Brighton Rathyatra

Just got back from Brighton after a few days of being krishna'd! It was lovely, although I've come back with a cold. The Rathyatra fell on a gorgeous hot Saturday- the mood was chilled and full of love and goodwill. I met several old faces from the Manor. Feeling very positive about moving into the ashram. It'll be a real experience- intense I'm sure, but you know, you learn pretty quick in extreme situations. The thing I am most nervous about is the fact there are so many visitors to the house, all week. I like my space... But hey ho. I'm not bound by anything, and I have many escape routes in place (friends dotted around the city).

Malaysia/Thailand

Just got back from the shortest trip I've ever had in Asia! My brother had his second wedding there, so family from Ireland, the Philippines and England gathered for the celebration. It was intense! A lot of fun, a bit of stress- hard work organizing everyone and trying to facilitate desires. The parties were great- everyone was up for dancing and having fun, including the brides side. I must confess to not enjoying the actual wedding ceremony- very ritualistic.

Best thing about it?? The Transexual Peacock dancers! They cleared the path for Rene to ride in on his white steed...


It was fantastic meeting my Uncle Boy, Ate Terry and a cousin, Joanne from Fili- family I hadn't seen in 18 years... Uncle Boy taught me how to swim properly, and Joanne is pretty special. We have the same ideas about life, the universe, love... well, the same line of inquiry! We agreed to visit the Philippines in 2010- I'm learning Tagalogue in preparation... I can say 'I'm going to sleep, I'm sleeping, she's sleeping, what?, I am Kristen, Good day how are you, Im fine, yes, no, dog, fat, beautiful...' getting there!

After the wedding myself, Bel, Stuart and Fiona (an Irish cousin) headed to the island Penang- stayed in a 5* hotel (only room we could get due to school holidays) and lived it up for a few days. The last 4 days we went to Krabi, Thailand- snorkelled, swam, had massages on the beach... it was lovely.

Back home now, preparing to move to Brighton at the end of the month.... My feelings about life are positive.

Stonehenge

Last Thursday I went to Brighton for a big program- Dina's spiritual master Mahvisnu Swami is visiting. We had a big feast that evening and a good class. Actually it was really nice- I was paying close attention, to try and suss him out and he really impressed me. He is very gentle, humble and leads amazing kirtan. It was a lovely evening.

The next day we hired a minibus and drove down to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. Sky and Louise came also which was great- hadn't seen Sky in over a year and its always a joy being around Louise. We sang, chanted, danced all night in the spitting rain- weaving our way through the crowds as we circumambulated the stones. It was ecstatic and fired up all night! Probably my best experience at Stonehenge to date. I think the rain kept everyone calm... Also bumped into several faces from the old wilder Krishna Centre that used to be in North Rd, Brighton. It was a charged experience.

New Blog

I have been inspired by some close friends to keep a record of my experiences with a blog- I guess it will only be for close friends and family to keep track of, if they so choose... Facebook and myspace are far too exposed, and I don't really want everyone knowing my business. Neither do I want to offend anyone by a mass purge.

So lets hope I keep this up. (I have about 3 years of catch up on my journal- which is JUST for me)