I went for a run through the parks and lakeside chateaus of Geneva after a day of meetings at the WMO. It was late when I got back to the hotel, so I headed out for a quick dinner by myself. I was exploring a side street about a km from the hotel when I found a small Indian restaurant that looked good. I stuck my head inside and soon realized there was a group party going on - all the tables were lined up and people were sitting talking, without any food in front of them. I turned to leave but someone came to the door and said "come, join us." I responded "no, I don't want to crash your party." The Swiss woman, speaking English, kept encouraging me. I still hesitated, figuring that everyone worked for some company and I'd feel awkward not having anything in common with them. When she said, no, it's not a company party I asked what everyone had in common. She said "we're all runners!"
Now I couldn't say "no," so I came in and was guided to a remaining seat. It was a great mix of people (expats mostly) doing all sorts of different work - humanitarian, IT, market research. And they didn't all know each other. They came together through a Facebook group. So, not only did I avoid eating alone, I had some great interactions with the locals.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
My Review of Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Multisport Shoes - Men's
Set your feet free with the Vibram FiveFingers Sprint multisport shoes, which provide the benefits and comfort of barefoot adventuring with the added protection of rubber soles and supportive straps.
changed my (running) life
By SiriJodha from Boulder (where else?), Colorado on 2/28/2011
Sizing: Feels true to size
Width: Feels true to width
Arch Type: Average Arch
Pros: Fast, Durable, Good Traction, Lightweight, Comfortable, Breathable
Best Uses: Road Running
Describe Yourself: Avid Athlete
Was this a gift?: No
These shoes transformed the way I run and the way I experience running. Before buying the shoes I had started shortening my strides and would occasionally go to the track to run laps barefoot. So no major adjustment was needed when I started running in these shoes. Before, I almost always ran mountain trails near my home. With the FFs I discovered that I had to concentrate too much on foot placement to avoid sharp rocks or stubbing my toes (very painful!). So I started running on roads and found that I was putting in more miles and not even looking at my watch because I was enjoying it so much. These shoes really transformed my running life. When you re-learn to run, running on asphalt and concrete for hours is no problem.
(legalese)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Are Your Spiritual Endeavors Effective?
There is a simple touchstone for determining how effective your spiritual practice is, whether it involves sitting in stillness, being absorbed in movement, letting devotion and worship flow from your heart or giving yourself in service. Does it take you to the Source of your being? Does it dissolve your sense of being separate from everything else, or at least weaken the illusion that your are a solitary being in an indifferent universe? This, to me, is above all other measures and benefits.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Adventure in the Bush
Ranger in Namagdi National Park Visitor Center: most of the trails are closed due to recent flooding but there's a nice hike up this valley. Just watch out for the snakes, with this sun they'll be out and in the tall grass they'll be hard to see. Me: Snakes? What kind of snakes? Are they venomous? Ranger: Oh, yea they're all poisonous. There's the brown snake, the tiger snake, the death adder, the mulga,… Me: uh, what'll happen if I get bit, is the area patrolled? Ranger: well, you might die. Cell phone coverage is a spotty back there.
I drove to the Orroral Campground, where there was a single car, 2 kangaroos munching the grass next to it. I put on my running shorts and shoes and took off into the forest, following the Orroral river upstream, treading carefully and slowing to a walk when the grass obscured the trail. The trail climbed, then descended into a lush valley. I could see hundreds of kangaroos in troops about the valley, and rabbits scampered in all directions as I followed a barely-visible trail further upstream. Eventually I came to the site of a former NASA tracking station, now just concrete foundations. Aside from the 3 people I had passed on the trail just a short ways from the campground, I didn't see a single other person or car in the valley for the whole afternoon. The valley was magical, enchanting, dreamlike. The songs of birds I had never heard before, the breeze dancing in the tall grass, the brilliant blue sky adorned with billowing white clouds all made me very happy that I had come. And I didn't see a single snake.
I later learned that Australia is the only continent where venomous snakes (70%) outnumber non-venomous ones.
I drove to the Orroral Campground, where there was a single car, 2 kangaroos munching the grass next to it. I put on my running shorts and shoes and took off into the forest, following the Orroral river upstream, treading carefully and slowing to a walk when the grass obscured the trail. The trail climbed, then descended into a lush valley. I could see hundreds of kangaroos in troops about the valley, and rabbits scampered in all directions as I followed a barely-visible trail further upstream. Eventually I came to the site of a former NASA tracking station, now just concrete foundations. Aside from the 3 people I had passed on the trail just a short ways from the campground, I didn't see a single other person or car in the valley for the whole afternoon. The valley was magical, enchanting, dreamlike. The songs of birds I had never heard before, the breeze dancing in the tall grass, the brilliant blue sky adorned with billowing white clouds all made me very happy that I had come. And I didn't see a single snake.
I later learned that Australia is the only continent where venomous snakes (70%) outnumber non-venomous ones.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Belief (with a Captial "B")
"Is Religion a force for good?" was the topic of discussion at a evening gathering of friends last weekend. The nine of us (an instructor at Naropa, the local Buddhist university, a Christian physicist, a Sikh, several agnostics and 2 high school students) greatly enjoy exploring the diverse viewpoints each of us brings to these intimate gatherings. Although we didn't arrive at a consensus on whether religion was a force for good or not (lots of evidence on either side of the issue), we did spend hours talking about why religion exists, whether it's necessary or inevitable, and what the purpose of prayer was. During the discussion I came to realize that belief in God (or the Divine, or the Ultimate Reality), if it is not based on an experience of God, can be a double-edged sword. It can comfort us in difficult times, but it makes us vulnerable to those who would promise to take us God. Belief, if based solely on faith, i.e. something you accept on the basis of what someone else has told you, can keep a person from growing spiritually rather than helping them. It has been well established that we do not see what does not fit in with our beliefs. It takes courage to be a seeker of God - to be open to the Truth in whatever form it is presented to us in. On the other hand, as someone in the gathering said, relentless examination and questioning of your beliefs can distract you from finding the Truth.
I believe there is within each person a longing to fully awaken, to see and experience all dimensions of existence with unfettered eyes. I also believe this is only possible by transcending the analytic mind, and this takes commitment to a practice. A true spiritual practice originates with someone who has succeeded in fully awakening and through this experience realizes that the only worthwhile endeavor is to help others awaken. Because everyone, on some level, longs to awaken, they are drawn to those who have awakened. When a seeker only has the teachings and spokesmen of an awakened one who is no longer present, it is all to easy and common to embrace dogma and settle into unquestioning belief. But having a glimpse, even a fleeting one, of the Transcendent, makes the longing to awaken an inescapable imperative.
I believe there is within each person a longing to fully awaken, to see and experience all dimensions of existence with unfettered eyes. I also believe this is only possible by transcending the analytic mind, and this takes commitment to a practice. A true spiritual practice originates with someone who has succeeded in fully awakening and through this experience realizes that the only worthwhile endeavor is to help others awaken. Because everyone, on some level, longs to awaken, they are drawn to those who have awakened. When a seeker only has the teachings and spokesmen of an awakened one who is no longer present, it is all to easy and common to embrace dogma and settle into unquestioning belief. But having a glimpse, even a fleeting one, of the Transcendent, makes the longing to awaken an inescapable imperative.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mishaps and Opportunities
After a desperately busy week Jitka and I both felt we needed some time in the high country. So on Sunday, despite having a mountain of unfinished home tasks, we drove to Brainard for a quick hike to Blue Lake. Getting back to the car about four hours later, feeling refreshed and happy that we'd get home well before dinner time, we found ourselves locked out. Yes, I had split the keys and pocketed the office keys rather than the car keys.
This mishap didn't really dampen my spirits. It'd all work out. We're just going to spend a little more time in this beautiful setting than planned. We asked a few fellow hikers returning to their cars whether they had a coat hanger, of the metal variety, with them. This, predictably, did not yield the desired breaking-into-car device. So, we found some kind folks who agreed to give Jitka a ride into Boulder, where she could call AAA road service. Having used this service once before I knew it would be a long while until they showed up. So, I set about looking for makeshift tools. I walked to the campground (which was closed for the season), but it was quite clean of debris. I found a maintenance yard with a junk pile in which there was a long fiberglass rod that had served as a flag holder for a kids bike. Then I found an old nail and bent the tabs on the mounting bracket for the pole around it. Now I had my tool. But since the door lock knobs are smooth it was quite difficult to get purchase with the tip of the nail. Suffice it to say that it took at least an hour configuring the tool and maneuvering it just so until finally I was able to raise the knob and get in. I met the tow truck driver on the road as I was about to hit the Peak-to-Peak Highway.
Both Jitka and I met some very nice people through the incident. Plus, while I was wandering through the woods looking for the right piece of wood to pry the door frame I stumbled across the CMC mountain hut, which I had known about for many years but didn't know the exact location of. So, in the end I was grateful for the opportunity to engineer a solution from makeshift materials and for the chance to interact with kind and interesting people I might have only said "hi" to otherwise.
Photos of the hike and the makeshift tool: http://picasaweb.google.com/sjskhalsa/BlueLakeFall2010#
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Gettin' out of Ankara
I knew there was a whole country out there, but should I risk missing my flight to experience it? Anakra is not a particularly attractive or interesting city, although it did ease my way into Turkish culture and taught me a few words of the language. My meetings in Ankara ended at noon and Friday, and my flight wasn't until 6 am the next morning, so i rented a car and headed west, towards Istanbul. Getting out of Ankara was harrowing. Everyone drives fast and reckless, I couldn't understand the signs and my Google maps directions were almost too complicated to follow. I missed a turn off the main thoroughfare (it was a center lane exit) so had to loop back through narrow, crowded streets. It didn't help that my map had the highways numbered but these were not used on the highway signage. They used placenames, cities that I didn't know. Eventually, I manage to get on the correct road heading out of town, navigate a few more interchanges and finally get to where I could relax and enjoy the drive, knowing I was on the right road.
The countryside of the Anatolia plain is dry and mountainous. I was following a valley, where a river fed many small plots of fruits and vegetables on the bottom land. Roadside stands selling produce were quite common.
I would have missed the turnoff to the spa if I hadn't coded the waypoint into my GPS. The single-lane road climbed through hilly grasslands and then down into a small valley where the resort was. I was led into to the lobby and introduced to an English-speaking woman. She said rooms were 65 TKL (about $42). I said I was staying a short while and only needed a bed. So, I got a room with three single beds, a table, a locker, 3 chairs and bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. Perfect. It was $5. Oh, and a prayer run and beads were included.
I headed straight to the indoor hot pools. They were a steaming 46deg C (117F). Wow. The waters were available to drink as well and I availed myself of about a quarter liter. While I was hanging out in changing room after soaking a man respectfully asked me where I was from, because his grandson wanted to know. We talked and others in the room moved closer, because they were curious too. They asked - how did you know about this place? Only one man spoke English. He was a retired electrical engineer. After we'd talked for a while I asked if I could take a picture. When I went to leave I asked the Engish-speaking man where I could get a towel. It then dawned on me that it was a "bring your own towel" affair and they hadn't supplied one with the room (what do you expect for $5?). The man very kindly offered his towel, if I took a shower first (appropriate, since I was still sweating from the soak).
I then drove to the nearby city Beypazari. I had no idea where the downtown was, but when I got to a place where there was nowhere to park I figured this must be it. I found a spot a little ways away, parked and walked into the shopping district. Exactly what I wanted. There was one thoroughfare with hardware, clothing, grocery etc. and then an open marketplace with produce stalls, and, well, every kind of merchandise you can imagine in a maze of narrow streets. I ate it up. I had read in the guide that the town was famous two things - silver jewelry and carrots. In fact, there was a statue of a carrot in the one roundabout near the market. The jewelry was indeed remarkable, and one shopkeeper literally pulled me into her shop to look at what she had. I came out with a pendant of intricate silver meshwork with a garnet set in the center. Price: $10.
When I got back to the spa with bread (two sizable loves for $0.75), cheese, peaches, a melon, and, yes, some carrots, I ran into the English-speaking man again, and he invited me to share dinner with him and his family. I knew that would be a long affair, and I would have to decline the meat, so I apologized and said no.
The adventure continued on the drive back to the airport early next morning. I had set my alarm for 3 am but when I awoke at 1 am to pee (I had misgauged in rehydrating after the baths) I decided to pack and leave, allowing extra time in case unforeseen events extended the time it took to get to the airport. Although I had pre-paid the $5 for the room, the guard at the gate would not allow me to exit until i formally checked out at the front desk. So, we walked back to the hotel where the receptionist didn't speak a word of English, and had trouble working the computer to check me out. I eventually left, still relaxed because of the extra 2 hrs I had.
I was using the GPS and maps in my phone as I got near Ankara (I had to be sure it wasn't connecting to the network, because I had unknowingly run up hundreds of dollars in data charges after using it in S. Africa and Greece a few months ago.) Well, at 3pm, just as I was approaching a critical interchange, the alarm on the phone dutifully went off, and the screen froze as I fumbled to turn it off. Completely locked up. Map didn't change. So I'm fumbling to cycle power and I won't. So, still driving on the expressway, getting closer to a point where I will most need guidance, I'm taking the back off the phone, to remove the battery. I finally get the phone restarted, but it's too late. I had to make a decision and it was the wrong one. So here I am wandering the outskirts of Ankara trying to get back on the expressway. Still, no worries, flight isn't for another 3 hrs.
I'm finally on the road approaching the airport. I'm looking for a 24-hr gas station. I spot one with its lights on and pull in. No one in sight. I'm about to drive off when the attendant walks over from a nearby parking lot. I ask for diesel. He cheerfully fills the tank but when he goes to remove the nozzle, it's stuck. He tugs and twists, gives me a "what's up with this?" expression, then goes back to struggling. I watch for a while, then open the trunk and get out a flashlight so he can see better. Still no luck. He goes into the station and gets a screwdriver. He's fiddling, i'm holding the flashlight. More time goes by. Now I'm beginning to wonder how this will get resolved. But eventually he pokes the right and the nozzle comes free.
I got to the airport, through checkin and up to the business lounge in enough time to take a shower (I still smelled slightly to the mineral water, since the showers in the bathhouse used it). Refreshed, relaxed and ready to go home, I grin with the satisfaction of knowing that my gamble paid off.
Photos here
The countryside of the Anatolia plain is dry and mountainous. I was following a valley, where a river fed many small plots of fruits and vegetables on the bottom land. Roadside stands selling produce were quite common.
I would have missed the turnoff to the spa if I hadn't coded the waypoint into my GPS. The single-lane road climbed through hilly grasslands and then down into a small valley where the resort was. I was led into to the lobby and introduced to an English-speaking woman. She said rooms were 65 TKL (about $42). I said I was staying a short while and only needed a bed. So, I got a room with three single beds, a table, a locker, 3 chairs and bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. Perfect. It was $5. Oh, and a prayer run and beads were included.
I headed straight to the indoor hot pools. They were a steaming 46deg C (117F). Wow. The waters were available to drink as well and I availed myself of about a quarter liter. While I was hanging out in changing room after soaking a man respectfully asked me where I was from, because his grandson wanted to know. We talked and others in the room moved closer, because they were curious too. They asked - how did you know about this place? Only one man spoke English. He was a retired electrical engineer. After we'd talked for a while I asked if I could take a picture. When I went to leave I asked the Engish-speaking man where I could get a towel. It then dawned on me that it was a "bring your own towel" affair and they hadn't supplied one with the room (what do you expect for $5?). The man very kindly offered his towel, if I took a shower first (appropriate, since I was still sweating from the soak).
I then drove to the nearby city Beypazari. I had no idea where the downtown was, but when I got to a place where there was nowhere to park I figured this must be it. I found a spot a little ways away, parked and walked into the shopping district. Exactly what I wanted. There was one thoroughfare with hardware, clothing, grocery etc. and then an open marketplace with produce stalls, and, well, every kind of merchandise you can imagine in a maze of narrow streets. I ate it up. I had read in the guide that the town was famous two things - silver jewelry and carrots. In fact, there was a statue of a carrot in the one roundabout near the market. The jewelry was indeed remarkable, and one shopkeeper literally pulled me into her shop to look at what she had. I came out with a pendant of intricate silver meshwork with a garnet set in the center. Price: $10.
When I got back to the spa with bread (two sizable loves for $0.75), cheese, peaches, a melon, and, yes, some carrots, I ran into the English-speaking man again, and he invited me to share dinner with him and his family. I knew that would be a long affair, and I would have to decline the meat, so I apologized and said no.
The adventure continued on the drive back to the airport early next morning. I had set my alarm for 3 am but when I awoke at 1 am to pee (I had misgauged in rehydrating after the baths) I decided to pack and leave, allowing extra time in case unforeseen events extended the time it took to get to the airport. Although I had pre-paid the $5 for the room, the guard at the gate would not allow me to exit until i formally checked out at the front desk. So, we walked back to the hotel where the receptionist didn't speak a word of English, and had trouble working the computer to check me out. I eventually left, still relaxed because of the extra 2 hrs I had.
I was using the GPS and maps in my phone as I got near Ankara (I had to be sure it wasn't connecting to the network, because I had unknowingly run up hundreds of dollars in data charges after using it in S. Africa and Greece a few months ago.) Well, at 3pm, just as I was approaching a critical interchange, the alarm on the phone dutifully went off, and the screen froze as I fumbled to turn it off. Completely locked up. Map didn't change. So I'm fumbling to cycle power and I won't. So, still driving on the expressway, getting closer to a point where I will most need guidance, I'm taking the back off the phone, to remove the battery. I finally get the phone restarted, but it's too late. I had to make a decision and it was the wrong one. So here I am wandering the outskirts of Ankara trying to get back on the expressway. Still, no worries, flight isn't for another 3 hrs.
I'm finally on the road approaching the airport. I'm looking for a 24-hr gas station. I spot one with its lights on and pull in. No one in sight. I'm about to drive off when the attendant walks over from a nearby parking lot. I ask for diesel. He cheerfully fills the tank but when he goes to remove the nozzle, it's stuck. He tugs and twists, gives me a "what's up with this?" expression, then goes back to struggling. I watch for a while, then open the trunk and get out a flashlight so he can see better. Still no luck. He goes into the station and gets a screwdriver. He's fiddling, i'm holding the flashlight. More time goes by. Now I'm beginning to wonder how this will get resolved. But eventually he pokes the right and the nozzle comes free.
I got to the airport, through checkin and up to the business lounge in enough time to take a shower (I still smelled slightly to the mineral water, since the showers in the bathhouse used it). Refreshed, relaxed and ready to go home, I grin with the satisfaction of knowing that my gamble paid off.
Photos here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
