing.”
Happy Traveling, if you have specific questions, feel free to email me at saleme@gmail.com or add me as a friend on Facebook here or follow me on twitter @shawnsaleme.
Ciao~~~
Another Post, Another Country
So it has been a few weeks since the last post
Time to write again. In a nutshell, the past month has involved:
*Snorkeling at night with handmade underwater flashlights in Mexico.
*Diving with rich sea life in the Holchan Reserve in Belize.
*Climbing atop large Mayan Temples in the middle of a vast forest, full of wildlife.
*Eating Belizean Stew Chicken and having Coconut Brittle for some dessert. Mmm!
*Continuing to heal from Ankle injury by doing physical therapy, acupuncture, applying arnica and massaging.
There has been other news as well. It’s nice to remember some of the good highlights so far this year and I hope there will be more to come this year, thanks for reading and looking.
Shawn
Shawn’s Top 11 of 11
So here it is folks, the top 11 of 11. Some of the top highlights of this year and indeed it was a good year. So without further adieu…
#11. Montana in the Winter
Had a wonderful time exploring Western Montana in February, seeing Buffalo, Elk and snowboarding. Yellowstone was beautiful and Livingston is a great little historical town. Thanks Harmony for the great time!
#10. Greenwich, Connecticut.
I went to Greenwich, CT for work and it was a wonderful East Coast, New England of a town. Throughout the week I met some wonderful people who have big hearts, saw world class musician Rob Mathes play some amazing gospel music and witnessed the live poetry of Maya Angelou. Phenomenal week. Thank you Greenwich community for a wonderful time.
#9. Schweitzer, Idaho.
Amazing day of snowboarding. This resort in Sandpoint, ID reminded me of the slopes in Switzerland with long ridge runs, plenty of back country and many opportunities to bomb hills. Had a blast with my good buddy Aaron Kuhn, a guy I had not seen in over 10 years! We both volunteered building a school in the Caribbean. Funny how impactful experiences like that bring people back together.
#8. Seafair, Seattle, Washington.
So picture thousands of boats on Lake Washington, all partying and playing, with high speed boats racing not too far away and the US Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels doing an airshow a couple hundred feet above your head! Yeah this is Seafair! My sailboat was dead on in the center and the perfect place for viewing. Did I have as many friends come to my private marina? Oh yeah!
#7. Dumpling House, Xian, China.
So Xi’An, China is home of the Terra Cotta Warriors archaeological site and also a famous dumpling restaurant. My sister and fellow travelers which included, an Israeli, two Brits, a Finnish man, Chinese Beijinger and a guy from California all came together to enjoy the feast of the town. All sorts of plate of dumplings, soups and the famous Dragon Tea. It was all wonderful and a meal to remember for years to come. My #7.
#6. Jjimjilbang, Seoul, South Korea.
A Jjimjilbang is a Korean bath house/spa for the family. The men have their bathes, the women have theirs and there is a large communal area to relax, steam, sauna, cool down, watch movies, eat, bask in salt rooms or yellow charcoal rooms and just let your body have some rejuvenation. Great time! Read one of my previous posts about it to learn more.
#5. Meeting Freddy Gaughana and couchsurfing in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
So I came to Chiang Mai without an agenda, and an agenda was brought forth to me immediately. I loved it. I met a couchsurfer that instantly became my brother. Freddy Gaughana was an Indonesian with a big heart. He served in Banda Aceh for five years right after the Tsunami hit and witnessed horrible atrocities for the weeks, months to come. He was working for the Indonesian government managing the logistics of the aid coming in. Then after his five years, he decided to join the VSO (British Peace corps) and serve in Thailand assisting Burmese whose human rights are violated everyday under a hostile government. We clicked instantly and we had a wonderful time. We went to an Anti-Trafficking concert sponsored by MTV/USAID/Australia AID and he introduced me to his friends in Indonesia when I went there. Such a good friend.
#4. Secret Waterfalls, Bogor, Indonesia.
I came to visit Bogor, Indonesia and came to a wonderful waterfall that was only accessible by moto-bike and hiking a good distance. My couchsurfing host Yudha, took me a this place I felt like I was back in time, primal and extremely free. I thanked God for being there. Thank you Yudha and Brother for bringing me here. 🙂
#3. Bandung, Indonesia.
Bandung was the former home of my family. My Dutch-Indo history was taught to me as a kid and being able to see the history and make friends there was amazing. My Oma, who is 100 years old, lived the first 40 years of her life there until WWII and I had seen many photos from the 20’s. I had a wonderful time exploring places such as where my Grandparents met and had their first dances, where my Oma had played as a kid and going all over the place with couchsurfer’s who were the most active I had ever met in my life. Motorcycling all over, volcanos, foods, sweets, candy shops my relatives ate at. Yes, it was wonderful.
#2. Angkor Temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The Angkor Temples of Cambodia are majestic, rugged and just amazing. It was adventurous, awe-inspiring, spirit-filling and I loved every minute of it. I hired a Tuk tuk for the day and explored a vast wilderness. Read my former post here.
#1. Meeting Romi at Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada.
Meeting Romi has been a wonderful and serendipitous adventure that has shocked, shaken and lifted me all at the same time. We met the first day I arrived at Burning Man and had never left each other’s side. We danced, explored, did acro-yoga, ate foods, met wonderful people, participated in huge art structures, and just enjoyed life. The environment provided at the playa was one big playground with 50,000 creative, expressive and fascinating individuals. It was a great place to come together and we haven’t stopped adventuring. Burning Man was a phenomenal experience and I look forward to going back. Nothing like anywhere on this planet.
That’s it folks, thanks for reading and looking! Happy New Year to All! May 2012 be even more wonderful for you!
Love Shawn
Shawn’s Top Five Travel destinations (from previous experience)
So I get asked a lot, what was your favorite country? And, the truth is, that is tough to say because each country has its own uniqueness and beauty to it. And each travel experience has its own significance to the traveler at that given time. So, instead of posting favorite countries, I would rather post some places I have visited that have been special experiences for me.
These are places where there isn’t a whole lot of tourism, the culture is great and its a little off the beaten path. Enjoy~
#5. Galway, Ireland
I first went to Galway, Ireland in March of 2003 (Yes, for St. Pattys day) and it was a wonderful little town. The Irish are some of the most genuine fun people you can be friends with on this planet, and many a pint (The Guinness is amazing) was shared with the elderly Irish who spoke words of wisdom and cracked a few jokes in the pub. I had some great conversations, made some friends and enjoyed the spirit. On the Western side of Ireland, you can fly into Shannon Airport, or catch a bus from Dublin.
So Siem Reap is in Cambodia, and it does get it’s share of tourism due to the majestic Angkor Temples, but it wasn’t so bad in my opinion.
The Angkor Temples are absolutely a must to see in one’s lifetime. See it now before more tourists go to visit. When I visited the Pyramids, the Taj and the Great Wall (the 2nd time), there were all sorts of people trekking around. While it would be nice to see it when no one’s there, you’d probably have to put some “palm oil” in some security guards hands (say $100) to get a personal showing…But the Angkor temples were not that crowded surprisingly and I felt like I was in another world.
Picture massive stone temples spread across miles with all sorts of jungle and nature intermixed with it. It was stunning.
There are plenty of guesthouses to stay at. If you decide to go because of my account, go talk to Mr. Kunn at Jasmine Lodge, tell him you are friends with me and he’ll hook you up.
Okay, so Big Sur is only 2 hours away from where I grew up, but it is one of my favorite places in the world. Why? Because it is absolutely beautiful there!
Picture big trees and high cliffs with awesome Pacific ocean crashing into the shore. A peaceful place to relax, reflect, drink a glass of wine, soak in a hot spring, enjoy some local exploration.
Many a good memory made in Big Sur. You can camp, rent a cabin or a house (Check Airbnb.com) or even stay at a monastery if you are looking for some reflection. Contemplation.com
Dahab, Egypt. On the Red Sea coast in the Sinai peninsula, it takes about 12-14 hours by bus to get there from Cairo. I had taken a different route (van in the western desert, bus to the coast, Ferry to Sharm Al Sheik and bus to Dahab. 🙂
It is a small divers town, and it is one the best reefs I have been to in my life. I went diving 150 feet deep here and was amazed on how intact the reef really was. Since it lies between two deserts, the reef doesn’t suffer too much damage from storms.
Chill guesthouses to stay at, great seafood and other cuisine as you relax by the water. Read a book, go snorkel, dive during the day. Relax, dance, have a drink at night. Make some friends with the expats that have chosen to live there long term. It’s one of those places you don’t really want to leave. And if you get antsy, then go bus up to Israel only 4 hours away. Or hop a ferry to Saudi Arabia if you feel so bold.
#1 Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
So I was recommended to go to Cesky Krumlov by two of my good traveler friends, and when the opportunity presented itself when I was living in Europe, I took advantage of it. It was a wonderful three days.
Many towns and cities in Europe got destroyed during WWII. But when the Germans came to Cesky Krumlov, the citizens ran to surrender pleading that they wouldn’t bomb the city. And it wasn’t bombed. It still is the same city that has existed for hundreds of years. And it is very very beautiful.
One doesn’t need a car or a bus to get around. You take a three-hour train ride from Prague and here you are in Cesky Krumlov. Cobblestone hilly streets, small shops, good food, great beer (and cheap), secret tea houses, castles, cathedrals and surrounding forest and rivers.
If you go, stay at the Krumlov house. Or if you want some more action, stay at Hostel 99. Good places. Enjoy.
That’s it folks. There are many places to go and many more places I love, but these stood out for me over the years. Happy Traveling!
What shall we write about today?
Dreams, how about that…..
song for your listening pleasure ~
So,
I had a dream the other night….
It was one I had not had before…but one I welcomed!
I was at the base of a temple. A big stone temple that had levels to it, sort of like a Mayan pyramid of sorts. It was made of grey stone and had plants and greenery on its top surfaces…
Then my arms extended out and I began to float up in front of the temple while I was looking at it. As I was floating up, I kept looking forward because my thoughts told me if I looked down I would go down Instead of up.
Then I landed on a level of the Temple….
And I as I landed there, Â a three-legged Kitten came jumping down from a higher level and came to me and in a slightly playful and aggressive way clawed my hand with its available arm. The claws stuck in, and as it was in it attempted to eat me sort of. It was hungry and its head was bobbing back and forth though its mouth never touched my hand. I gently tried to shake it off, but didn’t want to hurt it and I desired to feed it something, but I couldn’t communicate that desire to it…
Then I woke up.
.
I have felt like I have been going through a spiritual “awakening” of sorts for the past three months and so I am not totally surprised at this dream, but I do like to consult what dream interpretation says about it. While I don’t hold true everything dream interpretation describes…I find it interesting and I take the perspective into account. Dreams are significant to me and when I have a dream that seems it could not have been created from my own conscious or sub conscious, I usually write them down and think about them. I don’t try to figure them out always. Sometimes right after I ask myself, what was that dream about for me? And I acknowledge my initial response, then I write it down, check dream interpretation and may even consult some psychologist friends of mine. Sometimes meanings of dreams aren’t always to be known right away, but they may reveal their meaning to you at another time. The right time.
So..
Here is the interpretation…
TempleÂ
To see a temple in your dream represents inspiration, spiritual thinking, meditation and growth. It is also symbolic of your physical body and the attention you give it. Perhaps you need to pamper yourself. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you are looking for a place of refuge and a place to keep things that are dear to you.
FloatingÂ
To dream that you are floating on air indicates satisfaction, contentment and acceptance of some situation. You are letting go of your problems and rising above obstacles. You are experiencing new-found freedom and gaining a new perspective on things. Nothing seems overwhelming or too difficult to handle. Alternatively, floating in your dream suggests that you are wandering through life aimlessly with no goals. You are just going with the flow.
Kitten
To see a kitten in your dream represents a transitional phase toward independence. Alternatively, the dream symbolizes innocence and purity.
cool. I’ll continue to live life and welcome the growth~
Some inspired thoughts on friendship
Friends.
They’re good to have. Always there, always loving. That’s what a friend should be.
In years past, many friends have been had. many have passed and many are yet to be made.
Just watched the last episodes of Entourage. one of the few tv shows I have watched all the seasons of and attracted to. While it is funny to hear the banter and the impressions of LA Hollywood, from where I spent a few years of my life, I really just enjoy the brotherhood that exists between the 4 guys, Vinnie, Turtle, Johnny and E. Guys that stick to each other through the downs and celebrate and live the up’s. In the last episode, one of the guys is going to become a Father, and for these guys they tell the expecting Mother they are looking forward to seeing “their” baby. All the dudes there for support of the baby and new family member.
Friendship.
Many different types of friendship out there. There are friends who enjoy being in your presence, friends who you only share a few memories with, though they may be significant. Friends who support you in the best way they can, friends who see you grow through the years. Friends who see you fall.
Friends should always be loving. A wise coach once said this about friendship:
“Friendship is a two-way street, go more than halfway.”
Friendship is a two-way street. I try to go more than halfway and take these words to heart. I try to send greetings in any form to my friends. I try to support them how I best know how. If I am invited to one’s wedding, I will be there.
Some friends will fade, some will leave, and some will continue to grow the plant of friendship. One friend is soil, one is water, and together the growth continues.
I love my friends. I am thankful, thankful for all of them. Friends from all walks of life, cultures, ages, genders.
so much to learn, so much to enjoy, so much to laugh, smile and taste.
I am learning. And I look forward to growing in the paths of friendship.
Lord, help me to be a good friend.
Ciao
It’s 30 Time
Time Time Time….
So it’s been Thirty years…Thiirrrrrrtttyyy yeeeaarrrsss…..T H I R TY~~~ 30
Well, in Korea, I’ve already been thrity for a year now haha. So by Korean standards, I’m 31. BAM! 30 was skipped!
It has been a WONDERFUL JOURNEY my friends.
30 Birthday Music
Born in California, raised by sweet parents, love abounding, great sister, memories of dancing by the record player, snorkeling with tropical fish in Hawaii, cats, sports, great birthday parties.
Growing up in a forest, exploring the vast unknown in the backyard of the Santa Cruz mountains, amazing energetic ocean, that provided the thought that there is a whole unknown world out there, to explore, to discover, to enjoy.
 Great community of a church gave opportunities for me to go to Mexico many times doing construction projects and helping those in need. Going to the Caribbean islands to build schools, meet people from all over the states doing so together was an impactful time and solidified the desire to explore the world and serve.
Eastern Europe…..Vanguard University…..Cultural Anthropology studies….Traveling to Tibet and China for a summer, riding horses in far out lands, spending the night in nomads tents, eating fried skewers from a small cart outside of Barkor square, 13,000 elevation in the city of Lhasa.
Â
Far out lands, making great friends, enjoying southern california in it’s entirety, SD, OC, LA, 909, Big Bear, beaches, mountains, desert.
The twenties have been great. I have done everything I have WANTED to do. I have been TRUE to myself, doing only what I feel is most important and most valuable. I have pursued my dreams, I have tried to be a socially minded person daily. I have tried to honor my friends and family in whatever way possible.
Leading a group of guys throughout Egypt for 3 months was a blast. Camping on Mt. Sinai, diving the red sea, serving the Sudanese refugees and orphans was rewarding.
Â
Traveling and adventuring has been ingrained in me, and it will always be. I have developed into a global citizen and it has been wonderful to evolve. I love people so much and I desire to serve others in need for the rest of my life.
Yes my friends. The first thirty has been a WONDERFUL JOURNEY. One that has involved SO many memories with everyone, I laugh to myself consistently ALONE because my mind is remided of so many good times. I love that through the journey, I have become a person who you are guaranteed to have adventures with. Haha, it always happens! I love LOVE LOVE it! More adventures and journeys!!!
I just bought a flight to the Yucatan for late January. Uh OH! Saleme on the run again! Only for a few weeks, the Mayan riveiera is beckoning along with BELIZE! Diving potentially awaits, jungle trekking, beach bumming, soul searching, fun loving, happy dancing!
Thank you my friends for being my friends. Thank you for the experiences, the conversations, the smiles, the thoughts, the prayers, the fellowship, the shared meals, the challenges, the time served together on earth.
LIFE has been a wonderful journey
Indeed it has
So much to live, so much to have
It’s a another year and another phase
shoot like a star, never fade
It’s off to the day, it’s wonderful
sunny and bright, air is nice
Thankful thankful thankful
for everything
May the winds bring us together
Bring us happenings.
LOVE!
Try to LOVE others daily, be thankful daily, tap into the universal energy daily and I don’t think you’ll be far off from happiness and joy and peace.
My Oma turns 101 in February. And there are probably going to be significant scientific findings to extend life. So my friends, there is a LOT of life to still be lived. a LOT.
Keep living, full each day. I will, never waste away.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The tale continues….
1111 a time of waking up
Why is it that I see 1111 frequently and at the same time experience significant shifts in my perspective and feeling as I reach the age 30?
What is it about this time in life? Is it just a number or a symbolic time? Mr. Jesus Christ began a journey at 30, I’ve been told “never trust a person over 30” and well, let’s be honest, 30 just doesn’t sound that young anymore. Of course, there will be people who will always tell you “you are young” or “you are old.”
I’ve never cared much for age, I mean so what, you’ve lived a few more days than someone else, does it really make you that much more wiser, beautiful, worthy or intelligent?
So far I’ve noticed shifts as I age, shifts in thinking, and a greater acquirement of experiences, knowledge, people encounters and new feelings. This all adds to the soup of life and it’s wonderful.
TO tell you the truth, I have felt like I am already past thirty and am happy to say, “my twenties were well lived.” I never want to die suddenly knowing that I didn’t live life to the full. For me, I would say, yes, I have lived life to the full. I have attempted to be a loving person, positive, and learn how to better interact with my fellow human being, be it a person who is from any part of the world. I have felt I have come to a good place in having a very good comfortability interacting with just about any person on this planet. But hey, we just reached 7 billion, there’s all sorts of people. Not to say I like everyone deeply, but I always try to impart some positivity or some love to someone. We need as much love as we give to each other on this planet and yes there is an overwhelming amount of darkness out there. Suffering, hurt, pain, death, abuse, betrayal, lies. I’m not living as if it doesn’t exist, I just have decided that I don’t want to dwell on such things and instead focus on the good that exists and that should be the norm instead. Love, care, compassion, community, happiness, eating together, laughing, touch and dancing. Much better, yes?
So I’ve been having this reoccurrence of the number 1111 come up in my life and I’ve been told it is a number that symbolizes “waking up” in a nutshell.
I first came to know of it as I was in my cousin’s art structure at a festival called Burning Man. The art structure was called “Constellation of One.”
Inside I walked in, because you see, there is a secret door. I knew about it having been a supporter of the project prayerfully and financially, but not everyone knew there was…
I hunkered in with a friend and two new friends, and came to meet one "Mr. White."
Now I don't know if Mr. White was an angelic being, a shaman, or just another person walking this planet. But something was special about him. He was extremely kind and welcomed myself and buddies to the inside of the mirrored constellation of one, and together we communed. As we chatted in our circle lit somewhat by electric candles, we talked about the uniqueness of the shape of this structure. It had seemed that the Constellation of One was a sort of mystical shape, found in various cultures. It is known as the "Merkabah."
In Hebrew tradition, the Merkabah is considered a “Chariot of God” and is found in the Hebrew scriptures and in Ezekiel’s vision of the throne of God. I had been familiar with this vision in the past and it was interesting to find so much written about the Merkabah. Some define the Merkabah as a spiritual vehicle to achieve access to the higher realms. Had this been some of the inspiration behind my cousin constructing her art?
So as we were talking about the significance of the Merkabah, Mr. White also mentioned the significance to the number 1111 and 1112. I told him, “wait did you just say that 1111 was a significant number?” He said “yes, why?” And I said “Well, last night I spent the night in Reno at a hotel and my room number was 1111!” Everyone in the Constellation then went “Whooooaaaaa”
Intriguing. Wonder. Excitement.
Mr. White told me it was very significant and I embraced that it occurred but didn’t dwell on it all too long. I had felt a call to come to this gathering known as Burning Man, and so it was yet another confirmation that indeed Shawn Saleme was supposed to be here at this very moment, in his cousins art project that he had been wanting to see for two years, with friends who had been kind enough to bring some of his supplies and gear down from Seattle and in an environment that already was expanding and enlightening his already existing paradigm of life regarding the social interaction of human beings.
Yes, I was supposed to be here. I felt good, positive, very happy and so very happy to be in this art project of my cousins. You know she did projects like this as a teenager when I was a kid? She would take pieces of mirror and put them on a pyramid like structure with wet tissue! Did you also know she has spent the better part of her life in India, Thailand and Bali teaching Yoga and I never see her?! I was hoping to see her at this 50,000 plus person gathering, but there’s no cell phone coverage, no wifi, no nothing. So if I saw her, great, but if I didn’t, oh well. Maybe in Thailand. 🙂
“The three wise men” (my friends who were dressed as such) and I walked out, thanking Mr. White for his conversation and wisdom and as we walked out of the Constellation of One, my friend asked “I want to meet your cousin man” and as I was ducking out of the doorway I said, “Well I don’t know if I will see her..” and as I turned my head to the right, who was there??? “She is here” I said As I stared with an awe and wonder and joy and yes! I walked straight to her and her partner Mitchell and said in a loud dutch voice with accent and all “IK HOU VAN JOU!” Which means I LOVE YOU!
We hugged, we laughed, we were happy to see each other and be united. You know I only have three first cousins, and our family history is fairly international and eclectic so it was absolutely wonderful to see her when I can and tell her how much I had been enjoying the Constellation of One. I asked her if she had known about the Merkabah and if it provided her the inspiration for her art. She said she found out about it later, but that she didn’t know about it and that she had come up with the design in her dreams.
Intriguing. Wonder. Excitement!
It was time to go! I got on my bike and biked off into the desert….The waking up had begun.
to be continued yes?
Pray for me in this time if you consider yourself a prayerful person…
Burning Man & traveling around the USA
Welcome and sit, have some tea, lay back relax…
It’s been a trip, life is a trip, a journey not a destination, and currently this journey is taking me to a hotel lobby computer in Gainesville, Florida. Home of the Gators, mossy old everglade trees and more than a few retirees and college students.
But, pre judgements aside, let’s talk about some of the past experiences and terrains this boy has trekked to recently, because, well that what’s all you peeps wanna hear right?
Well…Since Tahoe Oregon and Seattle, I hopped on a plane on August `19th to Bourbonnais, Illinois. Bout’ an hour south of Chicago, I was there for work and the Step into Africa event. Overall pretty good, we had about 2500 people walk through and 250 children sponsored. That means 250 new relationships and more help to communities in Kenya who suffer from AIDS.
After this event I flew straight to Reno, Nevada. Why Shawn are you flying to Reno, Nevada Shawn? Well I’ll tell ya, I went to BURNING MAN. What is Burning Man Shawn? Burning man is filghasfuiggsogh safjkghauhg dghasuogha sg + 2424 %$%$%@# x 25 {2525} + ghsdh sdgdg hf ijl jlk dfaf.
I am not going to attempt to put what Burning man is in words, because to tell you the truth, one cannot define it fully and I don’t really want to anyways.
I’ll say this about it. I felt called beckoned summoned to go and everything worked perfectly to be there. It was sold out, but I did not worry, it was supposed to happen I knew, and a ticket from South Africa floated my way.
I had an amazing time.
It was a very free expressive environment and very communal and loving.
I saw and experienced things that no place on our planet can offer.
It was magical and as a people person I was vibing out the entire week. LOVED IT.
I met some wonderful people, saw my cousin and her art structure, made new friends, and learned a little tuli.
I experienced instant deep friendship with an amazing person.
So yeah. Put aside your stereotypes of burning man if you have them. You can’t anticipate what will happen when you are there. I felt God throughout the whole week and had extremely clear signs and serendipitous moments that it is hard for me now not to believe that God was not there. In fact when I thought the thought, would Jesus be here? My eyes instantly focused on an individual dancing in a white robe with a beard and long hair. Guess he was there~!
After experiencing the burn, I came back to Reno jazzed and feeling like I had just traveled outside the country for the first time. I had to seriously plan my re-adjustment back so as not to fall victim to a reverse culture shock.
In some ways, I wish we could be as friendly and free as the burning man environment provided. Be yourself, express yourself and enjoy life and share with others. Well for one week that can happen, and if anyone wants to join next year, I am planning on going again. I thought this would be a once in a lifetime event, and I was proved wrong in thinking that. This is something I will likely go to for the next few years.
Post Burning man, Austin Texas. Great event again, 477 children sponsored (which means about $750,000 raised for Africa) and I got to meet a argentine DJ I like by the name of Federico Aubele. Chill guy.
Just got back from Sacramento from another stop. 185 children sponsored and over 2000 people through. Now onto Gainesville.
alright, I need to get something to eat.
CIAO
ps. The burning man theme was “Rites of Passage.” In ways, this was a rite of passage for me.
ART @ BURNING MAN, Wanna see more?? Check this website (I think his photography captures in a way what the environment is like.)
Welcome, Come Sit and Have Some Tea. 