Currently, I am sitting in my cabin, calmly looking out at the sparkling ocean as we sail. Did I mentioned it is H-O-T out there? We are about to cross the equator tomorrow – Neptune Day! I have crossed the equator before on foot while visiting Kenya. However, Neptune day is for those that have crossed the equator by ship, an old sailor tradition they say. I’ve heard something about kissing fishes, saved heads, and slime. I will embrace it as it unfolds tomorrow! Apparently, I will be a shellback when the transition happens.
I’ve been on the ship almost a month today, in fact on October 4th, I will have been away from my loved ones (Nick and Ollie for a month). The longest I have been away from Ollie and close to the longest I have been away from Nick since we started dating – 17 years ago! I miss them terribly. I feel it every day. But, there is something in me that knows that I needed this time to myself, to find me again – as they say. I’ve been reading the book, Being Ram Dass about a Psychologist who researched psychedelics in the 60s and evolved into a spiritual leader in the 70s. I feel this book speak to me, in my bones. I feel called to something greater myself, a spiritual journey perhaps? Or possibly time to contemplate who I am and what ways I want to show up for the next 50+ years. I am drawn to those that seek a higher consciousness and how to achieve bliss, zen, pure joy, and love through meditation. I have been working on being reflective, meditating almost daily, and sharing my love for yoga and yogic philosophies here on the ship with students and colleagues alike. String the Yamas and the Niyamas and the roots and traditions of Hinduism and Sanskrit with everyone that is open to receiving these gifts. Something is changing in me and I need it. This trip will change me as a person and I am excited to step into this new identity.
I was able to travel last week to Morocco – and specifically the Agafey desert and Marrakech. It has been a dream of mine to visit Marrakech. Truly something I have thought about since a kid. And it did not disappoint. I was enraptured by Marrakesh, the beauty, the vibrant colors, the people, the food, the artisans. In Tangier, I approached the Medina with an open heart and mind and had the most delicious food full of flavor and colors. I bought he most colorful and beautiful sweater bull of moms and silver medallions. Additionally, I was about to be a trip liaison for the Nomad Camp to Marrakesh for 3 nights/4 days. On day one, we traveled to Marrakech from Tangier by train and bus, a delicious lunch, then to the desert where we drove to Yes, We Camp, a luxury camp with a pool, yoga, a spa, and our overnight “tent”. The tent had a bathroom, comfy bed, and air conditioning. From there we were greeted with some traditional ber ber indigenous poeple’s dance. We then had some time for the pool, a camel trek, and dinner and a show (think fire, belly dancers, more traditional dance). I love my camel, “lover girl” named for the time being and “Shakira” the camel behind me. I shared my love and gratitude for their hard work in the hot desert. My hope is that they felt my heart reach out to them. They seem well maintained and cared for which is a concern I have with the ethical treatment of animals.
Day two we woke up, drove through some villages and ended up in the Medina or older part of Marrakech. The tour guide Said, helped communicate Islamic symbols of their religion and the significance across the country. He helped us to understand historical locations and iconic buildings. The sights, the sounds, the heat. We were able to travel through the Medina to the shops and then to the Bahia Place filled with beautiful tiles and architecture. I saw the first most beautiful jacket, navy blue with gold embellishments. I missed the shop as we moved about but later found a green velvet jacket that I love just the same. The dinners and lunches were filled with belly dancing and live music.
Day three we traveled to the Medrasa Ben Youssef, a holy university where students studied the Karan and other mathematics, science courses. Lovely architecture and cultural significance. We travel through the Medinas again and had time to shop and find places to eat. We saw the square gilled with snake charmers and monkeys (I do not condone this unethical animal practice so I stayed away).
Day four we entered the Mojorelle Gardens, the gardens of Yves St. Laurent and found some lovely displays of desert flora and plants. This is where I wished Nick as with me as he would have loved this part (and well, all of it!). We made the trek back to Tangier to return to our ship through a 3.5 hour bus ride and a 2.5 hour train.
Overall, I really did fall in love with Morocco and Marrakech as I knew I would! I felt deeply connected to me, my purpose and the longing to fulfill more of my soul’s destiny. I am finishing the book on Ram Dass’ life and have marked several places to encounter in the US along with my one day journey to India. I am mesmerized by this experience and cannot wait to return. It’s hot but I am soaking it all in.
