 Claire Hall - the soul cultivator | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 1st December 2009 linnet mariciela | from the north - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go glad that I clicked on my mail, m'dear, and so had the opportunity to read this one ... such a pleasure, to have you in my life! |
| 29th November 2009 Jo Cawthorn | - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Hi Claire, It is good to read your blog, you are very organised to do all this, sorry to hear about you a Stu. Have thought about you but am rubbish at emailing. I think i still live in last century when it comes to technology, unlike you it seems. I would love you to come and visit if ever you get a day free please let me know and come and stop and we can really catch up. What is your new address? Nicola is on the move she is just buying a house for the first time, so is really excited! Love to you and hopefully we can get something on the calender to get to see each other. Lots of Love Jo and the gang xxx |
| 29th November 2009 Diana Rico | - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Claire, what a wonderful roundup of your last 2 years & aftermath of The Epic Journey. You so clearly have the makings of a book in all this and once again I encourage you to move forward in that direction, if/when it feels right to you. Love the pic of Boudica, the warrior goddess, in silhouette with her charging steed -- who just happens to look like Pegasus! :-) You are a way-shower and a braveheart. Much, much love to you, dear Claire!!! |
| 28th November 2009 Polly | - From: The sadness in Happisburgh Im so sorry |
| 28th November 2009 Kim | An Amazing Woman - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go You are a woman without parallel, you always have been, uniquely courageous, and, as you have grown older more adept at hearing your own voice. What an enviable quality to have, Claire. A wonderful read, as always, thank you. I love you very much. |
| 26th November 2009 Angie | - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Clare As always very well written and great to read, I still think you should write a book and share your lifes experiences. Sorry to hear about you and Stu. Glad life is good for you too. Much Love x x x x |
| 23rd November 2009 Darryl | - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Fantastic piece of inspirational writing Claire - I couldn't drag my self away til I'd finished - now I can get back to work invigorated by your positive vision and candor.Hope our paths cross again soon.Love Darryl xx |
| 23rd November 2009 Sadie | :o) - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Well written lovely :o) It's about taking part and giving x |
| 23rd November 2009 MAC from California | Deep-Real-Perfect - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go There comes a time in each of our human experiences when we wake up and really see and hear everything for the very first time. It is suddenly all so beautiful. The birds singing…the sun shining…so beautiful... just like you. People come into our lives for all kinds of reasons. Some only for a moment as if to just check in and make sure all is well…others find each other again and again lifetime after lifetime…our circle of love…those who really “get” us…understanding on a deep-deep level that is not of this world but cosmic in nature. And that Claire Hall is you and me girlfriend…cosmic…divine…destined…soul sisters. I am so happy for you my bright shining light! Sending you much love and a BIG HUG. MAC oxoxo |
| 22nd November 2009 UNDERWAY | Hi, from Jim & Ann - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go A re-assesment of things past, A new begining, A rebirth with new ideals, A portability from heavy burdens, A re-cultivating of mind and spirit. So glad to see your name lite up my screen that you had written again. If you and Stu are still in contact, please tell him "HI" from Ann and I. We are well and coming into Winter here. Presently snowing with three new inches this morning. Best wishes this holliday season Claire, We wish you the best. Always, Jim and Ann Blanchard.... Underway jimb@nwi.net |
| 22nd November 2009 Jo Trouble | An inspiration as always - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Hi Claire, Amazing words from an incredible person :-) xxx Jo |
| 22nd November 2009 Geordie Mike | - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Glad to hear it is still all going well- sorry to hear about you and Stu though. Mike x |
| 22nd November 2009 Robin Sayer | Good on you girl - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go We all live in the world we create around us. It is nice to see someone who says "no, this is not the reality I choose to live in". To change your perception, to lift your eyes from the gutter of everyday life, takes courage beyond most of us and demands the greatest of respect. So I say, with love and respect. "Good on you girl". |
| 22nd November 2009 anonymous | - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. the perhentians are cool place ,, not as good as seven years ago but still isolated enough, and the reason that there's cats galore is because they're the free range kind of cat if you know what i mean? (tastes just like chicken ha ha) |
| 22nd November 2009 Tony | Masterful - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Lifetimes of experience brought together in one bite sized chunk by an amazing master of sharing and uniting all at the same time. You are a well cultivated soul Claire - keep on inspiring !! From one of your many proteges. Much Love and Respect. T xxx |
| 22nd November 2009 Kent D. Converse | Awesome!!!!! - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Great writing as usual. Everything seems to turn out alright for you. You are a valuable person. I love your insights, your writing and....you. |
| 22nd November 2009 denidax | wow - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Great as always!!!... and superb pics. Sorry to hear about you and Stu. Hope you are well!!!!! |
| 22nd November 2009 Emma Farrell | My Soul is Fully Cultivated - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go Really nice to see a conclusion on your travels Clare, it has been quite a journey for you! Great to hear that you are fully cultivated. I think that what happens to us in life can often be a reflection of our headspace. When we reflect a positive energy, it can do wonderful things. Long may it last! I am back from my travels too and am looking forward to what the future holds. |
| 22nd November 2009 Emma Farrell | My Soul is Fully Ci - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go I finally got it into my head that everything that happens is not by accident or by chance that it is most certainly some kind of divine synchronicity which has already been mapped out for me eons ago. I must remember that I am fully protected by some greater force as I go forth. My soul is now fully cultivated. |
| 22nd November 2009 Steve Sampford | Something sustains us - From: Wake Me Up Before We Go Go It occurs to me often, that many are crushed by a mere fraction of the challenges and choices you so ably describe; that we must therefore be an active part of something far beyond our limited understandings. 'It' facinates me and draws me ever closer and one of my joys in it, is to know someone else who seeks true understanding as well. Beautiful! xxx |
| 17th November 2009 Miriam Guerrero | REQUEST PHOTO OF CALIXTA GABRIEL - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL ĄHi! I'm Miriam. I work a newspaper named The News in Mexico city. We want to publish an article about Calixta Gabriel. I saw a photo, but is possible use the image. Than you for attention! Regards! |
| 8th November 2009 the soul cultivator | - From: Orphaned children in need. Dear Bec....Bless your heart. Thank you for seeing them & supporting them & leaving this comment. Appriciated Claire X |
| 8th November 2009 bec | beautiful children - From: Orphaned children in need. myself and my friend were fortunate enough to be able to visit these wonderful children in october 2009. the night before we met the children, we bought some supplies for them, exercise books, pens, pencils, puppets, balls and hair elastics. the looks on the childrens faces was priceless. they are a bunch of children that i will not forget anytime soon. my friend and i both work in education and have put a letter out to the parents asking for donations so we can send them over to the kids. beautiful country, beautiful people. |
| 19th October 2009 Oumer Adem | about photographs - From: ISLAMLAND It is very good.Keep it up. |
| 22nd September 2009 jeux xbox 360 | - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. Nice photographs! Thanks for sharing traveling moments and photographs here. I like this site. It is very interesting. I will visit this site in future. jeux xbox 360 |
| 30th August 2009 mindaugas | - From: The sadness in Happisburgh hello please let me know how to buy a house by the see (i heard that i culd buy a house for 1gbp) is it true ??? |
| 17th August 2009 Pedro Juan Solis | You got a very nice Blog! - From: Psychic Surgery. Hi Claire, I is been long time ago that you spent some time having spanish lessons with me, I hope you are doing super! and having good time cultivating your soul! Here I am sending you my web site and blog of the school! www.tours-atitlan.com http://santacruzspanishschool.wordpress.com Please, let me know and telme how you are doing... |
| 28th May 2009 PA Leslie | Hi Claire! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. One question...was this a "planed" travelblogger meeting? We are going to Perhentians in just a month...and we should meet Ali either there or in KL...it's a small world! Where is your next dive? Peter |
| 2nd May 2009 Mell | - From: Being robbed by a little old lady. This blog reminds me of why I rarely travel with more than 10KG. I hate looking after my stuff and I hate insurance companies even more. If I ever have more than 10KG with me, it is stuff I no longer need and plan to give away to beggers and people living in slums because nobody in wealthy Europe wants it. :) |
| 6th April 2009 Joe | paths - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali Hi Claire, I was reading Autobiography of a Yogi at Bunga Permai hotel where I found your address, just had to look and see what it was when I came home, got a surprise and have enjoyed your comments on Bali. Do you think you will return to Bali some day? I hope wherever you are you are happy. |
| 21st February 2009 Mell | - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali What a travel experience! :) |
| 4th January 2009 jtayli | Lights Out - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. The good thing about Chinese trains, especially with a hard-sleeper or lower, is that it's lights out at about 10.00pm or thereabouts. If people are still talking or smoking for that matter, you can always shout at them: talking and smoking is not allowed. And the joy of all joys is that with a soft-sleeper you can switch the music off yourself if you are clever enough to know where the switch is. Some people are like Winston Smith in 1984: "You can switch the telescreen off!" "Yes Winston, we have that luxury." |
| 17th December 2008 pam | Xmas message - From: A stitch in time Thanks for posting this Claire, I have just seen it, and think the message is timeless anyhow and universal, these innocents needs our love and help, if only schoolchildren here who hate school could see this, it might make them more humble, whatever, lovexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 26th November 2008 alpbabe | take your cast offs - From: A stitch in time I forgot to mention, earlier, they really need any old clothing you might have if you're passing that way. Even if it wont be worn they can make canvas for their paintings. they are also in dire need of oil paints |
| 24th November 2008 Tony | Hmmm - From: A stitch in time You and the people you encounter are an inspiration to us all. Please stick some of your energy and tenacity in the post. Much Love T. |
| 21st November 2008 the soul cultivator | A true example of the power of the written word - From: A stitch in time Bev you are a real star...thank you for visiting the children, I look forward to your blog about them. |
| 20th November 2008 Colette | Thanks Claire - From: A stitch in time Hi Claire. Thanks for throwing some light on a great man and a great project!! Hoan and the kids are inspirational and I would love to help in a practical way as well as financially if there is a possibility of doing so. Colette |
| 19th November 2008 alpbabe | directions update - From: A stitch in time Hi there all, Please, Please, Please, take a minute or two and visit these guys. They are in a new location (see map above) and if you stand facing the East entrance to Ta Prohm Temple turn right and follow a dirt track about 100 meters. The track then turn right, keep following it where it again turns right then left. The house and yard are then about 20meters on. Ask for the New Pagoda if you need additional directions. We plan on putting signs up this afternoon so it should be easier to find. New photos and blog will follow in December once I return to Europe. |
| 9th November 2008 Mike and Charlotte | Inspiring - From: A stitch in time Truely inspiring. People never stop amazing me. Those with little can give so much. Funny how the temples bring in so much foreign money but so little goes to those who need it! |
| 9th November 2008 Beverley | only a few days to go.... - From: A stitch in time Hey Claire, great update. I've sent an email already to let Heng know I'm on the way. We already brought things from Europe like pencils and books and will check with him on arrival what he needs at the moment. Is this what you would like me to print off for him? If not just send the link and I'll get it printed. Updated coming soon. xxx Bev |
| 8th November 2008 graciela | Thank you - From: A stitch in time Thank you for your sensitive soul. I also work helping people who need different things in my city. Itīs a hard work and it has to be constant and with lots of sacrifice. I am planning a trip to South East Asia for next year. I will go to Cambodia. Thank you again. Love from Argentina. |
| 4th November 2008 kim | You're not getting off the hook that lightly! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. I loved this final entry, wiped a tear with the rest of them. Now you need to get on with an everyday blog. Sound of fingernails drumming..... Love you. |
| 25th October 2008 Mike and Sarah | AMAZING!! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Hi Claire, well, I've just read your blog in the office, after running over to Sarah with some tissues and wondering why she was crying yet smiling from ear to ear..... now I know. It truly has been a pleasure to be able to share in your incredible journey, one that has taken in so many adventures rather than one big one. If a picture tells a thousand words, your thousands of pictures and wonderful words tell an AMAZING story. Well done for confronting your fears, listeing to your heart and living your life. Keep living the dream, Michael.xx |
| 24th October 2008 denidax | all good things come to an end - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. An era has just finished... just to let a new one start... please, keep blogging from England, it's a whole new world there for you now!!!... Good luck on everything you try and all the best for you and Stu!! |
| 24th October 2008 alohaceline | that was awesome! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. hey claire! I just feel so strange because I subscribed to your blog before I went to travel myself and I just realise now that we were on the perhentians at the exact same moment! I have seen you around but didn't realise it was you, claire from the blog. very sad, I would have loved to meet you :) Have a save trip back home |
| 24th October 2008 Mike and Sarah | You've cultivated our souls!! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Claire, I read your blog from my desk in an office, with a coffee in hand, I am smiling from ear to ear and do have a tear in my eye. Your journey has been absolutely incredible not just for the places you have been, but for the way you have shared them with us all. I found your blog last year when we were travelling in Asia & were thinking about taking a detour to Central America, you have inspired me so much. Reading your thoughts on learning to dive I can relate to completely, that feeling of the unknown deep seas and the euphoria when you realize you actually "love" diving is simply incredible. Continue to listen to your heart & live for your todays! With much much love, Sarahxx |
| 23rd October 2008 Justin - sprucemoose | Well done! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Good effort on a long journey! Im also jealous that you managed to meet The Great One (Ali). Great will be the day when I get the same opportunity! |
| 23rd October 2008 Andrea | great blog.. - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. hey, i also have a blog on the site, but came upon yours...i feel like we have similiar stories I just came back from koh tao (island in thaialnd) where i did scuba diving with my boyfriend...and i was absolutely terrified....first tried it in the pool...HAted it, but then as my confidence grew i truly started to love it just like you...and its unny on our last dive we had terrible weather as well, there was a tornado in the distance but what made it all amazing is we got to see a whale shark! So i just wanted to say COngrats on completing ur padi course, i know i was so proud when i finished as well! Yay we are now little scuba divers! |
| 22nd October 2008 Mell | - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Hello Claire :) I hope this wont really be the last of your very entertaining blogs. Mel |
| 22nd October 2008 Michelle | thanks for a great read - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Hi Claire, I found you pages about 4 weeks ago and have gone through and absorbed a lot of information from you stories...I did read about 80-90% of you posts...its been great reading. My husband and I are looking at travelling 2010 most likely and alot through asia so its been great getting ideas of places to go!! We will be trying to go to a few orphanges along the way and we will try and make it to te boys one in cambodia when we padd through. thanks again for a great read, Michelle |
| 22nd October 2008 the soul cultivator | Photo Credits - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Ali .....I forgot to mention thanks to you for all the underwater photo shots. My lungs would have exploded trying to take a single picture. |
| 21st October 2008 Ievy | You're making me cry - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Oh Claire, what a beautiful ending! You just couldn’t have gone somewhere more perfect to finish your journey. Was lovely meeting you and Stu on the island, and thanks for the wonderful pics. Take care Claire, I hope we get to meet again one day. Love, Ivone x |
| 21st October 2008 Ali | Happy Days! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. It was a pleasure to meet you and Stu - a special thanks to the rare alignment of the planets that put so many great people in one tiny little place :) Love the photos - thanks for the Simon Cowel comparison - a personal hero of mine ;) |
| 20th October 2008 MAC from California | Shine On, Shine Bright... - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Thank you Claire for your beautiful thoughts, words & photos! As always you tapped directly into the divine. As you are good with interiors, I am good with electricity - I know when someone shines …& you my dearest are a shining star - creating much needed light for the world! Shine on, shine bright, shine long. I will miss your travel blogs but I am more than grateful for our beautiful friendship. You look so HAPPY, so PEACEFUL, & so CENTERED. Sending much love to you. BIG HUG. MAC from Califonia. |
| 20th October 2008 the soul cultivator | PATRICK DUFFY was your school mate!!! - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Well....what a really small world it really is. That made me laugh so much.....Miss you Jim and thanks for the comment. X |
| 20th October 2008 UNDERWAY | I'm in tears. - From: SECOND SKIN - The final story. Hi there beautiful Claire. I am so happy to read your latest posting. The end of one journey leads to the begining of others. Learning about ones frailties in itself will create stringths. You have conquered one of lifes lessons. Many more to come however You will be surprised to know that Patrick Duffy and I were school mates. I last saw him at our 40th class reunion in 2007. Thank you so much for the kind words to Ann and I and others. Your writtings have been a joy to read. Untill next time, with much admiration, Jim & Ann |
| 2nd October 2008 cosmicfavorite | hello - From: Fear & Loathing in Langkawi welcome to Malaysia Claire!! Love all your photos and blog entries :) Keep up the good work and have fun! |
| 29th September 2008 Mike and Sarah | Hope you find Nemo! - From: Fear & Loathing in Langkawi Claire, we have just read the latest installment of your soul cultivation in our tiny hotel room in HK and smiled at your thoughts of travelling & scuba! As always you are so entertaining and honest it is very refreshing. Can't wait for part 2 of the Malaysian experience, no pressure! much love, Sarah & Mike. xx |
| 28th September 2008 Bette | Need pictures - From: Oaxaca street children I am so impressed when I read of young women giving of them selfs is such a wonderful way. All your pictures were thoughtful. I have a need. My church is doing a Alternative Gift Fair. I need a few pictures of street children. These gifts bought will go to Melel Xojobal, Chiapas, Mexico. I have not been able to acquire any pictures to promoto this project. I would love to have the one of the girl in the red dress and the one of the three old. What would you charge me. |
| 26th September 2008 UNDERWAY | Claire, Claire, oh Claire ! - From: Fear & Loathing in Langkawi Have I told you lately how I love you? Your talent, Your experences, Your inner sanctum treasure trove of writing ability. I have followed you two around the world via this medium, Met you in Hanoi, and still I cannot get enough. ... I watch this blog site regularly to receve the gift of your scripting. Ann and I are doing well. Her mother passed and now we have only each other to to take care of. We are thinking of doing some USA travels in the next year. Ann would like to see the American South West and I want to see America's National Science Musium. I apoligize for not writting recently. No excuse's. I would hope that you and Stu could come here and decompress over the winter before heading home. Love you both, stay safe, Jim & Ann |
| 26th September 2008 Kent Converse | Wonderful!!!!! - From: Fear & Loathing in Langkawi What a great writer you are. Your use of the English language is a celebration of the great contribution of the British people to the world. Please keep writing. You have a lot to say. love, Kent |
| 26th September 2008 pam | Glad you're home! - From: Fear & Loathing in Langkawi It has put me off travelling for life, well done Claire, now I can stay home too, but I doubt if I will. I'll stick to Europe Love you xxxxxxxxxxx |
| 1st September 2008 denidax | so funny again!!! - From: ISLAMLAND Ohhh Claire!!!... I like your writing style sooo much... I laugh out loud where ever I'm reading your blogs... people look at me like that little Arab boy looked at you in the plane when you were reading that book (I guess), kind of thinking "what the hell..?"... I really hope that when you get back to the UK you'll still writing, after me living for 6 years in England and you being away for so long, I would love to see your funny point of view on the british culture... enjoy what's left!!! Deni |
| 29th August 2008 ladyleah | - From: ISLAMLAND amazing photos!! |
| 27th August 2008 pam | well educated now - From: ISLAMLAND Come on home Claire and Stu! You have all the travelling you need under your belt and can now integrate into our society with its swishing black capes and eye slits with the best of them, just hope you have some fat on you for the cold expensive winters ahead...hugsxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 13th August 2008 Mary | Love the photos and writing: funny! - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. I'm an American who bummed around China in 1990 with a friend, and so I always enjoy reading about another woman who's done the same or IS doing it. Just read WUHU DIARY: ON TAKING MY ADOPTED DAUGHTER BACK TO HER HOMETOWN IN CHINA by Emily Prager. You too will find all these books and blogs about China really funny (or too idealistic) when you get back. Are you going to adopt a daughter? Uh-oh! |
| 12th August 2008 pam | rong sufferlng ingrish - From: Dear Diary darlings, you are amazing, all that night noise and still you stay upbeat and cheerful, bring that spirit back to england, you will need it, am in the cotswolds, heating on, log fires, wet dog and pub doing fine, it could be much much worse, make the most of your stay out east now love youxxxxxxxmiss p |
| 11th August 2008 Mike and Sarah | HILARIOUS!! - From: Dear Diary Hee hee hee, I have big smiles reading the latest installment! Oh and I have come to the conclusion the sunsets in Bali are the best in theworld! Much love, xx |
| 7th August 2008 MAC from California | One God One Ocean - From: Dear Diary Wow. Blow me away! What a beautiful concept: One God represented by One Ocean broken down to Individual Oceans broken down to Seas,Bays,Rivers,Gulfs,Straits, etc. Wow. I love this concept. I will have to give this MUCH thought. Thanks for sharing all that you do Claire. BIG HUG. BIG LOVE. MAC |
| 6th August 2008 Dug F | Showing it to the world! - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Both of you (Claire and Tony) are the type of people I want to become.You feed,you educate,you inspire others like myself out of our mundane and self comforting lifestyle.Tony feeds those who he can and you Claire show it to the world.Thanks very much for being legends in your own lifetime.Viva la Tony.Viva la Claire.Luv u guys heaps Dug F. |
| 4th August 2008 pandora05 | here - From: Jam and Jerusalem Claire,should say ,reborned as an insect is enough punishment for the bad guy,even they are really bad,just hope i will not reincarnate into an animal,had saw lots of darkness among humans,just don't want to see any more.that's all.by the way,nice to see you again. |
| 4th August 2008 Yathi | - From: Jam and Jerusalem Been reading ur blogs for sometime and I completely agree with Kent. U should take that job offer, if you are not already one!! Way to go. |
| 3rd August 2008 Kent Converse | Another Great Story - From: Jam and Jerusalem Claire, you take a small insect and write a great story. What can I say that hasn't already been said about your writing. I have a job for you if you are interested. It is writing for a magazine. Write me if you are interested. Love ya, Kent |
| 28th July 2008 CArolyn Taylor | Just beautiful... - From: Birth School Death Claire, Thank you for this wonderful, poignant and touching portrayal of a young boy's death and funeral. I always enjoy your 'stories' ( and learn so much) but this was especially fine. Carolyn ( Gunga) |
| 26th July 2008 Doc Rick | Bali Death Rite - From: Birth School Death Your vivid yet sensitive recount of this terribly sad event is so important and moving that I am at a loss to give it proper recognition without writing for pages. Thank you. |
| 26th July 2008 wheres kevin | thank-you - From: Birth School Death thank-you for sharing this experience, and how fitting that a mother/ paramedic should come across this ceremony, quite touching. moreover, it's beautifully reported and a very pleasent change from the many empty blogs on Indonesia (beaches, coconuts, coral reefs) . Most travelers do not really connect with the islanders in Indonesia. thank-you |
| 26th July 2008 MAC from California | Moved to Tears - From: Birth School Death Claire: Those were the most beautiful and poetic words that you have ever written. They moved me to tears. I felt as if I was there with you... standing beside you...holding your hand through it all. Thank you. You rock Claire Hall! BIG HUG. MAC from California |
| 25th July 2008 Sara GH | Amazing! - From: Birth School Death What a tremendous experience. You must feel incredibly lucky to see that!! http://mycheckedbaggage.blogspot.com/ |
| 25th July 2008 Delaine Arnold | Hope - From: Birth School Death Claire, this writing has moved me to tears. To have such a wonderful experience out of the sadness of the death of a child is just unbelievable. It doesn't matter what country you're from, we all experience the same ups & downs. Thank you for sharing. I wait for your blog entries as I know there will always be something new to learn and wonderful pictures to go with the story. Delaine |
| 25th July 2008 pam | awesome - From: Birth School Death This must rank as one of the greatest descriptions of a funeral of a young boy as any I have ever read, and I think that if we had more ritual in this country (England) when such things happen we could come to terms with our grief in a much more wholesome and healing way, brilliant Claire, you are a born writer, and a wonderful human being, exceptionalxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 24th July 2008 Mike and Sarah | One word - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali WOW, and then another, WOW, and then another! WOW!!!! I've only now got the chance to sit down and catch up on your blog & again, as always it is FABULOUS! Just unforgettable. (And I am glad you & Stu are not holled up somewhere in prison!) It brought back lots of memories of the festivals and rituals when we were there last year & ofcouse all those lovely smiling faces. I just love Bali. Keep smiling, Sarahxxx |
| 23rd July 2008 Bev (alpbabe) | Mind blowing! - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali Hi Claire, As usual an amazing account of your onward journey. I love living vicariously through your journals. They are amazing, vivid, entertaining, touching, funny, real. Thanks and keep them coming. |
| 21st July 2008 Delaine | AWESOME! - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali Claire, what a wonderful experience that so few of us will ever get to experience. Your writing is so descriptive, I almost felt like I was there. Thank you for sharing your spiritual journey. Delaine |
| 20th July 2008 Gunga | One of the best ever! - From: Cremation of the last great King of Bali Dear Claire, thank you so much. Again, you have enlightened us with the many customs and rituals of wonderful people all around the world. Carolyn ( Gunga) |
| 12th July 2008 Tony | Thanks for the heart - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Thanks very much Claire for using your energy and very huge heart in writing this article. I loved it and your very individual writing style ! Have to say I didn't recognise the guy though. Please keep doing what you do, you are touching so many people and then sharing with even more. Take care, much love T. |
| 7th July 2008 alpbabe | Thank you for sharing - From: Orphaned children in need. Hi soulcultivator, I'm now in the midst of researching my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in autumn and keep coming back to your blogs to gather information. I'm now balling my eyes out at the above and will definately spend time with these wonderful people. I can't wait to get back to Asia, a place I love dearly, and also want to move to in the next 5 years (my goal) and start working in the aid work sector. |
| 3rd July 2008 Mike and Sarah | Don't sleep your whole way through Bali!!!! - From: 0-60 (blogs) in 538 (days of travelling). Claire, your pics are cool as always! If you get a chance call into Ku-de-Ta in Seminyak, it is a very nice wine/cocktail bar with beds (yes beds!!) that face out to the ocean whilst you chill and listen to some tunes! It is definitely the best chill out bar I have ever been to. Cocktails are a bit pricey but you can spend literally an hour over one while you relax! Sarahxx Oh and Sate Bali also in Seminyak has some great local food, wee dishes so you can taste them all & a cooking class if you want more taste infusions!! |
| 2nd July 2008 Kent | Wow!!! - From: 0-60 (blogs) in 538 (days of travelling). 538 days of travelling!! Even I can't imagine being gone that long. You need to come to Kansas and really take a rest. Kent |
| 27th June 2008 pam | who needs Lonely Planet - From: He who cannot compromise....... when we have Claire and Stu!!!???? |
| 26th June 2008 Kent | Great - From: He who cannot compromise....... Another great blog. Kent |
| 23rd June 2008 griff | - From: If you want an audience start a fight. Hi Claire, Still reading them and good to know you are OK. I will get on my bike one day when I have the balls to pack it all in, and never look back. Yer old mucker Griff. |
| 23rd June 2008 Mike and Sarah | I love it! - From: If you want an audience start a fight. Love your pics as always and really relate to the effort it takes to maintain. Keep smiling, Sx |
| 21st June 2008 galacticnick | - From: If you want an audience start a fight. there, you did it. almost a one-liner. |
| 21st June 2008 Kent | Great - From: If you want an audience start a fight. Your blogs are great even when you don't write. Great photos!!! Kent |
| 19th June 2008 MAC from California | WOW - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. I am touched beyond words...wow...is about all I can muster at the moment! Thank you so much Claire. My heart and my soul are changed forever. BIG HUG. Much love, MAC from California |
| 19th June 2008 Kim | Thank You - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Once again Claire you take your readers into an entirely unexpected place. Fascinating tale of an extraordinary man. I couldn't agree more about the idea of wealth sharing. Interestingly that was supposedly the foundation of Communism, wasn't it? I love you darling. Kim |
| 19th June 2008 Gunga | thank you again - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Dear Claire, Thank you for this amazing story of this wonderful man. I loved your 'rant' about all those 'haves' who squander it on trash. I feel exactly the same way. Carolyn ('gunga') |
| 19th June 2008 Governor | cameras - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Claire, Why don't you take your other camera to the camera repair man? If he could fix it you would have two cameras to drop. Kent |
| 19th June 2008 Kyent Converse | Awesome!!!! - From: Talk Does Not Cook Rice - Chinas Poverty. Claire, You don't write a blog, you write a book!!! What an experience you have. I am glad you got your camera fixed. What a story. Your subtitles of Chinese proverbs helped break up the story in easy to read segments. Keep writing, you are the best. Kent |
| 17th June 2008 Dani Hall | Oh No! - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. Can't believe you dropped your brand new heavy expensive (but still within current budget) camera!..............GUTTED FOR YOU. Hope you managed to get it fixed. You should get this stuff published. |
| 17th June 2008 CJ | Go Girl - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. Great use of 'Goldilocks and golf carts'. Surely that menu is not for real? Bring on that wealth fortune tellers! I just returned from a week working in Phuket. Presently defying jet lag. Blogs are reading better, not so much solid text. You're doing a fab job out there. xxx . |
| 12th June 2008 MAC from California | Fame & Fortune - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. As usual darling Claire you made me laugh. Thanks so much for that. What an incredible place. I want to go there. I could feel the comfort you felt there. I cracked open a Chinese fortune cookie for you today. It read, "Fame and fortune await woman whose eyes disappear in joy." BIG HUG. BIG LOVE. MAC from California |
| 11th June 2008 Gunga | Great stories - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. wonderful going along on your adventures. Thank you so much. Sorry about your camera. Gunga |
| 11th June 2008 denidax | - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. Another hilarious entry, Claire...please, don't come back to England, we want some more blogs!!!! |
| 10th June 2008 Sheila | Hello - From: Every day a feast of red lanterns. Dear Claire. On seing that "Loyal and forgiving Hall" made me think could you not get a miniature of it for a keepsake or even get a pencil and a piece of paper and scribble all over it and get the imprint for prosperity!! How many times on your travels have you had your fortune told one way or another? Must be rather a lot now. Thinking of you Love Sheila xx |
| 7th June 2008 the soul cultivator | - From: For the sake of one good action Im English, but I think I have had many lives in Asia! I have had a life where I have been taught to observe and ask many questions, the rest is surface research and a deep intuative feeling for things. Thanks for your comment I always appriciate them. |
| 7th June 2008 pandora05 | - From: For the sake of one good action Claire,can i ask where you are from ,it seems that you have a deep knowledge about chinese traditional culture,even some theories i don`t know,where did you get that things,could you tell me. |
| 6th June 2008 Bryan Rider | Constantly renewed - From: For the sake of one good action Claire, I am constantly renewed by your fresh sense of life and being in touch with your emotional and spiritual side. Your blogs confirms and strengthens my inner desires to help the world and to be guided by my 6th sense. This blog is beautiful written and intertwines the emotions of loss, death, healing, love, and prosperity. Thank you for all of your writing my friend. It is a constant reminder that there is so much more to life than trying to just get ahead. |
| 6th June 2008 MAC from California | triangle of life - From: For the sake of one good action "The American Red Cross, being a U.S.-based organization, does not extend its recommendations to apply in other countries. What works here may not work elsewhere, so there is no dispute that the "void identification method" or the "Triangle of Life" may indeed be the best thing to teach in other countries where the risk of building collapse, even in moderate earthquakes, is great." With the strict building codes in the U.S., particularly in California, the risk of a building actually collapsing is probably slim to none, however it makes perfect sense to me that the triangle of life would be most appropriate in other places without such strict building codes... or perhaps where the buildings are very old. Hard to say what is the right answer. How should we decide in a time of crisis when the walls and floor are shaking???? For me, I'm going to stick with the guys who have actually worked in disaster situations first hand and I am grateful that they have spoken their truth. |
| 1st June 2008 Governor | Your knowledgeable - From: 67 things about Vietnam . Claire, You have learned more about Vietnam then I have in six. Your great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep them coming. Kent |
| 1st June 2008 Kent Conversee | Hello from the Good Old USA - From: Stand Back- Soul Cultivation In Progress. Dear Claire, How are you and where are you? I miss you two very much. I have been back a month and already I want to go back to Vietnam. So much more to do. I read this blog again. You are such a great blog writer. The best ever. Keep writing please. Come to Kansas please. The land of Oz. You won't regret it. Love, Kent |
| 29th May 2008 William | Great - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty Enjoyed your writing and humor. We are about to enter China from Vietnam, but intend to stay in the west near Kunming. W |
| 29th May 2008 alpbabe | love your blogs - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty I've been following your blogs since Cambodia now and absolutely love them. I don't know what I'll do when you finish travelling? Keep them coming and continue having a great time. I hope I get to meet other bloggers when I'm in Cambodia and Vietnam later in the year. |
| 29th May 2008 Yathi | Cool - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty U did soak it up!! I meant the local scene not the rain :) Great pics and loved your involvement in everything. Way to go! |
| 29th May 2008 the soul cultivator | - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty Thank you for your comment. I found in Beijing, Da Tong, Pungyao and now Xi'an I still can not access certain BLOGS. I too am able to see news pages BBC, CNN, but not Reuters for some reason! But my point was it is blogs I can not access most are part of blogspot, blogware, bloglines. The two I miss are 'brave new traveller' and 'random acts of reality' and some person friends blogs....worldhun I can get. So this makes this travelblog.org quiet special right now. Also some people with us can not access hotmail from the north maybe its better in Shanghai?. Thank you for your good wishes. |
| 28th May 2008 pandora05 | misunderstand - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty you see,i didn't read all your words,but,there are some words i must say,there are no a ban on visiting western websites in china,at least most of them,i am in shanghai,and,always,i would browse the travelblog.org,or the cnn,or the bbc,etc,yeah,i am chinese,but this is not to defense my country,just want to dismiss the misunderstanding between western and eastern.hope you would have a good and safe journey in china. |
| 28th May 2008 pam | olympics here we don't come - From: Outside noisy - Inside empty I guess the food must be good and the wall amazing - you all seem to be enjoying yourselves, seems the emperors preferred opium, they musta had it before we took it to them, all that dismembering, crikey... Hugs xxxxxxxx |
| 23rd May 2008 Kate | - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. This entry is hilarious...we're going on our first sleeper train tomorrow night...sounds like it will definitely be an experience!! |
| 23rd May 2008 galacticnick | - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. i was planning to do the vietnam-china train journey this june, but something cropped up. now, i can live vicariously through your experience. great entry as usual. hope to hear more of your adventures in china. |
| 23rd May 2008 denidax | - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. I discovered your blog a few "countries" ago, you've got a very funny writing style...and the pictures are sooo cool!!! |
| 22nd May 2008 MAC from California | Hysterical - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. Girl! I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Had I been in need of the little girls room at the time of reading I would have most definately peed my pants. Bravo! so glad you made it! Don't you just love train travel? Love U. BIG HUG. MAC from California |
| 22nd May 2008 pam | Great reading! - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. If you feel the earth move, stand in a doorwayxxx |
| 22nd May 2008 UNDERWAY | THE TRAIN...... - From: Hanoi-Beijing 3145 km of rocking & rolling. SCROTUMBULLOCKOLIGIST ??????????????????????????? Sounds like you guy's need a break..... Enjoy China and pray for the victims. Don't forget to REST a bit. Keep safe Jim and Ann |
| 20th May 2008 Bryan | Thank you for brightening my day - From: Floating in the air floating in the sea Claire, Absolutely lovely to read back through this blog when I'm drowning at work a bit..... I am wondering where in the world we will meet again next..... Somewhere brilliant I am sure. I hope You and Stu are loving China and living it up! You insight in life is truely a blessing and a look forward to more great stories! |
| 14th May 2008 Geordie Mike | Helmet hair - From: 67 things about Vietnam . We're 2 weeks from the end of our travels (in BCN) and I thought Iīd had enough of travelling......but now I want to go to Vietnam! love the bit about the helmets. Mike. |
| 13th May 2008 pam | stop! - From: 67 things about Vietnam . Hi Claire, I cannot keep up with you, now you are in Vietnam, it all looks amazing as I sit here in bucolic Cotswolds with gun dog and contemplate the future, are you moving fast or am I moving too slowly, not sure. Love you, take carexxxxx |
| 11th May 2008 Mike and Sarah | Buy from meeeeee! - From: Floating in the air floating in the sea Claire, Once again, I just love your blog! Brings back alot of great memories from Vietnam too & your pics are inspiring. Sarahx |
| 11th May 2008 UNDERWAY | Halong Bay - From: Floating in the air floating in the sea Hello Claire - I was sorry we did not get to meet in Ha Long Bay. Am glad you had a good time. We did as well. Today is May 11 and we head to Hanoi tomorrow, May 12, in the morning. We will be in Hanoi overnight at the Hanoi hotel, phone number 84-4- 845 2270. If you are still in Hanoi give us a call or leave a message at the desk. We will be departing Hanoi on May 13 for Vientiane for 4 days and then on to Luang Prabang, Chang Rai, Chang Mai and back to Bangkok on May 29. Do you have any recommendation for a good hotel in Vientiane? Even though we did not get to meet up with you guys we wish you the best in you future travels and will keep in touch. Love your blog and your inspiration, Jim and Ann |
| 9th May 2008 colette | phuc thinking - From: Na Trang Kipper Bang Urgh! Missing you Clairey. Been storing up the blogs for one long session of travel bliss. You never let me down!!! Recommended read - All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, but be warned, mankind doesn't come out well. XXXXXXColette |
| 8th May 2008 LeGrandBleu | Great entry and photos as usual... - From: Seasons in the sun. ... especially the first one, so cute!! You take amazing shots, so colouful - though there is someone who has nothing better to do and rate down your photos - nevermind and keep them coming!!. |
| 7th May 2008 auroracamel | Britany Spears - From: Stand Back- Soul Cultivation In Progress. I have that exact same picture, the mind boggles haha! |
| 2nd May 2008 CJ | you're beautiful - From: It aint half hot mum! Hi Claire, Just a reminder in that far off land of yours how beautiful you are. truly stunning, combined with the rarity for them to see a totally different body type to theirs, no wonder they stare at you. You'll still be turning heads in the UK! I'm never getting on one of those buses, you and Stu must be strong hand healthy to cope with all those extremes. Enjoy the heat. x |
| 30th April 2008 Maestro the Vagabond | I hear you - From: It aint half hot mum! Great blog. You always take such wonderful pictures of people. My trip ends tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of yours. |
| 27th April 2008 Carolyn Taylor | Tell me more.... - From: Na Trang Kipper Bang Urgh! Hi Claire, I loved the quiz show answers. It is a hoot to watch the tourists here in Cusco being led like sheep around the square and being accosted by the postcard or finger puppet or shoeshine or whatever boy. I want to know more about the īsleeper busīas a way to go from Hoi An to hue to Hanoi. We will be doing the reverse route but if it is comfy and air con then it will be better than airport hassles. Love, Gunga PS Hope you are feeling better soon. |
| 25th April 2008 Governor | Your sooooo good!!! - From: A right old carry on. Claire, you write so well. It puts my puny blog to shame. Look forward to reading your blogs. Kent |
| 20th April 2008 Gunga | The best yet! - From: Reach Out & Touch Faith. Dear Claire, This was fabulous. I learned so much and laughed a lot. Loved the lady with the pistol ( see my blog on ' The ultimate chicken bus Experience' in honduras). I'm forwarding it to my daughter who was born in the dreaded year of 1966! Gunga9 Carolyn) |
| 20th April 2008 Michael N | Suggestion? - From: Na Trang Kipper Bang Urgh! Have watched, as you know, your progress for some time. Always in awe. Do you think Australia next? Or is that maybe too cramped a little continent? If you are going there, maybe they should be warned ahead! |
| 20th April 2008 pam | Hidden Cotswolds - From: Na Trang Kipper Bang Urgh! For all those intrepid travellers who do make it to England and want a quaint experience without tourists go find the best kept secret in the Cotswolds when you have tired of so much beauty and - find more beauty, great pub (http://thefivealls.co.uk/)- heavenly walks, on the flat! Working woollen mill with loads of gift ideas, but most of all stay in the comfy beds at the Five alls and sample their gastronomic, locally sourced meats, veggies, cheeses and beers! You won't be disappointed. Village of the Year in Oxforshire..... |
| 20th April 2008 pam | dressing up - From: Na Trang Kipper Bang Urgh! do you travel with your photo albums Claire???? Is that the dress you made, the pink one, show us the finished article, or am I blogged out and missed it. Come home soon, my eyes are watering...Luv ya PS: Am back from travels in Europe, I am not made for staying with people, need independence, what about you? Keep on trukkin.... |
| 15th April 2008 James Skinner | Naked British Ambassador - From: The Witches Inc. I am also a dual national British and Argentine. When I travelled up from Chile in 1962 with my new Spanish (from Spain) bride and arrived at La Paz airport as an Argentine, I was immediately given 24 hours to leave the country. Completely baffled, the Bolivian British manager of my company immediately got hold of the lawyers to sort the problem out. Apparently I had arrived in the middle of a political row between Argentina and Bolivia over the accusation of the Bolivian government that the Governor of Salta province in Argentina was running a drug trade! To cut a long story short, the Bolivian lawyer asked me if I had a British passport. I said, 'yes'. He then proceeded to pull out an ancient law that more or less gave all British citizens special status and residency. This was based on the eventual patching up of Britain and Bolivia after the 'naked ambassador' incident way back in the XIX century. I therefore reverted back to being British and stayed in Bolivia for 2-1/2 years. My daughter was born there. Fascinating country! I have wonderful memories of the place.' Thought you might like this, so pass it on. |
| 15th April 2008 linnet | treatise is a treat - From: Reach Out & Touch Faith. honeybunch, I have to tell you that I have absolutely NO doubt that yours is the only learned treatise on Vietnamīs religions that will cause me to laugh out loud ... love you dearly- hi to Stu. Linnet |
| 14th April 2008 Governor | You wrote the book on Vietnam's religions - From: Reach Out & Touch Faith. Claire, You wrote the most complete work on Vietnam's religions of any blog, story or what. You really get into things. Thanks, Kent |
| 4th April 2008 AsanteKalena | Karma - From: Bullshit Sweat & Teeth. What a great read! I think your karma will be rather substantial! |
| 4th April 2008 Amy | Wow - From: Bullshit Sweat & Teeth. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Very inspiring |
| 4th April 2008 teli | Baha'i - From: Bullshit Sweat & Teeth. there is its called the baha'i faith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_Faith which is of course useless for every thinking person, after realizing what Dawkins is saying in his amazing book |
| 1st April 2008 Martibhoy | Thoroughly enjoyed your blog - From: Lymphatic Surfing. Likely to follow in your footsteps. God Bless Pauline Fowler P.S. Was thinking of doing the 4 week spanish / surf course in Puerto... but looking for somewhere with a bit of nightlife (i'm a single traveller who, frankly, loves a bevvy. Would you recommend it? (Puerto, not bevvying) |
| 26th March 2008 nomad_ninja | Keep on Writing - From: The Mortality Reality. Amazing stories... sad but something we can draw life lessons from... keep on writing and keep on travelling... |
| 23rd March 2008 the soul cultivator | Looking down the barrel of a gun.... - From: The Mortality Reality. KAM - A mano second and eternity all rolled in to one! PAM - Tibet...A great valied & very important point! |
| 23rd March 2008 kamdab | looks familiar - From: The Mortality Reality. i recognize all of this. minus the shooting range, but we definately got a lot of offers to go there. we thought, "why should we take money somewhere where they control all the guns...". in any case, tuol sleng was a very powerful experience for me as well, and i commend you on your words of internalization. thanks for sharing the progress of your driver too, that was very interesting. cheers. so what does it feel like to look down the barrel of a gun? |
| 22nd March 2008 pam | make my day - From: The Mortality Reality. Claire, what a horror story and then one thinks of the Tibetans now dying for their freedoms, but nothing like those killing fields, little children, do we never learn. Now the chinese want to take the olympic torch through tiananmen square! what short memories they have, they slaughtered hundreds of students, think of the brave martyr who stood in front of a tank and you will say go f*** the olympics, we must all boycott china's absurd dream, totally. |
| 16th March 2008 pam | Miss Jolie - From: Karma Chameleons. What a great job she is doing, and why do potentates have to stash away so much money? What for? How much can they use? Happens all over Africa, and shouldn't Switzerland just blast their coffers open, and where you are Claire, a world away from rainy old England, there's another greedy bastard, the skulls piled up, a reminder that man will never change, its moving stuff you send us, keep it coming xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 13th March 2008 Michael N | Strewth - From: Asia's desperate Venice. 'The heat, the stench, the flies' and still only early spring. In sympathy, have taken some breaths of cool London air on my balcony. Hope that helps you both! xx |
| 12th March 2008 Michael Rudd | Hi Claire - From: Asia's desperate Venice. Hi Claire, so good following your amazing journey and so glad to be back in touch with you after all these years. I am MOST impressed with your french as I was the one that sat next to you in French class in school and we did not concentrate at all and mostly distracted each other in every class!!! Love you. Michael |
| 12th March 2008 pam | Horror trip - From: Asia's desperate Venice. Merde! j'aurai dit auf deutsch and en francais que the whole lotta them are a bunch of cons and dumkopfs and rammasse la vielle dame dans mes bras and lifted her bodily over the grenouilles, boy am I still western and you so chilled Claire, well done! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAnd your French! Tres bon |
| 7th March 2008 the soul cultivator | KANTHA BOPHA contact details. - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! Hi Nelu Contact details are: Kantha Bopha Conference Centre, Jayavarman VII Children’s Hospital, National Highway 6, Phum Treang, Khum Slor Kram Srok Siem Reap Khet Siem Reap Cambodia Telephone: 855 (0) 63 964803 E-mail: kanthabopha@camnet.com.kh, kbcenter@online.com.kh Website: http://www.beatocello.com Contact: Dr Beat Richner (‘Beatocello’) Or Zurich where he is from and the foundation is based..... Address Fondation Kantha Bopha c/o Intercontrol AG Seefeldstr. 17 CH-8008 Zürich G O O D L U C K ! & let me know how you get on. |
| 7th March 2008 nelu | keen to visit siem reap!!! - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! I am a Medical Student from Australia and i am very keen to come and spend two weeks of my holiday at the Siem Reap Kantha Bohpa hospital. I have read so much about it and it would an honour to undetake two weeks of my elective placement there. I however cannot find any contact details, in particular an email address for someone working in the hospital. I'm dying to go...please help!! |
| 5th March 2008 Stoned ? Cause | Contrary to "LAS visions and values and ECP's" - From: Siem reaping its just rewards. "These Angkorian ruins are very special, its not just a bunch of old bricks, it is true crafted oldness, it is a colourful vibrancy of temples and pagodas, old traditions kept alive and safe within its small communities, its ancient secrets passed down from its respected elders, it's progressive philosophies." You 2008 Is this not, the complete antithesis of everything we in the West have come to value? In favour of contant change; short term personal gain, temporary structure, and the absolute obsolescence of our elders. No idea what any of that means honey, but what your pictures appear to illustrate well, is that no matter how rich, strong or powerful we become; time, ultimately, will call it's name to all things. Contrary to "LAS visions and values and ECP's" we are all of us subject to this world, and indeed each other, not masters of anything at all......ever! I kind o' like it that way. Peace go with you both (Tad too much puff maybe?? ;-) ) |
| 3rd March 2008 Carolyn | Fabulous! - From: Siem reaping its just rewards. Loved, it, loved it. The description of the little girl selling the postcards was worth the price of your soon to be written book! Carolyn |
| 3rd March 2008 KP1958 | - From: Siem reaping its just rewards. It's really funny. Cambodia was a vassal state under the Siamese kingdoms most of the time from the 15th century to 19th century, when the country was finally swallowed up by the French. The Khmer were defeated by the Thais in almost all battles since the 14th century. The Khmer kingdom had long been an empire no more by the 17th century. They were constantly kept busy balancing the powers of the Siamese and the Vietnamese. Yet the Thais never thought of naming any of their provinces "Khmane Riab" or "Khmane Phinat" (literally Khmer Destroyed). It seems that the Khmer's once-in-a-while victories over the Siamese must have been very important to them. |
| 3rd March 2008 pamela | brave girl - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! what you go through Miss Claire to help out others, all those pricks and pizzas! Love your stories, keep them coming, meantime, I sit back in my armchair and travel, chin chinxxxx |
| 27th February 2008 Jessica | Great blog entry - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! Your writing is excellent. You should turn this in to a column at home! Get some family members to forward it to your local newspaper! Great info, glad you emphasized on the sterile/safe standards of the hospital, for the more skeptical tourists. |
| 26th February 2008 Michael N | Heartfelt - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! Serious stories with excellent pictures and witty captions. Great blogging. chin-chin. Hugs, Michael |
| 26th February 2008 Sheila | Blood - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! Dear Claire & Stuart What experiences you are having. I am sure that you are in your element there. Just to say that Rick and I gave our blood regularly twice a year all our working years until we had to give it up because of our age. In fact I seem to remember that Rick has a "pin" for 50 donations!! I didn't get there because of the in-between years when I was having "babies" when you cannot give until a year after. Carry on the good work. Thinking of you. Luv Sheila xx |
| 25th February 2008 C J | Amazing journey - From: HAEMO-GLOBING....donate your blood! Hi Claire and Stu What a fabulous journey you are on, so wonderful to share these peoples lives. It does shock me how easily we can do this, just think tomorrow after a flight any of us could be in Cambodia, but we get pressured into maintaining our daily choires.Take inspiration and if you want to travel, and catch a glimpse of another time and place and touch peoples hearts....DO IT. |
| 24th February 2008 the soul cultivator | GIVING BLOOD - From: Orphaned children in need. Thank you Jessica for mentioning this other important thing to do here in Siem Reap, I did this yesterday I gave blood, and it was the best donation of my life. I shall be writing this up on my next blogs. |
| 23rd February 2008 Jessica | Good for the Soul - From: Orphaned children in need. I commend your time well spent in Siem Reap. I remember donating blood at the Children's hospital during Dengue fever season and looking at the line-ups of (very ill) babies and children along the hospital hallways and outside...waiting for my blood. When he put my blood into the fridge, the fridge was almost empty, mine being the only type B. With thousands of tourists, this is atrocious. As soon as I said I wanted to donate blood, I was escorted inside the hospital by a friendly security guard, and immediately taken care of by smiling doctors. It took less than 10 minutes, I felt completely safe, watched him open the packaged needle. I felt good walking out of that hospital and encouraged my friends to do it as well. They did. Six of us. The doctors said that it was a REALLY GOOD DAY. It felt so good but it left me with the desire to help more. SO glad to come across your blog. Brings us all hope. Reminds me of giving and makes me want to go back to where I'm needed most. |
| 22nd February 2008 Beverley | Wonderful - From: Orphaned children in need. Love your blog and I'll be going to SEA in Autumn and will definately visit this place. |
| 22nd February 2008 Gunga | Thank you,thank you - From: Orphaned children in need. As usual your writing informs and inspires. I shall spread the word of your good works and this place. We shall look for it next year when we go there. I will get 'pledges' from friends to sponsor a student before I go and present it to them so their education can continue. Gunga |
| 22nd February 2008 ron perrin | cambodia - From: Orphaned children in need. LOVE it! How to capture the people of Cambodia? Ask Claire! Hey Stew! How bout that for an archaeological site! |
| 22nd February 2008 pam | humbling - From: Orphaned children in need. As always dear Claire a lot of give and no taking, which is what we here in the West have lost, the art of giving so well done and snogs for all those cute little orphans who could set an example to those bad kids here in London who think the world owes them their Nikes.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 17th February 2008 pam | Virtual tour - From: The clocks struck rat. Thanks for doing this for us Claire, I haven't got the get up and go to do it but love following in your footsteps and seeing your fabulous pics, happy birthday indeed Hugs Pamxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 13th February 2008 Ed | Flying over - From: My Monkey Mind - The Dhammakaya Middle Way Hey Claire, Looking at the picture I'm in, I couldn't help but notice that if we wanted to stage a production of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' we'd already have the costumes (and Douglas would make an excellent McMurphy, no? Apologies if my cultural references are lost on you). Anyway, the blog is great, captured the experience completely. Looking forward to looking back on your past travels once I get home and have more time (and a faster internet connection). I was taking the bus to Anghor Wat too, but I only stayed a couple of days. Down in Koh Tao now. Have fun in Cambodia. Ed P.S. Thx for the extra pictures! |
| 12th February 2008 Sheila | Birthday - From: The clocks struck rat. Dear CLaire. What a time you are having. It made our visist to our local Chinese restaurant for the "New Year" sound very boring!! I do hope that you received my E Card. I am thinking of you today. Have a good one. Love Sheila xxx |
| 12th February 2008 SAM | HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU XXXX - From: The clocks struck rat. What an incredible journey you are on. I love reading every word and these photos are amazing, a real wow factor. HAPPY BIRTHDAY claire you deserve a great one. SAM. x |
| 11th February 2008 Gunga | Wonderful - From: The clocks struck rat. A fantastic write up. lots of color and details. Loved it, loved it. Start on your book! Carolyn ( gunga) |
| 11th February 2008 MoonGirldelLago | Peace - From: My Monkey Mind - The Dhammakaya Middle Way Dearest Claire, what a wonderful reminder of the need to and value of silencing our constantly chattering monkey minds to discover the truth within. Thank you. Plus...I always love your portraits of people (especially the Peruvians), but these pictures of the monks are on some new, even more beautiful level. Loads and loads of love to you, my dear amiga -- MoonGirl |
| 10th February 2008 pam | Getting there - From: My Monkey Mind - The Dhammakaya Middle Way Hi Clairey, seems you are emptying yourself of practically everything you have known, I hope you can bring back to England what you have learned and teach our new generation what it is to love and respect everything, AND how do you get a little boy of 4 to meditate, am gonna try this, meantime, if we banned all mobile phones it would a start. Nobody on the train can be without one, what does this say about being alone with one's thoughts.Love to you from a grumpy old woman xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 9th February 2008 Anonymous | Look Inwards - From: My Monkey Mind - The Dhammakaya Middle Way Look Inwards "We all have three eyes. Two for looking out and one for looking in. Why would we want to look in when everything is happening 'out there'? Because the treasure we seek is inside, not outside. What is treasure? Beauty, truth, peace, happiness. You already have what you seek. You already are stunningly beautiful. You are already peaceful and loving. How come you don't know this? Simple, you never look inwards, beyond superficial memories or recent experiences, so you never see your own riches. Take a moment to stop, look in and see. Don't rush. Don't search. Just look. And be aware." www.relax7.com |
| 9th February 2008 MAC from California | Filled With Pure Love & Wonder - From: My Monkey Mind - The Dhammakaya Middle Way Dearest Claire. This morning as I pulled into my parking space at my day job I saw the most amazing site and I was filled with wonder as to what it meant. Now I realize clearly that it was you. A large stark white egret was standing on the median between the road and the freeway. Egrets do not live around where my day job is. She just stood there staring at me and me at her. She was not afraid. Another car then pulled up startling her. She took off in flight, flew directly over me with her giant fabulously beautiful wing span soaring and flapping and away she went off into the world. Amazing. Beautiful. Abundant Grace. I was filled with pure love and wonder. Thank you. MAC from California |
| 7th February 2008 Michael N | congrats - From: Swimming with the fishes Hope you keep the old five pence piece. It was a payment you made from your past self to the future you. Brilliant blog. Proud of you! You should have your own tele programme. Pick-ups of the dialogue and the dramas around you excellent. Entertaining and exact - the way to go Clairey. xxx |
| 6th February 2008 Linnet | what I love about you, Claire - From: Swimming with the fishes is that you are gutsy enough to actually include the picture of the old mass of shit ... bless you, that certainly takes the mystery out of it all, for someone who has never done a colon cleanse. Wish I had that product for sale here in the healthfood store in Pana ... I can put quite a bit of it together, but it just wonīt be the same! Miss ing you, my friend. Linnet |
| 5th February 2008 MoonGirldelLago | Meditation TV -- too cool!!! - From: Swimming with the fishes Dearest Claire, so fun and lovely to read all about your sun-filled adventures as I sit bundled in my (Guatemalan) shawl on my porch in wintry New Mexico, trying to get a wireless signal while snow swirls all around me! Love love love the Buddhist tv programming. If I'd worked on that sort of thing in Hollywood maybe I'd be there still. Much love & safe travels to you, my dear - xoxoxoxox MoonGirl |
| 5th February 2008 Ali | Great Blog! - From: Swimming with the fishes Congratulations on cleared colon and getting over the fear of the sea - or at least starting too! I have a good diet, but find myself relying on coffee to get my energy levels up - I'm going to give the cleanse a try in 2008 after reading this :) thanks. |
| 5th February 2008 pam | aaarghaaarghaaargh - From: Swimming with the fishes I am speechless, speechless, me cyant believe what you were storing in your insides, I feel terrible, thanks Claire, have decided that you just package your blog up into one big Booky Wook and that's it! No fancy editing. Just do it. Luv ya.xx PS: At the beginning I almost didn't want to read about that crystal clear blue water and fishes as I sit in suburban dullness, but.....it just got better and better. |
| 27th January 2008 MAC from California | What Will Become Of Us All? - From: Fussy Monks & Circus Acts. So GLAD to have you back on your journey! Girl interupted back in UK did not suit you. I can hear the relief and the joy in your voice again and that makes me very happy for you. Thanks for your amazing account of the little viral Arab airplane boy...so sad that at such an early age sounds like he is already devoid of joy and happiness. Little boys no matter what nationality are supposed to laugh with you... no matter what it is that you are laughing about...sounds like he already has dreaded judgement running through his veins - so terribly sad. What indeed is going to become of us all if a little boy can't find joy in laughter? BIG hug. MUCH love. JUMBO joy. MAC from California |
| 27th January 2008 Steve Sampford | Tidy Kitchen! - From: Fussy Monks & Circus Acts. Good to see you both back at it again. Sorry not to have spoken again before you left. Was Wacko Jacko any help? Should have my flat ship shape just in time to move out. Go in peace, and see you again some day. Big hugx x x |
| 27th January 2008 pam | take us places Claire! - From: Fussy Monks & Circus Acts. You really put us off travelling Claire, except when you get there, and then it starts to be more fun, with all those big buddhas around it should be calm no? V for Vendetta is my kinda film, sounds like you are not missing anything in fact. I just heard from a friend in Chile on his journey. We stay-at-homes just escape through the telly. Hugsxxx |
| 26th January 2008 twatrick | bloody england - From: The sadness in Happisburgh thankyou sweetie,and people wonder why i england is the last place i would want to go to....enjoy your travels.im in L,a by the way,boooop boooooop love twatrick |
| 25th January 2008 pam | Beautifully written as always - From: The sadness in Happisburgh Lovely blog Claire full of warmth and humanity and frustration and misery, travel is good for you no matter where you are going and Zen is it I think, am trying to dive into it but being in London makes one so angry it is difficult. Not sure what road you are both on but its a good one and your writing is superb as always, travels with my aunt is your nephew's creed from now on, luv ya. |
| 25th January 2008 Kim | You're back! - From: The sadness in Happisburgh Claire, I love your blog, love hearing your thoughts and your written voice. Take care in Thailand. Make sure all your diving equipment is in tip top shape, if indeed that is the direction your are going in. I want to move to Bali, with my children. Can you go there while you are on your travels and scope me out a house please? Kimxxx |
| 24th January 2008 MoonGirldelLago | Feliz Nuevo Ano! - From: The sadness in Happisburgh Dearest Claire, What a wonderful piece! I love your observations about England, they echo my experience returning to the US after time in beloved Guatemala. And your experience at Sheila's funeral was profound, a beautiful way to start the year and your new adventures. Thank you for sharing that. Much much much love to you from New Mexico! xoxo |
| 2nd January 2008 Simona&Michele | it's all about the image (of the swiss): alps for breakfast - From: Blood & Blisters. Hi Claire Reading your blog, was like walking the 42keys another time. Of course as Swiss we felt obliged to lead the group, even though we have never been climbing before. Sometimes people forget that Switzerland is, beside being neutral, a sailing (thanks Alinghi) and tennis (thansk Roger) nation. The alps are just a tourist attraction to us ;-) Hope to read soon from your next journeys to the East. |
| 28th December 2007 SAM | Dont stop now. - From: Simple things that keeps this world spinning. I loved your summing up of your brilliant travels so far. I can not wait to read where you go next, you have kept me entertained for months. Wishing you a happy new year. Sam |
| 27th December 2007 Ani | Congrats - From: Simple things that keeps this world spinning. on a job supremely done. Gracious love and peace to you this Holiday Season and always. Juicy Goddess at Play in the Fields of the Lord |
| 27th December 2007 Gunga | Going to Peru - From: Simple things that keeps this world spinning. I loved reading ALL your journal entries and your comments on the different cultures. I, too, love C and S. Am and have just decided to return to Peru and try Columbia ( a first). I hope you are thinking of writing a book about your trip. There are many of us who dearly love those cultures and the sweetness and kindness of the people who live there. Thank you and safe trip home. Carolyn ( blogger name 'gunga') |
| 17th December 2007 pamela | awful tourists - From: Blood & Blisters. After your trek I hope you gave those Amex people what for! I would go one better and linger over the ruins in a helicopter, polluting your peace and the air and seeing the ruins my way, in fact shouldn't we be seeing all this from space and leave the earth entirely. Bit deep that one. Love your blisters.... |
| 17th December 2007 Rafael | - From: Blood & Blisters. Very nice, Claire!! And I really miss MP... See you! Rafael |
| 6th December 2007 aurelle | visiting places - From: Barbie Gran. I like your attitude. I always find it embarrassing to be with other visitors who treat the local people as though they are funny or odd, or worse, ignorant. So many tourists forget that people of different cultures often have skills that we are without, and sometimes have absolutely no need of our western skills. And not knowing the real effect of our presence (keeping children at home to attract tourists, for eg.) makes it difficult to know how to tread lightly, and yet show appreciation. great photos. |
| 6th December 2007 the soul cultivator | - From: Barbie Gran. Its amazing the different versions people-travellers-tourists are told when visiting somewhere. On these organised tours you can be told anything, then they hurried along to the next location, which I don’t like doing at all, so Thanks for your input I always love to hear from experienced others. |
| 6th December 2007 Gunga | Tourist vs. travelers. - From: Barbie Gran. Loved your blog. Have been to Cuzco twice ( once for the Solstice and Inti-Rami) and plan to go again. Have been told by several guides NOT to take pictures of little kids because the parents will never send them to school ( which is free)as they become the 'meal ticket'. Also, have been told that one of the reasons for the 'rosy' cheeks is because of the altitude and being so close to the sun. Your description of the 'trophy wives' and the Texans was priceless. I just returned from a trip to Chile where several participants were solely interested in 'counting coutries' but seldom showed any interest in the culture or what was right in front of us. Keep travelin'. Carolyn ( blogger name' Gunga') |
| 28th November 2007 MAC from California | Blue Balled - From: VD clinic open on Sundays Wow...closest thing I've ever run across in all my travels to your porno rickshaw driver was a blue-balled monkey who lived alone in a cage just down the hill from where the Delphic Oracle lived and worked on the Greek Island of Delphi and where the Omphalos Stone (thought to be the center of the earth & the universe - said to channel intoxicating vapors that were breathed in by the Oracle)was. This blue-balled boy was wacking his little monkey with the same vigor as your porno rickshaw driver. Perhaps it is all part of a bigger cosmic picture - a requirement of some sort for spiritual growth - a part of the soul journey - symbolic for something ....ah...but what exactly??? now there is something to think about! Hope you are feeling better. BIG hug. BIG Love. MAC from California. |
| 26th November 2007 kim | hysterical - From: VD clinic open on Sundays The grossest grossest taxi driver short of the one that tried to rape me by Crystal Palace so many years ago. I think you should do a book which is a world guide to Shamans, it would be great. Kimx |
| 8th November 2007 Anouk | - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL This is SUCH great reading ! Absolutly totally great and intresting ! |
| 6th November 2007 Linnet | peaceful silence - From: The pilgrimage for creativity. enjoyed reading this part immensely, amiga ... I can relate to your appreciating that deep silence, as I have a similar memory walking in very deep snow in northern Alberta, with the air so cold that it sparkled and the stars snapping bright in the night sky! Also, a deep, deep quiet in the forest at the north end of Vancouver Island, when walking in the silent moss (that, if I am fortunate, is punctuated by the cry of an Eagle or a Raven above the trees ~ thank you so much for triggering those memories for me, and for the laughter I enjoy while reading about your escapades! xox |
| 5th November 2007 cam2yogi | Sweet old lady - From: Tinsel City 1 - Elves Utd 2 I love that photo, the colors and the over-exposure align perfectly. |
| 4th November 2007 MAC from California | The Silence Was Deafening - From: The pilgrimage for creativity. Through all the insanity of your journey you will never forget this place. You are so right about the silent places disapearing from the world. I had a similar experience in Juneau Alaska. A helicopter took us up up up up to a place surrounded on all sides by jagged mountain tops leaving a huge kind of snow field of a cereal bowl in the center. The snow had fallen to fill in the crater that the surrounding mountains had created. The snow was miles and miles deep and under the fresh snow was a glacier. No tracks. No footsteps. The sun was shining - it was blinding white snow and blue sky -so beautiful - angelic. We stepped off the helicopter blades and sank into thigh deep pure snow. The silence was deafening. Fabulous. All you can hear is nothing. Total and complete silence. Stillness. Sanctuary. As close to heaven I would imagine that you can get. Pure Peace. Quiet. Stillness. |
| 4th November 2007 the soul cultivator | Lack of smiles - From: The pilgrimage for creativity. Due to the sun burning my eyes out! |
| 4th November 2007 pam | smile! - From: The pilgrimage for creativity. Oh dear Claire, I now know the reason I stay home in suburbia, safe, boring and salt free. And your lack of smiles for the camera? What's that about. I can understand though... Love you, keep on trukkin', seriously, and Stu xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 31st October 2007 Clare Thomas | Dont worry - From: The Witches Inc. Hi, just reading your blog as Bolivia was one place we really wished we had gone to on our round the world trip, so much so that we might just go back for 2 weeks sometime next year! Anyway, I read your comment about the 'dreaded' Inca trail and just wanted to say dont worry...it is hard, but TOTALLY brilliant and it makes getting to MP even more special. We did it in May this year and it is without doubt the best thing I have ever done in my life. At times its very tough, but you just have to go your own pace and stop regularly. Just try to enjoy it, the scenery is fantastic and the rest of your group will help to make it great fun. Hope you enjoy it. |
| 25th October 2007 deb | Yes, beautiful words - From: Twinkle Twinkle Uros star now I know how great you are... I feel like I was thinking the exact same thoughts you wrote about my Poor, Misguided President--only I was reading the BBC online over a cold disappointing pancake. What does a trillion dollars mean exactly!? No one knows for sure, but we all do know that it means cutting health care for kids and teachers from schools for a start. I am disgusted, have been since I thought the U.S. would freeze over with the re-election of P.M.P. I'm not so sure it won't yet. Thank you for your comments from abroad. |
| 24th October 2007 diana | - From: Twinkle Twinkle Uros star now I know how great you are... nice blog...beautiful pictures! |
| 23rd October 2007 Crazy Canucks | Education of Travelling - From: Twinkle Twinkle Uros star now I know how great you are... Really like your honesty and directness. If there is one soul benefit of travelling it is being able to see how the US so poorly manages and rules the rest of the world. The view of the world is much clearer once you are out of the Western Media, its a shame as to how much sh*t the Western Media feeds us. I love Capitalism, but for all that money spent on needless wars, all of Africa, SEA and the Americas could be brought into at least the 20th century maybe even the 21st. Keep those honest and direct opinions coming!! As AC says "Keeping them Honest" |
| 19th October 2007 MAC from California | Glow On Girl - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. Glow On Girl! Shine brightly with those Neon Lights of yours! Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." BIG HUG. BIG LOVE. MAC from California |
| 19th October 2007 MoonGirldelLago | Welcome to the Other Side! - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. Dearest Claire, Beautiful description of your journey, thx so much for sharing it & the great pics as always. The soul-work you're doing is good for us all. Besos y abrazos -- MoonGirl |
| 19th October 2007 Linnet | Well done and well worded - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. thanks for the link, girlfriend, I really enjoyed reading this ... and thank you, from All of us, for the lightening up ~ good work! Enjoy your newest home base. Love ya |
| 19th October 2007 kim bowen | such a great pleasure - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. Claire and Stuart, thanks to Claire's incredible writings I have got to enjoy so much of your trip vicariously; thankyou. I absolutely love the photograph of the turkey on the bed, or next to the bed with Stu, very sweet and funny. Much, much love. Kim |
| 18th October 2007 nathalie | i love it! - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. Great pictures, and stories, it make me want to visit. We miss you here!!But it looks like you have a fantastic time, so ...keep on...muchos besos de Atitlan.... Nat |
| 18th October 2007 Sheila | Hi - From: (Ayahuasca) Tripper in the Jungle. Dear Claire. There cannot be much else that you can go through, can there? I could never have endured what you have!! I feel you need a jolly good rest now, and I'm beginning to feel that I will not know the "new" you when next we meet. On reading the comments posted on your blog I realise that you have many a real good friend out there waiting for your return. So I'm sure they like me are longon to see you again in the near future. Love Sheila xx |
| 11th October 2007 globalnomads | One of a kind souvenir - From: My Chatterless mind. As a Lamaze Childbirth Educator who also loves to travel and has seen souvenirs of all kinds, this really takes the cake on unique! |
| 10th October 2007 Mike | want that one. - From: My Chatterless mind. I want one of those souvenirs! |
| 3rd October 2007 Brenda Rivett | - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL Darling Claire and Stu I am so very proud of you have a really good rest and hope to see you soon take care love you Brenda xxxxxxxxxxx |
| 2nd October 2007 Sam | Inspiring and mind blowing - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL Hi Claire Wow...this is all I can say right now after reading that....you amaze me yet again. Cant wait to see where you go next...for a good rest I hope. Love Sam x |
| 1st October 2007 Jane | The lovely Claire - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL Are you where you want to be Claire? I am so envious, i want to be with you. Why the 21st December? I won't buy pressies for that year then, save my money, he he. If your 56, i can retire from the LAS and get my pension. Mark and I recieved our 20 years medals, time to go soon. Keep writing your mystical incounters, always thinking of you both. Love Jane xx |
| 30th September 2007 Mike | wonderful..;-) - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL what joy to see your blog..lots of love from sunny Camden town xxxx |
| 30th September 2007 Sheila | Hello again - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL Wow again. Am I going to know this 'new you' when I see you again? What is Stu doing while you are so busy doing all this? It's amazing what you have packed into the last 9 months, isn't it? Carry on looking after yourself. Love Sheila xxx |
| 30th September 2007 cam2yogi | Photo-dreaming - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL Solid photography! Thank you for sharing! |
| 29th September 2007 Miss Pamela | how will live now? - From: SHAMAN SCHOOL A rebirth indeed, 9 months it takes, and a new you, well done Claire Hugsxxxxxx |
| 24th September 2007 Griff | Wear your PPE - From: Flaming soles of youthful feet. As in...glad you were wearing your Personal Protective Equipment young lady, flip flops indeed. Hello Claire, good to hear the adventures of both of you, and I am impressed by the time and effort yuo put into your travel diary, it's admirable. Always good to read your exploits, ge carefull as always. Griff x. |
| 22nd September 2007 MAC | Gobs of Love - From: Flaming soles of youthful feet. Claire- So good to hear more about your continuing adventures. As always you manage to make me laugh out loud - the kind of laugh that if your not careful and just happen to be having a cocktail at the time - the concoction might just end up coming outta your nose. And, as always...your stories always find ways to intimately touch my heart. Can't wait to find out what happens next! Keep shining brightly! Gobs of love! MAC in California |
| 22nd September 2007 Mike | You lucky devils - From: Flaming soles of youthful feet. Oh man, we're missing South America, and your blog is only making things worse! Mike and Mel. |
| 22nd September 2007 Sheila | Wow - From: Flaming soles of youthful feet. Dear Claire & Stu Wow how I wish I could be there sharing these experiences with you!! You sound and look sooo happy, I am so pleased for you, you deserve it. It looks a bit different than the Antigua that I've been to!! Carry on enjoying your journey. I do love reading about your exploits. Take care. Love Sheila xxx |
| 18th September 2007 Colette | sunshine in the city - From: Psychic Surgery. Hi Clairey, Reading your blog is like standing under a mountain waterfall!!! Especially after a long day in London. It radiates colour, happiness and optimism. Fantastic. Love the photos, especially the big wolfie style dog!! Take care sweetheart, will send an e-mail soon, XXXXXXXXXXColette |
| 13th September 2007 Marina | - From: Psychic Surgery. wow clairey! Just had time to read your blog in full without having to rush off to collect kids. They just started school this week from 9.30 till 5pm yipee!! You know what, I am so proud of you Clairey. Your blog is fascinating, inspiring and of course funny (you had me laughing out loud in this dingy internet cafe, I had strange looks from the oh-so-cool mid twenties Spanish...and they spoke Valencianan so I couldnīt quite understand what they said but hey!) You write so well. Also that picture of you (you know our connection with the past) well your eyes look the same as Denise Linnīs!!! Very clear and intense. take care Lots of love Marina and kids xxxx |
| 8th September 2007 Daniel E | - From: Psychic Surgery. That mural is cool - it looks like Hundertwasser (who designed some great public toilets in Northland, NZ- he died in NZ). |
| 29th August 2007 Mac | what a tribute.. - From: How to save a life. Dont even know this girl and im very moved, you ambulance people do great work. Great story soulgirl, keep em coming. Mac. |
| 25th August 2007 Nadine P | Know it too well - From: How to save a life. Hey babe I loved reading this, made me stop and think. Jane was cool, i remember the first time i worked with her we chatted for ages and ate pink sweets. I was so hyper all shift. x |
| 23rd August 2007 pamela | brilliant writing as always - From: How to save a life. Claire, you surprise me every time I read your blog, it is magic and your journey even more so, I am thrilled you have changed your life, and a little envious, we are all trying to escape the shit bit by bit, seems others are following, people leaving London in droves, leaving the country, the message is getting through, stop being muppets, stop giving blood to the government, forget human rights, remember, you have rights too, its your life, get a life! Love youxxxx |
| 23rd August 2007 MoonGirlDelLago | shovel & seeds - From: How to save a life. Lovely meditation on death & life, Soulgirl...I'm missing you here at the Lago!! Weirdly (or perhaps not), someone at the Iguana Perdida just turned me on to an incredible movie called "THE FOUNTAIN" -- you absolutely must get your hands on it -- it is literally ABOUT death as "shovel, seeds, water and sunshine"...from a Mayan perspective no less!!! Stars Hugh Jackman & Rachel Weisz. Your mind will be blown, I promise. Luv & kisses 2U from MoonGirl! |
| 8th August 2007 Griff | Check those ankles - From: Hale stones & headaches. Indeed, check those ankles! I see too many of those every week! How are you doing Claire, good to hear that you are both OK, I hope you get time to acclimatize a bit at that altitude, don't overdo it though. Londam folks are well, as am I. bit of time off so I am doing my "flying under a bag of washing" thing in Slovenia during September, though less adventurous as yourself. Be safe. Griff. |
| 15th July 2007 jo cawthorn | Jo at Nicola Earles Party along with Tim Chipping - From: My past life mourning sickness. Hello hello, well we are all in Norfolk at Nicolas house having a party and you came into conversation, when I was telling Nicola and Tim about your travels and have brought up the blog for them. They are both very well and very interested in what you are up to so hopefully you will be hearing from them when they have had chance to look at your blogs. Well I better get back to the party it has been really great catching up with Tim and hearing all about his acting career. Take care lots of love Jo, Tim and Nicola your school buddies. xxxxd |
| 9th July 2007 Colette | Pick of the pics - From: CheapAsChipsChichicastenango-go-go What gorgeous photos!!! They've brightened up another day of weird and wonderful weather in London which featured hail, rain and snow!!! Looking forward to reading about the scuba diving - you brave girl!!! Ciao for now guappa (that means beautiful woman in Espanol) its guappo ifor men. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| 7th July 2007 pamela | claire a go-go - From: CheapAsChipsChichicastenango-go-go There is just no stopping you gal is there? I am lost in a riot of movement and language and colour and kids, phew! Stop the world I wanna get off, but you don't, you just keep on trukkin'. Truly amazing earth-shattering stuff, not content with habla-ing espagnol you are now diving, good luck on that one, I didn't even ripple the surface in Egypt and went back to doing Yoga in Dahab, highly recommended. Hugsxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 3rd July 2007 anonymous | - From: Hale stones & headaches. Claire I am so proud of you ! what you are achieving, the things you and stu do together, the physical pain climbing up those hills ! keep going both of you your blogs are fabulous I have kept all the photographs had a slide show tonight lots of love to you both. Brenda xxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 30th June 2007 Mike the Geordie | - From: The currency conspiracy. Love the photos, canīt believe that cute creature was nasty though! |
| 26th June 2007 Colette Barlow | Sisters - From: The uterus debate. Hello darling Clairey. So brilliant to get your blog. I feel as if I'm there, you're such a descriptive writer. I've always wanted to go to Mexico, Central and Latin America so this is the next best thing. The Gracia sisters sound amazing!!! What a picture!!! You really are in the land of the spirits. You look so energised and happy. Have just been accepted onto a short directing/editing course so I'm very excited and celebrating with a bottle of vino. I sent them a showreel featuring some ffotage of a project I did with Pete in a window on Wardour Street a few years ago. Right up your street!!! I'm intending to get Arts Council funding so I can take it nationwide and would love you to get involved when you get back sweetheart. Keep sending the blogs - they made my day. Lots and lots of love from Col XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| 21st June 2007 Kevin | Thanks for the interesting Blog - From: GRIM. This was very interesting to read. I have always had a bit of suspicion regarding the Belmopan area. Most of my scuba friends say to stay near Belize City or the smaller towns near the coast. Thanks again for your insights. Kevin kevincstms@aol.com |
| 14th June 2007 Michael Newling | Vicarious Vacs - From: One wonder too many. Great to read your adventurous tales Clairey. You could start a vicarious travel firm for those like me for whom the phrase 'bus station' is equivalent to 'mildew' or 'mumps' or ... Igo4U you could call it. You describe it all so well that I've caught myself saying "Oh yes, Mexico, wonderful place." Bit tongue-tied on Belize for the moment - more please. |
| 14th June 2007 pamela | am with you in the water - From: One wonder too many. Ah Claire, how to live now? Can your idyll go on for ever? Am just off to face the hideous crowds and security at Stansted, so-called security, its here for ten years so trains from now on Much love and power to you and Stu Hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 10th June 2007 Brenda Rivett | Wish I could be there with you ! - From: The Shamanic Touch. Claire darling your blogs get better and better with each one, when you eventually return home I am going to see an entirely new person !! so glad you and Stu are having such an amazing time despite getting wet ! and seeing so many ruins. Thanks for the news of Julia other day a boy how lovely. Keep it up love you lots Brenda xxx |
| 2nd June 2007 Marina | - From: The pepsi purge Hey Clairey, mmm my French reclusive, mad- professor homeopath said the other day that the Mayans were devil worshippers and that they were 100% evil. I told him that perhaps he should stop smoking the green stuff and stop telling everyone that they must repent. I also heard that the Mayans prophecised (spelling not my hot point) the end of the world was to happen 11.11.2012. Perhaps they just meant that their calendar runs out. Bit like the Christians saying that the world would end in 2000. Did you hear that. Possibly the end of religion as we know it. Got to go and round up the kids. Love Marina xxxxxxxxx |
| 31st May 2007 pamela | awesome - From: My past life mourning sickness. Claire my dear,it must have been awesome being there with all those weird vibes,that house on the hill, keyholes indeed, its exactly the area Ben went on a recce for his film, no more of that here, and even another idea for a movie - maybe we all get to try the ayauasca, whatever, is it a good year for that??? - everything is possible although filming in Goa was followed by the murder of his female star, who knows what could happen filming in weird old Yucatan. I was attacked with a machete by a born again Christian in Yelapa, funny old country, Am eager for more, you write amazingly well, keep it up and mind what you eat, love youxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 30th May 2007 Dan | - From: Oaxaca street children Your pics look great on here C. |
| 26th May 2007 Sheila | Wow - From: Oaxaca street children What an experience once again!! I think you have found your niche with those children. Aren't they wonderful. Put a the majority over here to shame!! If I had been a lot younger, I think I would have loved to have been with you on this trip of yours. I still think you would make a super "author" so when you eventually come back "home" I think you should consider it. Carry on taking care of yourself (and others) Lovely to hear from you. Luv Sheila xxx |
| 25th May 2007 pamela | beautiful children - From: Oaxaca street children HI Claire, what a story, you should get some response, certainly from me, it hit my inner child too as I too know the inside of an orphanage, but we had courage most of the other children lacked and moved on didn't we, those children of yours do not look fat, or rude, or dangerous, as they do in the mean streets here, where they have everything they could possibly want. Well done, keep up the good work, use your energies wisely, and most of all, I send you lots of good vibes, energies, and lovexxxxx |
| 21st May 2007 Angie & Ally | - From: Being robbed by a little old lady. Although an amazing fold away pen, it is just that a pen. In the wider sceme of things it really isn't that important. As long as you are both safe and well. And honey When we manage to catch up whereever in the world we will bring you another. Blogs are still amazing. much love xxx |
| 19th May 2007 Kim Bowen | I am there - From: Being robbed by a little old lady. Claire, I rememeber my little trip years ago and the feeling of relief as my belongings got lost or fell apart. It's very liberating, isn't it? Life is so incredibly simple, and it is true that modern technology simplifies storage, recording and communication among many other things; but at what cost. Buying a record once involved a shop and a person, and hours wandering about and checking tunes, and deciding. It involved a huge emotional response to album sleeves that sometimes were misleadingly gorgeous; when one later found only mediocre music within. Communication... actually speaking to people! Walking over to someone's desk/house, having a cup of tea and a chat, a letter, or even a phone call has become a speedy email, even your tales of travel is a blog, sent to us in seconds. I have no argument withtechnology, I appreciate it deeply. It has given us much, but we also trade other richer parts of our lives and experiences for the sake of speed. Your trip sounds fantastic, keep on keeping us informed. Love Kimx |
| 19th May 2007 miss pamela | loveit loveit loveit - From: Being robbed by a little old lady. Claire and Stu, you are winners, no matter what youhave lost, and I am so thrilled to read your blog, I don;t bother with anybody else's, who else writes with such verve and passion and get up and go, keep on trukkin! Love yaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 14th May 2007 the soul cultivator | - From: Lymphatic Surfing. hey surfergirl....all your answers are in my blog...casa olga hotel...zicatela beach the only cool beach to surf....have a good time. |
| 14th May 2007 surfergirl | - From: Lymphatic Surfing. Did you find a good beach for surfing? What hotel did you stay at? |
| 12th May 2007 miss pamela | we're all detoxing in our own way - From: Lymphatic Surfing. My dear Claire and Stu, as I emerged from Harley Street stroking my sore wallet after acunpuncture and herbs for exactly the reasons you had your lymph detox, I thought how much better it would be to be with y'all so maybe next time I will follow your health road, you look and sound so much better but hurry on home so that we can all have a close look at you's - thinking of you and wishing you more of the same trips! Amazing how we thrash our souls and punish our bodies in London, time to move on..... |
| 30th April 2007 griff | watch out for the surf... - From: No tears & no tissues. Claire, good to know you are both enjoying it all-escondido is apparently one of the world's best points to surf-but don't try it yourselves, very "rad".But there should be plenty of nutcases so it should be a good spectacle. Stay safe and if you spot any rust-free bay windows (blue even)-let me know.Best Wishes. |
| 23rd April 2007 miss pamela | am in awe of you! - From: No tears & no tissues. Dearest Claire and Stu - keep up the good work, its amazing how well you both look, here we are pretending that the watery sun is doing us good and you are the real thing, I agree about Puerta Vallarta, interesting place dspite the Americans, I wonder if you made it to Yelapa, much better than Acapulco, dying to see where your energetic feet lead you, much love Pamelaxxxx PS: You are missing NOTHING |
| 22nd April 2007 Brenda | 22 April 18.20 - From: No tears & no tissues. Dear Claire and Stuart loved your last blog and I have never seen you looking better than you do now by the photos, keep it up Claire ! Your Angels do seem to be looking after you I am glad of that. I cant wait to see where you are both off to next love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
| 22nd April 2007 Sheila | Hello - From: No tears & no tissues. Dear Claire & Stu. Glad that you are still enjoying everything, and Claire you are looking so well. Better than I have seen you in years!! It must be suiting you. Acapulco is somewhere I always fancied going, but it sounds a bit seedy to me. I don't think I want to now!! Great to hear from you. Look after yourselves. Luv Sheila xxx |
| 11th April 2007 the soul cultivator | - From: Tummy Turbulance. I had the best training from avery young age....thanks to you. |
| 11th April 2007 Nev | - From: Tummy Turbulance. Good to hear you are still an acute observer Claire. Stay well. Love. Nev |
| 10th April 2007 the soul cultivator | - From: Tummy Turbulance. Thank you to you all for commenting, it makes all this complete. I feel so blessed to have you all in my life. Keep reading. |
| 10th April 2007 the soul cultivator | shelia - From: Temazcalli Re-Birthing. Thank you for your support your an amazing 'aunt'. I love you. x |
| 10th April 2007 kim Bowen | sweaty betty - From: Tummy Turbulance. sounds deranged darling. I read the Kate Fox book, incredible isn't it? I love your description about your near joining of the communal primal scream, but at the end, made me laugh so much. Love you xxx |
| 10th April 2007 Sheila | "Wow" - From: Temazcalli Re-Birthing. Dear Claire & Stu. Wow what an experience for the both of you. I do so wish that I could have been there with you both. Mind you, I don't know that I could have stood that heat!! I am so enjoying reading of you experiences, it's like picking up a book and getting thoroughly absorbed in it. You are a natural! Keep up the good work. Luv xxx |
| 9th April 2007 miss pamela | Visit Yelapa! - From: Tummy Turbulance. Hey girl, seems the world is full of a******s who block your space, but loving your blog and do go and hightail it to Yelapa now that there's a road going down to the sea there and avoid all Americans carrying machetes. Love ya... |
| 9th April 2007 Sheila | Love it - From: Tummy Turbulance. Dear Claire & Stu. We have been to puerto vallarta for a holiday and had an absolutely super time, and love the mexicans over there. We stayed at the Holiday Inn. A really memorable holiday indeed. Hope you enjoy as much as we did. It is so different to the East Coast of Mexico. So unspoilt compared to Cancun. Glad to hear that you are feeling at least a little better than you were. I'm sorry to hear that Julia has lost her contact with you, I will ring her sometime soon. It is Rick's birthday tomorrow, adn we have a easter weekend as far as the weather is concerned. So musn't complain. Will close for now. All our love. Sheila & Rick. xx |
| 9th April 2007 Michael | Typical British Chap - From: Tummy Turbulance. Dear Clairey Hope I am the first in the queue to say thank you very much for your super-blog and will you send more of them - please. xx Hic |
| 8th April 2007 Angie & Ally | Ahh - From: Pensioners feet. Hi Claire and Stu Great to read your journal and hear all your news. Sorry your unwell sweetie. Ally says have a few tequillas that should do the trick. failing that pop to boots and get some arret, no just kidding.Would try to send you some but think you may never get them. It's very exciting here not! I started a new position in my job I'm now a district PCSO on the Chiltern Line, much better clientel. Anyway off to finsh the decorating speak soon, take care and hope you start to get better soon. much love. x |
| 5th April 2007 raybo | here come the hotstepper... - From: Pensioners feet. hey guys thankyou for including me on your mailout.. i thought you were kinda having a "holiday sorta vibe thingybob" it sounds more like a war zone...i send you both love and cyber healing( if there is such a thing)may your step be bouncey and your bum be cured ! lots of love |
| 29th March 2007 Marina | top tip: glass of red wine wards off all evils - From: Mexico Shity. Hi Clairey and Stuart. Yep, read somewhere that people travelling to India or s america should always keep a bottle of red nearby as it has properties in it to kill bad bacteria (poss the tanin). I swear by brandy as my remedy against nausea (weirdly enough!). Apart from that shed loads of raw garlic....sorry stu, you'll have to have it to if you want to get close to the beautiful but wiffy claire! Well I would love to go to Mexico again...have about a dozen mexican cousins that I haven't seen for 24 years!!! Have fun love Marina xx |
| 28th March 2007 kim Bowen | the poor aching trotters and buttocks - From: Pensioners feet. Claire and Stuart, I am so interested reading of your adventures, wish I was there to comisserate with you Claire. Whenever we have been in Mexico the locals always tell you to drink a few glasses of tequila if you have a stomach upset. I have never needed to but Sterling has and it did work. |
| 28th March 2007 Sheila | Poor Love - From: Mexico Shity. Dear Claire & Stu. I am so sorry to hear that your trip was ruined by the (spanish tummy, they do speak spanish in Mexico don't they!!) I do hope that you are feeling a lot better by now. It is lovely to be able to converse with you like this and find out what you are up to at any given time. Please take care and I will "talk" again soon. Luv Sheila xxx |
| 27th March 2007 Michael N | Oldest icon of all - the sea - From: Mexico Shity. "I need to be by the sea.." Yes, the sea with a beach beside. To acclimatise. Then up those steps you go. Fine, Olympic torch, as it is, blogging. |
