love to travel – Adventures with Wen – Chronicles of a Spirited Traveler

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple

ByWen May 2, 2023September 12, 2023

On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…

Last Day in Thailand

ByWen March 30, 2023September 11, 2023

I forgot to tell you about the motorcycle ride we took last night around the base of the mountain that you’ve seen in many of my photos. I’ve spent little time on motorcycles and never at night but the temperature was perfect for taking the long way home, balmy and smooth like butter, and with…

When “the plan is no longer the plan”

ByWen March 29, 2023September 11, 2023

I woke to the sound of gongs from the temple down the street, matching a memory rhythm of gliding on a swing as a child, and I swear my body, breath, and mind synced to the pace at this moment. What a wonderful way to greet the day. We found a filling breakfast of rice,…

Chiangkhan Culture

ByWen March 28, 2023September 11, 2023

My friend and guide was released from the hospital after days of monitoring a punctured lung. We are so glad to have him back on his feet. After yesterday’s visit to the old temple, I learned it is between 300-400 years old and part of the old Langchiang Province, formerly known as “1 million elephants…

The Gift of the Unexpected

ByWen March 26, 2023September 11, 2023

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself when traveling is the mindset to remain flexible, be willing to pivot as circumstances change, and look for the gift in the unexpected situation. I came to Thailand to visit a friend and get to know the country a bit to share with you here. With…

The Eagle Has Landed

ByWen March 22, 2023September 11, 2023

Most of my recent trips have been on packed flights with no empty seats but we had some breathing room today. And I had the exquisite pleasure of a lovely seat mate on the way to Seoul. Vick was a retired plastic surgeon from the Philippines, educated by the Jesuits in his early years in…

Odyssey of the Heart: Reset and Renew

ByWen December 31, 2022September 6, 2023

Sometimes we need to get out of our usual surroundings, out of our element for the shift to happen, to break our patterns. Folks have been asking me, “What was your favorite part of the trip?” It’s hard to answer initially. The wildlife was amazing, meeting new people and learning about new culture was incredible,…

Heading Home

ByWen December 20, 2022September 6, 2023

I’ve had lots of time to do lots of thinking, meditating, and reflecting. There are no words sufficiently adequate to describe it all but here’s what came up: Everyday I’ve been in awe to be in Africa; how can I not feel the ground move beneath me, the gentle exhale and letting go of my…

Returns and Reflections

ByWen December 20, 2022September 6, 2023

This post is dated out of order because it was a busy last couple of days with minimal internet but it’s too important to miss so read on. I’m so grateful that we got to visit the rhino sanctuary on this trip. It’s a highlight on a growing list of favorites. We had a long…

Soweto, Ubuntu, and Chance Encounters at the Airport

ByWen December 20, 2022September 6, 2023

I’ll get you caught up on the past couple of days in more detail when I return stateside but tonight I want to talk about today. What a powerful last day in Africa to top off a powerful journey to this continent. As we collected for breakfast at our guest house in Soweto, we found…