Nubian Nomad

Lonnie in Ireland, last chapter/pics

2011-10-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

I never tired of seeing the churches, countrysides, castles, street performers, pristine towns, clean streets and general landscape of Ireland. We went to the Blarney Castle where almost everyone kisses the Blarney Stone (rumored to give you the gift of gab after you kiss it). Being a germiphobe and having a raging cold, I passed on kissing the stone.The last stop on our tour was the Guiness Brewery. Gravity Bar on top of the brewery offered a 360 degree view of Dublin. I even met sistas from L A, a brotha from London, and of course, a life-sized green leprechaun.

Later, I returned to Dublin where I was treated to a wonderful birthday dinner by my Aussie sisters. We listened to amazing musicians sing Irish folk and pub songs. The following day, I visited some museums, art galleries, and Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells and some of the oldest books in Ireland. The college is also home of the first medical and nursing school, so ancient medical instruments, devices, anatomy charts, medical books, etc. were on display. There were also videos to show how the books were hand written and custom bound...fascinating.

I know this blog is lite and brief, but suffice it to say, Ireland is a very beautiful country! I stopped in Chicago before returning to L A and the family is good, still crazy!

Lonnie in Ireland, pt 3

2011-10-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

As we made our way around the Atlantic coast, the landscape became even more amazing, dotted with beautiful homes, country cottages, castle ruins, sheep and cows grazing on lush green rolling hills, small picturesque towns and stunning coastline. We reached 'the Cliffs of Moher' seen in so many movies and paintings, and they were more majestic than any photo can reveal.

Our beach stop allowed some of the Paddywagoners (our tour group) to go for a swim, and swim they did. It was the cure for a hangover for some of them who'd partied a lil hard the nights before.:-) My Aussie Sisters, Cathy and Kim, who excort Daisy (the bear) on the adventure, use Daisy to teach Kim's kindergarten class about places, people, events, geography, etc. I became a huge fan of Daisy, and have just about as many photos of her as I do of myself:-

Lonnie in Ireland, pt 2

2011-10-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Visiting Northern Ireland was a real education in Ireland history, politics, economics, religions, and conflicts. We were told of the conflicts between Irish Catholic freedom fighters vs English Protestant occupants. We took a 'black taxi' (old London cabs) tour of areas on each side that had experienced the hardest fighting during the war.

It was shoocking to see that the result is that Catholics and Protestants still live separated by tall brick and wired walls that go on for miles. These communities have gates that are locked and unlocked daily. One groups' heroes and martyrs (boldly painted on wall murals) are the other's source of hatred. Children attend separate schools and may never meet until they attend college. To further the divide, the Protestants are supporters of Israel and the Catholics support Palestinians. It was a lot to absorb, but thankfully, peace is the current order of the day.

Despite the history and current tensions, Northern Ireland is as beautiful as the rest of the country. Belfast is a large bustling city where the British pound is the currency rather than the Euro. Monica (from Spain) and I shared a beautiful B&B, and a wonderful dinner in a local pub, along with other travelers in our group.

The rest of our tour group consists of American students studying near London, singles, couples, and siblings from Germany, England, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, S. Africa, USA, and Australia.

Lonnie in Ireland, pt 1

2011-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Dublin last Thurs. and fell in love with the city...bustling with people, musicians, street performers, shops, cafes, traffic, big city sights and sounds. Amazingly, it's quite clean and the street cleaners, manual and machines, are on duty frequently.

I checked into a 2 bdrm apt, an upgrade from a studio that wasn't ready and had a smoker moving out. Nice apt. on the top floor in a quiet area of the city. Met up with Karima, my friend from Cologne, Germany whose considering relocating to Dublin. We hung out for a few days together and had a great time, enjoyed coffees, people watching, a train trip to Bray, a quaint seaside town, and walking all over the city.

There is a Medieval area where the buildings look Gothic and amazing. The museums, art galleries, and churches also look ancient until you get inside. Then they range from old to contemporary. I left Karima after 4 days and started an 'all over Ireland tour' which has been phenomenal! The countrysides are green rolling hills with sheep and cows everywhere. The granite mountains, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches and rugged coast offer amazing scenery.

My 6 day tour includes stops in Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast), and will continue southeast to Galway, Dingle, Kilerney and back to Dublin with many stops in between. Will offer more details and photos later. Closing for now and off to bed...till later.

Lonnie in Nepal #8, final entry

2010-10-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Photos:Chitwan Nat.Pk, Cultural show, Katmandu, Amy and Nicole, plate o' pleasure

Oct.1st My birthday and I was on a chicken bus (no real tourist bus as promised) for 5hrs to Chitwan Nat.Park where it was alleged that I'd see all kinds of animals. I didn't have high expectations as I've been on safaris in Africa during animal migrations and I know there's nothing that can compare to that....and I was right. I was the lone guest at the Jungle Safari resort? On my birthday?

My guide took me on a jungle walk where the only thing I saw was jungle. Domesticated elephants were too common to see as exotic, and on the second day, me and many other visitors rode them through the park... not comfy at all!

After an hour of being slapped and scraped by tree branches, we finally came upon a lone rhino, a few deer, monkeys, and birds...end of Safari.

I had dinner alone and tried not to be depressed but my birthday was over without any hoopla or even the birthday song...totally anticlimactic! 2 years prior, I was eating a lobster dinner on a Galapagos Island! 1 year ago, I was dodging cows in India!

I checked emails where I had lots of Happy birthday wishes and was grateful for that! and so many things, especially for life itself. Thank you God! Thank you all!

After 3 days of Chitwan, I took a chicken bus back to Katmandu and checked into a hotel. With little more than 24 hrs to shop, I started, and got a few good deals. Later, I headed for the airport only to discover my flight was cancelled. Thankfully, I'd met Amy (New Yorker in Nepal to adopt daughter) and Nicole (Australian who'd visited the country of Bhutan). We became fast friends and that remains the highlight of my trip! The airline (Dragon Air) put us up in a fantastic hotel, in fact, it was one that Nicole had checked out of earlier that day! We laughed and entertained one another. The gift shops had amazing deals and I enjoyed the food, hot shower, western toilet, big tv, and an eagle soaring around outside my window.

It took 27+ hrs to get home, thanks to a 9hr layover in Hong Kong, but I made the best of it by watching movies, and tv shows on the plane. I spent the next few days sleeping off the disorientation and let down of the trip. Nepal is a beautiful country but I have no plans to return.

What I came away with is a deep and abiding appreciation for so many things I take for granted, I wrote 2 pages worth in my journal.

I love you Eva (my angel and inspiration) and though I only completed 7 of the 10 day trek, I dedicate those days to you and your determination to live & love, Diva-style! I also dedicate the entire trip to anther year of life, as Spirit illuminated all I needed for the next phase of my evolution, and for that, I feel abundantly blessed.

Thank you Life!

...and thank you for checking out my adventure, feel free to leave a note here yahoo address or on facebook to let me know you stopped by...

I wish you great adventures and abundant blessings,

Namaste

Lonnie "Nubian Nomad"

Lonnie in Nepal #7

2010-10-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Photos: French/African sista, cultural show, artist, children, Tharu woman

Useless advised me that we couldn't continue onto Jomsom due to a landslide. This was a lie and I knew it but I wanted to return to Pokhara just as quickly as he now did, by any means necessary. He said it would take 2 days to get to a road. (What chu talkin' bout Willis?) It would take 5 hours to simply go down the mountain and another 3 to get to a road. I did the whole thing in 6 and 1/2 hrs, often leaving Useless in the dust behind me. While descending baby Everest, I ran into herds of mules, trekkers, porters (each carrying the backpacks of 2-4 people), bulls, snakes, and grasshoppers...all while crossing waterfalls, bridges, landslides, boulders, etc.

We reached a waiting taxi and zoomed into Pokhara where I stood in the hotel shower and cried. This was not the birthday trip i'd imagined, instead, it was a nightmare that I barely escaped. I still ended up overtipping Useless (regretfully) and furious with the lying jerk who was ultimately responsible for the trip from Hell, the hotel manager, Laxya of Macchupucchre Guest House.

I recovered in Pokhara for a few days but my feet/legs were still swollen and leech-bruised. And if my Spirits weren't low enough, I connected my camera to a computer to download pics and a virus deleted all 240 pictures? Later, I was able to find a wonderful Nepali geek, Devi, who recovered them. At dinner, I met a wonderful traveler, Carla, from Chile and we hung out. I was long overdue for a conversation with someone other than me and Lonnie.

The trek was life altering and I'm already feeling changed, evolved, resilient, and more connected with The Source, and everything, even rocks...

Namaste

Lonnie in Nepal #6

2010-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

By the 4th evening, we reached MBC (Macchupucchre Base Camp) and were over 11,000ft and I was suffering. Breathing was a job, my head ached, and even after I dried and covered myself with my down sleeping bag and 2 doubled wool blankets, I could not stop shivering for more than an hour???

Great, total body pain, altitude sickness, and now hypothermia!

I forced myself to the dining room which was as cold as my room, but had people sitting around the table. Somebody had to know CPR! I tried to sit at the table but had to lie down on rest areas. Each time I tried to sit at the dining table, shortly, I had to lie down again. Then the Kerosene heater was placed in a pit under the table which had a clothes line around the perimeter. I hung wet clothes on the line then had to get horizontal again. I ordered food and pushed it away upon arrival - definitely Altitude sickness. I forced down water, garlic soup, and tea. Some women from Oregon had a wonderful guide who gave me motion sickness pills. The first one worked within an hour and I was able to get vertical for a while. Meanwhile, Useless seemed not to care that I was sick and had nothing to offer for me to get better. (All guides are supposed to have a first aid kit w/meds).

It was a sobering moment as I realized my safety and well-being was of no concern to Useless. I made the decision not to continue to ABC (over 13,000ft). We would go backward and toward Jomson where we would catch a flight back to Pokhara. I knew Eva would understand.

It took over 9hrs to reach the town (Chomrong) but it was the first trek day of no rain and the Altitude sickness was gone after we descended, but not the dangers. I knew I was only a sprain ankle, bad fall, or landslide away from certain tragedy, possibly, my last birthday trip. (Most knew that there were 3 Japanese trekkers and a porter still missing though the rest of their party had been rescued).

It would still take us 2-3days to reach Pokhara! Meanwhile, I saw no bikes, cars, internet, tv, signs of civilization (as I know it), but there was plenty of bulls, dong, rivers, waterfalls, and great big ol' green mountains!

Photos:Himalayas, landscapes

Lonnie in Nepal #5

2010-10-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Each day was pretty much the same, exhausting, going up and down a couple or three mountains to have lunch at a village, then repeat before dinner, rest at night! All the while, ascending higher and deeper into the mtns. The villages were quaint, basic with Indian-style squat toilets and solar powered hot showers, shared by all who stayed in the lodge/guest house. The meals were included in my package and I mostly ate porridge in the morning, Daal Bhaat (National dish eaten twice/day by most Nepalese: rice, lentil soup, curry veggies, salad, and a lentil cracker), and a rice or pasta dish for dinner. Meals and accommodations are very inexpensive but you must bring your own sleeping bag and walking sticks.

The guide was a ginormous disappointment as more than his language skills were limited. Eating with his hand was not the issue (local custom), but the acoustic slurping sounds, stereophonic burps, off-key singing, frequent harking and spitting in HD, were annoying me in the worst way! He'd also leave me to fend for myself to cross waterfalls, rivers, mudslides, etc. alone. Scary! The trek to ABC had turned into the most physically challenging thing I've ever done in my life! I grew tired of being cold, wet, tired, and vulnerable (thanks to my guide I mentally called, "Useless"). I'd fallen multiple times and he'd only been there for 2 falls. Meanwhile, Useless was so far ahead or behind me, I was alone 80% of the time.

My entire body hurt, especially the day we trekked 9hrs and 15mins! It rained everyday of the first 4 days and as we ascended, it got colder. The views were sometimes stunning even under cloudy rainy skies.

Other trekkers on the path were mostly friendly and encouraging, and when I could breathe and speak simultaneously, I'd humor them and myself and ask '...are there elevators or escalators ahead?' which brought a chorus of laughter!

I wasn't having fun and just wanted to get it over. My stubbornness and dedication to my angel Eva inspired me to keep going in spite of the pain, rain, cold, wet clothes and shoes, blood-sucking leeches, treacherous terrain, and pure agony.

Photos: rice, beans, corn, Himalayas, mountains, waterfalls, and rocks!

Lonnie in Nepal #4

2010-09-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Started the first day of my trek with a guide who spoke limited English so I was not happy as I specifically asked for an English speaker. I was told by the boss, 'oh he speaks better English than I do' which turned out to be a lie, but it was too late to do anything different as I'd already paid my money...a refund wouldn't happened so here goes...

We took a taxi to the point where we would start trekking and I begin my assent up a mtn that was around 7,000 feet and this was just the warm up! 20 minutes into it, I was sweating, 40 minutes into it, I was drenched in sweat! What the hell had I gotten myself into? and I had 9 more days to go...and go I did as there was no turning back. So I trekked over and thru waterfalls, rivers, boulders, wet rocks, mud slopes, jungle vines, trees, and grasses, while it rained nearly the entire time.

I needed more than faith and willpower to get through this so I called on my angel Eva (with stage IV cancer who has more life and light in her than the majority of so called healthy folks). I would dedicate the entire trek to Eva. When I needed her inspiration, I'd touch the pink ribbon on my necklace, breath in Eva energy, say a silent prayer, and keep trekking.

The first day's trek was around 8hours, Whew! ...not fun and a whole new level of insanity!

9 more days to go!

Photos: trekking along the way meeting Americans, Thai lady, Koreans gone wild, local baby, trek map (check out the distances between villages...passed thru a few villages/day) rain, clouds, mountains, mountains, mountains....

ps: just found out that my photos are small enough to upload more per blog.....yipppeee!

Lonnie in Nepal #3

2010-09-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

The food here is acutally pretty good and very International as Nepal is on the spice route so the food influences are diverse. Tibet's big culinary contribution are Momos which are steamed dumplings (or fried) stuffed with veggies, or meats, cheese, etc. The National dish is Daal Bhaat which is rice, lentil soup, curry veggies, a salad and a crunchy lentil cracker. The cost is around $1-2 and you can get as much refill as you like. There are many Indian, Italian, Chinese dishes on the menus also. I sat down at one lakeside restaurant and it was all Mexican food. I didn't stay for that but opted for local food at the "Laughing Buddha" restaurant which has excellent food!

Breakfast cost around $1.30, lunch $1-2, dinner $2-3 and my room with cable tv, ceiling fan, and a mtn/lake view cost around $9/Day.

Liliam introduced me to some of her local friends who were fun and entertaining. The sunset at the lake was beautiful as I watched people come and go in long row boats. The waters were calm, the air was fresh, and the people were chilled.

photos: Nepali club, Pokhara, peace pagoda, devil's fall, live bull walking

Lonnie in Nepal #2

2010-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

After a failed attempt (due to landslides and huge boulders) to reach Pokhara by bus, spent all day (12hrs) on a bus before reaching Katmandu again! I got a plane ticket and left the following day to the majestic city of Pokhara. Arrived and was treated to a welcome lunch by a Couchsurfer (International travel network) friend Liliam. Made plans for a trek and had to cancel the Tibet part due to insufficient time and complications.

Still, Pokhara is like Berkeley, CA on a lake as it's very laid back with plenty of backpackers in town to do trekking, rafting, hang-gliding, etc. I signed up for a 10day trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), a vantage point to view sunrise in the Himalayas. From my hotel room, I could see the lake and surrounding mtns. When it was clear in the morning, I could even see Macchupuchre (one of the Himalayan snow-covered peaks)

On my 2nd day in Pokhara, I took a rowboat across the lake and hiked up to the Peace Pagoda (a tribute Stupa to friendship between Asian countries). It was an exhausting vertical climb. I later found out that I'd hiked up 3,800 stairs!!! It took an hour and bucket of sweat but the views were stunning. The whole of Pokhara, the lake, mtns and the huge Golden Buddha.

I allowed a local youngster to show me a 'short cut' down the back of the hill so I could visit 'Devil's Fall' and he literally took me over the rivers, thru the woods, and down the backside of the mtn. All I can say is, next time, i'm taking the long way.

Enjoy the photos in Pokhara

Lonnie in Nepal, #1

2010-09-16T02:55:00.001-07:00

Namaste all!

I am overjoyed that my 31hour trip to get here has already proven to be worth it as Katmandu has a little bit of everything! After spending a 7hr layover in Hong Kong, an hour stopover in Bangledesh, I got a ride from the airport, checked into my room, took a shower and passed out! Surprisingly, I only slept for 6 hours?

The air quality is aweful and many people wear nose/mouth masks. I've put mine on a few times. The streets are narrow and packed with cars, trucks, pedestrians, shops, street venders, but thankfully, no cows!

Anyway, the Nepali people have been quite hospitable and offered good info on what to do, where to go, etc. I already have plans to leave chaotic Katmandu (Nepal's capital) and head for another city called Pokhara (on a lake) tomorrow. There, I will meet up with a travel network friend, Liliam, from Portugal.

Meanwhile, enjoy the Katmandu photos of Burbur Square Temple, Monkey Temple, and African refugees that I had the pleasure of sharing wonderful conversations about almost everything.

Honduras- Adios

2010-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

The island of Roatan is breathtaking, starting from the blue-green caribbean water, to the warm friendly faces of the locals. On my first night of walking around, I followed the live music where there was a party as there is every Sun. at 'The Barefoot Bar'. I danced for over an hour and met some colorful locals. I had a BBQ dinner for $5 and it was yummy!

I stayed in the Dolphin Hotel which was across the street from a coral reef where I snorkled for hours. The fish were amazing and as curious about me as I was them. All in all, it was a great trip and my prayers go out to all those who lost lives and loved ones in the recent storms in Central America. peace and blessings to all!

Next trip....Nepal

insha allah

Lonnie

Honduras 8/Utila Island

2010-05-31T08:39:00.001-07:00

Finally got to my first Honduran Island of Utila where I could scuba dive and snokel. The coral reefs were close with plenty of beautiful bright blue, yellow, orange, and multi-colored tropical fish. Saw 2 stingrays, a polka dot sea snake, a moray eel, and plenty of nearly invisible jellyfish. I got stung a few times, but by the time I got out of the water, there was no evidence of contact. My dive master Allan was highly skilled and loco! Sorry I didn't have an underwater camera and they were not easy to get:-(

The tarantula greeted me from across my room and hung out on the curtain. I asked some other travelers to help and one young brave man did a 'catch and release'. I also had him to check my rooms for cousins, aunts, and uncles. Thankfully, there were none and I slept well.

Currently on the beautiful island of Roatan where I plan to scuba and snorkel. My hotel room is across the street from the beach and the town is quite beautiful. I walked around last night and found a place called 'Barefoot Bar' and that's where the party was! I danced for over an hour with another traveler who was from Germany and he danced like a Jamaican! I ate a nice BarBQ chicken dinner for $5 and it was delish!

Roatan is definitely more expensive than Honduras in general and my room cost the highest so far, $25/night w/ air con., cable tv, and hot water. I plan to spend another night here before heading back to the mainland where I hope to do buy a few items before heading home.

I truly hope all is well with you and it would be nice to hear a comment or note so I can know if I'm even talking to anybody. Just say Hi, Bye, something?

Peace and Blessings,

Lonnie

Honduras 7

2010-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Stayed at the Jungle river lodge in Pico Bonito Nat.Pk and the highlight was the white water rafting trip down the river....Awesome! The river ran through the canyon in front of our lodge and I got to listen to it all day and night!

On our way to Tela, we passed through Progresso and the streets were lined with KFC, McDon, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, etc. can't escape these american exports, eh?

Honduras 6

2010-05-26T16:08:00.001-07:00

Me a John from Holland, Maria Antonia (local), a beach in the town of Tela and a Garifuna village.

Honduras 5

2010-05-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

Another day in Paradise. Hiked into Azul Nat.Pk with a Swedish couple who were great company. The hike was long, hot, humid, but beautiful. The hanging nests were impressive and numerous. Met nice locals along the way and got a ride down the hill. Had a good plate of Chicken and veggies before we went separate ways...great day!

Honduras 4

2010-05-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

These photos are the end of my stay at Pulanpanzak National Pk where I got to witness multiple baptisms while people prayed, sang, chanted, and celebrated. After the Park, I visited another national park and had to hike for hours to reach a falls that was small, cute, but offered no swim holes. I met a couple from Denmark who shared the hike, laughs, chats, and eventually lunch with me. We met a wonderful local couple who were visiting the park as a birthday present for the wife. They gave us a ride down the mountain we hiked up and were very impressed that we hiked upward on a winding mtn under blazing heat for about 8 miles! I was impressed and exhausted.

For the wife I sung the Stevie Wonder version of Happy Birthday to You! and it was a big hit! Thanks to my voice teacher Dean, I had the confidence and good notes and a hot melody!

and she had a birthday she´ll never forget... awwwwe
loveya,
Lonnie

Honduras 3 photos

2010-05-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Honduras 2

2010-05-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Mel and I arrived at Lake Yajoa and checked into a well known travelers and beer lovers spot called D&D Brewery. The owner Robert is from Oregon and has been making beer for over a decade. Mel loved the beers and the samples I tasted were all the same to me (definately not a beer drinker). There was a swimming pool, restaraunt (the food was edible but not delish!), plenty of games, books, and other travelers. Mel and I took a walk to the river which leads to the lake. We took photos and absorbed the abundance of natural beauty; lush green trees, tropical flowers in amazing colors, large varieties of birds (there are nearly 500 species in the area), and lush green 8000 ft moutains partially covered by clouds, creating a cloud forest.

We met Malcolm the birdman, an eccentric ornatologist that clearly has a passion for nature, birds, and nature and bird lovers. He was quite a funny man in that he had no interest in politics, tv, modern inventions, etc....loved him!

After Mel and I took cold showers (was supposed to have hot water), she got in the bed and promptly jumped out screaming. Pulled back the covers to see big black dead ants. I pulled my covers back and discovered the same, the room had been exterminated but not cleaned. Then we were upgraded to a cabin which was large with a private shower and bathroom. Unfortunately, this room had not been cleaned either. The owner Robert was away and left a newly unemployed American named Lauri to look after his place. Clearly the employees were taking a break too, and not cleaning). We called Lauri to the room and she was embarrassed and apologetic. We changed the linens, swept the floor, and I never slept as the mattress was not comfy.

We moved out the following morning and are now staying at El Cortijo which has view of the lake, a talking/singing green bird, dogs, a white cat, and clean rooms. Mel had to study her University coursework. I got to visit the waterfalls at Pulanpanzak Nat. Pk. The local people are sweet and very helpful so I got around on the locals buses effortlessly. The hike to the waterfall was a long hot one but alas, I followed the sound of falling water until I was there, along side of the falls, walking on slippery rocky steps with my China town umbrella keeping camera and I safe from the mist. I saw another sista (local) who wanted to take a photo while holding my umbrella, then her friend did, and another, and etc. The umbrella was a big hit and the ladies later joined me for a chat and lite lunch at the local eatery. Pictures to be posted soon.

I take a break for now and chat more later. Miss U Mucho,

Lonnie

Lonnie´s in Honduras

2010-05-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hola Hola,

Arrived Thurs. morning in San Pedro Sula, Honduras then took a bus to Copan, city of ancient Mayan ruins (see photos). I met a Canadian woman named Mel and we shared a tour of the ruins. We were amazed and impressed by it all: the history of the Mayas, routes, culture, architecture, engineering, irrigation, etc. The animal and human sacrifice signifigance was clarified and put in perspective with the Mayan beliefs regarding life and death. Because various groups are involved in excavation projects at the site, there are tunnels from which other levels ands histories are contained. The lights in the tunnel were out during our tour so I really didn´t take any photos as they would have been disappointing. The one thing that did impress me was the latrine was a work of art and insight. It was set up so that you could sit while toileting, then lake water washed waste down and out to a river with continuos flow.

On Friday night, the buckets o´rain came with earpiercing thunder and blinding lightening. Power went out for a while, but I was impressed with how quickly it was restored as well as how much damage and flooding occured in other areas. The cobblestone streets of Copan got a good wash, and all was refreshed in the morning. My breakfast came with a most wonderful cup of coffee. The beans roasted, ground, and brewed on site of my $15 per night room which was clean, comfy, equiped with a fan and cable TV! Breakfast was $3!

On Saturday morning, I decided to skip a horseback riding tour to the coffee plantations and other points of interest due to the previous day´s heavy rain. The last thing I wanted to do was sloosh around muddy moutains on a caballo!

I went out for breakfast and was plesantly surprised to run into Mel who was supposed to have been on her way to Guatemala. She had some technical difficulties and decided to join me on an adventure to El Lago di Yajoa (lake ya-ho-wa). And adventure it has been. Will write more later about that. For now, suffice it to say, I´m sooooo glad to be here and having a wonderful hot, sunny, rainy, humid wonderful time...wish you were here,

besos (kisses),

Lonnie

more photos

2009-10-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

brotha from S.Africa

brotha from Belgium

Sista Emily (Kenya), India Gate, Fort entrance (formerly used by elephants), some of my peeps!

I/m preparing to leave India:-(

2009-10-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

Honestly, i'm just really get acclimated to the weather and rhythm of the place and it's time to go, (sniff sniff). I really need about 2 more months here and i'd have some remedial Hindi language skills and would be able to get around on my own a lot easier, but as it stands, I'll be returning '...back to life, back to reality...' My birthday yesterday had some highs and lows but overall, it was pretty good. I took a bit of a tour around Delhi and only saw 1 cow all day:-( No camels, sheep, monkeys, etc. just people, and city stuff. I actually bought some teas last night and will head to the malls as they are open and have A/C, Yeh!

Photos: Temple, family going to the Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple), posing in a Palace, plate of traditional Rajastani food.

I took the metro train yesterday and had a sardine experience of being shoved and packed on and tackled from behind to get off. I did go off on one guy who tackled me and vowed to never get on the metro again as I knew i'd shank somebody...fo' real!

My Delhi guide was supposed to be English speaking but if 10 words of a language implies that you are fluent, i'm multilingual!!! So I ended up cutting the trip short and asking to return to my hotel after he asked for 100Rupees for parking (cost 10) and took me to a shopping market where he'd get a commission for bringing me there. I never got out of the car and he was annoyed about it but so was I as it was not one of the monuments, forts, palaces, or temples on my list. I later went walking around the bazaar and just became overwhelmed.

Most shops were closed to commemorate Ghandi's birthday but a few opened in time for me to buy some earrings, incense, etc. I ate a good meal of rice and veggies on the rooftop of the Metropolis Hotel and people watched until it was time to go toward the airport. Before I left, I spent time with my new friend and Couchsurfer (traveler's network) Ambassador for Delhi, Barbara. Love her to bits!

Finally went to airport and got rid of the rest of the Indian Rupees I had and settled on the plane for a 14hr journey which went smoothly. Stopped off in Chicago for some time with the family who I hadn't seen in 4 years. Everyone was fat and fine! The horror for me was leaving India's 91 degrees for Chicago's 41 degrees....burrrr! Serves as a reminder of reason #97 why I left that city for sunny California!

Started back to work with a stomach bug (from my trip), jetlag, and 12 and 1/2 hour time change to reacclimate to...barely functional but trying to hang in here until my off days so I can have time to recover and resettle in peace.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip but too short! Nevertheless, I have seen the Taj Mahal, touched it, walked in and around it, and can say...it was definitely worth it! Truly a Happy Birthday present from me to me! Hope you enjoyed what I shared, feel free to send comments and thanks to all who already did...they were well recieved presents!

Hugs to all!

Namaste,

Lonnieworld aka Nubian Nomad

Lonnie in India cont.

2009-09-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Hope you are keeping well. The heat here is scorching but thank God for A/C in the car and hotel rooms. The food is excellent and very cheap. I've been sticking to vegetarian items as I had a chicken dish once and the chicken was undercooked. I've toured more palaces, forts, and temples than I can count and forget about naming them. I am very impressed that so many Indians are very interested in their history as they are abundant at every point of interests. I am still blown away by the tiny streets made even smaller by the constant flow of foot traffic, cars, motorickshaws, bikes, motorccycles, sheeps, dogs, camels and the ever present... cows!

I was sitting in an internet shop and all of a sudden, I heard..."Moooooo!" It seems completely normal now to hear that. I saw a man chase a couple of cows away from his shop and not only did the cow return, there were at least 10 more. The man gave up but I was hoping to see 'the running of the bulls' :-) The saris the women wear are the most beautiful I have ever seen. There are colors everywhere, including the spice shops where there are mountains of exotic spices in the most brilliant colors i've ever seen. I have seen a number of folk shows where the dancing and singing of the gypsys and other Rajastani tribes make me feel like I am in a time of old.

I get a lot of attention, stares, finger pointing at me, people passing then recircling me to get a longer look, folks actually stopping, coming closer and just staring at me. I always smile and greet them with a Namaste or Hello so they know all is well, and they almost always return the greeting with a smile. I sometimes even take pictures of the folks who stop to gawk at me, and they pose for the photo! Touche!

Something I had not realized when I was packing my luggage for India, virtually everything I'd brought was made in India...how crazy is that? I called myself packing for hot weather without a thought as to the items being bought in California, but made in India where I was going until I started seeing some of the fabrics I was wearing....surreal!

Oh, forgot to tell you about my monkey experience! I was in Mangore Park in Jodhpur where I visited ancient ruins that date back hundreds of years. I climbed up to a high point and tried to retrace my steps back down only to run into a monkey. I'm not afraid of wild monkeys but 2 days before, a Swedish woman told me her story of how she was bitten by a monkey because she had a bag that the monkey assumed had food in it, so he came after her. She had to go thru a whole prophylactic rabies exposure protocol which included injections, medical evaluations, etc. That was all I could think of when I was trying to figure out how to get down off the top of the ruin without passing the monkey!! I was anxious for a few minutes until I heard some boys voices and saw them enter a side gate. I was glad that I was no longer alone in case the monkey attacked me but even happier that I now had an escape route. I started talking to the boys who didn't have a clue what I was saying after Hello! I didn't care but I was saying, 'thank you little guardian angel boys, I will always be grateful for your arrival...may God, Budha, Allah, Krisna, Vishnu and all the Gods bless you and your families always....Namaste! they responded in kind with a puzzled expression, 'Namaste' and I departed without one single monkey bite!!!

I saw my 3rd and 4th Black people today, a couple traveling with a French group which explains why they didn't speak to me. Those Frenchies! But the Belgium brotha and I took a photo together as we were genuinely happy to connect. I saw the other brotha in Delhi and we greeted while passing. Otherwise, there are loads of Israelis traveling around Rajastan as well as Japanese. I've even met folks from eastern Europe and Australia.

Anyway, i'll stop for now and post more photos for your enjoyment! Namaste,

Lonnieworld1

Lonnie in India cont>

2009-09-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hope all is well in your world...I'll keep in brief as not to bore you with details but the adventures cont. I had a day of culture shock shortly after arrival in Agra as I was sitting in an internet cafe, and out of my peripheral view, I could see large black objects passing. It was a herd of buffalo, I say OK. The street is narrow, there are people , cars, bikes, motorickshaws, motorcycles, and now black buffalo. OK, cool. Then I see something else that my peripheral vision had not made out and I turn to see a herd of goats being sheparded by a small child and I say OK, that's cool. Next, was a white cow walking casually thru the maze of movement, and I say OK that's cool and a well known common occurence in India. Then I turn back to see a giant camel pulling a cart loaded with rice, grains, spices, etc. and I think...Where the hell am I for real? Am I being punked? It was surreal as the narrow street had all this action going on much as it has been for milliniums! Loving It. Wish you were here!

Just finished touring Udaipur, Jaipur, and Bikaner (Rat Temple), now in Jodhpur. Will fill you in on the visits later. Kisses,

Lonnieworld

OK I'm late on the entry but...

2009-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here I is:-) Hope you're well and thriving! I'm having the time of my life in India. Getting here was more than 2o hours of travel and it was sooooo worth it! I spent my first night in Delhi at a friend Barbara's apartment. She was hosting 2 other travelers as well, Jacob from the States and Ben from New Zealand. 2 other locals were there and we had a nice evening.

The next day I went into Delhi with Jacob and was instantly overwhelmed with sights, sounds, colors, smells, people, traffic, horn blowing, etc. All this on dirty narrow overcrowed streets. It was surreal but I got into the rhythm farely quickly and was glad that I was at least with someone who knew the ropes. Jacob had walking into twisted un-named backstreets where I ran head on into my first India cow in the hood! They blend into the landscape now but that first one looked as out of place to me as a monkey in a living room, surreal! Jacob looked away from where he was walking for an instant and slipped in some poo...let's just say, it was not a 4 legged animal's. We met up with some of his friends (Jacob had already been in Delhi a few days) who took us to a lunch spot and later a chai spot where we people watched. I got to learn a few words in Hindi and how to bargain by a master.

I booked a train ticket to Agra for my Taj Mahal excursion and looked forward to getting out of Delhi. Another local travel host took Barbara and I around to see India Gateway (massive doorway) and The Lotus Temple (B'Hai faith) which were amazingly beautiful and serene enough to have a mini prayer\meditation session.

I rode a 2 hr trainride to Agra the next morning. Shared the car with 2 Japanese fellows who were a delight, very friendly and sweet. Some local Indian men 18-20yrs old joined us in our train car to chat. First there was 1 then eventually, about 8-10. They were on their way to boot camp training and had a 36hr train ride to get there. They were from the Punjab region whre I now will one day have to visit. They taught me a few more words of Hindi and were a delight to hang out with.

The 2 Japanese men rode an auto rickshaw into town together and stayed at the same hotel where we could walk up to the rooftop and see The Taj. She took my breath away so that all I could say was, '...thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you God! That's all I could get out. Explored the town by foot and it was a smaller scale of Delhi with people wanting you to see their shops, buy things, make deals, etc. but it was every time you made a step, intense hustle going on but I booked a tour for the next day that would include The Taj., The Red Fort, Baby Taj, and other points of interests.

The next day, it was all about the Taj first, the marble, quartz, details and shear scale of it was mindblowing. It was flanked by identical red structures that were very amazing to see also. Saw lots of green parrots, monkeys, and the insides of the temples which housed the tomb of the beloved wife for which the Taj was built.

I've seen the Taj Mahal

2009-09-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

My trip getting to India was a trip but i'll tell you about that later...meanwhile, i'm being harassed to post pictures like yesterday! OK here they are:

I have been to Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) and currently in Udaipur on my way to Jaipur. See my next entry for more info. Wish you were here!

Leaving for India Sept.19, 2009

2009-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'm clearing my desk and seeing my last patients before vacation! Yeh! Still have to put a few things in my travel bag but i'm ret to GO! Will dance at the samba jam tonight at the music arts center in downtown L A then get some sleep to prepare for my little trip to Delhi! Keep up with me...if you can.
Hugs,
Lonnieworld

Baltra

2008-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Leaving Ecuador

2008-10-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

I was just getting used to the altitude again, (took 2 days) and now it´s time to go. So yesterday, I played tourist again and visited an enormous park, a little upscale area called Bella Vista (beautiful view) and it is. The highlight was hiking up to Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), the home and gallery of Internationally known Oswaldo Guayazamin (s/p). He was a deep man and so was his art that evolved from anger to tenderness regarding humanity. It took me 1hr 15min to reach the top of the mountain site, as my calves and buns cramped up the steep incline... it only took 45 min to come down. It was a serious workout! The view was spectacular. The Pinchicha volcano moutains backgrounded the city of homes, highrises, and busy streets.

I came down and had a big bowl of shrimp soup before going to old Quito once more. I was looking for postcards and souvenirs but found a few CDs instead. I have a few hours today before my flight to find a few postcards or my photos may just have to do! I did find a few pairs of earring though...surprised?

All in all, the trip was fantastic and I would do it again, some things better, but for sure, again. Hope you enjoyed the trip with me!....see you manñana!
peace and blessings,
lonnie

Visiting Quayaquil, Manta, Quito again

2008-10-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

In the airport, I met up with a couple who were on the earlier plane ride over to the islands. Then I met a couple of sisters from Ecuador who were on the Turtle Bay tour on the island of Santa Cruz, Patricia and Fatima (locals) who were soooo sweet. They helped me score a hotel and taxi. The highlight of Guayaquil is the Malecon 2000, a beach boardwalk filled with eateries, parks, entertainment venues, etc. It was definitely a family spot as there were children and lovebirds everywhere. I took long walks, watched some parades (Independence Day for Guayaquil), checked out some performances, and ate some pretty good food. A local favorite is Ceviche, marinated seafood, very yummy!

The following day, I was invited over to Patricia and Fatima´s house for dinner. The family was lovely and prepared a feast of chicken, boiled potato with cream sauce, and rice. I brought pasteles (sweet bread assortment) for dessert. I got to see the Galapagos photos of the sisters, they were excellent!

The following day, I took a 3 1/2 hour busride to Manta, a coastal city on Ruta del Sol (the sun route) only there was no sun. Nor had there been for the 3 days I was in Guayaquil. I met a sweet young lady seated next to me for the busride, Yesinia. She was so sweet and helped me find a taxi and hotel. She rode to the hotel with me and I invited her to lunch. We had a nice lunch and she went on her way. I took a walk around the city and down to the beach which was lined with eateries. The gray skies and humidity dampened any thoughts of hanging out an extra day in Manta or even continuing up the coast to Esmerelda. That bus wouldn´t even leave until the following evening so I bought a ticket to return to Quito.

I arrived in Quito Tues. night but my luggage didn´t. It was never placed on the bus so I spent the night in a hotel across the street from the terminal. The bus driver was a total sweetheart in helping me locate and get my bags on the next bus. When I went over at 7am, luggage was there and I was able to shower, brush teeth, and change clothes.....Yeh!

After breakfast, I walked to New Quito to look for a room. Most were rented due to a convention but I finally found a cute one run by an Ecuadorian woman who used to live in Torrance (Los Angeles County). The room is clean, with a view of the main street, Amazonas, and in the heart of La Mariscal, a tourist hotspot. I tried a Thai restaurant for lunch...not too good. I tried an Indian restaurant for dinner....not too good. Decided to stick to local dishes and I know where I can get a great bowl of seafood soup for $2 that is excellent!

By the way, my room rates have ranged from $10-$16/night. The average meal has been around $3. American $ are 1:1 and the most commonly used money. In fact, the ATMs spit out USA dollars and I have never seen an Ecuador bill, only coins.

Yesterday, I visited Quito´s Cultural Center and the Musuem of Natural History. I also visited a huge shopping mall which had most of the big designer and brand name stores we have in the States. Today, I think I will play tourist some more and maybe do a lil´earring shopping.

I can hardly believe I´ll be on a plane headed for home tomorrow...so I`m going to stop writing for now so I can remain present and enjoy this beautiful sunny Ecuadorian day!

Peace and Blessings to you all and for all of those who sent me birthday notes, it meant the world to me! Love U Mucho!

How quickly things change

2008-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

I know I left off preparing to ride a boat over to Isabel and it was a 2hr journey in a boat that crashed into waves of steel, leaving internal organs bruised. I even bashed my forehead into the captains chair in a moment just after the boat glided in air then plowed into a run waves, triples, quads, and half twists! I made it through doing yoga breathing and closed eyed meditation. When we arrived on the island, my guide found me and asked me to identify my luggage, then I promptly sat down on a bench. Carlo said íf you want to rest instead of doing this afternoon´s tours, it´s ok´ and I did. The drive across the island was a tour into micro-climates, hot&dry, cool&wet, tropical humidity and heat...all within 45min.

My room was on a main street with a view of the ocean and the sounds of the ways. I laid down to pass out and a sound louder than the crashing waves, howled,´cockle dudo doooo!´ Are you friggin´kidding? but I was ready and pushed the mute button on ´Chicky´with the stuffing of earplugs, Ha!

After a brief rest, I had a great dinner with my guide and his wife & son, very cute family. The next day, B-day, Road horses to Sierra Negra, the Black Forest. There was me, Carlo, and a couple, Xavier & Patricia. We had a blast laughing and joking for the entire slippery, rainy, muddy horseride and volcano hike. We saw the second largest crater in the world and it was a massive sunken black lava hole...jinormous! We stopped along the way and took in fews of birds, insects, and plants. Carlo recounted the history of the Galapagos Island formation and told us when we were standing over the hot spot...fascinating, as you could feel heat from some spots. The horseride and hike took 5hrs and it was sooooo worth it!

Later, we had lunch then visited a lagoon surrounded by lush mangrove. We saw pelicans, sea lions, crabs, shrimp, iguanas, and turtles....and an eagle put on a show for us! He soared, glided, posed and danced! Áfter a swim, we showered and had a special birthday dinner of lobster, rice, beans, salad, and ice cream. They song the birthday song and toasted the occasion then we left for the disco. There, we danced salsa and meringue and had a cocktail! It was a great day!

Yesterday, my new friends, Patricia and Xavier left so my guide took me to Shark Bay where I saw plenty of sharks resting in shallow, warm waters. I always had to watch where I stepped as the iguanas were everywhere, quiet, still, and undisturbed. Neither were the sea lions which you could walk up to and take photos at close range. We then went to the Turtle conservation sancturary where I saw turtles from all over the Galapagos, from the same family but each has evolved into their own tribe. They were later to be introduced back to where they came from.

I visited ´Muro de lacrimas´Wall of Tears´ which prisoners started building before the government stopped it, as soooo many men were dying as a result to the stones falling on them. Even got to see one of America´s secret military bases and heard stories about that lil´history in Ecuador.

Did a wonderful tour of the island and got to see it from the highest point, which was breathtaking views of jungle surrounded by the sea. I saw a lone pink flamingo, got the photos.

The boatride to leave Isabel was not as turbulent as the one coming over but it was rough...Still, I made it back to Santa Cruz. My tour organizer was a nightmare but the actual guide on the boat was quite a character...lots of laughs and interesting commentary as he boated us around the island and to snokel, hiking, and animal viewing sites. Had a great dinner, now it´s off to bed and heading for the airport tomorrow to visit Quayaquil....stayed tuned and thanks for the birthday notes....wish you were here...

On My first Galapagos Island

2008-09-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

I don´t know if you´ve ever had a dream come true but I´m living in mine at this moment! I can hardly believe I´m sitting in an internet cafe right across the street from turquoise waters framed by palm and cactus trees. It is so beautiful here and the locals and tourist are warm and friendly. I´m on the island of Baltra and later this afternoon, headed for Isabella, one of the most special of islands because it´s wild life has been so well preserved. The population is black, indigenous, spanish, chinese, and a small mix of foreigners, mostly europeans so please tell Rodney King, Yes, we all can get along! It´s almost time for me to catch my boat to Isabelle where I will visit Dolphin beach and Flamingo lake! I need to get help to download photos as the camera and downloading stuff from it is all new to me so please be patient.
PS: Don´t do anything stressful tomorrow, it´s a holiday....my Birthday!!!! so send me some love please:-)
miss u and hope all is well in your world.
Lonnieworld

Sunday in Quito

2008-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thinking about you all and yes, wish you were here! All is well in lonnieworld in Quito. Today was somewhat quiet as it is on most Sundays during low season. The weather was perfect, clear, blue, sunny skies. I bought a camera, Yippee! Even met a couple of Couch Surfers, a travelers´connection resource. Felipe owns a cafe near my hotel and he was very sweet and helpful. I got together with Daniela at a internet cafe and she was a delight. We talked for hours and had some laughs too! Met some other cool folks including a 19yo Australian man who I help order breakfast as he didn´t speak much Spanish except Gracias. Still, I was impressed that he´d already traveled throughout Central and S.America over a 6 wk period, hiking, biking, and getting drunk:-)
I visited a couple of travel offices and made plans for my Galapagos Island tour, will know more about what´s available tomorrow. I visited some of the old churches and convents in the historical area where i´m staying. Will do a more formal city tour and visit La Mitad del Mundo (the equator). I´ll keep you posted, until then, keep well and send me a note when you can.

Loving Quito

2008-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hope all is well and wonderful you...I´m loving Quito despite the´getting here´part. Only when I arrived at the airport did I discover I did not have a window seat (as I requested online) but an isle seat. I worried about getting sleep even though I would be ready at 2am depature time. Not only was I in an isle seat, it was in the last row and directly opposite 2 bathrooms? Not only would I not get sleep, I would have ass and funk in my face...oh well. I quit feeling sorry for myself when a young man showed up to take the middle seat (window seat already taken by an older woman who sat ready with blanket and pillow...witch! Anyway, I felt worse the middle-seat man who had no chance of getting comfortable. Thankfully, he was cute, friendly and smelled good so I took a benadryl and hoped he wouldn´t mind me drooling and snoring should it happen. After 6hr of sleepless torture, it was time to change flights in Panama. I was happy to be off the plane but felt weak and lightheaded from exhaustion. Was served a meal on the Panama to Quito flight but felt too out of it to eat. I had a window seat but the flight was just under 2 hrs, and I couldn´t fall asleep, my body was sore all over.

Enough of the whinning already...I arrived in Quito early afternoon and took a taxi to a hotel I booked from the airport. My first impression was that it looked very much like most other latin cities in structures, layout, people, shops, noice and traffic everywhere on narrow streets and sidewalks. I saw mountains and volcanos off in the distances. I chose to stay in old Quito first, very colonial with the cathedrals, cobblestone streets, parks, musicians playing in the plaza, etc. I checked into my room and when I reached the top of the stairs, 2nd floor, I felt breathless and lightheaded...so now let´s add altitude sickness to my issues?

I left for a walk and to get some water and food.Dinner was chicken, rice and veggies for $2 and was delish! I got back to my room too early to sleep so I decided to try and operate the new camera I got only to discover that the saleslady misled me. It doesn´t take photos and videos, only videos. Meanwhile, I have 2 cameras at home, just had a condensation problem with the camcorder. So that means i´ll have to buy a camera here, oh well! There´s so much to photograph especially when I get to Galapagos Islands.

I´ve only seen most of old Quito in the south but on my way to the north where it´s modern. Will keep you posted. Hasta luego,

Lonnieworld

Nubian Gypsy preparing for S.America travels

2008-09-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Every time I hung up the phone yesterday and today, I ended with, '...have a great weekend..' A co-worker happened to be standing near me when she heard me say this. She reminded me that it was kinda early to wish people a great weekend. That's when it hit me...today is only Tuesday, but for me, it was Thursday because I was already in Ecuador, mentally anyway. Oh well, in a few more days, (planets and stars align), I will be there. I'm hoping you'll join me as I keep you posted on what's going on in Lonnieworld!

Peace and Blessing,
Lonnie