Travelling to Amalfi

There is a long standing joke in my family that no one will ever get me on a boat. Lots of kidding around that I would rather drive, fly, walk or swim--anything to avoid stepping on a boat.

The teasing is well deserved. The very sight of boats bobbing up and down in a harbour makes me nauseous and the smell of engine petrol causes me to turn positively green.

Not only do I dislike the movement and engine odours, the isolation of being on a boat is very unappealing. Being stuck in the middle of a lake (or horror of horrors, an ocean) and not being able to get off until the boat finally docks in port sounds dreadful.

Unfortunately, on the Amalfi Coast, travelling by boat is just a way of life. I had hoped that while we were there, we could take a bus or a car to the various towns along the coast. But soon after we arrived, I realized that this coastline was not designed for motor travel. (Let us not forget that in Positano there are 200 steps between the beach and the main road.) For many years, this beautiful coastline was dotted with fishing villages.

Because my daughter and I were both worried about potential (and likely) seasickness on my part, we stocked up on lots of Gravol prior to our trip. On the days we were heading out to Amalfi or Capri or Ravello, I dutifully swallowed a pill at least 40 minutes prior to departure (as the airlines advise).

Then we nervously boarded the ferry--and prayed.

Well, that woman in the photo at the top of my blog is me. Yes, relaxing with feet up, looking out the window and having a perfectly lovely time enjoying the ruggedly picturesque coastline.

I spent most of the trip daydreaming and picturing how this part of Italy looked hundreds of years ago when the warm waters of the Mediterranean held dozens of fishing boats. Nowadays, these waters are host to ferries that take tourists to the quaint and historic little towns.

A couple of days later, I swallowed another Gravol pill in preparation for the trip to Capri and was quite proud of myself not only for not being ill but for my complete enjoyment of the boating experience.

On this trip, I actually enjoyed the solitude and the quiet time on the boats.

(I can't wait to go back to Italy!)

Ciao!

Eating in Italy

It would be impossible to talk about a trip to Italy without describing the wonderful food!

What impressed me most was the freshness of all the food. The fish was caught daily in the surrounding warm waters of the Mediterranean and the fruits and vegetables were picked early each morning from the surrounding gardens and sunny hillsides. When I commented on the sweetness and juiciness of all the fruits and vegetables I was given a very interesting explanation.

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted, causing great devastation especially for the neighbouring city of Pompeii: the city was actually buried in volcanic ash. But over time that ash was absorbed into the earth creating a very rich soil in which fruits and vegetables would grow in abundance. Today, all the fruits and vegetables are not only very tasty but extra rich in vitamins and minerals.

Of course a trip to Italy would not be complete without sampling Italian pasta so I very enthusiastically ordered one of my favourite dishes: spaghetti. The Italians cook pasta "al dente" which I know is the correct way--not soft and never mushy. But I suppose that deep down I lack an appreciation for fine cuisine because I prefer my pasta a little on the soft side: crunching spaghetti just doesn't feel right.

But somehow, I seriously doubted that the Italian chef would be willing to cook the pasta my way and I didn't care to see the look of disdain on his face when I made the request. So I dutifully ate the crunchy pasta and decided to switch to seafood and vegies for my next meal.

That turned out to be a wise decision: all the seafood was exquisitely delicious! I ordered another favourite: mussels. This dish was flavoured with fresh herbs, a light sauce and accompanied by juicy tomatoes.

For some unknown reason, the waiters took it personally when we decided to pass on the proffered desserts and would still bring us a plate of cookies or little fruit tarts. (I doubt if the Italians even have a word for "diet".)

Mealtimes are meant to be long and enjoyable and the waiters had all the time in the world to explain local food specialties, or describe the wines of the region and make appropriate suggestions for the best wine to accompany the meal. They were also in no hurry to see us leave and we always had to request the cheque so that we could be on our way to explore the churches and museums.

A very relaxed way of life.

Shopping in Positano

The shopping was fun and interesting, the items unique. We loved the fresh look of the pastel coloured cotton sun- dresses, bathing suit cover-ups and bathing suits. If your luggage was lost en route to Italy, not to worry, you could buy whatever you need in the charming little shops.

The prices were reasonable and the salesladies very helpful. Positano is a bustling little town with a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

As lemons and grapes are grown in abundance, there was a huge supply of lemon soaps (which smelled divine) and local white wine (light and delicious). In fact, there were many lemon flavoured alcoholic drinks. A particular lemon liqueur (forced on me by an enthusiastic waiter) gave me a terrible headache but had an unusual taste. I bought a bottle of this liqueur in a bottle shaped like the Italian "boot" for my son but I think he is afraid to drink it. He graciously thanked me but put the bottle on the top of his bookcase, along with a bottle of ouzo that a friend brought him from Greece last year. (He has made no attempt to drink that either.)

There are several perfumes made from the flowers that grow in abundance in the hills. Jasmine, rose, gardenia, camellia and lily of the valley are blended with lemon, orange, mandarin and rosewood to produce fresh, light fragrances.

Amalfi Coast

Since the Corporate Communications class at Sheridan ended, I haven't gotten around to writing in my blog. I am going to take a little detour from my usual "healthy living" and write about my last trip--to Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy.

What a fabulous trip! My daughter, Gillian and I spent 10 days exploring the region, (We walked for miles and miles!) eating delicious food, shopping, swimming and just relaxing. This photo shows our hotel on the beach and church where I tried to attend mass (It turned out to be a Saturday evening wedding instead.).

The last time we travelled to Italy, I bravely (and stupidly) rented a Vespa. Bad idea. Before I could even get out of the hotel driveway, I lost control of the vespa and it fell on me, tearing the ligament in my foot and scraping the skin of my arms and legs. Never again. This time we walked, took the bus or a boat.

We spent a lot of time roaming around Positano which is built very snuggly into the rocky hills. Cars and scooters are only allowed on the main road (thankfully) and one needs to walk down the cobblestone streets to access shopping or reach the beach. I found the walking a bit strenuous (and I'm in reasonably good shape) so I can't fathom how older people do it. But there were indeed many older ladies strolling up and down the streets and they didn't seem to be huffing and puffing. One woman even had a walker!

Everyone we met was friendly and charming, especially the Italian men. They went nuts for my daughter and her Mediterranean blue eyes. It didn't seem to bother them that she is several inches taller than they. After all, "bella" is still "bella".

Soothing Benefits of Reading

I've always loved to read. My father was a serial reader, always had his nose in a book (would have made a great university prof) and when I was sick, often brought me a book to keep me occupied and cheer me up. Some of the books were too old for me, but I loved the feeling of snuggling into bed with a book on my knees.

I completely understand Book Clubs, and the need people have to talk about their reading experiences. Years ago, I was employed by a large company in Winnipeg. One of the women in the company was also a great reader and whenever we bumped into each other, in the hallways or the elevator, we spoke only about books: books we had read, books we recommended and books that had made an impact on our lives. I know nothing about her personal life, but I can tell you what books she read and loved.

Books connect us to each other in a special, intimate way. The books we choose, like or love say a great deal about us. My friend Marilyn and I both loved the book "Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulk and when we talk about it, we both get that faraway look in our eyes as we travel in our minds' eye back to 1914 France. No, we weren't actually there but we feel like we were and we also feel like we shared a special experience.

When an author actually writes the sensitive words of life experience, I feel that something inside me has been opened up and it helps me to appreciate the tiny moments of life. It's the small things we remember: the sunlight on a flower, the calling of a meadow lark, the stillness of a lake at sunset.

The written word reminds us of the mysteries and magic of life experience.

The woman in the photo of this blog isn't me but she looks just like me when I relaxed on a beach in Prince Edward Island a few years ago. The book I was reading?

Birdsong.

Healthy Eating

The other day I was munching on potato chips when a friend commented that it wasn't a very healthy food choice, especially given that I was blogging about healthy living. Busted!

I sort of shrugged with a, "Yeah well, so what?" attitude but I was actually embarrassed. The irony is that I rarely eat that sort of thing, not due to the obvious health implications but because I honestly don't care for the usual array of junk foods. Even the smell of Cheezies and barbecued chips makes me nauseous, and I cannot bear soft drinks.

While I was growing up, we never had that sort of food in the house. My parents nagged us constantly about healthy food choices and the miraculous benefits of exercise and fresh air. When we turned up our noses at suppertime liver, we got the standard reply about the starving children in Asia (I think it was Asia.). Of course, I repeated the same mantra to my own children.

I'm always perplexed that as a society we often choose not to follow a regime of healthy living. We still have to be coerced into not only joining a gym but using its services and in order to lose weight we have to be cajoled and pushed (Witness groups like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig.). Healthy food is readily available and even restaurant owners design menus for customers who are calorie/fat conscious. There is no shortage of books and articles dealing with nutrition, the dangers of obesity and a myriad of exercises meant to tone and strengthen our bodies. It wears me out just thinking about it.

When I was a kid, the world was much less scientific: you just did what your parents told you to do. You accepted their advice and admonishments based on faith, not scientific research.

Sometimes it boggles my mind to think about the nutritious value of each food group: how many vitamins, how many calories, how much fat and how many times will I need to run around the block in order to burn the calories away.

I still tell my (grown up) kids to eat healthy food and get lots of exercise and fresh air. (I'm sure they never tire of hearing this.) Sound advice doesn't have an expiration date.

Oh, I never did finish that bag of potato chips: I ended up throwing it into the rubbish bin.

The Healing of Lavender

Remember your grandmother (or your mother!) keeping lavender sachets in her lingerie drawers?

I used to have a hard time keeping a straight face watching my grandmother place delicate lavender sachets so carefully between the rows of knickers and bras. Maybe it was an "English thing"?

When I lived in England, masses of lavender grew in my front garden and my daughter and I often cut the stems and placed the fresh lavender in small vases. The house smelled so lovely!

I actually began using lavender when I was suffering terribly with migraines because I found that it made an excellent tonic, not only for the treatment of migraines, but in reducing emotional stress and tension. It has a calming scent.

"Lavender" comes from the Latin word "Lavare" which means to wash (Think of the French verb "laver".) as its aroma fills a room with a clean scent.

I love lavender and have little pots scattered around my house in which I burn several drops of the essence of lavender, mixed with a little water, in tiny "fusion pots". After a rough day, or a good yoga class in which every one of my muscles has been stretched, I luxuriate in the aroma of lavender. I sleep like a log and wake up feeling refreshed.

I wish my grandmother was still with us so that I could tell her that she was right and I was wrong, but I'm sure she already knows that.

Thank you Nana. I'll miss you forever.

Triangle Pose

My favourite way of stretching is through yoga. Each pose has a purpose and my absolute favourite pose is called "Triangle Pose" or "Trikonasana".

I confess that at the beginning of my yoga experience, I liked this pose the best because I could do it fairly easily. I have very long legs and long arms, so I thought that all I had to do was stretch them out and by virtue of their length alone, they would touch the appropriate spot on the mat. Well, not quite.

They didn't extend as far as I thought they would because my muscles were so tight: my ego was immediately given a reality check! But I persevered, breathed deeply and as Marita led us through the steps slowly and methodically, I was soon able to stretch into a position where "triangles" could be seen in my pose. I was so proud!

In this pose, we can build strength in the lower back and upper legs while releasing tension from the entire back, the hips and hamstrings. It stretches the legs and hips, opens the chest, stimulates the abdominal organs and strengthens the core.

I love it, not only because of that wonderful flowing stretch but it helps my sense of balance and contributes to my overall feeling of well-being. The yoga experts call it a "happy pose": I agree with that description.

In yoga we often refer to the mind/body connection and how we can direct the body's internal energy as we envision a flow of energy or prana (breathing) through the body. This process of envisioning our energy effects subtle changes: our bodies do respond to our thoughts.

Sometimes people express to me that they don't think they are right for yoga because they have little or no flexibility and they cannot imagine ever being able to touch their toes. I always assure them that yoga is not a race: you don't rush through it with the goal of charging past the finish line. Yoga truly is a personal journey to be taken slowly and easily. It is meant to help us get in touch with ourselves, our own personal energy.

If one day, we can touch our toes, or do the perfect triangle, great, but what really matters is the gentle journey of awareness.

Breathing

I was disappointed to see that the snow melted very quickly and the lovely, magical ravine became very muddy. The dogs and I both needed some exercise so we took our walk through the neighbourhood.

We walked for about 45 minutes but when we arrived home, I felt sort of uptight and let-down. Yes, I did have some exercise and fresh air (if you don't count the exhaust of the cars passing by) but I did not feel spiritually refreshed. I realized that, exercise aside, I need and want silence, stillness and a sense of calm. Nature gives that to me. But how does it affect my physical sense of well-being?

When I walk through the neighbourhood, my breathing is shallow and I really only use about a quarter of my lung capacity. (Not much.) But when I walk through the woods on a quiet, snowy day, my breathing becomes much deeper. When I go back to nature, to walk and enjoy and just be I automatically breathe more deeply. That explains why I feel so good! My lungs are filling up with oxygen and I feel happy, relaxed and content.

My yoga teacher, Marita is a wonderful woman and I love her. She is German by birth and still retains traces of her German accent. During class, she encourages us to "breathe" but she pronounces it "breeze". I used to smile at the metaphor but now I automatically breathe in deeply and then release the air slowly in a gentle "breeze".

My darling little spaniels are curled up in their beds and I can hear their steady, even breathing as I write this. They look so peaceful. They know instinctively how to breathe and stretch. But stretching is something I will touch on in my next blog!

Knitting for Health

This is my first video podcast. I chose knitting because I enjoy it as a creative form of relaxation. I hope you enjoy it!

Walking in the snow

In this blog, I write about healthy living and specifically, forms of exercise not only to work and stretch our muscles but to reduce stress.  To me, exercise is a form of relaxation.

Walking is a popular exercise that, according to the people who figure out these things, burns quite a lot of calories.  I looked up "walking your dog for an hour at a moderate pace" and the number of calories burned was listed at 207 (for a 125-130 pound person).  Not bad.

That was good news to me because walking is my second favourite form of exercise.  After several hours of  sitting at my desk working on interminable school assignments (Better be careful what I say in case my profs are reading this!)  a long walk not only loosens those stiff joints and muscles, but the fresh air clears my head and helps me to unwind.

A few days ago, after an afternoon spent hunched over my computer, I pulled on my heavy boots and coat ready to stretch my legs. Sensing adventure, my two Cavalier spaniels quickly sprang from their cosy beds and ran to fetch their leashes.  As we headed down the street, big fluffy snowflakes began to fall, clinging to my face and eyelashes.  By the time we reached the ravine, the scene was a perfect postcard: a Currier and Ives setting, silent, white and magical. 

 We walked for hours in the deepening snow breathing in the clear air and enjoying the peace and the serenity of the ravine..  The dogs raced ahead of me, their tails wagging, so happy to run and play in the soft, clean snow.

 I don't know for sure how long we walked but I suddenly realized the light was fading and  I wasn't quite sure where I was. 

Reluctantly, I hooked the dogs' leashes to their collars  and we followed the glow from the streetlamps leading us out to the street.  Eventually I figured out where I was and we headed home.

By the time we arrived home, my muscles felt more flexible and I, more relaxed.

I could sit down and figure out how many calories I burned, and how high my heart rate was likely elevated.  But I prefer to reflect on the mystical beauty of the ravine,  how happy I felt and how grateful I am to be able to enjoy the wonderful blessings of nature.

Stress Releasers

A friend recently expressed to me that she felt like throttling her teenage son when he came home late one night heavily "under the influence".  When I nodded sympathetically, she asked me if practicing yoga would take away those feelings of anger.

I don't think so.  I don't recommend practicing yoga while you are clenching your fists or gritting your teeth.

When we first begin the practice of yoga, it is very important to "centre" ourselves and allow all negative thoughts and energy to flow out of the body in order to prepare for the yoga to come. Only then can we fully relax and breathe into the yoga poses.

I'd like to take my friend along to a yoga class one day so that she can experience the wonderful, calming and yet restorative practice of yoga.

Health & Well-being

This is my first blog: how exciting! I would like to blog about healthy living both physically and spiritually. For this blog, I've chosen my favourite form of relaxation: yoga.

I began practicing yoga a few years ago, mainly to deal with persistent and debilitating migraines and improve my overall physical flexibility. When I was advised that yoga would bring health to my whole body, mind and spirit, I was very doubtful. I just wanted relief from the headaches!

The first class almost killed me and I was disappointed that there were so many poses I couldn't even come close to performing. Touching my toes was completely out of question and when we sat in "easy pose" (inappropriately named in my opinion) my knees were pointing up to the ceiling instead of the side walls. But I persevered because after the first class, I realized I felt so much better. I had actually achieved a tiny bit of flexibility, slept more soundly and surprise of all surprises, I felt calmer and more relaxed.

The true art of yoga stresses not only developing flexibility and physical strength, but developing inner strength and higher awareness. It teaches us how to be alert and yet peaceful at the same time.

Now, I am completely "hooked" on yoga and quite happily tuck my yoga mat under my arm and rush off to yoga classes as many times a week as I can fit in. There are still many poses I can't perform but yes, I can touch my toes and my knees no longer point toward heaven. It's a journey, a process that I love and cannot imagine living without.