The Dawn of the Dog.

On the walk.

Time For Lime staff having afternoon dog walk on the beach.

Lanta Animal Welfare Clinic.

Fire juggling.

 The day was October 31, 2011.  Halloween day on the south end of Hat Khlong Dao beach situated on the western shore of Koh Lanta Yai island.  At 9:30 am the temperature outside was at least 90 degrees with 100% humidity.  The sun was hot and the slight eastern breeze did little to cool the body or detour my clothes from sticking to my sweat saturated limbs.  The intermittent rumbles and roars of long boat and motorcycle engines hummed in the background like thunder in a passing storm.  The smell of burning coconut from cleared construction sites as well as charcoal from the “rot ken” (vendor carts) filled the air with a smokey fragrance.  At the same time, the tide of the Andaman Sea rhythmically settled in along the white sandy beach in a calming manner in front of the porch where I was resting.  There where no carved pumpkins.  No ghosts, goblins or ghouls.  No recordings of frightful sounds to be heard or toilet paper hanging from the branches of the trees.  Nobody was wearing costumes.  There wasn’t a hint of organized haunting or the celebration of evil spirits anywhere to be seen.  Matter of fact, the only scary experience that can be noted was opening the “not so” hard boiled egg I was gifted to for breakfast by a Thai man whom I believed to be the caretaker of the guesthouse. And I will admit that the first sip of instant coffee sent creepy chills down my spine and the ants in the sugar jar startled me slightly.  Other than these mildly frightful experiences this Halloween would be more surprising than scary and a reminder that I am far from home.

I enjoy unexpected surprises when traveling.  Not the kind that leave you wondering where your backpack ran off to or why there is no money in your wallet. Or the kind that compromises your safety and health.  In contrast, its the kind of experience that happens without planning and somehow leaves a lasting impression on you about the culture, community and individuals that your visiting.  This is exactly what happened when we discovered that the cooking school and guest house that we stayed at donates 100% of their earnings as a non-profit organization to the Lanta Animal Welfare Shelter on the Island.  

Over ten years ago the owner of the Time For Lime cooking school came to Koh Lanta to follow her first passion,Thai cooking.  She stayed because of her  second.  Helping dogs and cats.  When Koh Lanta began to develop as a travel destination construction workers from various parts of the mainland arrived to build resorts and infrastructure.  They brought dogs and cats with them to “take care” of the job sites.  When construction ended the workers returned home and left the animals on the island.  They were no longer needed.  Once resorts were established, owners would “adopt” dogs and cats for the tourist high season because westerners viewed these animals as pets and created a welcoming presence.   Once the tourists left the animals were either left to fend for themselves or abused in attempts to encourage them to leave the property.  Soon a large population of feral beasts began to multiply (gremlin’s reference) and take over the island like crazed zombie’s.  Soon, the only means for locals to protect themselves from the horror of these overpopulated disease ridden monsters was to kill, abuse and mistreat.  Common cruelty includes burning with hot cooking oils, knifing, attaching weight and being throw in the sea as well as poisoning and beatings with bamboo.  Although the the island is rich in culture due to the fact that most of the local residents are decedents of Muslim Malay, animals are not viewed as pets.  They are a nuisance.    As long as they continue to re-produce the dogs and cats really do not stand a chance.  The cycle will continue.

The overall mission of the Lanta Animal Welfare Shelter is to sterilize the dogs and cats on the island while educating the local residents of the importance of having dogs and cats spayed and neutered.  In addition they rescue and attempt to rehabilitate abused or mistreated animals and provide adoption services with the resources available.  The entire clinic is managed by volunteers and funded by donations and the Time For Lime cooking school and guest house.  They also seek daily volunteers to walk the dogs that are currently seeking homes.  Since Jennifer and I where missing our adopted dog Stella and cat Jui from home, we decided to volunteer our afternoon to walk a few dogs at the shelter.  This experience brought smiles to our face and felt fortunate we could help the other volunteers and animals in some little way.  The two dogs we walked, Mai-tai and Lee-lah seemed appreciative for our time together.  The feeling was mutual.  We even let them enjoy what Jennifer referred to as “island jerky”.........a road killed frog. Until they began to roll in it.

taking Mai-Tai and Lee-lah to the water.

Sunset.

Halloween!

On our way back to the guest house in our tuk-tuk we happened to be surprised again by noticing a flyer announcing a Halloween party at a local bar called Irie.  Since it was Halloween day, it just seemed appropriate to attend.  You even got a free drink if you were wearing a costume.  Jennifer was prepared for this part of logistics having apparently carried devil horns and a butterfly mask around China for five weeks in her luggage in anticipation of such a event.  Serendipity, coincidence or just plain old fashioned luck our evening was set and we where going to celebrate Halloween after all.  We were welcomed curiously by the local staff and entertained by techno versions of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and M.C. Hammer in the midst of laser lights and barbecue smoke.  Fire torches were juggled precariously by one ambitious and entertaining staff in the middle of the crowd and thatched roof enclosure.  One false move and the place is up in flames.  The local staff appreciated our adventurist spirit and by the end of the night was offering advice on recommendations for the rest of our stay on the island.  This information proved to be valuable and ironically enough we would cross paths with our new friends many times all over the island. When we arrived back at the guest house later that evening we were eerily greeted by a black cat lounging on the front porch.  As our thoughts swirled with images of a unique Halloween, we hesitantly fell asleep to the chilling sounds of scraping lizard claws on the floor and walls of the room.

Cooking Thai.

yes!

 After a week or so of indulging in some of the best and unique foods we have experienced to date it soon became apparent that we wanted more.  So we decided to learn a few tricks of the trade of Thai cuisine.  Jennifer and I took part in a Thai cooking class at the Time For Lime (http://www.timeforlime.net/ )cooking school and guest house located on Hat Khlong Dao beach on the western shore of Koh Lanta Yai.  We both share most of the same passion and enjoy the culinary pleasures of Thai cuisine and decided we could benefit from becoming educated to prepare these meals for ourselves and friends.  With about ten other individuals (representing 9 countries) we prepared, cooked, discussed and  sampled  Thai dishes such as massaman curry, crispy spring rolls, spicy seafood salads and winter squash curry soup (Time For Lime specialty soup).  We learned about the three “s” theory to Thai seasoning and flavor.  In the pre-test I was certain that one of the “s” stood for spicy.  On the contrary, spicy is an added element to a dish.  It is common for  locals to include up to fifteen chili’s to add hot spice to a dish.  I found this to be amazing since I could barely go for three in my prepared dish!   The three “s” stand for salty, sour and sweet.  It is this combination of flavor that is essential to all Thai dishes.  The first item we sampled was a bite sized “taste of Thai” which included all the general flavors of Thai cuisine in one bite.  It consisted of minced shrimp, peanuts, ginger, fish sauce, garlic, tamarind paste, and birds-eye chili’s all wrapped up in one kaffir leaf.  In addition, we learned about the correlation between how vegetables are cut and what they are intended for.  For example, thinly sliced items like ginger, lemongrass, kaffir leaves and chili’s are for you to eat with the dish and the larger pieces typically cut at a slanted angle are solely for flavoring purposes.  So its proper to leave food like galangal root in your bowl or on your plate.  That’s the way the dishes were intended to be consumed.  Another interesting and helpful piece of information was about how to eat (etiquette) Thai cuisine.  Apparently, the use of chopsticks is rare and the only utensil that goes into the mouth is the spoon.  The fork’s sole purpose is to assist the knife in the cutting of the food.  Only the right hand should be used if needing to eat with when eating “finger food”.  The left hand is to be used for certain hygienic bathroom rituals that won’t be discussed here.  I wish I had known this about a week earlier.  There is good possibility that I offended others and probably the reason why a bowl of hot lime water was brought to my table after eating fish with both of my hands!  After five hours of cooking, eating two of our prepared meals and a few lemongrass margaritas, it was off to bed dreaming of birds-eye chili peppers jumping over the moon.

Jennifer's massaman curry and spring roll.

Spicy seafood salad and winter squash curry soup.

Essential Thai ingredients.

Portland, Oregon 97213

When I think about Portland, Oregon the image of Mill Ends Park resinates through my mind. Originally created on St. Patrick’s Day in 1948 to be the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland, the park is located in the median strip of a busy downtown parkway.  The park also takes claim as the world's smallest, being a circle 2 ft across and a total area of 452 square inches.  Yes, this is a city park recognized and managed by Portland Parks and Recreation which,  awkwardly enough, seems to symbolize many traits and values of the city of Portland.  Both are smaller in size, unique in stature, quirky in personality, complemented by a bewildering sense of purpose and place all portrayed with confidence and pride.  Not to mention a good sense of humor.  Portland’s slogan is “the rose city” but has been affectionately labeled in some circles as," the place where young people go to retire" and is the setting for the television show Portlandia (http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/)  which takes stabs at the local culture with un-abandoned humor, sarcasm and wit.  It’s a place where forms of diversity (even if not completely understood) are mostly tolerated, accepted and often celebrated.  Ironically enough,  its this same diversity that creates factions of passionate individuals with a sense of entitlement that are so quickly to judge others.  So what if I forgot to bring a dog poop bag to the dog park, honked my horn at the bicyclist that ran a stop sign, put a glass bottle in the trash and forgot to bring my reusable grocery bag to Whole Foods!  I’ll probably never be able to afford solar panels on my house or the cute little water collection systems that will provide water for my non-existent garden next year and I might not vote or share the same passion about saving the pigeons downtown from extinction.  All generalities aside, this is one of the many reason s I have enjoyed Portland.  Its a place to challenge or be challenged with ideas, thoughts and creative expression.  To be yourself or get lost with everyone else.  Or just being able to be surrounded by something you can connect with. Or not. Its a place where nature co-exists with the urban landscape.  A place where neighborhoods embrace their ever-changing identity with creative ideas, businesses and events.  A place where animals have their own parks, bicyclists and pedestrians actually are respected and  have rights, and a free range organic buffalo burger can be washed down with a vegan beer at the local food cart.  It’s a place that I enjoyed calling home for a few years and know I will return often.  Over the last  week I have had the opportunity to mourn over my departure as well as reflect about all the wonderful attributes and experiences that the great place of Portland has offered and provided for me.  To honor this, I have created my " top ten best things about Portland" list.  Goodbye Portland for now. You will be missed.

 Portland Timbers:

The best sports team in America supported by passionate fans.  Seeing games at Jen Weld Field has rekindled my interest in soccer and the belief that American Soccer can be the best in the world one day.  http://www.portlandtimbers.com/

 Last Thursday:

Celebration of the arts on Alberta Street in Northeast Portland.
http://lastthursdaypdx.ning.com/

Pho:

The classic vietnamese noodle soup that is great on those dark, cold rainy winter days.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pho 

Microbreweries:

More here than any other place in the world!  Favorites include the Laurelwood, Lucky Lab and Breakside Brewing. http://oregonbeer.org/ 

The Rain:

Yes, you read this correctly.  There’s something about its consistency that I enjoy and I am a Pisces.  http://portlandor.about.com/od/cityservicesgovernment/a/PDX_weather.htm

Portland Parks: 

There everywhere and important to the city. My favorites include Mt. Tabor, Forest Park, Sandy River Delta and the Sacajewa Dog Park.  http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/

Happy Hours:

There everywhere and you can get by on cheap eats almost any day of the week.  http://www.urbandrinks.com/happyhour/usa/or/portland

Laurelthirst Pub:

Music is free during the happy hours everyday and hosts performers like the Freak Mountain Ramblers and Jack Straw.   http://laurelthirst.com/ 

Multinomah County Library System:

Free and the selection of books, movies and music is unreal.  http://www.multcolib.org/

Location:

Close to the coast, Mt. Hood National forest and the Columbia River Gorge.   http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8_MNNYSKAOUjMeXDfAxg8vh1h4Psw68fJG-AAzga6Pt55Oem6hfkRhhkmTgqAgCHNFDO/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110622&navtype=forestBean&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=null&ttype=main&pname=Columbia%20River%20Gorge%20National%20Scenic%20Area%20-%20Home

Worth mentioning:

Movie Madness, Brew theaters, Podnah’s BBQ, Coffee Shops, Powell Books.  

Headaches and the last minute details.

I have been thinking about headaches a lot lately.  Perhaps it is because most of the clients I have been working with having been dealing with tension headaches, or more likely that I am organizing all the final details as I prepare to drive across the country this Thursday.  I recently stumbled over this article and thought I would pass it along.  Enjoy.

Use your hands to relieve tension headaches naturally

Thursday, March 24, 2011 by: Dave Gabriele

(NaturalNews) Sooner or later, we all get headaches. Usually, we tend to shut down the pain by taking an over-the-counter drug. Drugs are usually pretty good at removing pain, but they do not address the root cause of the problem and often cause unwanted side effects. Pain is actually very important because it is one way our body communicates a problem with us. By taking a drug to remove the pain, we only dull our senses. However, if we take the time to learn the language of our bodies, we can understand what the causes of our headaches are and address them directly. This is by far the healthiest course of action.

In the case of tension headaches, the culprit is usually tension in the upper back, shoulder and neck muscles. Here are six simple steps that will reduce or remove the pain associated with tension headaches:

1) To start, take yourself away from the computer screen, get comfortable and close your eyes gently. Take a deep breath and let out a long and relaxing sigh as you drop and relax your shoulders. Repeat this 3-4 times or as many times as you like.

2) Use your focus to release the tension in your upper body. Start with your face - take a few seconds to release all muscular tension and completely relax. Then move in a general backwards direction, continuing at the top of your head and then moving to the back of your head. Follow with your neck and finally your shoulders and upper back. Allow a few moments to completely relax each area.

3) Locate acupuncture point GB-20 on either side of the spine on the back of your neck just under the edge of your skull. Press firmly and deeply with your thumbs for about 1 or 2 minutes while keeping your breath gentle, deep and relaxed.

4) Put your hand on the back of your neck. Use four fingers on one side and the heel of your palm on the other side to grasp your neck. Start at the top of your neck and work your way down. Use firm pressure to grasp and then release the muscles a few times before moving down about a finger width and repeating. Massage all the way to the base of your neck about 5-10 times or until your hand gets tired, then switch hands and repeat.

5) Locate Acupuncture point GB-21 on the top of your shoulders half way from your spine to the outer edge of your shoulder. With the same "grasping" technique as #2, massage the muscle at GB-21 with the opposite hand for about 30 seconds to one minute. It will feel quite tender and sore since the muscles may be very tense. During the massage stay relaxed with soft and deep breathing. Switch sides and repeat.

6) Roll your shoulders in large slow circles to stretch and relax any tension that may be left in your shoulders and upper back. Roll them 5 -10 times in each direction while you keep your breathing even and relaxed. To finish, roll your head very gently around in a circle 5-10 times and then switch directions.

At this point, your tension headache should be either reduced or gone. If it is not, wait a few minutes and try again. However, this time do each step for twice as long and make sure to breathe in a deep but relaxed manner. Put an effort into becoming aware of any tension that you may be unknowingly holding in your body and let it go.

GB-20:http://www.holisticonline.com/remed...
GB-21:http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/A...

Deadman, Peter (1998) A Manual of Acupuncture. England, Journal of Chinese Medicine.
Xiangcai, Xu (2002) Chinese Tui Na Massage. Boston, YMAA Publication.
Yang, Jwing-Ming (1989) The Root of Chinese Qigong. Boston, YMAA Publication.

About the author

Dave Gabriele, D.Ac, BA, is a registered acupuncturist, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and a health researcher helping people in and around the Greater Toronto Area. He is the founder of Life Balance Family Health Care (www.balanceyourlife.ca), an organization committed to providing people with the information and guidance they need to make positive lifestyle changes. Dave has been a teacher of Chinese martial arts since 1997, including the arts of Taiji and Qigong.

Learn more:http://www.NaturalNews.com/031814_headaches_tension.html#ixzz1a2T5Bvc9

My Winter Of Discontent

 If I were to tell you back in the winter of 2008/ 2009 that one of my biggest challenges today would be configuring a strategy to deliver 2,000 acupuncture needles to a clinic in Chapagaon, Nepal via Thailand you would have most likely thought to yourself that I was insane, delusional or most likely both.  Although an argument could be made that I possess these attributes regardless of the situation, the reality of the challenge presently exists as I make some final preparations for my trip.  As the departure date approaches my thoughts curiously drift about the unknown of the adventure ahead and I can't help to reflect of how this opportunity has evolved.  After creating this blog, I realized that many of you whom I'm reaching out toward to inform regarding my adventures and volunteer experience with the Acupuncture Relief Project this fall probably have a few questions.  So, for all those who have been anxiously awaiting for some details here is my attempt to clarify and explain some of the events leading up to this opportunity.

In January of 2009 I was living in the town of Davis, West Virginia which is famously known as the highest elevated incorporated town in the state.  Although, the community and setting itself is a wonderful place to live it was the middle of winter and the temperatures and conditions outside were brutally cold and harsh.  This, ironically enough seem to be a reflection of my situation and symbolized my mood.  I was laid off from my construction job, financially struggling, frustrated, confused and cold ( both literally and figuratively).   With barely making ends meet and having what seemed to be an eternity of time for my mind to swirl with anxiety, I was at my "wits end".  Since little hope of immediate employment and other opportunities for forward momentum was available at this time I became convinced with minimal hesitation that it was time for a change.  So I set out to do what any rational individual in this situation would do.  I rented my house,  moved 3,000 miles away to Portland, Oregon and began school at the East West College of the Healing Arts to become a licensed massage therapist.

Although this decision could appear to have been made out of haste, in reality the my choice was a result of much thought and circumstance.  And on the positive side, a few opportunities did happen to present themselves during the spring that would both solidify my desire to continue to be in the helping field as well as challenge my decision to move to Portland.  The first was having the privilege to be invited to work as a outdoor adventure facilitator for chronically ill adolescents with the Hero's Journey program at The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut founded by Paul Newman ( the actor and natural foods guy).  This experience pleasantly reminded me to be grateful for what I do have and reinforced my desire to help others as a professional. The second was the offer to teach the outdoor education and pursuits curriculum as an instructor at my alma mater, Davis & Elkins College.  Although I participated with the program in Connecticut which delayed my departure to Portland, I hesitantly declined the offer with Davis & Elkins College in order to move forward with my plans. At this point I was committed and it was onward to the pacific northwest.

 Deciding on Portland was the easiest part of all.  In past years, I have visited and became familiar with the city.  Situated near the coast and between the cascade and coastal mountain ranges Portland offers many opportunities for outdoor recreational opportunities while providing all the allure of the city life.  Additionally,  my brother and his family have lived here for years calling Portland home.  Another attraction was that my lovely girlfriend Jennifer Walker had just started school at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland to complete her masters degree and become a licensed acupuncturist.  And, to top it all off, the school I would be attending is known and recognized as one of the top healing arts and massage schools in the west. Needless to say, my stage was set.  I would have support, my relationship, family, school and a city that is everything except unfamiliar and boring.

After 18 months I completed my curriculum and passed the national and state board exams and became licensed as a massage therapist.  Although I am currently practicing as a professional now, my initial re-introduction as a student was an adjustment.  My school experience was more than I had hoped, extremely rewarding and nothing even close to what I had planned for or expected.  Returning to the world of academia after 12 years presented its own set of challenges.  I won't provide the details here in hopes of letting your imagination roam free and be the guide.  I will however,  acknowledge to you that at 36 years of age I believe I may have sampled what it feels like to be an "old fart" as many of my classmates were nearly half my age.  It would be worth mentioning here as well that my "southern accent" raised a few eyebrows along the way to those communicating with proper hipster dialect.  Lastly, I will add and admit that it is safe to say that I am NOT "hip" by any means, shape or form anymore!   Enough said.  After utilizing patience, determination and focus I was able to persevere in my new learning environment with grace and dignity.  All jokes aside, I was fortunate to have met some incredible individuals and taught by talented instructors.  With a little encouragement, I even participated in the graduation ceremony.

During this time, my girlfriend and "partner in travel", Jennifer had been introduced to the president and founder of the Acupuncture Relief Project while attending a presentation at her school.  The result was the beginning of what would form a connection with the project's mission and a desire to plan on volunteering in Nepal for two months in the fall.  When she suggested that I might be interested in this project and being able to participate my immediate reaction was less than enthusiastic.  Traveling to Nepal sounded great but practicing in a rural acupuncture clinic as massage therapist there did not have the same appeal.  Although my professional goals include specializing in and practicing eastern modalities of massage, namely shiatsu, thai and tuina,  I did not immediately understand how my skills as a LMT seemed to fit in with the project.  Quite frankly, the endeavor also intimidated me.  I have limited knowledge with acupuncture and as a volunteer I would be surrounded by professionals with many more years of experience, knowledge and education than me.  And all this would be happening in a third world country!  My mind was " on the clock".  After a lengthy interview with the founder and president I was quickly relieved to know that not only was I welcomed to the project as a massage therapist, that my skills would compliment the overall goals of the project.  I was sold.  So I committed to the project, began my fundraising campaign and the rest is history.  Until now.

I will officially be leaving Portland on October 15th to drive back to the east coast.  There I will drop the dog off,  have a short visit with family and friends and catch a flight overseas.  Once I arrive in Bangkok, I will have a much anticipated reunion with Jennifer, whom just spent the last month in China extending her studies with acupuncture.  Until than, I will  continue to practice therapeutic massage and enjoy the limited time I have left  here with my family and the offerings of the Rose City and pacific northwest.

I will now apologize if I succeeded in creating a foggy haze of boredom ( yawn) for you with my thoughts today.  I am glad I had the opportunity to "set the scene" for the experience and provide an update of my journey over the last few years. If you choose to come back for a look next time ( and I hope you do) you can be assured to know that I will continue to update the blog as I prepare to leave Portland in a few weeks.  Until than, the best of wishes go out to all of you......wherever you may be or headed!

Oh yeah, in case you were anxiously wondering with anticipation....... I was able to find a way to make sure I get those 2,000 acupuncture needles to the clinic in Nepal!  Well,....... almost.

Cheers!

Earthquake in Nepal

Although the area where the clinic is located where I will be a volunteer at doesn't appear to be damaged, its a sad day for a poor country.  My thoughts are with the volunteers of the Acupuncture Relief Project who left saturday to Katmandu to begin their work at the clinic in the village of Chapagaon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/19/world/asia/earthquake-shakes-india-and-nepal.html

Here is some information about Chapagaon....the village where the clinic is located.

http://www.travelomy.com/chapagaon

Welcome and thank you!

As promised, here is my blog!  Welcome and thank you for taking a look!  This is my attempt to keep all of you who have supported me ( in many different ways) informed about my professional development and newest endeavor with the Acupuncture Relief Project this fall in Nepal.  Between now and the beginning of the year, I will document the personal and professional experiences I will encounter associated with this journey.  It is my hope, that in doing so, I can relay and share this transition with all of you of whom I am greatly indebted to for all the support.  In addition,  I am looking forward creating a dialogue and resource regarding the scope of all the factors involved concerning alternative health care ( mainly massage and acupuncture), professional/personal transition  as well as travel and adventure. With that being said, let the adventure begin and I hope you enjoy!  I look forward to reading your contributions to the blog!

"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it." - Chinese Proverb