I like to Travel ->

I have decided to go on a real life adventure and I'd like to share my experiences with you!

[chionetravels]

Absence.

Hi wanderers of the world. Its been quite a while since my last blog. . . these traveling feet became quite tired after India. Its been almost a year since arriving back in the UK and I have been so consumed with unspoken energy from the spiritual aspect that its been a struggle to function as I used to. I found that something awoke inside me that I can not describe and that I could not handle so I retreated back to the mundane . . the old way of life that I swore I would never go back to. . And here I am. Now in Scotland, still facing the demons of “my” past. . of “my” conditioning as I try to wriggle back into the layers of who I used to be, so desperate for some feeling of familiarity. Feeling the pain of the earth, the darkness and history of humanity. Feeling guilt and shame as if I created it. Tired and angry . . but trying to maintain a positive attitude by keeping connected with the things I love. The things that make me happy.

This negativity has tried to push me away from people, friends and family. Tried to ruin my memories, to make out that people are against me and that I am alone . . .But I know from all my spiritual practice that this is just ego talking. . trying to separate. Though I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, I know it is just a long hard lesson that my soul has to go through, 100′s of previous life trauma, I’ve died a thousand times, I’ve loved a thousand times and I am currently left a wreck and slightly bewildered. All the doubts, fear and self loathing are an illusion. I see so much pain that brings me such confusion. I feel I have gained so much love and beauty throughout my life that the universe attacks when I fall into those old self punishing acts. I am mocked with each slip up . . It becomes a sitcom as one “wrong” action spirals into another, a series of unfortunate events . . Life is a spiral, the universe is ever expanding and we must adapt and change with it. Though I am not sure what those changes are . . I long to stay connected to whatever divinity is within me to help with whatever is next to come. Faith shaken, trust taken but I wont give up hope. I will keep looking for the beauty in all things. A world with no beginning and no end. Eternal love, Infinite bliss . . . 

No good guy or bad guy, no story to tell. No hills to climb, or heaven or hell . . .

. . . What is it we are looking for? No-thing

No-thing . . . 

[chionetravels]

Smiles and Streets of South India

[chionetravels]

Welcome to India through my eyes

I had no Yoga courses booked, no real plan. . I just landed and bam. . The flow carried me. Starting in the South. I met such beautiful people and felt big love from Chennai down to Auroville, which is a truly amazing place.

[chionetravels]

Chiang Mai

After Koh Phangan’s healing vibes I took the boat, the bus and the train all the way to Chiang Mai, off into the unknown once more to try and find a way to support myself so I could continue this beautiful journey.

I have no idea why I chose this city, we never know why we do anything until afterwards we look back and it makes total sense.

Everything about this city encouraged me to grow, I connected with the most beautiful people. The universe blessed me with incredible opportunities at every turn. I was apart of a really magical family who helped me get on my feet . .

I have unlimited gratitude for their generosity and kindness for welcoming me into their home <3

A seemed to make many special connections and meet great people at what became my local hang out space . . Thapae Gate, the portal of light. .

Here i felt free to be spontaneous, to dance when i felt it, to drum and make people smile, to walk up to anybody and start a conversation. Thapae gate was such a freeing place to be. In fact the whole of Chiang Mai had this energy.

This city allows you to do and be whatever you want!

So I decided to be a teacher ^_^

And it was the most rewarding thing i had ever done, through working with these beautiful children i was continuously having to come up with creative ways in which to engage them. . These kids were so loving and enthusiastic about life!

I cant believe my luck in life to have found such an amazing opportunity.

In Chiang Mai I also began to really take care of myself. Being surrounded by such healthy local fresh fruit and veg, this was the perfect opportunity. The universe had blessed me with a beautiful shared house with a kitchen so i was able to prepare my own meals. .

Having the space to do this was a real luxury, and to cycle everywhere around the city I felt so alive and energized. I can see how people can get used to this life style. I even began running. I also had the greatest friends who would support me in everything i did. We were a beautiful community of spiritual seekers, dancers and dreamers <3

It seems my “travel” blog has become more and more personal but you see its become my way of life. .

My musical journey also progressed massively here as i began to take part in Bhajans “spiritual singing” and go to open mic nights at the local jazz bar. .

There was another very special place which was a portal of magical happenings. . The Tree Cafe <3 

Here I met the most amazing people and this place actually became like home. The familiar faces, movie nights, yummy hot chai. Comforts that you cant replace.

So this entry of my life barely even scratches the surface of all that happened to me in this city but I upload this for my own reflection. To remember just how amazing life is and how blessed I am!

Thank you with all of my heart <3

[chionetravels]

The next chapter. Koh Phangan

After all the magical experiences of Bali and making more deep connections, again it was a tough transition to leave and go to the next place. But as always i trust the pull in my heart. And this time it took me to a Yoga school in Koh Phangan, Samma Karuna. A rainbow sister was already there so it was nice to arrive and see her face! After this things just flowed beautifully as they always seem to do when you trust. Trust in the unknown.

With little money i was worried to enter a new country, stressing about survival, but the universe saw my trust and helped me out straight away. I managed to gain a position volunteering at a yoga school AND a cafe. Wow Happy rainbow vibrations, life gives us so much ^_^ so i could stay in this amazing place and really live Island life for a month and a half.

Meeting many like minded people, on their journeys searching, seeking, feeling, opening, it was such a blessing to be here. My focus was health and self discovery and with the yoga school, it was just a fantastic time to strengthen and expand. I practiced in Yoga, Osho meditations, Sufi practice and met Reiki healers, nutritionists, musicians.

Gaining all the knowledge and support that i could to assist in my own fears and limitations. Because as much as i appreciate this life, i still have some fears and past conditioning that stop me from being my fullest truest self.

Our magic is so beyond anything we can imagine.

And i feel once i gain enough insight and knowledge i can help others to snap out of their grey clouds, slaving for the money, seeking happiness in all the wrong areas.

I want everyone to see the beauty of life, understand that we can do anything we want to. If you have all your limbs and a functioning brain. You are unstoppable!!!!

We let fear stop us from going here/there or doing that thing we always wanted or approaching that person who makes our heart pound out of our chest.

Go for it, go for love, LOVE YOURSELF! And when something doesn’t work its because there is something else around the corner even better ;-) 

[chionetravels]

My Bali Money getting stolen from my bank account was probably one of the best things that happened to me as it brought me to Cahaya Mutiara Yayasan. A foundation built for the disabled by the disabled. My beautiful Balinese family. For 2 months i stayed here, and I feel they were helping me more than i was helping them. Being around such open hearted, loving, accepting people was really healing for me. All i felt was love from everybody and it was so inspiring to see all they could do and all they did do every day. Giving thanks to the cosmos, to God and living life to the fullest, being grateful for every day, for the sun shining, for the rain pours and for every visitor that walked into their lives. Such gratitude, such love, such light. I am forever grateful that I could live with these people for such a long time. We attended wheelchair basketball events on a weekly basis, swimming competitions, visited ashrams and just enjoyed eachothers company. Shared stories, yummy food, balinese fruits, laughter, language, yoga, music and drumming.

Its been over a year since i was with the foundation and as i go through my next transition I am taking back to this experience and feel ready now to go back into my past and share the magic that happened to me in this sacred Island.

I believe we meet everyone we are supposed to meet in this life, the more I travel the more i notice, its all about the connections and the people. Although the landscapes are incredible and the cultures are so mesmerizing. What i really remember about every experience is the connections with the people i meet. When you open yourself to love it approaches you in so many beautiful ways.

Thank you <3

Unfortunately my camera broke during my time here so i only have a few images to share. However my mind is full of the memories and i can mostly just try to express in words what i experienced.

Try to hear your breath, feel the wind on your skin, the rain in the palm of your hands, the smell of a flower. This is life.

I recommend everyone to visit this foundation. Please message me for details if you want more information.

[chionetravels]

Bali HO! The Beginning

After Australia I went into Paradise, the Island of the Gods, Bali.

Like every big change in my life it took a while to wriggle into it. Like when you buy a new pair of shoes. It takes time and a bit of wearing in before you feel comfortable right! After such a high experience in Tasmania it was difficult to adjust straight away. .

I came into Bali with butterflies in my stomach. Excited for the next adventure but also nervous of stepping into a completely different country “alone” after many months of strong community and connections. The mind was trying to create separation.

This was another big lesson for me to witness and it was so transforming. I went through the first few weeks exploring the magical culture but also exploring the deep healing I so desperately needed in my heart.

Following the guidance of a rainbow brother, I found a water healer a few hours outside of Ubud where I was staying. This was the beginning of a beautiful process. Angels were popping up all around me! Guiding me, giving me encouraging messages.

Something that then shook me out of my conditioned mind was the drum. I found locals playing at the market and instantly felt at home.

I started to be present again, I began to see the beauty blossoming around me. The smiles in peoples faces, the smell of the local street food, the bright colours and busy streets.

This place was so alive! One day I decided to visit a few Temples, one of which was a holy water spring, where you could clear your Karma. Water is such a cleansing element and you could really feel a strong healing energy here.  

This is where I met my first Balinese family <3

So open hearted and loving! They welcomed me into their home and we shared food and music for 3 magical days. <3 It was amazing to be apart of such a big beautiful traditional balinese family. Forever connected.

[chionetravels]

If there is ever a discipline to live by I feel this one resonates strongly with me. Change IS the only constant in this life, and it seems to be approaching my path on a regular basis. With each change we grow a little more, so although it can be unnerving at times (most times) trust and love always prevail. I take my feet and plant them firmly into the unknown, in doing this, the world of magic and wonder just becomes more and more beautiful, more enchanting, more glorious.  

Although my mind may be attracted to the “comfort zone” of what was and try to pull me back with doubt and fear, I find myself being lead by some powerful unknown force beyond myself, I believe this is my spirit, my inner God guiding me.

So even though I may be having a blissful, deep, out of this world moment, or a tragic, dark, depressing experience, we must understand that nothing is permanent, and to continue with this pulling force that leads us to the next thing.

There is a divine plan for us all, there are no rules, just trust and flow. Be pulled by your heart, let go of the past and forget about the future. That’s when we can truly be conscious and fully aware.

Love and Light <3

[chionetravels]

Leaving Australia .  .

How unbelievably difficult it was to leave the country I had made my home for the last two years. I’m so grateful for everyone that I met and all that I gained from my time here. What originally started as an idea to just find a job, make money and leave turned into a life changing, heart opening, magical, spiritual, colorful festival of light and love.

It would take a life time to go through everybody I hold dear in my heart. Although I want to express my love for everyone that I met in Aus and I want you all to know that you showed me how beautiful life is.

Thank you from the depths of my being

Priscilla Jones Family. Bronnie and the babes at Pj’s, not to forget Mighty Moose Bruce. All the crazy times here, I will never forget!

My kiwi Wife <3 Straight up no shit the brightest most open hearted fun loving chika I have ever met. Love you sister. I was ready to leave Aus but then this Angel fell from the sky and brought colour to my life. Thank you :-)

Urban Yoga Family <3 You opened my mind and gave my path a whole new dimension. I cant express how important you all are to me. This place certainly changed my life and began a deeper journey within myself. Everyone of you were so loving and welcoming and understanding. You are all so full of love. You gave me the freedom to dance and sing.

The Krisna Farm. I gained so much from all of my brothers and sisters here. It was just a magnificent time. To be free, to be playful, to be whoever you wanted to be. Such a significant part of my life. I also found my passion for drumming here. This farm was total freedom. I met Angels who will stay with me for the rest of my life. 

Hot Honey’s My beautiful sisters at Hot Honey Cafe. I was so grateful to see these faces every day. I have never had so much fun working before. All the yummy cakes that mum made! The veggie food made by Surjit (Indian Chef with a heart of gold). Emma was not just my ‘boss’ I really felt the love here. We all cared for each other, it was such a warm place to work. I connected so deeply with everybody and I’ll never forget some of the regulars...

Jojo and the Magic house. Where do I even start, my love for this Angel is beyond words. So open and loving, Jo welcomed me into her home and shared her wonderland. We are now forever connected. My soul sister, I love you so much <3 Thank you for everything, for your wisdom, your green knowledge, your soft heart.

Byron Beach Resort. This place was really special and attracted the best most beautiful souls <3 Everyone was so gifted here, Inspiring, Open, Kind, Loving. Katica, Regina, Jasmine, Liz You really helped me to believe in myself. You all supported me in everything I did and I am so so grateful. You saw the rainbow in me :-) Thank you for bringing it out. For all the bonfire talks, star gazing, yoga classes, drumming circles. This place was just a dream. I look back at everything now and I cant believe that it all happened.

Rainbow Family #1 I think this picture says it all <3 Community, nature, magic, love love LOVE. I learned a lot about myself here. I allowed my light to shine.

Rainbow Family #2

And this is where the Australian dream ended. . .  Completely absorbed in love.

I hitched from Barb’s place with a true traditional Australian Tassie bloke and his little girl who took me all the way to the airport. He wasn’t going that way, he did this out of the kindness of his heart. After sharing a few wild stories from the Army he kindly distracted me from this sudden change that was happening in my life. . I was blissfully unaware that I was actually leaving the country now and heading to a foreign land once again on my own, the universe was pushing me towards the next adventure.

Thank you for this life

[chionetravels]

Barbs place. A place of absolute unconditional love. A place of healing and living together as a community in one extra magical environment. A place where you rise before the sun, hear the wallabies running through the long grass. Plant your tent under a special tree. Wrap yourself inside 10 blankets or the arms of a special love <3 Food circles, organic cooking, shit pits, outdoor fire bath, drums, music music MUSIC!

I was guided here by some unknown force and am unbelievably grateful for every moment. Just writing this blog now I can smell the fern trees. I can feel the cold morning breeze and the wet grass beneath my feet. I can taste the hot fruity porridge that was always waiting on the stove in the morning. I can hear all the beautiful french songs and smell the hot Chai.

All the laughs, all the stars, all the love. I can only try to explain. All I can say is that I am in love with life and all the beauty that surrounds me.

Thank you Barb for this gift <3 Thank you rainbow family xxx

[chionetravels]

My bridge between rainbows. .  After reconnecting with myself, nature and  countless beautiful souls I found myself on a farm outside of Melbourne with a very special family. Prior to this was my most epic 5 day hitch from Byron Bay with my purple guru brother Eric ^^^^ This man was sent from the clouds and was such a guiding spirit for me <3 I have so much love for him.

[chionetravels]

How can I explain the unexplainable. Byron Bay, awakened my soul, my ideas about life. This place stripped away any chains that were still binding me to material control. I gained realization to the idea that I can choose my path. I can create my life how I want it. By letting go of fear, I left something I though I needed to do in order to explore my consciousness and open the never ending portal to discovery. I met beautiful Angel’s who everyday supported who I was and believed in me. They encouraged me to use my talents, to create myself!  They are my life long friends and I hold them always in my heart.

By embracing my passions I found the rainbow in a drumming circle. Free spirit souls guided me to a gathering in the bush where I came across unexplainable experiences. Embracing the four elements, being one with nature in a community of conscious healers, creators, musicians, artists, humans from all parts of the world just allowing their godliness, their light to shine.

I’m so blessed for this experience. I feel I am now always being guided by my higher self towards liberation. Towards a life of endless, fearless creativity, towards my true self.

By shining our light, we allow others to shine :-) 

Love all, Serve all <3

[chionetravels]

Ok I am VERY behind on my travel blog. It would take a life time to explain all the magic that has happened. After Japan I returned back to Melbourne. Back to my life in this magical city. . But something was missing. Knowing that I only had 6 months left in Australia I felt this emptiness inside. My old job took me back. I returned to the house of peace and tranquility with my beautiful sisters but I started to ask myself why. What am I doing back here.

I decided to get the next flight to Byron Bay, my heart was pulling me back there. Its where my light shined its brightest. Where I discovered a deeper connection with mother earth, free spirited people and myself. 

[chionetravels]

Road trip baby! Starting in Kobe where we met our friends. Finding free camp spots, riding along the longest bridge ive ever seen and witnessing out of this world nature, feeling the love, space and energy all around us. Love life <3

[chionetravels]

Nara Part 2. We stumbled upon a beautiful light display in the botanical gardens of Nara. It was like walking through a fairy land! So grateful for this experience

[chionetravels]

Nara Part 1. Buddha and Deer seems to be a blissful combination! Nara was such a peaceful place.

[chionetravels]

Golden Temple This was still the same day as my last post in Arashiyama. We managed to squeeze a lot in as there is just so much to see in Kyoto and our time was limited. Again this day was so magical. The pink cafe here reminds me of something from Kiki's Delivery Service. 

Also the buckwheat noodles were Oishi! (Delicious) :-) It was hard to find vegetarian food in Japan but when i did it was AMAZZING!