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Nu har jag även varit medföljare på Yoga Retreat. Vi höll till på Kaomai Lanna resort strax söder om Chiang Mai.

Vet man om att man ska på minimalistiskt yoga läger och det är det man ska göra så var det en ganska bra plats att vara på.

Tänker man sig att allt är tipp topp och tjo och tjim kan man bli besviken. Men resorten hade stora grönområden en väldigt stor pool även om det var sjukt kallt i vattnet så det kändes mer som hopp i en isvak och Ludvig hyperventilerade när jag sänkte ner honom i vattnet och pekade mot land på en gång… En väldigt positiv kanadensare frågade om vi hade hört aporna som sprang på taket på nätterna (råttorna). Vi enades om att bestämma att det var ekorrar, för allas trevnad.

Det var ca 50 deltagare där och de allra flesta var oerhört sympatiska och väldigt framgångsrika inom sina vardagssysslor. Alltifrån consulting till att sköta köpcenter till författarskap. Av alla jag pratade med hade de flesta det gemensamt att de inte riktigt bodde någonstans. Några letade efter en ny plats att bo på, någon hade precis sålt sitt hus eller sina lägenheter och skulle härnäst flytta till en ny del av världen där de hade ett annat hus.

Ett gäng nomader helt enkelt. Tro’t eller ej – på ett Yoga läger..?

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Vi skulle sälja vår fantastiska bil, innan 31 december. Nissan Terrano II. En bil som tagit oss överallt; River Kwai, Phuket, Koh Samed (åtminstone till piren), Ayuttayha och Kao Yai förutom nästan dagligt användande hemma i stan.

Vi annonserade ut den i oktober första gången och fick lite svar, framförallt från Rumänska ambassaden som verkar förfölja mig. Deras councellor kom och tittade på den och frågade om han fick provsitta den. Jovisst kunde han få det – så han satt sig och körde sakta framåt ca fem meter och med tanke på hur ryckigt det gick är jag glad att vi inte åkte längre.

Han frågade om bilen hade fem växlar och jag svarade att det hade den.

"Jaså, 4+1?" frågar han då?

"Nej, den är 5-växlad" säger jag.

"Jaha, 6-växlad" säger han," 5+1. Fem växlar och backen"

Jag tittar på honom såsom man bara kan titta på en rumän när en sådan lvererar en sanning som inte finns i en annan del av världen och ler och säger att just precis, den är sexväxlad, 5+1.

Han är intresserad av bilen men vill gärna flytta ratten från vänster till höger sida och ber att få återkomma.

Rumänen återkommer men är inte intresserad då det inte gick att flytta ratten.

I december annonserar vi igen och i sista veckan kommer en hel del intressenter och tittar på bilen. En kvinna från Belgien var mest hugad och bestämde sig idag på morgonen för att köpa bilen och hon hade tillräckligt med kontanter hemma för att betala den.

Efter massor med dealande om försäkring, kontrakt och överlämning verkar det vara bäst att jag kör bilen till hennes hus. Hon säger att hon behöver åka med i så fall då det är väldigt svårt att förklara var hon bor. Så jag plockar upp henne vid Victory monument runt kl 13 på eftermiddagen och vi kör mot floden. Vi kommer fram efter några minuter och vi kommer fram till något av det mest fantastiska hus jag sett här i stan. Där bor hon.

Registreringsskyltarna tas bort då de hör till respektive ambassad och inte till bilen, vi går in och hon tar fram en brun papperspåse med alla pengarna i. Jag räknar sedlarna och behåller påsen. Hon frågar om jag har någon väska och jag skakar på huvudet och säger att det har jag inte utan får låna en plastpåse av henne – antagligen FÅR jag plastpåsen. I plastpåsen stoppar jag registreringsskyltarna och papperspåsen med alla tusenlappar och hon frågar om jag också ska åka taxi tillbaka.

Taxi verkar vara bästa alternativet men inte förstod jag att den här 60 åriga kvinnan menade motorcykeltaxi… vi hoppade på varsin och färdades i ca 15 minuter på ömsom fyrfilig väg och ömsom tvåfilig väg. Allt medan jag satt där med min plastpåse innanför skjortan och registreringsskyltarna som stack upp ur kragen och vinden som blåste i håret.

Jag funderade åtminstone fyra gånger under färden om det verkligen var värt det – först när jag kom fram till banken och satte in pengarna på kontot var jag övertygad om att det nog var det trots allt.

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Idag skulle Ludvig återgå till dagis. Det hade vi bestämt, det vore nog bra för honom att träffa lite andra barn och vara aktiv tillsammans med dem. Han gick ju några veckor på dagis tidigare och verkade tycka det var kul.

Nu kom vi dit och han verkade undra vad det var för zoo han hade hamnat i, men började plocka lite med de färgglada leksakerna som finns där, vilket förstås är annorlunda än hans Moët kartong här hemma.

Det såg bra ut och jag skulle gå, men Ludvig började gråta, oj oj oj. Det var tungt, jag stannade lite till, lekte med honom så att han kunde lära sig trycka på rätt knappar på apparaten som gav ifrån sig ljud. Han satt med en av lärarna och plockade i klossar i en korg, han träffade rätt och blev jätteglad, han applåderade åt sig själv och tittade på dagisfröken som tittade åt ett annat håll. Då tittade han på mig och vi skrattade båda två och klappade händerna. Han kom och satte sig hos mig en stund och vi fortsatte att leka, han sträckte sig efter klossarna, en och en och gav till mig och han verkade glad. Han stack iväg över golvet mot böckerna och letade bland dem, han såg mig inte längre och jag stannade några minuter till innan jag på nytt reste mig från golvet för att gå.

Jag tänkte att jag ju inte kan smita iväg så jag ville säga hejdå igen, men hann inte göra det innan Ludvig återigen förstod att han skulle bli lämnad kvar och började gråta igen. Jag började också gråta och en omhändertagande dagisfröken tog sig an Ludvig och visade honom runt och jag gick till bilen med tårarna rullandes längs kinderna. Det var hårt och jag frågar mig om det är bra eller dåligt. Jag åker nog snart dit och hämtar hem honom igen!

Här hemma ligger besökande vännerna och sover, de sover så djupt som bara trebarnsföräldrar kan sova när deras barn befinner sig på andra sidan jorden. Jag är glad att de är här och hoppas att de är det också.

Jag är också glad när jag tack vare Word insåg att jag skrivit 4 sidor på mitt första kapitel i boken. Det är alltså kapitel nummer 1 och jag skriver inte i kronologisk ordning.

Middag och kalas i lördags. Det kan ha varit så att jag fick besöka den vackraste condo byggnaden i stan. I alla fall den finaste jag har varit i. Men men det må ju vara hänt, festen blir inte alltid roligare för det.

Nu var tillställningen trevlig och maten var god. Raul som var där berättade att han ombetts att för fjärde gången i år åka till Afghanistan och filma. Han åker tydligen med US troops då. Känns lite självmordsbenäget. Han tyckte tre gånger kunde räcka och var inte så sugen på att åka igen, men hans kollega var fast besluten att få Pulitzer priset i år och skulle därför åka igen.

Raul verkade tycka att det var ett fult knep att få priset på, plus att han inte ville åka igen.

Då berättade en tjej om “Genius priset” som funnits sedan början av 80-talet. En mytomspunnen händelse där man blir uppringd av någon okänd som berättar att man har blvit “A Genius” och får US$ 500 000 för det, fördelat på 10 år så att man ska fortsätta göra det man gör. Det visade sig att kameramannen och hon hade en gemensam bekant i Turkiet som fått priset nyligen för sin fotografering, krigsfotografering samt att de kände till ytterligare en konstnär i New York som fått det.

Just där och då slog det mig att jag också känner någon som är “A Genius” och som fått priset, men att det var ca 15 år sedan och de har alltså slutat komma till henne vid det här laget. Hon heter Ruth och bygger Birth centers i fattiga områden i New York och Washington D.C. Jag tyckte det var fantastiskt då när hon fick det och jag tycker fortfarande det är fantastiskt att man kan få pengar för så skilda saker.

As a beginner to triathlon, you probably have a lot of questions. The best advice I have for a beginner’s first triathlon is to take it easy and to have a good time – it’s not brain surgery and should be fun.

Here are seven tips for the triathlon beginner:

1. For beginners, triathlon training should be targeted to a shorter distance race – almost always a sprint triathlon. Sometimes you can even find a beginner triathlon advertised in your area. Today races fill up pretty quick, so pick a race and sign up now (this will also give you a goal race to keep you committed).

2. Come up with a triathlon training plan. There are some great beginner triathlon training plans available on the web.

3. Triathlon beginners usually need to work on their swimming. So the next step is to find a pool where you can train. If you can find one with a swim coach or masters swimming program that is ideal. Otherwise, try to get a more experienced triathlete or certified triathlon coach to help. You’ll find several additional swimming tips here on my site.

4. Beginner triathlon training mileage should be reasonable. You will be tempted to over train at the beginning, especially if you are already a strong athlete. Try to resist the temptation. Triathlon beginners should work on their weakest event the most, and just make sure they can finish the other events. You can build speed after you finish your first race.

5. Practice your transitions, but don’t go overboard. A beginner triathlon bike leg transition is especially good to practice by doing a few “brick” workouts – where you complete a bike workout and then go for a run before you cool down. But take it easy. Just make sure you have all your triathlon gear ready and that you know how you plan to get it on and off in the transition area. That is plenty of preparation for your first triathlon.

6. Listen to pre-race instructions carefully and ask questions if you have them. Everyone was a triathlon beginner once, so don’t be embarrassed to ask questions. It seems like almost every triathlon has some slightly different setup, so even professionals have to ask questions about things like where to rack a bike, how to get from the swim area to the bikes, where the bike dismount area is and other details. If you have questions, ask.

7. Relax and enjoy your first triathlon. Don’t forget to have fun during the intensity of the race. Take pride in the fact that you reached your goal. If you have any challenges (the most common are mechanical problems on the bike) just remember that this is your first race. Remind yourself that you are just “learning the ropes” – don’t add performance pressure until you have first proven to yourself that you can do it.

If you follow these seven tips you’ll have a great first triathlon – and be on your way to going from a “beginner triathlete” to a “competitive” one.

http://www.coach-janet.com Triathlon Coach Janet Wilson is a USAT certified triathlon coach and ACE certified personal trainer. Janet is an accomplished and nationally-ranked amateur triathlete and she coaches triathletes of all skill levels, from a triathlon beginner to Hawaii Ironman qualifiers. To learn more about triathlon training, swim tips, coaching programs or just great tips on how to stay in shape visit her website at http://www.coach-janet.com

Author: Janet Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

When it comes to picking and choosing a hotel, it all comes down to location, location, location. In the city of Bangkok, the Sukhumvit district is simply all about that, location. When you stay here, you’re staying in the heart of Bangkok. Sukhumvit district is an upscale area where many well to do Thais and foreign expats make their home. Soon followed the posh shops, super department stores and excellent clubs and bars that cater to some of Bangkok’s wealthy citizens.

There are two red light districts in the Sukhumvit area as well and are connected by Sukhumvit road. They are called Nana and Soi Cowboy. Both are just a short 10 to15 minute walk from each other and vice versa. In Sukhumvit is also where you’ll find some of the best clubs and discos in Bangkok.So as you can figure out by now this area is a very populararea to stayinfor visitors from all over the world.

Booking a hotel in Sukhumvit district brings a lot of distinct advantages tovacationers to Bangkok.There isa train system call the BTS Sky Train that runs above Sukhumvit road.The Sky Train has several stations inSukhumvit and and it’ll taketravelers to about 70% of the major attractions in Bangkok.It’sfast, easy, cheap and most importantly well air conditioned in Bangkok’s often hot and humid client.There are loads of other transportation alternatives in the Sukhumvit area such as taxis and tuk tuks.

Hotels in the Sukhumvit district vary greatly in price. There are no super cheap accommodations, but you can get a pretty good local hotel for around $40 US dollars, and the rates include a buffet breakfast. Lots of well known international business hotels are also found on Sukhumvit road such as JW Marriott, Westin and Sheraton. These hotels cost more but are still affordable compared to western standards.

The good news is you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to stay in a great hotel room in Bangkok. Many popularBangkok hotels along Sukhumvit can be had between $40USD – $60USD, which is considered in the budget range. Hotels with these ratesmay include guest access to swimming pools, saunas and a fitness center. About 95% of the hotels in Sukhumvit also include free daily breakfast in their rates too. Below you will find the names of some very popular and affordable hotels in Sukhumvit Bangkok.

Top 5 Hotels in Sukhumvit Bangkok:

1. Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel & Resort
2. Grand President Hotel
3. Dawin Bangkok Hotel
4. Aspen Suites
5. Salil Hotel

Here’s one final tip that you may find very helpful. When you check in to the hotel, it’s best to dress as nicely as possible. Don’t come in wearing a tank top and shorts with flip flops. Thai people see well dressed guest as someone who is higher up in the social order. The higher you look in the social order, the more respect and extra attention you’ll get. Even casual wear goes a long way. Dressing well may surprise you with a room upgrade.

For more information about the hotels mentioned here visit Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel Reviews. You will also find list of popular hotels in the area.

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to Southeast Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.

Author: Edwin M Clark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

One of the most frequent questions posed by beginner triathletes at the store is “What type of apparel should I wear for my training or for my races?”. Although the question sounds simple enough, a chapter of a triathlon book can be devoted to this one topic. When determining what type of apparel to wear for training or for races, one should ask the following questions:

What are the distances of the races in which I will be competing?

What type of workouts will I be doing during training (i.e. bike-run brick workouts, individual swimming workouts, swim-bike brick workouts, individual run only workouts, individual cycling only workouts)?

Triathlon Apparel for Racing

In response to the first question, it is important to contemplate what apparel to wear based on the distance of the race in which you are competing. For sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, the distances are short enough for men and women that they can wear a triathlon short that has minimal padding and no pockets. For a top, it is recommended to wear a tighter fitting singlet or tank top for men or a “racerback” or tankini top for women. To minimize drag in the water while swimming, a tighter, skin fitting top will typically result in better times as opposed to a looser fitting top which can create more drag and retain more water.

For men and women who do not like to race in shorts and a top, a one-piece triathlon suit is also ideal in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. A one-piece triathlon suit is usually very snug and should fit in such a way that you will feel extremely hydrodynamic during your swim. If your one-piece suit feels too loose, it will probably result in drag while swimming and it is more likely to make your suit balloon up” with water.

For men, a one-piece triathlon suit will often have a front zipper which comes in handy when it feels too hot. Simply pulling the zipper down a few inches can provide some much needed ventilation. For women, a one-piece triathlon suit sometimes comes equipped with a built in support bra which will allow for also pulling the zipper down to allow for ventilation.

In Ironman and full Ironman distance races, while the triathlete has the same options as listed above (shorts and a top or a one-piece suit), it may be wiser to go with a separate top and a separate bottom. If you are a pro or elite triathlete and you are finishing your or full Ironman distance in warp speed times, a simple flip of the coin may make your decision.

For the age group triathlete who may be out on the course for a much longer time, wearing a one-piece triathlonsuit can cause problems if nature calls and you find yourself in the porta-john half way through your run. While it may sound simple just to pull down your suit and “do what you have to do”, it is much harder to do this when your body is cramping and when you are battling other physical challenges during your race. Because of this issue alone, it is a good idea for age groupers to opt for a separate pair of triathlon shorts and a separate top during a or full Ironman.

Additionally, a triathlon short with more padding and a looser fitting jersey as opposed to a tighter fitting top (used in a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon) are also recommended. Most looser fitting jerseys also have one or even more pockets which are very useful for stashing gels or other essentials that are needed when on the bike or during the run.

Training

Due to the fact that a vast array of triathlon training sessions exist, the type of apparel needed for training varies compared to apparel needed for race day. bike-run brick workouts, individual swimming workouts, swim-bike brick workouts, individual run only workouts, individual cycling only workouts

Bike-run brick workouts

Depending on how long your brick is, this will determine what type of apparel to wear. For shorter bike-run brick workouts (similar to sprint or Olympic distance races), men and women should develop a comfort level with their apparel and simulate race day conditions. With that said, a one-piece tri suit or a triathlon short with minimal padding are ideal. Since it is training, although the tighter top would simulate race day conditions, a looser fitting top is also fine for training. On the contrary, if the bike-run brick workout is considerably longer (in preparation for a or full Ironman), a triathlon short with more padding and a looser fitting jersey are ideal.

Individual swimming workouts

For workouts that will only require swimming, the location of the swim will dictate what type of apparel to wear. If the swim is at a chlorinated pool, one should consider using a swim jammer that contains chlorine resistant fabric (i.e. TYR or Speedo jammers for men and TYR or Speedo Swimsuits for women). Unfortunately, although triathlon shorts and triathlon tops can handle swims in open water, they are really not made to endure chlorine. Consequently, one is much more likely toextend the lifeof his or her triathlon apparel by not using it for pool swimming (and using it much more for bike and run training).

If the swim workouts are in open water, triathlon shorts and tops can be used, but it is recommended to rinse out your clothes soon after your workout is completed.

Swim-bike brick workouts

For swim-bike brick workouts, the length of the training will dictate what type of apparel to wear. If the workout is in preparation for a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon, a one-piece triathlon suit or a separate top and bottom with minimal padding is ideal. For a longer brick, a triathlon short with more padding will be sufficient.

Individual run workouts

For those days when you will only be running, you can pretty much wear anything that your heart desires. For men, regular traditional running shorts along with a looser fitting dry fit t-shirt or tank top will suffice. If you have become so used to using your triathlon shorts, knock yourself out and go with the triathlon shorts. For women, traditional running shorts (or tights/knickers) and a crop top, tank top, etc. will usually do the trick.

Individual cycling workouts

For those days when you will only be cycling, the possibilities are endless. For men and women, a well padded cycling short (or even a triathlon short with minimal padding if you are conditioned enough to not need the extra padding) and a comfortable jersey (sleeveless, short sleeve, or long sleeve if the weather is cool enough).

All in all, when it comes to deciding what type of apparel to wear for training and racing, several factors can affect a triathlete’s decision. As with anything in the world of sports, it is important to develop a comfort level with your apparel during training and as often as your schedule permits, simulate race day conditions so that come race day, apparel will not be a cause for worry.

Roy Lazarus – Trivillage.com Customer Service

If you are currently looking for triathlon apparel (or cyling or running apparel), send an e-mail to customerservice@trivillage.com or call 866-874-2525 to communicate with a customer service representative who can assist you in answering your apparel questions. If you purchase apparel from Trivillage.com, you can try the apparel on at home, and if it does not feel like the right fit, you have 45 days from the date of receipt to return the apparel for a full credit to your credit card on file.

Check out the great selection of triathlon apparel on Trivillage.com by visiting the following link: http://www.trivillage.com/apparel.html

Author: Roy Lazarus
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

In many ways than one Sukhumvit is the face of modern Bangkok. It is not only one of the longest roads in Thailand, but one of the longest roads in the world. Towards the west end you have Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road, but to the east it runs most of the way to the Cambodian border.

The fleshpots of Nana and Soi Cowboy are also just off Sukhumvit, as are plenty of more (or less) salubrious bars. Also, the sidewalks of Sukhumvit itself become a huge market carrying everything from luggage to fake Rolex watches, and then after midnight they turn into sidewalk cafes and bars.Sukhumvit offers some of the best dining in Bangkok, From 5 star dining to street carts, The variety of choices and taste are almost overwhelming.

Some of the major attractions in Sukhumvit are Siam Square- which could be termed Bangkok’s Time’s square and the Jim Thompson house which is named a former CIA operative and houses a quality silk store that was founded by him, the house was crafted from six traditional Thai style houses. Erawan Shrine is a small but interesting place to visit and visitors can also see traditional Thai dancing during the day.

Sukhumvit being the modern face of Bangkok is a great place to go shopping or to dine out. A number of shopping malls and plazas can b e found dotted all over the Sukhumvit road and offer items ranging from modern electronics to traditional Thai souvenirs. There is a huge selection of places to eat in practically every cuisine in the world is represented, you can sample some of the best Japanese, Lebanese, or Indian food you will ever eat.

To explore Sukhumvit Road fully and to enjoy its nightlife it’s advisable for travelers to spend a few nights in the area. A number of Bangkok Sukhumvit apartments can be found and are a much more reliable and safe option than staying in small guest houses. Bangkok serviced apartments usually offer guests are host of facilities and are as convenient and comfortable as a hotel.

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in hotel Internet marketing industry.

Author: Naveen Marasinghe
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to be able to perform your best in a triathlon competition. You might be riding the best equipments and gears in the world but without enough strength, training and willingness to outdo everybody else, your investment may be worth nothing.

Aside from the entry ticket, you are sure to finish the race with a great sense of achievement at a minimal cost and lots of hard work.

For starters, verging into a triathlon competition is really a task. After all, the same is true for the triathlon warriors. So anything worth starting with will do. You need not punch holes in your pockets for a new bike, it is best to test the waters first. You might spend a grand on the latest gears only to find out later that triathlon is not your stuff. Make do with what you have first and later decide if triathlon lifestyle is truly yours to live.

The bike stage takes most of the course in a triathlon race. This is the make it or break it ground. The edge you have earned earlier with the swim stage would mean nothing if you tarry on the second leg of the race. The easiest option you can choose is to play with the crowd and stick with them if you can’t get over them.

With this idea in mind, you can rest assured that the best training you may have is group training. There are regular weekend bikers that will help you get better. You may practice on your own but crowded biking is different from solo biking.

What’s good with these folks is that they understand the techniques of training and so if you are a beginner, you’ll be given the advantage of benefiting from those that will give allowances for trainees like themselves. But beware, training in this manner will cause you to react in two ways- to find your comfort zone or to bring out the best from you by encouraging you to be like the best of them. Nevertheless, they may still pass on some tips that will better your game. Like with swimming, you may get the kicks of the person swimming in front of you but that way, you will be trained.

Triathlon biking may look like plain biking at first sight but when we incorporate the principles of aerodynamics and endurance in it, then we can say it is a different story.

Low Jeremy has been writing articles for a number of years now. He contributes informative articles on various topics like health, interior design and product reviews for websites. His latest contribution can be found over at http://www.largepictureframes.net where he share tips on choosing large picture frames and other interior design ideas.

Author: Low Jeremy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com