Your stories are always so interesting with so much to think about. The vibe in USA, especially now, is pretty intense. But even 30-40 years ago after trips to Europe - upon returning to San Francisco the increase in speed was palpable, unnerving. Of course after a few days one blended back into the atmosphere with numbness. Now we live in central Mexico at 6,800 feet and the vibe is sooo much more tranquilo. And one can escape to small pueblos and ignore modernity pretty easily. The spiritual is here, a blend of Catholic and indigenous religions, which is pretty interesting. I avoided Mexico for many years earlier in life due to the usual concerns of safety and security. It is now at the center of my heart. Thanks Jeff for your lovely writing.
I participated in the Himalayan Writers Workshop in 2018 and 2022. Sadly, missed Jeff both times. After the 2018 HWW, it was so life changing, I had to go back to Nepal. So I did in 2019 on my own. I did hang out with James some in 2019 and ventured again as in 2018, out to Western Nepal, to Bardia Homestay on the edges of Bardiya National Park. I think of that part of the trip as my Indiana Jones experience, but that's another story.
Nepal is a wonder. For the world's tallest mountains and storied jungles of tigers and elephants. But for all its natural wonders, nothing compares to the personal, the spiritual wonders there.
My advice. If you can, go. There is nothing more than this.
I first read Shopping for Buddhas in the late 1990s, when I was first imagining myself as a travel writer, about the same time I first read Pico and Henry Miller's Greece book and Colin Thubron. I hope to someday make it to Nepal. I have the points to get there, I think. I must think some more ...
I’ve been journeying to places I’ve never been, this lifetime, by reading Shopping For Buddhas, thank you Jeff for leaving trails of written words of wisdom that speak to the soul (and anatman or no self). Wouldn’t it be marvelous to attend the Writers Workshop but for now, the comfort of Buddha-Nature in the buzz-void of shallow America will have to do instead of Katmandhu… maybe I’ll go put on Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir and sit with elders of a gentle race this world has seldom seen… and whom I blessedly see in your books 🙏 namaste
Your stories are always so interesting with so much to think about. The vibe in USA, especially now, is pretty intense. But even 30-40 years ago after trips to Europe - upon returning to San Francisco the increase in speed was palpable, unnerving. Of course after a few days one blended back into the atmosphere with numbness. Now we live in central Mexico at 6,800 feet and the vibe is sooo much more tranquilo. And one can escape to small pueblos and ignore modernity pretty easily. The spiritual is here, a blend of Catholic and indigenous religions, which is pretty interesting. I avoided Mexico for many years earlier in life due to the usual concerns of safety and security. It is now at the center of my heart. Thanks Jeff for your lovely writing.
And thank you, Rob, for your thoughtful comment.
I participated in the Himalayan Writers Workshop in 2018 and 2022. Sadly, missed Jeff both times. After the 2018 HWW, it was so life changing, I had to go back to Nepal. So I did in 2019 on my own. I did hang out with James some in 2019 and ventured again as in 2018, out to Western Nepal, to Bardia Homestay on the edges of Bardiya National Park. I think of that part of the trip as my Indiana Jones experience, but that's another story.
Nepal is a wonder. For the world's tallest mountains and storied jungles of tigers and elephants. But for all its natural wonders, nothing compares to the personal, the spiritual wonders there.
My advice. If you can, go. There is nothing more than this.
Thank you for this Michael! Lovely seeing you yesterday, heard you had some good conversations.
I so enjoyed seeing you yesterday with the HWW crew. Be still my heart.
I launched my Substack. I could use some pointers on publishing. It’s less than obvious but I’m figuring it out as I go.
Hope to see you there.
https://substack.com/@michaelgeraldyamasaki?r=1fyctu&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
Love this perspective "its inhabitants live life on a human scale." A wonderful way to reflect on Nepal.
p.s. I joined one if Jeff's pervious trips - to Cuba. It was filled with so much fun. Still fast friends with many in the group today.
Thank you so much, Erin!
Lovely post. Wish I could join you in looking for the signal amid the noise.
Wish I could join you !
Just keep twisting my arm, Jeff.
(although with a reputation like mine, I'd be bound to cause you three nothing but trouble...)
I first read Shopping for Buddhas in the late 1990s, when I was first imagining myself as a travel writer, about the same time I first read Pico and Henry Miller's Greece book and Colin Thubron. I hope to someday make it to Nepal. I have the points to get there, I think. I must think some more ...
Don't think too long!
I’ve been journeying to places I’ve never been, this lifetime, by reading Shopping For Buddhas, thank you Jeff for leaving trails of written words of wisdom that speak to the soul (and anatman or no self). Wouldn’t it be marvelous to attend the Writers Workshop but for now, the comfort of Buddha-Nature in the buzz-void of shallow America will have to do instead of Katmandhu… maybe I’ll go put on Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir and sit with elders of a gentle race this world has seldom seen… and whom I blessedly see in your books 🙏 namaste
Ah, Brad, what a gift your words are!
https://sharonski.substack.com/p/xanadu
Wow, Sharon, thank you so much!