The Most Important Meal...

Fredrik educated us about the importance of a big breakfast yesterday, so I was delighted that my final meal with the Toremalm crew was brekky! Jarl (Petters father) put out the most epic spread of fresh goodies from the bakery (life-changing croissants, Danishes and perfectly.baked.bread) along with lobster salad, ham, cheese, butter, and foie gras. YUM.

Feasting with Friends.

Petter, Linn and I had a brief encounter in Indonesia several years ago-- only to bump into each other in Sri Lanka last year, and to continually connect through our parallel lives of travel, adventure, and surfing. We have mutual friends from around the world, and it's one of those love affairs that the Universe is setting in your lap. So it was only natural that we connected in their home country of Sweden. Petter, Linn and their dog Mali ("Malibu Rainbow" hahaha) met Fredrik and I at a surf break that was a few hours south of Varberg. It was like being reunited with dear old friends, not missing a beat! We surfed some choppy albeit fun waves for some time before packing it up and heading to Tokelrov (I think that's right...), which is a little seaside village where the couple grew up. Petters family owns a restaurant here that is *divine*. We lunched on a salmon tartare dish to start and then had a roasted fish, fennel, potato dish that was fucking amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Fredrik left us, headed back home and back to work, and left me in the hands of the Toremalm family. We walked around the tiny town, chatted over coffee, and walked to the Seacliff to watch the sunset. And the food adventures were to continue...Petter, his wonderful father Jarl, his baby sister Svea, Linn and I then dined up a most epic dinner!! We had filet over greens that had a bit of an Asian flair to it and it was to.die.for. But it didn't stop there, for of course there was the most perfect bottles of wine that were being poured as well. We told stories, sang songs, and laughed- and laughed- and laughed. I went to bed smiling and I woke up smiling. My visit to Sweden has been short, but incredibly sweet, and I am totally enchanted by the chic yet earthy little slice of the world. I cannot wait to come back!! And I especially cannot wait for my next meal with the Toremalms!

More SURF in Sunny Sweden!

Only here for 5 days, and two of them I got some surf!! Even better, I met up with my SUNSHINE STORIES friends Linn+Petter, and the four of us surfed and laughed and ate some really kickass food at Petters family's restaurant. Loving Sweden, will be sad to go but spur excited to be getting to ITALY!

Sweden Surfy Surfy

I had such a fun surf this morning in Sweden with Fredrik and his friend Chris (who funny enough is from Florida). It was pretty terrible but we laughed from start to finish!!

Swedish Workshop

It was a beautiful workshop this evening here in Varberg, Sweden. It was 17 people in total...Fredrik the only man. Everyone had a most spectacular time and several of us hung out after class, catching up and savoring the moments. Again, big gratitude to Fredrik for helping me to assemble a group, lock down a location, and for aligning me with Tessa who helped me to organize the evening. I am loved.

SWEDEN.

I decided to throw Sweden into the mix, because WHY NOT? Fredrik and I became great friends in Sri Lanka and he requested that I make a stop here for a visit before heading to Italy for my retreat. And so it is. I'm here for just about 5 days and thankfully (gratefully) Fredrik was able to take off 4 full days!!! He scooped me by the airport which is in Denmark and then we cruised the Swedish countryside back to his adorable, inviting apartment in Varsberg. We spent the afternoon shuffling around town, had a dip in the very cold Nordic waters and then took a nap in the valley as we warmed up with the sun. When we got back, my generous host ran me a bath and then dipped out to buy groceries as I soaked and started to come back to life (lots of jet leg and very little sleep). He then proceeded to cook me a delicious dinner, I made us cocktails, and then we walked down towards the beach to watch the sunset-- and it was already half past 9!!!! The sun officially set at 10:10pm, and we walked the streets for another hour, with the lasting light of the sun still guiding our way. Thank you to the Universe for always connecting me to the right people, who help support me on this journey on the right path.

10 Year.

My ten year visa is here! I almost kissed the FedEx lady when she arrived with this treasured thin envelope!! My most valuable possession is my passport. I don't have many expensive things and there is nothing that I am as proud of, careful with, and grateful for as this little pass for the world. Hooray! Rejoice! Let the travel begin!

Out of Harmony...

I counted 60 people in line ahead of me....and there was twenty people behind me...

This is how I felt when I walked away from the Consulate, and this is the actually reaction that I witnessed as people exited the building. For a good laugh and some insight into this experience, type in BLS India NYC into Yelp.com and enjoy some hysterical (alas heart-breaking) rants....

I am feeling out of alignment.
I am not in harmony with the universal flow right now.
I just cant be.
I am feeling frustrated, exhausted, and defeated.

Deep breath in...
Deep breath out.

Previous commitments have kept me state-side, and this is what I remind myself again and again, as the Universe continually reminds me that its time for me to leave. (Did you hear that Universe?? I have heard you loud and clear, thank you for the {continued} messages, but you can let up -- I promise to be leaving as soon as my commitments are through!). I honestly believe that when we are in harmony with the Divine flow of the Universe that all things fall into place. Lately I have found that I am taking three steps forward, only to take two steps back. On the bright side, at least I am moving one step forward, slowly slowly! Physically, Financially, Mentally, and Spiritually I am feeling run down. All attempts to move forward are thwarted by some odd or end, and I am trying to keep strolling on the sunny side of the street with a smile on my face.

My trip to NYC today to get my Indian Visa was a complete bust. It took hours getting into the city, only to stand for two hours in a line that didn't budge outside of the consulate. After an hour and a half I asked the man in front of me, "Have we progressed at all? Or have we all just started to move closer together?". With a defeated tone, he whispered back, "Oh no. We have only moved closer together madam. It looks like today will be a long day." Fuck it. I can only handle the cold for so long before it begins to break my spirit. It literally hurts my deepest heart. To cheer myself up I sat down in a cozy little restaurant and threw down some super spicy Korean food. Hallelujah.Completely overwhelmed, I cried a few tears of frustration as I cuddled up into myself on the subway ride downtown. As soon as I got to Ninas I felt better. Perhaps its because her and I are doing really cool shit together, or maybe its because she has the BEST apartment in NYC with the most inviting energy and warm flow of sunshine. I vented about this bullshit cold weather and the bullshit run-around at the consulate, and she vented about the damp, cold, wet nasty NYC gloom and the inconsistent mail service. << INSERT REBEL YELL HERE>> We ventured out for almond milk lattes and then BOOM. Totally fine. And now it has slowly morphed into the most amazing day. All of my discontentment was a reflection of my reactions to situations out of my hands. It's amazing what a few moments of peace and clarity can do -- and yeah, a good bitching session with one of your girlfriends helps too. I might be taking several steps forward lately, only to take several steps backwards, but at least I'm moving - and now that I'm back to counting my blessings instead of my sorrows I am feeling lighter. I have a meeting with my nutritionist tomorrow and I am hopeful that she will have some insight into my lifestyle and diet that will help me to find more comfort and ease with this cleanse, detox, and overall renewal. And as far as finances are concerned...well, I just have faith that all of that will fall into place.

So, next time you feel out of harmony - let a few f*bombs fly, sip a coffee, and sit in the sunshine with one of your buddies. Breathe in, breathe out, and chill. Boom. Warm Blessings to you on this cold ass day...!

Deep In The Heart of Texas

So here I am, down in Dallas, Texas with one of my dearest. oldest friends Andrew. He's in the process of opening more offices in Philadelphia and LA, so he wanted to take advantage of this transition time and bring me down for a few days. As always, he's pretty busy with business but lucky for us both, I'm great at entertaining myself. And lucky for me, there's heaps of yoga studios around here....

I got off the plane and Andy scooped me in the (bulletproof) G-wagon and took me out for a five-star seafood dinner in downtown Dallas. The next day we had breakfast in Deep Elem, the hipster part of town, at All Good- which not only has delicious food but also doubles as a badass music venue. He had work to do so I headed to yoga. I went to Sunstone Yoga which came highly recommended via Facebook. I wasn't impressed. Hot yoga just doesn't do it for me. I kept reminding myself during the class something that one of my teachers once told me: "It's up to YOU to bring spirituality into your practice". Really though, Sunstone embodied everything that I don't like in a yoga studio. Bright lights, military style instruction, oppressive heat, totally impersonal, and optional savasana. It's a factory for westernized yoga. Wow. Forgive me. Rant over. Alas, I just took it for what it was, enjoyed the complimentary hot tea and did my own meditation when I left. Andy scooped me up and we headed back to his office so we could book our next adventure together...KEY WEST. Andy's treating me to a scuba certification for Christmas. I can't wait!

The highlight meal has definitely been at HG Supply Company in east Dallas. HG (Hunter Gatherer) is a PALEO restaurant with an outrageously delicious menu, filled with fresh, delicious and innovative dishes that are organic, free range, grass-fed and best of all...candida friendly! Tamra, Andrew, Mike and I chowed down on one tasty dish after another. The garlic GINGER hummus was surprisingly unique and yummy and my duck confit with spicy broccoli and sweet potato hash was deeeeelicious.

To fill the time I've given Andrew guitar lessons and both the boys yoga lessons. The yoga was interesting, apparently it doesn't matter how much money you make or how old you are, fart humor is just as funny as when they were little boys.

We picked up mom late last night. She's been investing in Andy's company so she came down to take care of some business and to go hunting. This morning when they were in the office I hit up a class at Exhale Spa and goddamn goddamn...the class was unbelievable. So good. Challenging, unique, inspiring and nourishing. And now...with the two of them high on good business deals and me high on yoga, we are headed deep into the heart of Texas to go bird hunting.

Traveling Girl.

My friend Xocitl and I met in India. We went white water rafting down the Ganges, studied Palmistry together, and shared many a meal. She is a goddess. Yesterday she shared this blog entry with me about 'loving a traveling woman', and it brought me to tears. Traveling is my passion, but I also attribute this passion to being single. Shawn had straight up said to me before we were over that he'd already seen Asia, and didn't want to travel, but wanted a family. I have been told by another that I'm not domesticated and he couldn't date me because he wasn't sure when I'd just up and leave. This blog really empowered by hurt ego when it comes to being single, so thanks to Aleah Taboclaon for sharing...

By Aleah Taboclaon

"Date a girl who travels. Date a girl who would rather save up for out of town trips or day trips than buy new shoes or clothes. She may not look like a fashion plate, but behind that tanned and freckled face from all the days out in the sun, lies a mind than can take you places and an open heart that will take your for what you are, not for what you can be

Date a girl who travels. You'll recognize her by the backpack she always carries. She won't be carrying a dainty handbad, where will she put her travel journal, her pens and the LED flashlight that's always attached to her bag's zipper? In a small purse, how can she bring the small coil of travel string, the wet tissues, the box of cracker, and the bottle of water she's always ready with, just in case something happens and she can't go home yet.

Yes, a girl who travels knows that anytime, anything can happen and she just has to be prepared with it. Nothing takes her by surprise, she takes everything with equanimity, knowing that such things are always a part of life. She's reliable and dependable, traits that she's learned while on the road.

You'll also recognize a girl who travels by the fact that she's always amazed at the world around her, no matter if she's in her hometown or in a place that's totally new. She sees beauty all around her, not just the ones featured in travel guides or shown in postcards. A girl who travels has developed a deeper appreciation for life. She won't judge you, or pressure you to do things you don't want to do. She knows too much about the importance of identity and self-efficacy, and she will appreciate all the more if you won't pretend to be who you're not.

You can make mistakes with a girl who travels, and you can also be as idiosyncratic as you can be. Trust me, she has seen so much worse in her travels, and knows firsthand the vagaries of human nature.

Date a girl who travels, because when you're with her, you'll realize that even though she's napped at a temple in Angkor Wat, went boating down the Mekong Delta, ran by the streets of Saigon, or went skinny-dipping in the caves in the Philippines, she still retains that humility that is the mark of a real traveler. She knows she's been to a lot of places, but she's humbled by the fact that the world is still a big places and she's only seen a small part of it. Seeing this in her can make you feel all right with yourself too; there's no need for you to do more, to be more. What you are is enough.

When you meet a girl who travels, ask her where she's been and what she's going to do next. She will appreciate your interest, and if you're lucky, she may even invite you to join her. When she does, do. Nothing bonds people better than traveling. On your trip, you will both see each other's best and worst characteristics, and you can then decide whether she's worth fighting for.

It's easy enough to date a girl who travels. She won't want expensive gifts, you can buy her (or both of you) cheap ticket to Thailand for the weekend, and she'll be more than happy to take you to the longest wooden bridge in the country. You don't even have to go overseas, you can take her out on day trips, caving or hiking, or treat her to a full body massage.

You can also buy her the little things that she keeps forgetting to buy for herself; that carbine that will attach her backpack to her seat so that she will feel easier about sleeping on her bus trip, or a backpack cover, a small alarm clock, a money belt, or many another sarong that will replace the one she lost in China.

She won't mind if you get lost on your way to a date. She knows that often times, the journey is more important than the destination. She will help you see the lighter side of things. She'll walk along with you, not behind you, pointing out the interesting bits of things you'll see on the way. Before long, you'll realize that yes, the journey has been more memorable than the destination that you've planned to take her to.

Is a girl who travels worth it? Yes, she is. So when you find her, keep her. Don't lose her with your insecurities and doubts. Because when she says she loves you, she really does. After all, she's seen so many things, met so many people, and if she has chosen you, better grab that opportunity and thank the gods that you were lucky enough she's chosen you and not that bloke she met while watching the sunrise in Angkor Wat, or while whitewater rafting in the Padas Gorge in Sabah.

If she says she loves you, she must have seen something in you, something that can always call her back from her travels, something that can anchor her to the world in the way that she wants to after weeks and months of being on the road.

Date a girl who travels. Make her feel safe, warm and secure. Make her believe that no matter where she goes, and however long she's gone, you'll always be there for her, the one that she can call home.

Find a girl who travels. Date her, love her. and marry her, and your world will never be the same again."

 

(Blog Solitary Wanderer – http://www.solitarywanderer.com/2012/02/date-a-girl-who-travels/#axzz2GhJXuvOC)

Cailin Callahan

www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Wanderlust...

 

I'm a few days shy of being home for one month...and I already feel the travel bug...oye oye oye. Looking forward to this amazing summer -- as well as the amazing winter to come ;) With that being said, I'm heading to Vermont tomorrow for the WANDERLUST Yoga Festival and will be back on Sunday night! All my classes are covered while I'm away, so get to the studio!

Bye Bye Arugam Bay

I gave my longboard to Nir, my shortboard to Bathu, and my yoga mat to Yael. I got rid of more than half of my clothes...giving some to Yael and Mimi and throwing the rest which was well-loved (aka tattered and torn) in the trash. So as far as luggage goes, I was doing great! And then came the presents.... Nir gifted me a Carram board so I can practice practice practice and come back with some skills next year. And then Pontus arrived with a UKELELE for me! Holy good god almighty. The bounty continues! The saying "the more you give, the more you receive" is so very true. And then, the goodbyes. There weren't any tears, because I know I'll be back. I took a puff of some ganja to help with the long car ride, played one final round of world domination Carram with my favorite local boys and then had a dance party to Mark Ronsons "Somebody To Love Me". 6hr taxi ride, 2 hours to kill in Colombo airport, 3 hour flight to Mumbai, 14hr layover, 16hr flight to Newark, then 3 hour car ride home....bye bye Arugam Bay! See you soon!

Pleasure, Pain and the Power of Friends.

The greatest pains and the greatest of pleasures all pass. I have held both pleasure and pain so close this winter and as much as you may cling to them, indeed they go just as they came... And I've found that pleasure and pain aren't so different after all, they're intimately connected- because it's usually pain that follows the pleasure. How could one feel pain if they hadn't held pleasure?! And how could one appreciate pleasure if they hadn't suffered pain? And so it has been, this dance between the two, navigating extreme sadness and the most wholesome, nourishing happiness. Both experiences are an opportunity to grow, and I know that I am returning home a different woman than the girl that set off in late Autumn. 

T.S. Eliot said,

"We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time." 

And so, after all this exploring, I'm returning into my spiritual self and my physical home, for the first time. Fresh. 

This winter has held so many magical moments, and so many beautiful people. It has offered up delicious food and perfect waves. The days and the nights haven't been long enough to contain the fun, bliss and abundance that has been sent to me. I owe it all to the company I've kept, so ill end with one more quote from TS Eliot, which sums up how I feel about the importance of some good friends. Thank you to EVERYONE who held me, loved me, nourished me and laughed with me this winter! I'll see you all again, someday...

"You do not know how much they mean to me, my friends,

And how, how rare and strange it is, to find

In a life composed so much, so much of odds and ends,

(For indeed I do not love it ... you knew? you are not blind! How keen you are!)

To find a friend who has these qualities,

Who has, and gives

Those qualities upon which friendship lives.

How much it means that I say this to you-

Without these friendships-life, what cauchemar!" 

― T.S. Eliot

Cailin Callahan

www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Friends with Shortboards...

Wake up no later than five. Start the kettle. Then I walk outside and holler into Nirs room for him to wake up. He joins me for some yoga in the living room, we take some tea, then it's back outside to holler into Zivs room through the window. Most mornings Ziv doesn't rally to surf, despite my multiple attempts to wake him. So by 6, Nir and I start the walk to the point. He is the eternal gentleman, so he carries my 9' log and I carry his little light potato chip. This has been my routine for months now, but I'm so grateful that Nir has joined in, and is enjoying it as much as me. It's always beautiful to share your mornings with a good friend, and its even better when that friend offers to carry your heavy ass longboard for you...

Cailin Callahan

www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Bliss and Abundance on a Big Rock.

Yesterday we had an adventure. Mimi, Nir and I headed to Okanda to check out the break and then to the Kudimbagala Monastery to climb to the top of the very very big rock. We saw nearly a dozen elephants along the way, and one that was almost too close for comfort. The real magic though was atop the rock...where the silence, the wind, and the hundreds of swifts flying around produce a sense of serenity that can't be found below. A few times I got a bit choked up as thoughts of my approaching departure came to mind, but then I just shut my eyes and surrendered to the bliss and the abundance that was all around me. Another beautiful day. 

Cailin Callahan

www.cailincallahan.blogspot.com

Mimi, Nir and Malcolm...
...thanks Dad.

Surfing, Crying, Laughing, Loving.

This year has been a roller coaster of emotions, and I'm so grateful to say that Arugam Bay has blessed me with abundance in all sorts and shapes and sizes. I have laughed until I cannot breathe...I have loved people here so much that they have physically become a part of me....and I have surfed, lord have I SURFED, until I cannot take another stroke. Arugam Bay has taught me (slowly, slowly) how to receive. My friends and family here have been a constant source of love and inspiration, and my time here with them has been nurturing me back to the powerful and amazing woman that I am capable of being. Each day is better than the day before. Each rice and curry is more delicious than the previous. Each friendship and love is embedded that much deeper into my being. Each today makes me grateful for yesterday and excited for tomorrow. Osho says that when someone you love dies, that a part of you dies as well. And that space that this person filled inside of you, well, it will always be somewhat of a void. He explains its like trying to fill a circle with cubes...yes, you can fill the space, but it won't be a perfect fit, there'll be gaps and holes despite it all. Well I was prepared to be broken forever. My dad was the love of my life, and I was ready to carry the burden of missing him til the day I left this earth and saw him again. But here, in this town, in the water- I am surrounded by him, and by people whom I know that he hand selected for me. Nir, Malcom and Mimi are especially chosen by him- I.Just.Know.It. Life is so challenging, but it is so incredibly beautiful. I would be lying if I said that it won't break my heart to leave this place and this community, but I am also excited for the day that I return here, for the times and places when ill reunite with the amazing individuals that I met here, and no matter where I am- I will ALWAYS hold this love in my heart. That's all for now, it's time to paddle out for a sunset session...

Spontaneous And Sensational

Did a last minute trip to Galle, literally hopping into the taxi minutes before it left. It began with Luther and Adena leaving for Galle....

1. Then Agenta said he'd drive
2. Then Nir needed to go to Galle to see about a house
3. Then Mimi decided to tag along and "see Galle"
4. Then I think "well, why not?!", packed an overnight bag and hopped in.

It was a 6 hour drive to Galle. We stopped off at an artisans shop full of wooden carvings, witnessed an amazing parade, and arrived in town to let out Adena and Luther. We then proceeded to a friends of Agentas, whose home is on the river just north of Galle. It was a totally random, cosmic, spontaneous adventure, that got slightly more weird and eclectic as the night went on. We ate some pot candies, sipped some beers, danced, played music, chilled out and then ate rice and curry at 1 in the morning, which we were hand fed by our host....ah, the customs and etiquette of eating in Sri Lanka will always baffle me. Nir, Mimi and I were give. The big room with AC to share, and the three local boys piled together on the couch. It was not what I had pictured when I hopped on the taxi, but it was a spontaneous bit of fun and randomness, one of those magic nights that happen only in Sri Lanka.

This morning we sipped some tea, said our goodbyes, and then stopped into the fort in Galle for a proper cappuccino at my beloved Pedlars Cafe.

It was nice to get out of town and break up the routine, but I'm happy that we are heading back to my sweet home Arugam Bay....