...although grudgingly at the moment!
This is a little update for those who are interested.
I have been home for just over three weeks. 'Home' for me at the moment is Brisbane. I'm staying with my Ma and Da while I try and figure out what is next on my journey.
It only took about 2 weeks for me to start going stir crazy, and the initial excitement at being home and seeing my loved ones got old! I think the hardest part is accepting that life isn't always super exciting, and compared to my last year, nothing much is exciting at the moment! I am having trouble dealing with the fact that I have no flights booked for the immediate future! Argh!
Anyway, I was lucky to get work right off the bat at a pub near home. It's tough trying to get back into the swing of things, and I bitch and complain constantly becuase I'm a spolit brat who hasn't had to work so far this year!! However, I do know I am lucky to have a job, which pays good rates and keeps me busy....and more importantly, helps me to save for the next big adventure.
My immediate plan is to look for a job in my industry and work until I have enough money saved to go back and do it all again. I'm thinking Edinburgh or Cardiff in 2011, so stay tuned!
Thanks to everyone who has kept in touch and sent me their best wishes over the past year. It's so nice to know nice people, and I hope to see you all again soon.
In the meantime, all my love and super cool vibes come your way...
xx
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Temples of Zen
On my second day in Japan, Ashi and I caught the train into the countryside to a place called Kamakura. We started at the Engakuji Zen Temple, which is one of 5 Zen Temples in Kamakura. It was absolutely stunning, set high in the mountains, and felt like we were walking through a 5 star resort in the middle of a rainforest. The Temple was still in use by monks, so much of it was off limits, but it was worth going to have a look. It dates back to the 14th Century, but everything was so well looked after that it looked new, despite being hundreds of years old. The architecture of the buildings was spectacular and much of the Temple was classified as a National Treasure, very cool.
While we were at Engakuji, we partook in a traditional Green Tea Ceremony, which was so special. We were sitting out on a wide deck overlooking the forest, and I could have stayed there forever. The utter peacefulness was almost numbing...
Our next stop was the Kotoko-in Daibutsu, or The Great Buddha, circa 1252. It was HUGE and amazing, and I was even more amazed when Ashi told me it was only the 3rd largest Buddha in Japan!
Our final destination for the day was Enoshima Island, where we visited another Shrine. It was a wet and windy walk across the brudge to get to the island, and then very steep walk up a shop lined street to the shrine, but I was happy because I got to play my new favourite game, dodge the brolley! When we got to the Shrine we kept out fitness levels up and climbed what felt like a never ending set of stairs which lead to a variety of different shrines and temples until we finally reached the top and could enjoy the view of the water stretching out to the mainland.
Our final destination for the day was Enoshima Island, where we visited another Shrine. It was a wet and windy walk across the brudge to get to the island, and then very steep walk up a shop lined street to the shrine, but I was happy because I got to play my new favourite game, dodge the brolley! When we got to the Shrine we kept out fitness levels up and climbed what felt like a never ending set of stairs which lead to a variety of different shrines and temples until we finally reached the top and could enjoy the view of the water stretching out to the mainland.
It was stunnning day and a great end to a great couple of days in Japan. I am so lucky that I have a fabulous friend in Ashi - I can't imagine being in Japan without him! Thanks Ashi x
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I`m big in Japan...
...Literally.
They are tiny over here!
I am in Tokyo for 3 days, on a stopover on my way home after a FAB year away!
I am very lucky that I have a friend / tourguide / photographer here. I met Ashi when I worked at UniSA and he represented the University in Judo at the Uni Games. He was studying for his Masters in physiotherapy, and is now working as a qualified physio just outside Tokyo.
I arrived on the afternoon of Monday 3rd May into Narita Airport. Ashi came to meet me in the evening and we had a great night out in typical Japanese style - starting with some Japanese `fast food` - Octopus balls! Mmmmmm.... A bit later we went to dinner in a traditional Japanese restaurant, complete with cushions on the ground, no shoes, weird raw things and sake! Yum Yum. Our spirits were quite high after that! I do enjoy me some good sake....Mmm mmm.
Today I donned my tourist hat for one last time, and we hit the road in Tokyo, starting at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace. It was stunning stunning stunning! My only disappointment was my discovery that although it is Spring, I have missed the flowering of the Cherry Blossom Trees - they only flower for one week apparently. But not to worry, there were many other beautful sights to see, including 3 old guard houses in typical Japanese architecture (I can`t stop thinking about the Karate Kid!), the ruins of Tenshudai (main tower), the Suwano-chaya Tea House, and various beautiful gardens.
From the East Gardens, we walked to the famous Nijubashi Bridge to take some pictures and try and get a glimpse of the Imperial Palace, but no luck there. The Imperial Palace and the East Gardens are situated smack bang in the centre of Tokyo, so you literally have a concrete jungle on one side of the road and a serene, peaceful garden on the other. Crazy!
This afternoon, we went to Asakusa, whish is Tokyo`s `downtown` area, lined with narrow backstreets which are full of shops selling traditional Japanese wares (kimonos etc). It was a holiday in Japan today, so it was absolutely packed. It was also raining, so I had to take care not to be stabbed by the thousands of brolleys that seemed to be out to get me! We stopped here for lunch (Raman noodles - Ashi told me that the louder I eat them the better, so I put my all into making it the slurpiest meal I`d ever had!)
After lunch we went to the Asakusa Kannon Temple. I really enjoyed the traditions that this involved. Walking up to the temple we passed a huge insense burner, where you wave the smoke towards your head to make you smarter, towards you face for beauty, etc. I waved that smoke everywhere I could! Then, before entering the Temple to pray to the Gods, it is good manners to be clean, so there is a special fountain to wash your hands and mouth with. Suitably cleaned, we headed up the stairs to the Temple to say a prayer.
We also got our fortunes, which was exciting! Unfortunately Ashi got a bad fortune, so he went over and tied it to the pole, which is apparently tradition if you get a bad fortune. My fortune was good luck for the future, which is something to look forward to!
Tomorrow we are off to the Japanese Countryside for the day. I can`t wait!
For those of you interested, my photos from today are up at: http://picasaweb.google.com/jesshargreaves0
The Journey of my Life..
Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela.
707km in 31 days.
Pretty. Bloody. Proud.
As you may have noticed, I have had a lot of trouble keeping this blog updated on the road. As I briefly touched on in an earlier post, I have been on quite the journey, both physically and mentally. It would be impossible to even attempt to put half of it into writing for anyone to understand.
The Camino de Santiago is intense.
I have walked in all kinds of weather - burning hot sunshine, pouring rain, hail (a lot of hail), wind blowing so hard and fast that it feels like it`ll flatten you, and even snow.
I have walked through all kinds of terrain - vineyards, mountains, valleys, along streams, through dry arid countryside, along freeways, through tiny untouched villages, and through forests.
The paths have been concrete, grass, puddles and mud, stones, dirt and at times, hard to find.
I have experienced emotions ranging from the most intense highs to the most incredible lows.
I have laughed, and I have cried. I have felt at peace, and I have felt frustrated. I have been scared and I have felt powerful.
I have met people who have amazed me with their outlooks, insights and incredible ways, and I have met people who have astounded me with their bitterness and stupidity.
I have learnt so many important lessons, and these lessons have come to me in the most curious and subtle of ways. They say that their are angels on the Camino and I think that is true.
I would like to give a shout out to my Angels:
Cathy.
Jon.
Stefan.
Otmar.
Hermann.
Harry.
Steffi.
Rebecca.
Megan.
Jeff.
Some of the most amazing and special people in the world. My thoughts will always be with you all. We`ve had the most amazing of times and I couldn`t think of people more appropriate to share the journey with.
This is without a doubt the best thing I`ve done in my life so far. I wish I could share more, but most of the things I experienced are mine to keep close to my heart. I`m sure stories will come out over time, so keep tuned to this station if you want to know more...
707km in 31 days.
Pretty. Bloody. Proud.
As you may have noticed, I have had a lot of trouble keeping this blog updated on the road. As I briefly touched on in an earlier post, I have been on quite the journey, both physically and mentally. It would be impossible to even attempt to put half of it into writing for anyone to understand.
The Camino de Santiago is intense.
I have walked in all kinds of weather - burning hot sunshine, pouring rain, hail (a lot of hail), wind blowing so hard and fast that it feels like it`ll flatten you, and even snow.
I have walked through all kinds of terrain - vineyards, mountains, valleys, along streams, through dry arid countryside, along freeways, through tiny untouched villages, and through forests.
The paths have been concrete, grass, puddles and mud, stones, dirt and at times, hard to find.
I have experienced emotions ranging from the most intense highs to the most incredible lows.
I have laughed, and I have cried. I have felt at peace, and I have felt frustrated. I have been scared and I have felt powerful.
I have met people who have amazed me with their outlooks, insights and incredible ways, and I have met people who have astounded me with their bitterness and stupidity.
I have learnt so many important lessons, and these lessons have come to me in the most curious and subtle of ways. They say that their are angels on the Camino and I think that is true.
I would like to give a shout out to my Angels:
Cathy.
Jon.
Stefan.
Otmar.
Hermann.
Harry.
Steffi.
Rebecca.
Megan.
Jeff.
Some of the most amazing and special people in the world. My thoughts will always be with you all. We`ve had the most amazing of times and I couldn`t think of people more appropriate to share the journey with.
This is without a doubt the best thing I`ve done in my life so far. I wish I could share more, but most of the things I experienced are mine to keep close to my heart. I`m sure stories will come out over time, so keep tuned to this station if you want to know more...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Half way Point
Today was officially the half way point of my journey!
In the last week I have gone from Burgo - Mansilla De Real Camino, a total of 140km.
Today is officially 377km down, 330km to go. It´s a great feeling to be counting down now!
I am now travelling solo, and am loving it! I plug in the headphones and spend my days singing and dancing across Spain. Averaging about 26km per day in about 6 hours.
There is too much to fit in now, but for those wondering, I am alive, and I am ok.
Blisters, check!
Sunglasses tan, check!
VERY sore shoulder, check!
Raincoat and poncho, check!
Stale bread and questionable meat, check!
All set for another 2 and a half weeks.
Keep those emails and facebook messages coming. I miss you all, but I am feeling very at peace.
xxx
In the last week I have gone from Burgo - Mansilla De Real Camino, a total of 140km.
Today is officially 377km down, 330km to go. It´s a great feeling to be counting down now!
I am now travelling solo, and am loving it! I plug in the headphones and spend my days singing and dancing across Spain. Averaging about 26km per day in about 6 hours.
There is too much to fit in now, but for those wondering, I am alive, and I am ok.
Blisters, check!
Sunglasses tan, check!
VERY sore shoulder, check!
Raincoat and poncho, check!
Stale bread and questionable meat, check!
All set for another 2 and a half weeks.
Keep those emails and facebook messages coming. I miss you all, but I am feeling very at peace.
xxx
Like a Prayer....
Soooo....
If someone asked me if I was a religious person I would probably say no. I don´t go to Church on Sunday. I don´t say my prayers before bedtime. I´m not completely sold on the idea of heaven and hell. It bothers me that religion causes so much horror and violence in the world, when really, I believe everyone is praying to the same idol, be it Buddah, Allah, or God. However, I´m not an athiest, and my mind is completely open to the idea of there being a higher being. I think that I would like to class myself as ´Spiritual´. I have been attending Mass (and I´m not Catholic) regularly since being in Spain, and I have also been going to the odd prayer session - being careful to stay away from any open flames...! I find these sessions very meditative and relaxing. It is very peaceful.
I´m not interested in starting any debates with this post.
What I want is to share something with you all. This is a prayer that was said last night, and I thought it was special.
When the dust of the Camino and of our life stick to our shoes, Star of Compestela, Princess Star, will you tell me how to reach love?
PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace.
That where there is hatred, I may bring love.
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony.
That where there is error, I may bring truth.
That where there is doubt, I may bring faith.
That where there is despair, I may bring hope.
That where there are shadows, I may bring light.
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Grant that I may seek to comfort rather than be comforted.
To understand, than be understood.
To love, than to be loved.
For, it is by self forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
If you look past the fact that it is a religious prayer, it actually is a very soothing message and makes a lot of sense... It made me think anyway.
If someone asked me if I was a religious person I would probably say no. I don´t go to Church on Sunday. I don´t say my prayers before bedtime. I´m not completely sold on the idea of heaven and hell. It bothers me that religion causes so much horror and violence in the world, when really, I believe everyone is praying to the same idol, be it Buddah, Allah, or God. However, I´m not an athiest, and my mind is completely open to the idea of there being a higher being. I think that I would like to class myself as ´Spiritual´. I have been attending Mass (and I´m not Catholic) regularly since being in Spain, and I have also been going to the odd prayer session - being careful to stay away from any open flames...! I find these sessions very meditative and relaxing. It is very peaceful.
I´m not interested in starting any debates with this post.
What I want is to share something with you all. This is a prayer that was said last night, and I thought it was special.
When the dust of the Camino and of our life stick to our shoes, Star of Compestela, Princess Star, will you tell me how to reach love?
PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace.
That where there is hatred, I may bring love.
That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.
That where there is discord, I may bring harmony.
That where there is error, I may bring truth.
That where there is doubt, I may bring faith.
That where there is despair, I may bring hope.
That where there are shadows, I may bring light.
That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Grant that I may seek to comfort rather than be comforted.
To understand, than be understood.
To love, than to be loved.
For, it is by self forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
If you look past the fact that it is a religious prayer, it actually is a very soothing message and makes a lot of sense... It made me think anyway.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Los Arcos - Burgos
171km in 7 days
The Camino De Santiago is an experience. Amazing and horrendous. Fabulous and Terrible. Happy and Sad. I didn´t really have any reasons for starting this journey, apart from the idea of strolling through the Spanish countryside sounding like it could be ok. I still don´t know why I started this journey, but it has become a powerfully emotional and incredibly personal journey. I have experienced the most intense of emotions over the past 10 days, which has come as a real shock to me. I suppose having so much time to think can be a bit overbearing on the poor old mind!
My everything aches. Blisters on top of blisters, sore legs, dodgy shoulder now even dodgier. Sunburn, ´chubrub´ (inner thigh rash), dry skin. Urgh. I stink. Everything smells and is filthy. I would kill for a bath. But.......
....I wouldn´t change it. I have met the most special people. Kindness I can´t even explain. Language is no barrier, and it´s amazing. I have hooked up with a group of about 6 people - English, German, Austrian, and Italian. We tend to end up at the same Albergue (hostel) each night, and it´s like coming home! We all look out for each other and it´s a special feeling.
For those who haven´t heard, I had a terrible experience in Grañon. We were staying in the Bell Tower of a church (I know, amazing). I went to an evening Prayer session and caught on fire - got too close to the candles. My jacket went up in flames, but thankfully, I´m ok. The next morning, all the other ´Pilgrims´staying there had taken up a collection for me to buy a new jacket. That´s what it´s like.
Today I was plodding along, when Otmar and Hermann - 2 lovely men with little english, caught up with me. They had a present for me. It was a new hat with a bottle opener attached to the brim, and they had written Camino De Santiago 2009, with the shell symbol on it. I think they think I have a drinking problem!! Very funny!
I have walked through all kinds of terrain, from forests and valleys to main roads with huge trucks tearing past. Lots of mountains, stunning scenery, and spent a few days solid walking through vineyards - shame it´s not wine season. It would have been beautiful to see it in full fruit.
That´s it in a nutshell - as always, I only have limited time on the internet, but I will try and update this more regularly. I´m off to Mass for Palm Sunday- My first ever Mass.´
Don´t worry, I´ll keep away from open flames :)
The Camino De Santiago is an experience. Amazing and horrendous. Fabulous and Terrible. Happy and Sad. I didn´t really have any reasons for starting this journey, apart from the idea of strolling through the Spanish countryside sounding like it could be ok. I still don´t know why I started this journey, but it has become a powerfully emotional and incredibly personal journey. I have experienced the most intense of emotions over the past 10 days, which has come as a real shock to me. I suppose having so much time to think can be a bit overbearing on the poor old mind!
My everything aches. Blisters on top of blisters, sore legs, dodgy shoulder now even dodgier. Sunburn, ´chubrub´ (inner thigh rash), dry skin. Urgh. I stink. Everything smells and is filthy. I would kill for a bath. But.......
....I wouldn´t change it. I have met the most special people. Kindness I can´t even explain. Language is no barrier, and it´s amazing. I have hooked up with a group of about 6 people - English, German, Austrian, and Italian. We tend to end up at the same Albergue (hostel) each night, and it´s like coming home! We all look out for each other and it´s a special feeling.
For those who haven´t heard, I had a terrible experience in Grañon. We were staying in the Bell Tower of a church (I know, amazing). I went to an evening Prayer session and caught on fire - got too close to the candles. My jacket went up in flames, but thankfully, I´m ok. The next morning, all the other ´Pilgrims´staying there had taken up a collection for me to buy a new jacket. That´s what it´s like.
Today I was plodding along, when Otmar and Hermann - 2 lovely men with little english, caught up with me. They had a present for me. It was a new hat with a bottle opener attached to the brim, and they had written Camino De Santiago 2009, with the shell symbol on it. I think they think I have a drinking problem!! Very funny!
I have walked through all kinds of terrain, from forests and valleys to main roads with huge trucks tearing past. Lots of mountains, stunning scenery, and spent a few days solid walking through vineyards - shame it´s not wine season. It would have been beautiful to see it in full fruit.
That´s it in a nutshell - as always, I only have limited time on the internet, but I will try and update this more regularly. I´m off to Mass for Palm Sunday- My first ever Mass.´
Don´t worry, I´ll keep away from open flames :)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
