Our Beautiful World - Stone - The Acropolis, Athens, Greece, November 15, 2015

I have been fortunate to see many of the world's most beautiful places - the Acropolis in Athens, Greece and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, being among the most special.

The Acropolis of Athens, according to Wikipedia, "is an ancient citadel located high on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains several buildings of historical and architectural significance."  Seeing it always gives me chills and begins day dreams about what life must have been like in the time of Pericles and the ancient Greeks.  I sip wine in Plaka tavernas, feast on spanokapita, taramasalata and lamb and my imagination runs wild.  

I am participating in: OBW 123 ~ 123 Stone

Thursday 13 - Wonderful Places I've Seen - Septtember 26, 2013

I haven't participated in this meme before but it seems like fun.  Each Thursday,
you pick a theme and list thirteen things about it.  I can do that, I'm sure!

My very first time to participate, I thought I'd write about thirteen wonderful
places I've seen - though I don't have photos with me, here in India, to depict
all of them.

1.     The Taj Mahal in Agra, India - the Unesco World Heritage site which was
         built by Shah Jahan, for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving 
         birth to their 14th child

from Bing Images, domain free

The Taj Mahal

An architectural treasure,
A tribute to true love,
It almost seems to glow,
From a full moon above.

Made of pure white marble,
Mumtaz Mahal lies here,
With Emperor Shah Jahan,
Resting very near.

Such overwhelming beauty,
Reflected in its pool.
Its minarets standing guard,
Over India's treasured jewel.

Built on the River Yumana,
The Taj is an exquisite sight,
Symbolic of love for centuries,
Inspiring poets to write.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2008 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.  . 

2.     The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok,

        Thailand.- he is 15 m high and 47 m long

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Bangkok, Thailand

What is that you contemplate
As the crowds go passing through?
You lie in gilded splendor,
With nothing else to do.

Is there meaning to your dreamy face.
Could it be nirvana near?
Can you hear the faithful praying,
As they bow before you here?

Though you lie alone, Wat Pho is filled,
With Buddhas large and small,
A thousand other figures here,
So you are not alone at all.

Your surroundings are exotic,
Chedi graceful and serene,
A vast temple of great beauty,
A never forgotten scene.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright ©  1997 

3.     Iguazu Falls - on the border of Argentina and Brazil, was named as one

        of the winners of "The New Seven Wonders of Nature" - rent "The 

        Mission" with Robert de Niro which shows the splendor of the falls

from Bing Images, domain free

4.     Mysore Palace in Mysore in southern India - the official residence of the 

        Wodeyars who ruled Mysore for over seven centuries

5.  The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy is a freestanding bell tower that

      began to lean during construction.  The ground was too soft on one side

      to support the tower's weight.

6.     The Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, in Kyoto, Japan is officially named

         Rokuon.  It is a Zen Buddhist temple built in the midst of classical

         gardens with a reflecting pond.  It is part of a World Heritage site.

7.     The Sydney Opera House, in Sydney, Australia is also a World Heritage

         site looking out at Sydney Harbor.  It is a multiple venue site and is one 

         of the world's most famous performing arts centers.

from Bing Images, domain free

8.     Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada, located at

        Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, near Victoria.  It receives over a

        millions visitors a year.

from Bing Images, domain free

9.     The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California is one of the most

         internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco.  The American 

         Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Wonders of the Modern

         World.  I crossed this bridge, as a visitor from New Orleans when I was

         eighteen.  I'll never forget the thrill I felt - because I feel it every single 

         time I travel over it - and I have hundreds of times in the 35 + years 

         I've lived in the San Francisco area.

10.   Senso-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, located in the Asakusa

         area.  Next to it is a Shinto shrine.

11.    The Byodo-In Buddhist Temple on the island of Oahu in Hawaii is 

          a replica of a 900-year-old temple near Kyoto, Japan.  It is set in

          beautiful gardens, with the Ko'olau Mountains behind.  It has a

          9 foot Buddha and a three ton brass peace bell.  I see it every

          time I am on Oahu since it is in Kaneohe, about fifteen miles from

          Honolulu.

from Bing Images, domain free

12.    La Boquerria - (  Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria )  located on 

          La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain is my favorite of many markets I've

          visited about the world.  The produce and vegetables are so 

          artistically arranged and there are wonderful spots inside to have a

          quick meal of Padron peppers or calamari, or to sip a glass of

          Spanish wine.

13.    The Acropolis of Athens, Greece is an ancient citadel that looks out

          over the city, reminding all of its importance to history and the world.

I have been blessed to travel about much of the world so I could easily do

another post about thirteen wonderful places!!!

I am participating, for the first time in 

Thursday 13

Check it out and jointhe fun!

  

, 

India Bound - August 23, 2011

At long last, it is beginning to seem like a reality.  For so many years, I have

dreamed of returning to India but something has always interfered.  I even

had a ticket purchased last year but ended up being hospitalized and that

wreaked havoc with my plans.  I have, once again, arranged my flights,

via Air France, with frequent flyer miles, and my departure date will be

October 23, 2011, just 20 days after my 67th birthday.  I will have to

overnight at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris but that's fine.  It will give

me a little rest before I finally arrive in Mumbai.  I had initially thought I

might snooze at the airport but, considering my advanced years, I think I'll

splure and stay at a hotel instead.

I've already had most of my shots but there are a few remaining medical

tasks to complete - malaria medications to start taking before my departure,

a visit to my doctor for a summary of my medical conditions and a copy of

my medications, and that sort of thing.  I will visit an Indian doctor here for

recommendations for consults in India should that be necessary - but I hope

I'll be fine while I'm there.  However, I'm staying for SIX MONTHS so it's

best to be prepared!

To say that I am excited is a vast understatement.  I have been keeping

in touch with my many friends, mostly Royal Caribbean staff I've known

over the years, many of whom have offered me a place to stay while I

am there.  I am hoping to meet some of the new friends I've made in the

blogging community, as well. 

If anyone knows reasonable accomodations throughout India, please let me

know.  Since my job loss, now almost three years ago, I don't have funds for

some of the palatatial hotels for which India is famous.  I'd be happy for a

clean, safe place to sleep.  

I will start off my Indian adventure in Mumbai, where I stayed in 1997 for ten

days.  My friend, Santos, his wife, Lorna, and his two sons, Nick and Jake, are

there, living quite close to the international airport.  Many of my other Royal

Caribbean friends also live close by.

During my stay in India, I am hoping to cover many parts of this vast, lovely

country with its amazing history, culture, and diversity.  The food has always

been a favorite of mine, laced with exotic spices and tantalizing aromas and I

will certainly avail myself of it and, hopefully, return home able to cook many

Indian dishes.

I might even learn to speak a little Hindi - though I am most fortunate that

English is spoken almost everywhere!

My son, Jeremy, has said he might come to see me for a couple of weeks on

vacation which would be wonderful.  He is an avid traveler and always

embraced other cultures wholeheartedly.  I think some of my love of travel

certainly rubbed off on him.

In the next two months, I do have my work cut out for me.  I have to finish

packing up my house, sell many things on Craig's list, decide what I will be

taking to India, and finish myriad tasks.  If  I'm a bit slow in attending to blog

duties, forgive me. 

I will take my aging computer with me, of course, and, as often as I can, I'll

be posting.  Please think of me often and remember me in your prayers this

six months I will be away.  I return to the USA April 10, 2012 - but I won't

be leaving for another two months yet.

NAMASTE.

Happy 4th of July - Home To The USA - July 4, 2011

It's almost 2AM here in the San Francisco area and, already, I can hear

firecrackers going off.  I guess some folks must have been out on the

town and have decided not to wait until tonight to celebrate our

country's independence from England.  I have no special plans

myself.  I've been busy shredding papers all day, going through

boxes and trying to tidy up a bit before my dear friend of forty-

nine years, Martha Genin, arrives on Wednesday.  That is cause, in

itself, for celebration. 

My oldest son, Shawn, just got back late tonight, from a weekend with

friends in Las Vegas so I suspect he may sleep away the 4th.  My

youngest son, Jeremy, stopped by briefly this evening after an

afternoon of fishing and crabbing with a friend on the Pacific ( they

threw back their catch ) and Alex, my middle son, who lives a hundred

miles away in West Sacrmento is working.  That's all fine by me.

I celebrate the 4th in my heart, glad, in spite of all the problems we

face in the United States, that I am an American. 

Everyone knows, I am sure, how much I love to travel and I've been

truly blessed in that I have, until the loss of my job three years ago,

been to practically every corner of the globe.  The cherishd memories

of the beauty of this earth, the wonderful people I've met along the

way, the delights I've experienced will forever be with me.  Yet, when

all is said and done, it is always good to return to my homeland, this

country that I love above all, these fifty states that make up America.

One of the first poems in my book of poetry, "Life's Journey" which

was published in May of 2010 is called, "Home To The U.S.A.".

I may have printed it in my blog before but, today, on the 4th of

July, I am repeating it.  I love you, America!





Home to the USA

I*ve traveled all about this world,

And seen sights most sublime,

The marble towers of the Taj,

And set my watch by Big Ben’s time.

I stood in awe at the Acropolis,

Drank wines thoughout Bordeaux,

Sailed past the Sydney Opera House,

Played black jack in Monaco.

I’ve watched a Barbados sunset,

Rode the Star Ferry in Hong Kong,

I saw exotic dancers in Bali,

Heard Bangkok temple bells gong.

I marveled at David in Florence,

Prayed at a mosque in Brunei,

Danced tango in Buenos Aires,

Sampled samosas in far Mumbai.

Yet, no matter where I travel,

And how far afield I roam,

It feels good to return to America,

The best country of  all – for it’s home.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2005 Carmen Henesy.

All Rights Reserved

I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday #128 -

add your post and join in the fun!



Alphabe Thursday - "I" Is For India - June 16, 2011

"I" is for India,

The land of my dreams,

It's a country of contrasts,

Of the greatest extremes.

The country is huge,

Seventh land-wise, you see,

But its ranks number two,

In population density.

For all of these people,

With cultures diverse,

They have a democracy,

Working through times adverse.

 

It's the country of Gandhi,

And food wonderfully good,

There's a huge film industry,

They call "Bollywood!"

Women often wear saris,

In bright colored sheens,

They are incredibly beautiful,

As elegant as queens.

A truly breathtaking sight,

Is the magnificent Taj,

Its beauty overwhelms you,

It must be a mirage!

India is ancient,

Yet most modern, too,

From its intricate temples,

And skyscrapers new.

 

Darjeeling and Assam,

The most wonderful teas,

Both come from India,

And are sure to please.

It's a world filled with spices,

And myriad smells,

Horns noisly blaring,

And tinkling temple bells.

Elephants are painted,

In colors so bright,

For festive occasions,

They're a beautiful sight!

This country of my hearrt,

Is one all should see,

For its wonderful people,

Are true treasures to me!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2011 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

Dedicated with much affection to my Indian friends world wide!

Thanks to Bing Images for all photos!

I am participating in Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday - check out the

site and join in the fun!

An Incredible Kindess and A Wedding Video - Sunday, 6-27-10

Many of you have already discerned that India, some 8,000 miles away from San Francisco, is the home of my heart.  My brief ten day visit there in 1997,  and the friends I have made over the years, endear this country to me.  I have longed to return ever since my friends said goodbye to me at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport ( it was Sahar International Airport at the time ).  I was bound for Bangkok and the start of a 12 day southeast Asian cruise, praising the Lord that I had survived India's horrible traffic ( especially on the drive from Delhi to Agra to see the Taj
Mahal ). 

Just like one forgets being in labor at the joy of giving birth to a beautiful baby, one forgets the problems with India because there are so many wonderful and positive things - its history, culture, gentleness, beauty, the kindness of its people, to name a few.  I think that's partly why I am drawn to some of the Indian bloggers I've encountered in the eight months I've been writing
Carmen's Chronicles.

Still, I was really blown away last week when a blogging friend, Mitesh, who writes from India,
From Politics to Fashion, asked if he could make a video of Laura and Alex's wedding for me...just like that!  Having never set eyes on me in his life, not knowing either Laura or Alex, just out of the kindness of his heart.  I am sure he's as busy as can be, with plenty else to do in his life but, today, on his blog there it was and, in my email, he enclosed the links for me.  Now, I shed only a tear or two at the wedding but, as I watched this video at 7AM this morning, I cried and cried.  I thought it was so beautiful, set to the music Mitesh chose, and I cried that a friend I'd never met in India could give me such a special gift from the heart.

Laura and Alex, I am sure that you will like it.

To Mitesh, I say again - Dhanyavad. Namaste.



I promise you, this will be the last post about Laura and Alex's wedding!  I just had to show you this lovely video.  Just think what I will be like when I have my first

GRANDCHILD!

Sunrise

The inspiration for this poem was  someone very special to me - I last saw him in April of 2003 but it seems like it was just yesterday.  I met him within an hour after I boarded my very first

Royal Caribbean cruise in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  I had finished my novel and had gone to the

library on the Monarch of the Seas to get another book to read.  The Champagne Bar happened to be right across the way so I stepped in to take a look around.  He was the bartender there and, though I am not especially fond of champagne, he delighted in telling me that they also had excellent wines.  Being a snobby Californian, of course, I was dubious so I sat down and checked out the wine list.  It was above par - with some fine wines from California as well as

other parts of the world.  On that seven day cruise, the Champagne Bar was my favorite spot and Santos became a beloved friend.  Over the next eight years, I continued to sail frequently with Royal Caribbean, as often as possible with my Indian friend and when he would transfer ships, I would sail on the new itineraries.  He, and the other Indian crew became like family to me, as did many other crew members from all over the world.  He came to California on two occasions, once for two weeks and once for another week and became part of our family.  We even celebrated Thanksgiving though it wasn't Thanksgiving then so he would see what the celebration was like in an American home.  Of course, he'd been on the ships during Thanksgiving time but he'd never been able to be part of a U. S. family!

While he was visiting us, we would take him to Napa and the Russian River to see as many wineries as possible, since his job with Royal Caribbean evolved into that of sommelier.  He was always so thrilled with whatever he saw and did.  As a surprise, one morning at dawn, I suprised him with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the vineyards at Napa.  It was such fun to see his delight.

In 1997, I had the most exciting trip of my life when I spent ten days at the home of Santos, his wife, Lorna, his son, Nick, his mother, May, and his brother in Mumbai, India.  I was treated like visiting royalty.  Two other dear Royal Caribbean crew friends were also home at that time and they came over as well to welcome me to their country.

It was a time of feasting, laughter, amazement and delight for me.  I went with Santos' mother to Agra and marveled at the beauty of the Taj Mahal.  It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  The memory of that day will be with me until my dying breath.  I even wrote a poem about it years later.  

Santos left his position with Royal Caribbean in May of 2003.   I last sailed with him in April of that year.  Though the miles separate us, he and his family remain dear to my heart.  I have wanted so badly to return to India.  His lovely mother died a couple of years ago so I will not see her again.  I was supposed to go for a month in mid-October of this year and even had my ticket - I had saved those frequent flyer miles for an eternity.  It was to be a really special trip because I would see not only Santos and his family but five other of my Royal Caribbean "family" who were home on vacation and several others who have since retired from the company.  Sadly, my mother became ill and I had to go to Georgia instead.  Also, my nursing job of 21 years with San Francisco ended and money became an issue.  My Indian friends assured me that I didn't need to worry about food or lodging, I just needed to get myself there.  

God willing, I will still get that chance again!  I still have the miles and I want to see all those dear friends before my life ends.  After all, I'm known in Royal Caribbean circles as the American mother of the Indian crew!

Me, Santos, & my youngest son, Jeremy, in July 2002 

( Jeremy's high school graduation present was a cruise )

I've now completed 78 cruises with Royal Caribbean - 26 on my original ship, the Monarch of the Seas.

Here I am late one night, having a couple of bottles of wine in the dining room, with my dear friends, Irish maitre d',

Seamus Mee, four Indian headwaiters and a great Indian chef!  

Sunrise

I see the dawn light up the sky,
And soon the sun breaks through,
The colors bring me little joy,
Since I am far from you.

You are on a distant shore,
Your day is at its end,
As the sun comes up tomorrow,
I will miss you, dearest friend.

The days all run together,
Brilliant sunrise, follows dawn,
All I feel is utter loneliness,
And sadness since you've gone.

When, at last, we meet again,
And never have to part,
There will be eternal sunrise,
Taking place within my heart.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2007 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved.

 Lake Tahoe Sunrise by scottleeschwartz Flickr

Light at the End of the Pier - Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii - PatruckSmithPhotography -Flickr

Pre -dawn light over the Golden Gate Bridge - Oldvidhead - Flickr

The Taj Mahal

Tomorrow, I was supposed to be leaving for India.  It is a country that I have grown to love.  Over the last fifteen years of cruising with Royal Caribbean, I have made so many friends among the crew, from various parts of that country, that I am affectionately known by many, as their "American mother."  

I met Ode Santos, a bartender in the Champagne Bar, on the Monarch of the Seas, shortly after I boarded in San Juan, Puerto Rico for my first cruise with Royal Caribbean.  He quickly became a dear friend and, less than two years later, I spent ten days as a guest at his home in Mumbai.  I was treated like a visiting dignitary by everyone in his family - and by other crew members who were home on vacation while I was there.  The highlight of the trip was a journey to Agra with his mother where we visited the Taj Mahal, a place I had dreamed about but never thought I would actually see.  It was an incredible experience.

Since that time, my Indian "family" has grown to huge numbers and I have been promising to return, hoarding frequent flyer miles to make the trip.  I have tried, on several occasions, to schedule a flight but seats were unavailable.  Finally, I found three weeks from November 15 until December 10th and I eagerly scheduled my trip.  Unfortunately, my mother's failing health necessitated a change in my plans.  With the three weeks I just spent in Georgia and the financial strain that imposed, plus the lack of time to prepare for the trip and arrange my visa, yesterday, I had the airline replace the frequent flyer miles in my account ( at the cost of $100! ).  
I was in tears as I spoke to the KLM agent.  I have to write to all my Indian friends today.  I was going to many places throughout the country, staying at people's home during my entire stay.  

I pray that I will still make the trip in the future.  What was so nice about these dates is that many of my crew friends were going to be on vacation at this time, making it even more wonderful for me.  Also, the annual release date for "The Eternity Magazine," a beautiful publication that is a forum for writers and poets globally, focusing on spirituality, peace, and the environment, is to be released in Mumbai this month.  Its editor, Harekrushna Mahanta, had planned for me to be there as a visiting guest poet from the United States., along with a Mumbai film director for media coverage of the event.  It would have been such an honor.


I've written two poems about India.  One I'll post today, called, "The Taj Mahal."  I wish I could find the beautiful professional pictures that were taken there.  I have searched so many times for them.  They have never turned up although I know I brought them home with me.  I cannot even put into words my feelings when I first saw the beauty of this incredible place!

The Taj Mahal

Agra, India

( photo courtesy of weforanimals.com )

The Taj Mahal

An architectural treasure,
A tribute to true love,
It almost seems to glow,
From a full moon above.

Made of pure white marble,
Mumtaz Mahal lies here,
With Emperor Shah Jahan,
Resting very near.

Such overwhelming beauty,
Reflected in its pool.
Its minarets standing guard,
Over India's treasured jewel.

Built on the River Yumana, 

The Taj is an exquisite sight,
Symbolic of love for centuries,
Inspiring poets to write.

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2008 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved.