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Monday, 11 February 2013

Heartquest the beginning

Life is so much more that just existing.

Life is a constant exploration of the senses, a development of thoughts and ideals and a striving to make a connection between the state we call reality and the spiritual. 

I have spent the better part of my many years searching for that connection. I cannot without chasing some dream believe in that organized concept that faith has, that yes holds people together with some innocent hope. I am not a true Christian but yet certainly believe in and follow in some greater entity that we and this existence are. My ancestors built Stonehenge, mapped the stars, made sense of the reality about them. 

They perhaps made that connection. 

There is an existence of energy, a force and a source power for all of this that we are. I have felt it, engaged ideas and ideals with it, realized it in some obscure way and felt its actuality believing that we are all in our corporeal simplicity a part of it, that it exists past the concept of just faith.

Heartquest Guatemala, the title for this blog came from a single awareness. My journey was that and still is, my quest. It was simple

I got that part of the message correct.

How would I know back in 1997 when I painted a picture of some pyramid shaped object, that what I perceived as just some visual idea for a painting would lead me eventually to Guatemala. 

I had literally painted a picture of the non active volcano Santa Maria that sits some 10 kilometers away from the city of Quetzaltenango, without ever knowing of its existence. 

People often comment when I relive that experience with and to them. Comments range from "really how absurd" to "you obviously must have seen a picture of it somewhere."

I am amused at their human need to qualify my small miracle. Back then I had now idea where Guatemala was, let alone the existence of some volcano and wasn't there a war going on there in Guatemala or something?

I do believe that for whatever reason that I was meant to travel and to live in Guatemala. 

It was like receiving a tip (perhaps from some higher power) and one that I did not understand at all... Perhaps the message was telling me to go to Guatemala now right now! I did not of course.
My mismanaging of what that message meant to me... had me painting a picture of some pyramid shaped structure instead. I just  though at that time was that was what I needed to do... paint some concept and nothing more. The true message was perhaps lost within the translation between my known reality and perhaps a higher spiritual entity.

Can you imagine what I felt thirteen years later in Guatemala when reviewing some pictures I had taken, when one picture just jumped out at me. It was a startling event for me. It felt as if time was standing still, for there in that simple point and shoot digital camera was the picture I had painted thirteen years ago. I felt a cold shiver as the hairs on the nape of my neck stood rigid. I remember saying to myself "this is impossible, it just can't be happening." But impossible or not, the fact was that there it was right before me.

I have had several spiritual connections over my lifetime that I cannot explain. Nor now do I wish to explain any of them, accepting what I see and feel and experience for something very special.

Several years ago I remember briefly an experience that had me alone and seemingly lost in my life. I was standing on a small beach near the University of British Columbia. Everything about me was actually very beautiful but through my gloom and doom I could not see it. 

Then I noticed a log on the beach mostly submerged in the sand. Growing out of that log was a single small flower. I slowly crouched down to see it better and reached out my hand to touch the petals. From out of nowhere I felt something present. What ever it was, it wrapped me like a warm blanket. I felt love. Standing up and parting from that flower the warmth around me stayed. I remember clearly looking at the sand, sea, sky and trees near me. Everything I saw, I saw with perfect clarity. I saw every grain of sand, every sparkle of water, all the leaves on all the trees... and everything was so incredible very beautiful.

Then the feeling of warmth that wrapped around me was gone... Gone and as fleeting and as quickly as it had come to me. But what I felt in those small moments of time was incredible, for it was pure love. I knew then and still know today that there was a path I needed to follow and that small moments of that path would be shown to me along that journey. I have felt that warmth since then and it is some incredible experience. 

Years later when working within the hospitality business on a management level, I used to say to upper management... "I only have one boss.."their confused stares reflecting what I meant."

Now one journey leads to some other in this jigsaw illusion called life. It is my journey to make my connection. So far so good.  

Okay Boss?

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Xela, Guatemala so affordable



I do not usually write about anything too commercial here on this site. 
I have another Blog <http://www.experiencemyxela.blogspot.com> which you can take a look at if you want and see what that is all about. That site visits places I find in my walks and exploration of this amazing city called Xela. I guess I just got a little too excited to let it just sit in one place. So if you are interested here it is for you to explore.
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LUXURY ACCOMMODATION at an AFFORDABLE PRICE.

Coming to Quetzaltenago (Xela)?
Why not experience something truly unique. We offer luxury accommodation at a bargain price.  The room which includes a queen size bed cozy quilts, soft comforting pillows also comes with a luxurious continental breakfast. 

We are located in a secure expansive apartment with lofty open beamed ceilings (yes there is even a hammock in the living room).  It is steps away from Parque Central, fine restaurant and bars, a market, yes truly close to  everything.  If you are coming to learn Spanish we know of and can arrange excellent Spanish schools or private teachers. If you are just here to spend some quality time in Xela we can offer you private personalized tours, outings with a difference and a chance to experience Xela and surrounding areas in a more personal way.

Rates: Q550 person or Q800 a couple.
Reservations by email. 
deliciousxela@gmail.com
Verification 48 hours prior to arrival is required.
502-5987-0574 or 502-4711-1038

But do not take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

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Enjoy











Thursday, 15 November 2012

Nirvana en Guatemala

Nirvana... is the state of profound peace of mind.
That is what I found by living and experiencing Guatemala.

It is said that Costa Rica now being so overcrowded by expats and foreigners that the country has become very expensive to live in. The climate and the beauty of the country remain but you must experience that at a higher price.

The next place that became popular for people to retire in was Nicaragua. It was that hidden jewel. Now people are discovering Guatemala, a country with eternal spring. Antigua and Panajachel both have healthy and growing expat populations. But there are several hidden areas still untapped, still very affordable.

Mmmm now should I tell you where they are, or leave that unspoiled beauty alone... because we all know what happens over time. The prices will go up, the local people will move out and the expat colonies will rule as they do in Costa Rica. That is already starting in some popular places here in Guatemala. But over time all will know the secrets that Guatemala holds. All will come...

So if you want to get in while the getting in is good, maybe you should contact me.




Wednesday, 24 October 2012

WE ALL SURVIVED... 2012 - END OF DAYS...Guatemala

I originally wrote this....


Where will you be 
as the world as we know it 
ENDS!?!?!?!?!?!?

On December 21, 2012, sometime on that Sunday, the 13th Baktun or long count of the Maya calender is going to end. The full cycle of the long count also symbolizes the Maya "story of creation or the Pop Vue."

Some people believe that everything, yes the world as we know it, will come to some sort of planet lining up, pole shifting, cataclysmic ending. 



THE END OF ALL ENDS !!!!!
 

Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, polar shifts, tidal waves, toppling buildings, car swallowing sink holes, erupting fires, yes all manner of disasters... will occur. 

How Cheery.

If the world is about to end of course, you can actually  forego your mortgage or car payment. 

Yet

Yet just in the slightest chance, in that minuscule what if nothing happens event, that absolutely nothing will happen scenario, you should probably make that payment. Because you see, in all of this speculation lives that slightest hope that all humanity shares, that nothing will actually happening at all, and that life as we know it will be just the same as it was on the day before. That spiritual transformation and pseudoscience will take a back seat to reality.

The end of time occurs on a Sunday, so perhaps you could have a small low key party with family or friends. Yes get together Saturday night just to celebrate. Celebrate that wonderful ending to come or, just to celebrate nothing.

Another option of course is that if you actually believe in that doom and gloom possibility, you could just sit on your balcony or terrace or patio and watch the impending doom as planet Nibiru plunges towards you. What a glorious site that would be. Better make sure all your cameras are ready and geared up to record that event.

In either case there is very little anyone can do unless you have secretly been building some sort of time travel machine or spaceship. I just wonder where you will go? Got any plans?

In any event the very best place of course to experience this apocalyptic event is right here where it all began. Right here in Maya country. Right here in Guatemala. That is exactly what I am doing.

So you out there reading this, yes you, as time is short, doom is impending, we do not much time left, etc, etc... you must get the very next flight you can find and come here right now. Come to Guatemala immediately and without delay. 

No need to bring much with you, as after-all you won't need it, will you. And just in case nothing happens, my how boring, you can still have a really great experience, a great time, just by being here. 

Oh and let me know if you are coming to my party, 
space is really limited on my spaceship.

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Ok..... but...

That is what I originally wrote... and well mmmm we are all still here right?? And I am and planning to continue to be here on this planet called earth for as long as I am needed here.
How about you?
Hope so....

Sunday, 21 October 2012

ACTIVE SENIORS??

ACTIVE SENIORS... Lets do it!

El Mirador is a large pre-Colombian Maya settlement that was discovered in 1926. It had a population of 80,000 people. It lays deep in the jungle of the department of Peten in northern Guatemala. It was a large trading centre from 300 BCE to 150 CE during the preclassic period.

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Mirador

To get to El Mirador today involves a two to three days trek with pack horses or mules. The journey alone is both arduous and demanding. Camping is primitive as you sleep in hammocks or primitive shelters. Sturdy footwear and the ability to hike 10 km per day is mandatory. The weather is tropical and humid. Mosquito repellent is a must. 

Now that the rainy season has ended are you ready for this?
I will arrange everything for your trip.

Are you coming?

Monday, 17 September 2012

Guatemala, Moments to Treasure

It was Independence Day in Guatemala. It was a day of celebration, parades, loud music, fiestas, fireworks.... and massive crowds. The population here in Xela had doubled for the event. There where  even people from Guatemala City here. It seems that Quetzaltenango or Xela (shay-la) does that, attracts people from everywhere like a magnet. The tourist, expats and travellers where there and we usually stand out. But with the huge influx of Guatemalans here our presence just disappeared.
 

I was on the street sharing conversations with a local business person I am friendly with, as two young girls approached us. One girl was maybe five and the older one maybe seven. I had seen them before and they always walked about with a clear bag of coloured candy suckers to sell. 

They where scruffy looking and wore ill fitting clothes. They maybe needed a wash. But I noticed that they where not pushy and shared honest open smiles with people. All they did was just walk about asking people to buy what they offer. A simple candy sucker.

I remember motioning to the older girl that I was interested. She approached and I took a shiny Quetzal and placed it into her hand. Then she stretched out her hand to me, offering me that bag and my choice of colour.

"Ummm" my voice sounded, as I searched for something perfect. Her eyes watched me play with all the coloured suckers in the bag. Finally after awhile I pulled out a red one saying "roja, perfecto." 


I held that red sucker in front of me and in direct contact with her eyes and then smiling I suddenly dropped the sucker back into her bag. The look in her eyes was priceless. Her eyes expressed surprise, astonishment and wonder. Then her dirty little face lit up and she beamed back a smile to me that broke my heart. 

Later as she walked away she glanced back over her shoulder at me, holding that Quetzal in her hand. It was hers. 

All the money collected from children all goes to help support their families. This coin was hers.

Moments to treasure. She made my day special.


Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Memories so sweet those Mountains and Rainy Days

Guatemala has two seasons. One is the dry season and runs from around November to May. The other is the rainy season and runs from May to October. Of course this year it started to rain in February. I am writing this in the month of June and yes it is raining.

It does not rain all day, just usually in the late afternoon or evening. Of course last night it rained all night and then all morning today. When the rainy season starts it is more of a light rain and later into the year we get some real down pours. Here like everything else that varies as well and sometimes varies quite a lot.

So in the rainy season (more or less) the morning starts off cool. The sun arrives and quickly heats up everything. Later in the afternoon we see some clouds rolling in. Then comes that rain. The nights at this elevation 2330 metres (7600 ft) are always cool and comfortable to sleep with even if its raining.

I must be a mountain guy. That all started out with the love of the mountains in the northern part or Wales where I was born. In Wales there are the Brecon Beacons, Cumbrian and Snowdonia ranges with Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales sitting at 1085 metres (3560 ft). On the southern end of the Snowdonia range is Cader Idris meaning "Gaints Chair. Idris being a giant from Welsh Mythology. Seeing it sitting like a giants chair, conjured up all sorts of imagery in my young mind at the time.

After moving to Canada and growing up in Ontario, I had to search out mountains there. Most people do not know but in an area just south of Sudbury Ontario in Killarney Provincial Park, there are the old growth mountains known as Lac Loche Mountains. They are laced with quartzite peaks that look like snow and ice. They once towered higher that the rockies their white quartzite and pink granite rocks sliding into deep lakes and water passages.

Later the western part of Alberta and it's ever stunning and grandiose Rocky Mountains captured years of my interest with camping, hikes and many scrambles.

Then in British Columbia I discovered several mountain ranges other than the Canadian Rocky Mountains that everyone seems to know about. British Columbia has many mountain ranges. The Selkirks, Purcells, Kootenays, Cassier, Columbia, Coastal Cascades and the Vancouver Island range to name a few. It was the coastal mountain vistas on the Pacific coast of BC that caught my attention lastly.

There is here a connection, between seasons, rain and mountains. 

Wales has its fair share of both mountains and rain. Ontario has hidden old maintains and rain. Alberta has mountains two seasons and some rain. BC is know for many mountains, coastal beauty and rain. Guatemala has its western highlands with mountains, two seasons and rain.

So wherever I seem to live I have either two seasons to deal with, certainly lots of mountainous terrian and yes pleanty of that rain.

I must love mountains and rain.