Eiffel Tower

I recently busy an excursion to Paris.

Keeping in mind the prospect of it makes me need to do a dance on my counter stool as I sit here in Starbucks tasting my peppermint mocha and gazing out the window onto a flooding refuse can (plainly Bellevue isn't generally valid to its name), I will save my kindred caffeinators such a sight and express my flooding energy here



In reckoning of the close to 3 weeks I will spend in June in the City of Light, I have a heap of individuals, places, restaurants, and locales shuddering around in my mind. They are my "must do" list. Much in the wake of living there for almost 2 years there are still things I have to see and, obviously, I have some most loved spots to return to.

My up and coming come back to the city I cherish propelled me to think about a  few of my individual highlights or things I think imperative to improve any Parisian getaway. All things considered, alright… "imperative" after you have seen Madame Visit Eiffel shimmer at night,  waived hi to Ms. Mona Lisa while 12 lines back and on your tippy-toes in the Louver, followed the steps of Quasimodo in Notre Broad and shopped until you dropped along the Champs-Élysées… you know, the Paris 101 stuff.

These are more from the Paris 201 syl

Noma in Copenhagen

Life has a tendency to be loaded with amazements. In the event that one month back you would have inquired as to whether I was arranging an excursion to Copenhagen, Denmark, the answer would have been most definitely, "No." On the off chance that you would have let me know that I would be consuming at the crown gem of the culinary world and proclaimed best restaurant anyplace, Noma, I would have bashfully grinned, taken a gander at you sideways and quickly changed the subject. Yet this previous weekend that is Precisely what I did! I went to Copenhagen under the sole appearance to eat even from an optimistic standpoint "Restaurant." Who needn't bother with a little debauchery in her life  every now and then? :)

Nyhaven in Copenhagen.

A 17th century canal and waterfront…and the most touristy place in the city!

The opportunity was presented to me by an American girlfriend here in Paris, Kelly.  She had spent many months trying to get these coveted reservations via public channels (calling 3 months in advance when the reservation books opened up while tightly crossing her fingers), but she was never successful.  Between 20,000 – 100,000 people vie for a spot at this cozy 12 table restaurant each month, so getting a reservation is a bit like finding a Dane who isn’t up for a beer at 10am….impossible! But thanks to her American stick-to-itiveness and resourcefulness, she reached out to a friend whose husband had connections to the chef…et voila! C’est fait! Her next order of business was finding a dining companion.  That is where I came in.  After a quick trip to the Easyjet website, I became her thankful and lucky companion on this foodie pilgrimage.

Torino to Visit my Italian

As insufferable as getting up at 5:15am to catch my 7:41am train was, the perspectives I saw as we crossed the Alps from France into Italy were stunning. The train crossed through emotional rough mountain crests tidied with a percentage of the first snow of the year. The mountain sides were painted with the shades of  the tree leaves in their dynamic fall colors – a great show of greens, yellows, rusts and oranges. Spotting the farmland were interesting, old towns that enchanted with their stone houses, tile tops and quintessential little temples. It was the most lovely prepare ride I have ever taken… just shocking.

My Italian cousin, Cristina, had said the trains from Paris are constantly late… fortunately I was on one with a period cognizant conductor who got us to the Torino Porta Susa train station right on calendar. Cristina was there sitting tight for me! The last time I went by Torino was in excess of 3 years back with my Mother and Close relative Peggy… .I was late for an alternate visit and get up to speed, albeit short, with my relatives in Italy.

Susanna, my 17 year old cousin, took the 2 days that I was there off of school to practice her English :)… so together with her mother, us 3 young ladies re-investigated the incredible and excellent city

My first cappuccino in Italy! Yay!

Our first morning we headed for a visit to the Royal Palace of Veneria (Reggia di Veneria Reale)…but before heading inside Cristina suggested we stop for a coffee. Brilliant!  I love Italians!

Cristina, Me and Susanna inside the Veneria Palace.

This imposing palace was a former royal residence of the the Royal House of Savoy. It is one of the largest royal palaces in the world, comparable in size and structure to Versailles. It was commissioned to be built in the mid 17th century by Carlo Emanuele II as a hunting base for his expeditions in the hills north of Torino.

Susanna did an amazing job of being my tour guide…I was so impressed with all her knowledge of the history of Torino, and even more impressed with how well she communicated all that knowledge to me in English.

Modena travel Guide

My last night in Modena  (maintained MO-deh-nah), my lovable server, Luca, asked me, "Why did you come to Modena?"  The straightforward answer: to consume… obviously! The medieval town is not the traveler mecca that some different towns in Italy draw… yet the Emilia-Romagna district is touted as having the best nourishment in Italy. The acclaimed Parmigiano Reggiano is made only one short prepare stop away, conventional balsamic vinegar is the pride of Modena and the new tortellini, tortelloni and tagliatelle is on every trattoria and osteria menu. The inquiry for me was more, "why would I NOT come"… versus Luca's request.

I was doubtlessly one of a couple away guests to this uncommon town… yet that was fine with me cuz I came to consume like a nearby. Also mission fulfilled! Despite the fact that I feasted alone each one night, I by one means or another passed hours at every restaurant. I truly relished each minute in this town, the origin of Pavorati, home of the Ferrari and Maserati (Lamborghini is made one town away!)… and the main place on the planet where customary Balsamic Vinegar from Modena is affectionately made in the upper rooms of local people's homes.

I apologize ahead of time for the parade of nourishment photographs that are to take after (particularly on the off chance that you are eager!). Anyhow like I said, I went to Modena to consume… and it would be a disgrace not to impart the aestheticness of the nourishment… regardless of the possibility that jus

The streets of Modena. 

Like many towns in Italy, its history dates back to ancient times. It was a Roman colony at one point, but the “centro storico” of today is a perfectly preserved medieval town with cobblestone streets and a beautiful 12th century duomo.

The Almafi Coast, Rome

That being said, as expressed prior in my voyages… .travel associates, albeit heavenly to be with, don't give to consitent blog entries. As it happens, I am really in Greece at this moment :)… having a light cheddar plate, glass of white wine and listening to Check and Adam discuss the imperativeness of the UN.

I exited Italy yesterday on an Alitalia flight from Rome to Athens. Since my last post I burned through 3 evenings in Sorrento, 2 evenings in Positano and 3 evenings in Rome. My time in the Almafi Coast was the most farthest south of Rome I have ever been. I, obviously, had seen numerous pictures of this excellent coast line preceding my landing… and it was generally as great truth be told. The Limoncello was really astounding excessive,

The ruins of Pompeii are about 20 minutes outside of Sorrento.

Our first full day in Sorrento we took the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii and explored this well preserved Roman city that was buried under 20 feet of ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in August in 79 AD.

Frescos in Pompeii.

In the glass cases are casts of a few victims found when the site was being excavated. Of the 20,000 people that lived in Pompeii at the time, 2,000 were buried alive. These are just a few of the people that didn’t run fast enough.

The casts are created around their ancient bones, so if you look close enough you can still see their teeth, skull and toe bones. One of the victims had teeth that were quite nice.

\

The crew 

Mark, Rosie and I in the forum in Pompeii.

I certainly look short compared to those guys 

Senegalese Me

I know I have been in Africa the most recent 3 days, yet today I truly FELT like I was in Africa. I don't know whether I can clarify the change… I think it is a tiny bit of everything: recognizing my own particular society stun and a bit of achiness to go home, perceiving the force of this spot and how it is in control, not me, feeling a bit of tension for my next stop as I voyage further into the heart of this area, furthermore simply feeling more great with my surroundings and the individuals.

Clearly I am likewise beginning to look Senegalese :). That is one of the most loved jokes advised to me around here. It goes somewhat like this:

Senegalese individual: "Where are you from?"

Me: "Seattle, WA in the United States."

Senegalese individual: "Goodness? I thought you were from here! You look Senegalese! Ha"

Me: "I know! I get that constantly! Ha"

It real truly is kinda cleve




Stupendous. The climate was flawless as it was going to rain… .so not hot at all and a bit windy.

Ok, today!! I must impart the occasions of toward the beginning of today… .cuz where else would they happen however here! I woke up (late!) to clamoring and shouting in the lodging lobby way and entryway. I could tell there was a decent estimated gathering of individuals out there and unmistakably an issue or squabble had happened, yet I couldn't comprehend anything. So I dressed rapidly to go out and see what the ruckus was about. As I opened my entryway I was passed by two beefy African men doing a sofa from the lobby!!!! Huh!!!??? They put it in a huge moving van, came over (alongside their group of around 10 men) and took the other love seat, all the tables in the eating territory, seats, barstools, the end table, the level screen t.v. lastly the coffee creator. While this was going on a yelling match created between the supervisor of my lodging and evidently the gentleman who possessed the furniture. Close them, assembled by where the coffee producer once use to be, were all the ladies staff parts at the inn. All were shaking their heads and  looking sorrowful. I asked Fatima to clarify what was going on… her words were, "huge inconvenience."  Clearly the past supervisor of the inn wasn't decently enjoyed or something (the points of interest of the greater part of this are very scrappy to me) and now somebody is attempting to "take" the inn from the current chief… .beginning with the furniture. I wasn't certain if my cot was on the rundown of things to stuff in the moving van, so I asked the administrator what I ought to do. Right away he let me know to "be cool" in an irritable tone, yet later overhauled his announcement and attentively let me know not to stress that all will be fine and that the furniture will be returned tomorrow. He did look exasperated by the entire trial… indeed he looked much how I looked when I rushed to him the prior night requesting help with the 2 inch cockroach in my lavatory… .his reaction to me is the thing that I expressed over to him this evening, "Africa


 

HAKUNA MATATA!

Hakuna Matata… they really do say that here in Mali, despite the fact that the expression is Swahili. I am not exactly at the "No Stresses" stage :)… .however chipping away at it every day!

So I compose this now from a little inn called The Dozing Camel in Bamako, Mali. My room is totally absolute minimum in its decore and outfitting… .yet what it needs in configuration flare and agreeable furniture, it makes up with numerous, numerous, numerous small tan bugs that Affection to slither all over me. They aren't especially special bugs… they kinda resemble the minimal ones that plague flour packs in warm places like southern California (I am almost certain I opened a sack down there once to discover these little animals). Yet at $25 a night, I would expect these fellows as my flat mates… .at minimum they don't make a ton

My room in Bamako!

There are actually 2 Beds in this room….the other one is broken though (go figure).

Floating above the bed is the mosquito net that I will most definitely use tonight since there is a bit of a Malaria problem in this country…in fact, I met a guy from Seattle today who is recovering from Malaria. And YES, I can anticipate your first question, he was taking his malaria pills. Those don’t guarantee a thing!

Ouch! One of those wretched little bugs just bit me!  Lets hope that doesn’t swell to high heaven.  His sniffer must have been bad cuz I have Deet on to the max :).

My departure from Senegal this morning was rather anti-climatic, which means I didn’t run into major plan altering snaffus just mild ones that still allowed me to get the airport on time (albeit the hotel owner did tell my driver to “go as fast as possible”….because of their doddling, not mine).

Fatima and Me!

Fatima took good care of me at my Dakar hotel.

The necklace I bought on Goree island.  It is ebony and bronze (you may recall it was also spit shined by a sales woman).  The tank I bought at Banana Republic….cotton, spring ’09 collection. 

The Girl Jen

A debt of gratitude is in order regarding going to my travel blog! It is a work of adoration, and I trust you appreciate understanding it as much as I appreciate composing it.

My name is Jen, and I am an American living in Paris. My "occupation" here is to take in the lovely French dialect, and consume the greatest number of baguettes as I can while finishing that! I was conceived in Southern California, experienced childhood in Montana, went to school ("college" for you non-Americans!) at St. Catherine College in St. Paul, Minnesota where I graduated with distinction, a degree in Global Relations and Spanish and Phi Beta Kappa. Before Paris I existed in Seattle, WA. In my life I have additionally existed in Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica (where I was a Revolving Ambassadorial Researcher for a year). I have gone to 37 nations… and checking.

My work resume has included overseeing contracts at Imation and engineering counseling at Accenture. I have likewise done deals at a dating administration! I was exceptionally enticing at offering affection.

I have been informed that I don't prefer to let the grass become under my feet… which is most likely a reasonable evaluation to date. At the same time my wanderlust is more than eagerness. Our reality is so enormous, so excellent that I need to witness its superbness with my own eyes, I need to taste its flavors with my own particular sense of taste and I need to experience and gain from the societies and individuals that make its embroidered artwork so dynamic. This web journal permits me to catch and impart some of those encounters to those I cherish and those I have never met.

Other than being travel fixated, I have an inconceivable adoration for sustenance, wine, family, companions and fun discussion. My interests incorporate cooking, governmental issues, perusing, volunteer work for foundations, oenophile tries, staying fit, and simply attempting to greatly improve the situation individual. I am constantly up for moving as well!

Here is a connection to my first blog entry which imparts how this site was begun 3 years back: Welcome to my first blog ever!

Presently again to the escapade

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar (Tibet)

Foreword by Jen:  When discussing my little ole blog I like to shout, "It is one of the best things I have ever done!" I do appreciate offering my undertakings, yet my greatest happiness and rush is all the intriguing individuals that have a tendency to drop into my life as an aftereffect of it.

Case in point, I have imparted espresso dates to a neighborhood peruser I now call a companion. I have fielded early morning telephone calls from an Israeli peruser staying in one of the urban areas I went by in India back in October. I have reacted to various messages from gutsy ladies explorers who are looking for guidance or impulse as they set out all alone journies. When I was even reached by an honorable man from Dubai who was truly inquiring as to whether I had any gold mineworker or dealer contacts in Mali or Senegal (Huh!?). He was mindful of his strange demand through an unacknowledged email, however felt urged to compose in any case as he might have been "fascinated" by my online journal "in a particular manner." Goodness, the honeyed words!

The delightful article I am presenting today was sent on me from another of my grand perusers, an Indian named Vinod. He reached me asking for to submit a visitor post. From the start I was reluctant as I didn't know Vinod, yet chose it would be enjoyable to look into another piece of the world (I do think that it fascinating that taking a wooden pinasse up the Niger Waterway in Mali doesn't make me reluctant, yet amiable composed substance for my online journal from an outsider has me all excited. Go figure.). I am super amped up for the article he composed. Before Vinod reaching me I didn't think about the vitality of  Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar… nor its existance. I trust you appreciate researching this wonderful corner of our reality as much as I did. Much appreciated, Vino

.

Sheltered by the magnificent Himalayas, Kailash-Manasarovar is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations today. The Skanda Purana (Hindu religious texts) quotes that this place is the home of Lord Shiva. Lake Manasarovar, otherwise known as Anotatta or Anavatapta, means a lake without any heat or trouble according to Pali Buddhist scripture and Sanskrit Buddhist writings. This region is revered by all the religions and people throughout the world in various ways. Associated myths and legends that surround the region prove the unity of all religions and that God is one.

Lake Manasarovar is nearby the sources of the four greatest rivers in Asia, respectively the Brahmaputra, Indus, Karnali and Sutlej. Hence it is considered to be the axial point of all the rivers, making it the most sought after pilgrim spot for thousands of years. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was first created in the thoughts of Lord Brahma and then placed on Earth. Its name, “Mansarovar” is a combination of the Sanskrit words “Manas” and “Sarovar” meaning “Mind” and “Lake” respectively. Per Hindu theology, one who drinks water from the lake will go to the Abode of Lord Shiva after death and is believed to be cleansed of all his sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes.

It is also believed that the lake is the home for the Hamsa goose in the summer time. The Hamsa goose is a very important symbol of the mythology, representing wisdom and beauty.

As this place is looked at as the most sacred pilgrimage spot in the whole of Asia, many Shiva devotees flock to the region of  Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra to attain eternal bliss and soulful peace. They come seeking harmony and inner peace, and the holy shrine endows the pilgrims with great harmony, health and wealth. Some Tibetans also follow a tradition where they leave an item such as an article of clothing, a drop of blood, hair or a stone to symbolize leaving their egos and prejudices behind.

My Panchakarma Life in Rishikesh

I am beginning to feel substantially more stimulated… I think the profits of this panachakarma treatment is beginning to kick in. Accordingly I need to grab my freshly discovered vitality to expound on my run of the mill day here in Rishikesh… here goes:
While arranging this outing to India, I counseled my Japanese sweetheart's Indian spouse, Das, to help me with the agenda. "India is so huge!" I let him know, " I don't know where to begin." He prescribed that I come to Rishikesh and afterward Rajastan. The climate would be cooler than in the south, I could learn yoga or ayurveda in Rishikesh, and afterward visit Jaipur and Udaipur in India's biggest and most sentimental state, Rajastan. Great!
Alongside his suggestions he included connections to a few ashrams and ayurvedic focuses in Rishikesh. After much drudging over where I would want to spend a week of my life, I chose Dr. Maurya's Hemadri Ayurveda Focus (beside the police checkpoint and taxi remain here on Badri Nath Street). With a $100 Western Union wire, my booking for 7 days of Panchakarma treatment was situated. Et voila! Presently here I am encountering it!

Similarly as with all things here in India, I discovered that I ought to have arranged the online cost of the treatment heretofore, however, whatever… I will improve occupation arranging my next ric

.

My chariot in Delhi that brought me to Rishikesh.

These buses are simply called “Volvos” and are a very pleasant, economical way to travel. The bus driver gave me seat 1 so I could be petrified the entire way as he maneuvered the crowded streets. He was sounding his horn more than he wasn’t.

We stopped at a McDonald’s along the way.  Here a  Big Mac is made with a veggie burger instead (don’t even talk about eating beef here!).

Leaving Delhi.

The chickens stacked on rickshaws fascinated me…

Rishikesh at last! and traveling in style again!

Rishikesh is in the the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known as The Gateway to the Himalayas.

Its population is 75,000.

Vishal, the owner of the hotel/restau where I am staying, says that in Rishikesh “anything can happen” and it is “magical.” He also said that only the “pure” die here. He added, “Bubas  (politicians/beaurocrats) can be born and live here, but they always die someplace else.”

Dr. Maury’s Ayurvedic Center

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and the world’s oldest system of healthcare.  It has been practiced in India for 5000 years! The word Ayurveda means “science of life.”  It is a very serious and true medical practice here in India.  My doctor, Dr. Maurya, has practiced Ayerveda for the last 8 years.  He also teaches it.

My first morning here I met my doctor at 8am.  He took my pulse, asked me about my health and then proceeded to set up my treatment schedule. My panchakarma, an Ayurveda way of detoxifying and rejuvenating the body, treatment includes a strict vegetarian diet, daily massages, steam baths, different body cleansings, yoga, and rest (although rest does not mean read a book…it means rest your mind.  Vishal alerted me, “Don’t read. Westerners read too much during panchakarma.” I immediately put my Kindle under the table).

The Wonderful Staff at the Center

Suma, my yoga instructor and office manager, sits behind the desk.  Maya, one of the other therapists at the center is next to her and Savita, my therapist, sits closest to the door.