Not Tracking Days

Love how I lose track of days when I'm on vacation -- when it's hard to tell Tuesday from Friday.

Spent the better part of the day at the beach -- watching planes land, swimming and people watching. As I swam in the Caribbean Sea, I watched the fish and looked at the coral and thought, "You just won't find that in a swimming pool."

Walked to the Pork Pit to get dinner and my total steps for the day are 9,000-ish -- definitely not 16,000 but nothing to sneeze at.

Payoff

Went on a tour of the Crydoyn Plantation and our tour guide was hilarious, well-informed and just really good. He told us that our driver was competent but we might attempt to change his name to, say, Jesus as we went up the road towards the mountainous area.

I don't like roller coasters so I'm not sure why I like going near the mountains in Jamaica but I'm thinking that it's the payoff of the view.

I loved learning more about coffee, bees and pineapple.

Most of the people on our tour bus are from Canada and not fans of their Prime Minister. We all agreed that most people have a choice between the lesser of two evils.

I have to say that I am, again, impressed with how knowledgeable Jamaicans are. Someone asked our guide about hurricanes and he went on to take about why Haiti gets walloped so often. I know about the deforestation in Haiti but I didn't think about the increased temperatures, because of deforestation, attracting hurricanes.

I am also impressed by how Jamaicans, unabashedly, ask for what they want -- like a tip for doing a job well done.

During our tour, the guide asked us to take two or three sips of our mountain coffee before adding milk and sugar and it was not bad at all.

Also, today is Jamaica Day. When I saw these girls walking arm-in-arm, I thought about the 'Fugee who reminisces about this way of walking in her homeland.

Standoff on narrow road. Our driver had to reverse.

Since it is Jamaica Day and I visited a plantation, I have to say that it was sobering hearing about the mortality rate of slaves during today's orientation; think of 20 as "old age."

Vantage Point

When I set out for my walk this morning (earbuds in), I had an hour-long walk as my goal but little did I know that a local would strike up a conversation and continue walking with me despite my efforts to dislodge him.

Once the hitchhiker started telling me about "the real Jamaica" and giving me facts, I knew that he'd want a fee and he told me so as soon as the thought popped into my head.

I will say that I saw landmarks that I'd never seen before and I heard facts that I didn't know about. It was my kind of tour -- a walking one and my guide, David, even told me when to take pictures.

About Sam Sharpe and the Christmas Rebellion

Vantage Point

At some point, David's speed increased. Plus, the culmination of the tour was at an elevated point. I was glistening at this point and told him that I needed to stop to catch my breath. I guess you could say that David was my tour guide and personal trainer for the day because by the time I got back to the hotel, I had gotten in 13,000 steps and it wasn't even noon yet.

Someone Had To Do It

My goal, for a year and a half, has been to get my mom and aunt back to Jamaica where they first visited in 1979. They kept finding excuses not to go, including my aunt trying to budget for a new car -- a very valid reason but if you wait for some exquisite, perfect time -- it's not going to happen.

I also did not want the duo to travel alone because they both have health issues, including bad knees. I wanted to, at least, provide the muscle and, so,
I am in Jamaica again, I think, for the fifth time. I prefer Negril but my mom and aunt prefer Montego Bay.

While traveling I realized, again, how much stamina it requires and that you also have to brace yourself for the stress of air travel; it's almost a throwaway day.

I also learned about a Category Three Landing and I'm glad that I didn't have all the details about that one.

The Journey Back

5 a.m.Goodbye View of the Sea

As my time in Croatia came to a close, I tried to concentrate on all of fun that I'd had but, inevitably, I got sad and wondered if I should have stayed longer.

Kept thinking that it was time to return to my regular life but that's not an accurate adjective because the trip was part of my regular life but, of course, vacation life is not the usual day-to-day grind.

I should be all kinds of grateful that I have a job that will let me take more than three weeks off, that I had enough stamina for such an awesome adventure and that my travel guide, the 'Fugee, planned such an adventure.

The 'Fugee's childhood friend, A, was super sweet when she asked what time "we" had to get up. We had to get up at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday in order to make it to the airport. A set her alarm clock way before I set mine. Also, the landlord was covering airport duty and said that if she wasn't up, which was highly unlikely, to wake her up. I was covered on all fronts...

The airport in Munich was super-confusing and I had such a urge to go with the crowd when we got off the shuttle bus but knew that I was supposed to be at a different terminal. The set-up was a confusing and I finally asked one of the passport control folks. It was like a maze when I got to the other terminal. This guy, traveling with his young child, was also trying to find his gate when I said to him that the airport was perplexing, he said that most airports in Europe are confusing.

I expected something different out of a German airport but oh well...

The plane, unlike the one coming from America, was huge. Three sections with four seats in the middle and two seats on each side of the middle section. I was in the middle and didn't move nearly as much as I should have.

I was knocked out from Split to Munich and kept losing control of my head on the Munich flight too. Woke up at one point and everybody had ice cream, LOL.

When we finally landed my feet felt numb and the numbness, together with my mild plantar fasciitis, made for an interesting task as far as getting my feet going. I can also see how people get in trouble with deep vein thrombosis. Someone else also mentioned that their feet felt numb...

This woman in front of me told two airport workers that her flight was scheduled to leave in about 20 minutes. Thought she might have been on my flight because I had the same issue. The workers shrugged and said That's just the way it is...

The walking time to my terminal was 15 minutes so I caught a shuttle but when I got to my gate no one else was there. This woman across the way spotted me and scanned my boarding pass. I was so grateful because I did not want to delay my marathon journey...

Got up this morning and 6:00 a.m. and the tears started rolling not too long after that. It wasn't an ugly cry but...

Went to yoga despite feeling like I needed a nap because my body is tight as hell. Thought about how the tourist agent in Omis said that there used to be one person who did yoga but people were looking for more of a workout and she started doing Pilates.

In The States, it's a yoga studio on almost every corner but it worked for me to do a little chair yoga while on vacation.

During this morning's class, Annie talked about staying in the present moment which was definitely a hard thing to do as my mind kept wandering back to Europe...

Best Thing About Munich...

Seven Kuna

The 'Fugee's friend that was supposed to come with us had scheduled vacation time but was needed at work because of her unique skills etc. The 'Fugee sent her some pictures and told her that we were thinking about her... She told the 'Fugee that God had given this "time" to us and we should enjoy it.

If I had my way, I would have enjoyment for the masses...

I can't even remember what all the 'Fugee and I did before we headed off to Split the other night. What I do remember is that our bus driver drove like an aggressive bat out of hell. The third time that I mentioned this to the 'Fugee she told me what they used to say about such people -- He drives as if he has potatoes on his bus -- not people.

Split, wow, a lot of people in the Port of Split. Lots of people. Performers on the program and street performers trying to earn a kuna. Stunning architecture, lots of places to ear but too many people for me.

Port of Split

When I saw how much it cost to travel from Split to Austria, I had a moment of regret that traveling abroad never got on my radar when I was younger. The only person that I knew who'd gone abroad was an uncle who went to Germany because he was in the military.

At any rate, I've had a great trip and I'm not going to let "could have beens" diminish that fact...

Theatre, Split

Drama about what happened to people in Vukovar.

I had a superb juice of apple, pineapple, mint and something else and, of course, I had to use the bathroom not too long after that. I don't understand the scarcity of toilets -- especially in Split with the mass of humanity that visits. Eventually found a toilet and paid seven kuna then my iPod fell into said toilet. It came back on but there are issues...

We caught public transportation back home and the 'Fugee asked two young ladies a question and when she said thanks, they responded simultaneously in a singsong voice "Nista..."

The line to get on the bus was long and a single file line? Forget it. Personal space? Forget it. Air conditioner? Forget it.

This bus driver also took hairpin turns at an impressive speed. When we got off the bus, the 'Fugee asked me to slow down. "I'm walking as if I have doll's feet" she said.

Traveling Is...

Last night, the 'Fugee's trilingual friend told her, in Bosnian, that she didn't think that I'd have enough water to take a shower. The 'Fugee's response? Oh, she knows.

The 'Fugee gives me "The Rules" whenever we stay with her friends but what's funny is that she is usually the one who makes some mess. I try to be mega careful as a guest so I have become super efficient at taking showers et al. in Europe...

 

I am fascinated with the compactness of this area. There's a part of me that wants things to be a little bigger but I fully appreciate that things are not super-sized...

Also, the fact that you can't assume a public toilet will have tissue or that you might have to pay to use the toilet, gives me a whole knew appreciation for resources. In addition, people's reluctance to use air conditioning also puts things into perspective...

I have lost track of days and I'm doing a good job of not projecting into the future and staying focused on the present moment. Originally, I kept wondering what I was going "to do" while on vacation or that I could be achieving\doing things at home instead of doing some European Rumspringa but, in the end, traveling is a form of self-care if you can find the resources to do it. 

World's Smallest Washing Machine

Small Shower

The 'Fugee and I arrived in Croatia today and, as we walked around, after spending time on the beach, I wished for everyone a relaxing vacation surrounded by beauty, water and other relaxed people putting their best feet forward...

Makarska Riviera from the Bus

I've been jonesing to take a yoga class in the Balkans but, obviously, that's not a priority. I did find a couple of YouTube chair yoga videos since we've been doing a lot of walking and my hamstrings and feet have been talking to me...

I have yet to crack the pages of one of two books that I've bought and definitely have learned more lessons about trusting my packing instincts.

Post-Beach Grocery Shopping

Just Four of Us

It's been nine days since I took off for my journey and eight days since I've been in Bosnia. I have yet to open a book, peek at a magazine or listen to the many podcasts that I downloaded. Guess that's a sign that I am immersed in my home away from home...

On Tuesday night, we made a dash to the grocery store and I was surprised to look up and see three children warmly smiling at me. The youngest was really curious but hesitant to engage. I did give the older children high fives. It was such a sweet encounter -- the open faces and warm energy.

Yesterday we set out to catch a ride on the city bus tour. We had gone several days ago but the the tour was canceled because five people are needed and there were only four of us. Even though we all agreed to chip in for a phantom fifth person, the bus driver wasn't having it. 

There were the same number of people yesterday but, this time, the bus driver took us up on our offer to pay for a fifth ticket.

There is no air conditioner on the bus and, with the windows down, it was impossible to hear the tour guide who was on the first level of the bus. This woman from Croatia went to strongly suggest that he come upstairs. There was also a microphone port upstairs but the quality was questionable and I ended up moving to the seat behind the guide. Had I not had the 'Fugee to fill in the gaps, I would have missed a lot of information... I'm enjoying the directness of Europeans. It kind of cracked me up when the Croatian woman's husband asked for the English version of the tour map. The bus driver unceremoniously "snatched" the Bosnian version. He was not a rude person but fluff was not a consideration...

One of the things that the guide talked about was the poor condition of the trams which were made in the Czech Republic 30 years ago. There are a few new trams, one donated by Turkey. He also talked about funds, in general, that were donated after the war but how large amounts of money have seemingly disappeared which made me think of the funds mishandled by the Red Cross after the earthquake in Haiti.

Going down the main boulevard, mortar scars are everywhere. I remember the TV images of the Holiday Inn from the news coverage and when the guide mentioned that we were on Sniper Alley, also remembered that and thought about the horror of people being picked off while riding the tram or going to get water...

Former Holiday Inn

Sniper Alley

Olympic Venue, 1984

End of the Line, Bus Tour (Serb Republic)

Later on, we met up with one of the 'Fugee's friends for lunch then went to a mall for coffee and dessert. The mall was big but still seemed stylish and efficient. 

In general, love the Austro-Hungarian architecture. The 'Fugee's friend is appalled by an "awning" recently placed on one of the buildings. She was like How could they?...

The Academy of  Fine Arts (Green Dome)

Wooden Bridge

Offensive White Add-On to Entrance Area

Oh, The People...

Yesterday the 'Fugee and I took a field trip to Konjic, a town about 75 minutes away from Sarajevo. It was a nice bus ride albeit a little hairy on the way back which was downhill and winding.

When we hit town, the 'Fugee asked this woman for recommendations as far as where to eat and drink coffee. She was pretty funny as she told the 'Fugee that we were NOT going to drink coffee in just one place. She also said that if she didn't have groceries, she would join us.

Konjic

After consulting with the advisor, we went to check out this wood shop and a wood museum then we headed across the bridge to a restaurant and that's how we spent our day in Konjic -- eating, drinking coffee, admiring the scenery and changing vantage points.

Mulicev Rekord

Enough food for...

On the way back, we asked another woman what was the best way to get back to the bus stop. She was hilarious... I asked her, as if she spoke English (with an expectation that the 'Fugee would interpret), had she lived in Konjic all of her life and she responded "yes" then said that she had studied English. She had difficulty speaking but understood most of what I was saying.

P.M. sun hitting the "Old Bridge."

When we got to the bus stop, I asked the 'Fugee where was the official sign and she chuckled and said This is not America -- people just know...

Sun hitting the mountains on the way back.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that today is World Refugee Day. What to say? The hashtag that sums it up is #WithRefugees.

World Refugee Day Sign in Sarajevo

100 Of Your Friends

Managed to miss the celebration for the International Day of Yoga in Sarajevo. When I think about it, though, I really didn't have much of a chance to make it to the celebration.

Went to bed around 1:30 a.m. and felt like I had a solid night of sleep but I really didn't roll out of bed until 10 which was the start time of the celebration...

I'm feeling a bit like I'm in a TV series called 'Drea and the 'Fugee in the City or something like that.

Selfie A Games

When we went to eat today, we were approached by about 10 people -- mostly kids -- asking for money. One waitress politely asked them not to bother guests at the table but another waitress lost her patience and told one of the kids No one is going to give you money because 100 of your friends have already been here. 

I asked the 'Fugee if there are any agencies that are helping people and she said that there are such places...

On the other hand, I am eating my fair share of food and sometimes wonder if I will fit into an airplane seat again...

Buckwheat Crepes with Rose Hip Marmalade

Delicious Chicken with Humungous Bread

It seems strange to tour and see so many tourists in the midst of war reminders. I like the design chosen for the memorial for children killed during the war. In my mind, it's adults who were killed but, of course, children got caught in the crossfire too. The most chilling dates to me were 1992-1992. 

Memorial for Children killed during the war, 1992-1995.

Speaking of people that were killed, Philando Castile's mother hit the nail on the head:

Philando's mom spoke the truth. https://t.co/S4ODh2KoU7 pic.twitter.com/kig48AF6aw

— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) June 16, 2017

Staring Down The Fears

Made plans to take a trip this month to visit the 'Fugee who is having what I like to call a "gap year."

In addition to finding myself finalizing packing on the morning of departure, found myself pretty anxious weeks prior to the trip. I had to keep telling myself  "It's okay" which worked a lot of days but also didn't work on other days. I, for real, had to stare down a number of fears.

How does one pack for three weeks? How does one neatly wrap up things at work and at home? How does one not worry about the people temporarily left behind? How does one not worry about crossing over the Atlantic Ocean? How to say goodbye to people without freaking yourself or them out? Had to tell myself that my worry would not prevent anything from happening...

I kept missing the date for my suitcase to get packed until, finally, I had to do it. I really needed and wanted to go to yoga on Monday night. Signed up for the class and then 10 minutes later, canceled the reservation because I knew that I didn't have the hour to spare. What I did do was drive by the yoga studio so that I could say bye to Alison.Went back home and tried to reach as much packing closure as possible. I was, for sure, certain that my bag weighed over 50 pounds but when I weighed it on the scale -- the one before you check-in -- it said that my bag weighed 37.5 pounds -- only five more pounds than I usually pack.

I was surprised, as I packed, that many people reached out to me to wish me well. Not sure why I was so surprised...The first leg of the trip went pretty well and I had to smile as we were boarding the plane to Amsterdam because this girl asked her mother in some language that I didn't recognize What is yoga? as she read the back of my shirt.

Because of weather, we ended up spending two hours on the tarmac -- turning a seven hour flight into a nine hour one. The last time that I was in Europe, the plane was much, much bigger. You can totally see why people lose their cool on flights...

And, oh, the turbulence. I was too nervous to read the magazine or book that I'd put in my carry-on and I, literally, wanted to kiss the ground when I landed in Amsterdam...

While in Zagreb waiting for my last, short flight, this woman, Amra, flashed me the warmest, sweetest and most reassuring smile. We ran into each other several more times. As we walked toward the plane, she asked me if I was going to Sarajevo for pleasure or business... Amra was my good omen.

Crop Duster....

Today the 'Fugee and I walked around Sarajevo for five plus hours. I think we were going off of pure adrenaline. The ' Fugee, at one point, asked this woman, Emina, how to get to a certain restaurant and she said that she would take us. Not only was Emina my second good omen but she was a superb driver of a stick shift and refused offers of coffee or payment and said the pleasure was all hers, wow.

The 'Fugee

The View, Sarajevo

And last but not least: 'the Fugee has been at her hospitable best. At the end of our day, she made foot soaks for us. Hvala puno, 'Fugee...

Thought that I had eased into the time here but it's almost 2:00 a.m. and I am not sleepy at all...

The Day Later Post

Currently in Negril and had to get up before dawn cracked in order to get "the wanna get away" fare.

Couldn't sleep before taking off. My body was so tense and I kept telling myself to unclench and relax but never really slept until I got on the Orlando to Montego Bay flight.

We stopped to eat, checked in, settled in then headed to the beach to walk and watch the sunset. 

The other yoga retreat participants arrived today but I wanted to get to Negril earlier so I could recuperate from traveling. Like IKEA, traveling requires stamina.

My hamstrings were pulsing this morning so I did yoga in my room for twenty minutes since the official yoga games are not slated to start until tomorrow.

And, oh yeah, I was so emotional when I woke up this morning. Gratitude, I suppose, for reaching my destination and starting my relaxation regimen.

Since Joy was on airport duty for the other participants, I decided to visit a hotel up the street. Had breakfast then went on a tour of the farm where I sampled sea grapes, argula, cilantro, peppermint and was told a ton of stuff about Mother-In-Law's-Tongue et. al that I can't remember. 

The sea grapes were amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on them again.

*Wifi in room is spotty.

Your Best Self Now

Baltimore

As I reminiscence about the yoga retreat, repeatedly playing Diana Ross's Love Hangover and Nico and Vinz's Am I Wrong and Another Day, I also think back to a yoga session in Negril when Joy said It's easy to be your best self now...

I especially think about this sentiment since returning to work. Took two weeks off which is a good thing in general but especially since I had an allergic reaction to something and had to take Benadryl for a week and, later in the game, stronger medicine.

Let's just say that I was itching so much that my dermatologist asked if I needed something to help me sleep.

At any rate, my musings remind me of messages making the social media rounds like Be in love with your life. Every minute of it -- Jack Kerouac or My goal is to build a live that I don't need a vacation from... 

Even as I try to fall in love with my life for the umpteenth time, I know that the "rat race" is going to test my resolve. As Joy said, It's easy to be your best self when on vacation but, knowing that, I'm going to work on filling my well and try to be my best self outside the parameters of vacation. Of course, yoga (energy work etc.) helps with that a lot whether or not I'm on a retreat or in a studio.

Beach-Side Fruit Market

Sunset At The Resort

I Should Be

I was off yesterday and today. At the max again with vacation units and I should be packing for Jamaica but...

During the holidays, gave Gloria a stocking stuffer Groupon to the Campbell House Museum. Thought that she would go with Little Buddha but she wanted to go with me so we went yesterday.

We were met by a retired history teacher who is the docent along with two UMSL students who are docents in training. I don't know why but it surprised me that the students are history majors...

The Campbells had 13 children but only three survived -- their health problems were related to indoor plumbing and untreated water. One of my favorite rooms in the Campbell House is the morning room -- think every house should have one...

Morning Room

I had my eye on a yoga retreat with a local studio but the prices were kind of crazy for a March depature. Airfare was $630-ish which I would have paid but I couldn't get a decent time. It was either leave at 6:15 a.m. or travel for 18 hours.

I was willing to concede on the time but wondered who would get met to the airport at 6:00 a.m. or earlier. I thought about leaving my car at the airport or staying in a hotel near the airport but both options were around the $100 mark. So, anyway, here I sit until...